Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-06-12


| on the lake III their trim little yacht-the
Swan-which had won the cup at the last re-
gatta, under the management of our hero, who
was at present standing with his hand on the
| mast gazing at the beautiful scenery on the
| opposite shore; the Judge held the tller. and
Ida was leaning over the side of the boat trail
| ing her pretty hand through the clear water of
| the lake, when a sudden gust of the wind ca
reened the yacht so that she lost her balance
and fell into the water. George heard the
splash made by Ida, and before the Judge
conld utter cry, he had kicked OF lis light
summer shoes, and plunged in to her rescue.
| Being skillful and vigorous swimmer, he
came up with the struggling girl before her
| clothes allowed her to sink, and entwining her
waist with his left arm, struck out with his
| right, and kept her above the water till the
Judge turned the boat and came to their re-
lief. In few moments they were safe in the
boat again, and Ida soon recovered from the
effects of her unexpected BATH The old Judge
| embraced George and exclaimed, with tears
starting from his eyes: s.God bless you, my
dear boy, you have saved my daughters lite,
how can | ever repay you ?''
"By saying nothing about it,'' replied
George. 81 owe you now a thousand times
more than can ever repay, and | am too hap
py in being able to render even this slight
service"
The lovely Ida could say nothing, her heart
server with an expression that told volumes.
Her father even observed her earnest, loving
glance, and began to guess the true state of al
fairs. He was not prepared for it, and in ST.
lence turned the boat towards the shore. They
reached home with feelings far different from
those they started with.
The following morning, George receive a
notice to meet the Judge in his library. His
heart beat wldly-what can it mean
The Judge had determined to put him to
severe test. AS soon George entered the
library, he commenced: ssSince becoming an
inmate of my family, George, you have con-
Quoted yourself in an honorable and worthy
manner, performing every duty cheerfully and
neglecting none. YOu are now of age, and
capable of doing business for yourself. have
placed five thousand dollars in the bauk at
your disposal you can use this sum you
think proper, let it interest, and take
charge of my office under a salary of fifteen
hundred dollars year; in either case you
must leave my house for the present. What
do you say TO my proposals
George was completely bewildered, and
stammered forth a request to be allowed few
hours for consideration. This being granted,
he retired TO his room and threw himself on
his bed in paroXism of grief. Could the
Judge have guessed what he himself had
scarcely dared to hope7 What right had he
TO his benefactor's daughter and fortune
None! He would smother his feelings, and
earn an honorable living on his own exertons.
Various were the rumors set ahoat by the
candal-mongers of G., as to the cause of
young Wentworth's leaving his patrons man.
sion, but their nueudoes were unheeded.
George now devoted himself wholly to busi-
ness and stndy. His brow wore more thought
ful expression, aud his cheeks grew shade
paler. The Judge acted towards him in
straigh forward, frank manner, yet never ad-
dressed him in the kind, tutherly tones as had
been his wont before the incident that occur
red on the lake. If he Glanced to meet Ida
in his walks, friendly glance and nod were
all that passed, till he felt that his looks be-
trayed him, for the warm blood rushed from
his loving heart, and tinted his cheeks with
the tell tale blush and he cherished the pleas
ing thoughts that her look was bcamine with
love and hope.
A little more than a year had passed from
the time George had left the home of those
he loved. 1t was the eve of another election
excitement ran high, and Judge S-was again
a candidate for Congress. For several weeks
a series of ably written articles had appearnd
in the Judges paper. They were addressed
to all classes, farmers, mechanics, and labor
ers. The original and vigorous style, clear
and convincing arguments, deep and profound
reasoning of these articles invariably carried
conviction to the parties to whom they were
addressed. All the newspapers in that Con-
gressonal District copied them, and curiosity
was tip-toe to discover the author, as they
were simply signed by two little 'sstars.' The
election passed off, and Judge s. was elected
by large majority. Late one night, wnIie
Ida and her father were returning from par
ty given in honor of his election, they ou-
served light in the printing office. AS the
establishment was usually closed at twilight,
it appeared strange that it should be lit mp at
that hour, SO the Jadge determined to learn
the cause. Requesting his daughter 10 ac-
company him, they ascended the stairs and en-
tered the office quickly. sight met their
gaze which caused the heart of one of them to
beat violently. At the desk, short distance
from the door, sat George fast asleep, with his
head resting upon his arm AS Ida's father !
stepped forward to awake the sleeper. he OBJ |
served several political essays lying onen on !
the desk, and freshly written article with the !
mysteriou .sstars'' attached. THE truth fash !
ed upon the Judge in moment; he was in- /
debted to George for his success! He beck |
oned to Ida, who came trembling TO his side. |
Just then they saw by the light Of the iicker- !
ing lamp, smile pass over the slunl berer's /
face, and he muttercd the words ssdear Ida'' |
in tender tone.
ssOh father,' exclaimed the loving girl af- |
fectionately, throwing her arms around her !
parents neck, .'do let George come nome a.
gain it is surely no sin for him to love me.''
Awakened by the sound of Ida's voice, Geo.
look ed around confused, and as he saw Ida |
and her father, he endeavored to hide the man
uscript. But the Judge stopped him saying,
"It won't do, you are fairly (
caught, found out-talk in your sleep, will ye, /
ha ha But come here, take Ida, and be !
happy know she loves you ha I! ha. ma /
George was bewildered and traDsported-he /
had been awakened from pleasant dream to
bright reality.
Matters were soon explained, and the warm
hearted Judge, after blessing them both. prom
ised 10 see them married before he started TO /