The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1861-02-13
" McGREGOR IOWA WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 49, 1851

Better ask Lu. Emmons, Mr.. Smith. Fl,
III . dance. Consider me your partner 70
the next, if you please"
She spoke very rapidly, and somewha
|excitedly. He looked at her in surprise.
This proud, exacting girl, who expected he
acceptance of an invitation to be regarded
as an honr, actually inviting herself t
dance with him! She looked pale, with ,
very bright, red spot on either cheek, Will,
her eyes flashed like diamonds. He thank
ed her, and proceeded in search IF Mis-.
E'nmons-a modest, gentle girl, who was
disengaged, as her friend had stated.
In his delay in finding partner, they
were unfortunately among the last to TAXI
their places. There was only one coupl,
ma. d,d (opposife the squire and his partner,
to make the sets complete.
No sooner did the squire observe them
than he whisped to his partner, and they
moved away to seat. The couples at thu
side followed them; and Mr.. Smith and his
partner were left alone. .-a-....
"What does this mean ~ said Mr.. Smith
his eyes flashing lightning, and his tones
full Of ire.
Excusing himself to Miss Emmons, he
strobe, with hasty step, toward the plac'
wh.rc Mr.. Clayton was toying with his
partners fan Before h, could reach him
= small hand was laid gently on his arm
lie paused. 1t was Caroline. She looked
up bcseechingly into his face, her lips quiv
ering,
10, Mr.. Smith! don't have any scenes
here, pray don't. Let it pass for tonight
please. It's only 4 mistake, which will
explain when Ct home. The set is full
now, and waiting for you. Come -
Again Mr.. Smith looked at her with sur.
prise. What mystery was here! What
ever it was, he thanked fortune f,r it, since
by It he learned that this young girls nature,
frivolous and careless as it seemed, had
depth Of thought and earnestness.
Mr.. Smith danced nearly all the evening
with nearly every maiden present. HI
was thoroughly reused, and took per.
verse pleasure in compelling the fair ones
to dance with him. His irony was so very
keen and yet so delicate, the simple country
maidcns could not parry it. Besides. their
consciences troubled them, knowing how
eager they had always heretofore been to
receive his flattering attentions.
When the company were preparing to
depart, Mr.. Clayton sought Miss Faulkner
in order 20 escort hsr home. She declined
haughtily, assigning no reason.
This conduct is strange, unaccountablc
Miss Faulkner. Some malicious persons
might charge it to an interest. to say tht
least, which you might not be very proud
or very willing to own"
She gazed at him steadily a momen,
never faltering. He quailed beneath tn.
calm glance. She moved away, joining he1
friend, Miss Emmons, and her brother.
1--WE suppose you know, through YOU
daughter, that John Smith is suspected
man, suspected Of being an escaped convic
from the State prison; and also for setting
fire to the house that was burned down !
week ago." -
"Caroline is too sensible too tell me an,
such nonsense" said the farmer bluntly.
VERY singular for my son informed
her Of the reports the first thing" return
I'd Squire Clayton.
And pray, where did your son pick W
such lies :"
"Ncver mind. It's a long story, and
true, without doubt. We will take youl
deposition without any more delay"
Take the devil ratherp' thundered the
farmer, his pent p wrath exploding.
He was an obstinate and iraSciblc man
when excited, which fact was not suspect
ID rom his usual good nature. In vail,
they talked, one after anOthe-, and then
altogether. to make him listen to reason ;
for Mr. Faulkner was popular and some.
what prominent man in the town, and his
opinion had weight. ..-.
IT was Of no use. They were all pack
Of fools, he said ito listen to such stuff
good fellow as ever breathed."
Mr.. F ulkner conferred with his wife and
daughter after they had gone. lie was
firtn in his belief Of the young mans inn0-
cence. So was his wife. So was Caroline
The little bible on his table presented to
John, by his affectionate mother, and the
delicate book mark whose daily progress
over the holy leaves the young girl noted,
would alone have been sufficient to prove his
innocence to her, had she been disposed to
doubt it. Credulous Garry.
All three agreed that it was necessary at
present to inform him of the ru,nors.
Mr.. Smith might have noted the red eyes
Of Caroline and her mother, the nervous
and abrupt manner Of Mr.. Faulkner at tea
time; but If he did, he made no remark.
It was rainy, pitch dark night. He
retired to rest early.
1t was between eleven and twelve o'clock
when he was awakened by . light tap at
his door. He did not answer. Another
tap. ~>>
"Who is there"
II, Caroline" answered an agitated voice.
Rise and dress quickly. Don't light the
amp, pray-don't make the least noise,
md come out here to me. / have some
thing to tell YOU"
Wondering, he did as required, and on
opening the door he found Caroline, who
him to the little sitting room op-
Dosite to his room. She shut the door soft.
y and put down the shaded lamp from
ler trembling hand As she turned toward
him e saw that the bewildering eyes, usal-
y SO full Of light and mischief, were hyavy,
md red with weeping. her face fearfully
bale, while she tren.bled violently.
"Oh, Mr.. Smith," she whispered, in a
'oice choked with sobs. "There are men
- S'~u"u suS uOuSo " pISSSut youT cSCUpe,
md Tomorrow morning some officers from
he prison are coming to take you. heard
all from my window. o, Mr.. Smith! do
'ou know what dreadful things they sus.
'ect you of? They say you are an escaped
onvict from the State prison, and an in
endiary besides - and she cried bitterly.
He did not look like = very hardened
as he stood before her with moved
ace.
Does Carry, believe these dreadful
hings?' he asked in q low voice.
"Oh! no, no! know it cannot be so, +"
he answered, fervently and quickly. ~
ave awoke you SO that you can escape to. !
light. See, here is . suit Of father's-it |
'ill serve for disguise. o, Mr.. Smith,
urry, quick, or it will b. too late. Here
q pistol YOU NAV need tn defend Yourself |