The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-03-06
Volume 10.

sports. He took no pains to conceal hi
determination, and it was surprising how
suddenly snch games rose in favor with tn,
young villagers.
Time passed, and among those who hat
gained the applause of :he old hunter wal
a sturdy pioneer named Alexander Wilson
though as yet he had not shown any prefer
encc for the young forester. Time had als'
brought the heart of the young lawyer tt
the feet Of the beautiful young cottage girl
while to her his breathing of heart.atach
ment had become an episode we'll cherished.
We have forgotten to mention that ovel
the range Of hills that formed the pictu
csque landscape about the mountain home. Q
noble river spread its limpid waters. Giffort
had always eajoyed all the sports that can b
gathered from life Of rural freedom.
Strong at the oar, unerring in the aim a
target shooting, and sinewy in the leaning
wager, he had become quite favorite, al
well as the envy of his contemporaries.
In all his manly fcats Helena Heath was
the first to praise; and while her pride o
1 his masculine requirements was increasing
she could not but also feel admiration for hi:
mental attainments. which, after all, found
a something kindred and congenial in her
own bosom.
One afternoon, as young Clifford wasstroll'
ling along the shores of the stream above
mentioned, he saw the favorite of old Heath,
the trappcr Wilson push of in skif. Hav.
| ing frequently been brought in contact with
him while pursuing favorite feats of strength
Clifford, out of friendship, walked to the
waters edge and wished him a pleasant
voyage.
at cannot but be pleasant such day al
this. Come, try band with us at the oal
this splendid weather" returcd Wilson.
The temptation was too great to be with
stood, and Clifford stepped into the boat which
in moment shot upon the water, rising ant
falling with the waves, and yielding to the
pressure Of the oars. For long time the
skiif continued to move upon the water. Al
last the breeze stiffened, and the two COM
panions rested upon their oars to enjoy the
movement Of the boat US it tossed to and fro.
rhe sun was sinking slowly in the west, and
dartng his horizontal rays across the troub
lied waters. At last Wilson said, with q
smile.
at is now sunset and eventide. have an
engagement; let us return to land"
Certainly" said Clifford; especially il
your rendezvous be of an interesting nature
perchancc with a lady-love."
"You are good at guessing" was the re
|ply.
"You have, then an evening tryst?"
"Yes-with the prettiest girl in the coun
try"
Clifford thought Of his beautiful Helena
and wished that his friend possessed one u:
l fair and true. For few moments both were
silent, and then, as they approached the land
resumed the conversation.
"My fair one is likewise very fair. Though
am but a pioneer, l know how to value
qualifications like hers"
"Ah!" replied his companion; "you ar'
happy, then; but tell me who this fair one
] is."
alt is a secret; none but you have beer
allowed even the whispering Of such rela,
tion," said Wilson.
"a secret sweet and precious" replied
Clifford, laughing.
"But 1. too, have heart.idol-one who
lis very kind, aud pure as the Virgin. Now
|ror mutual exchange Of secrets; confess
your lady.
"You would force confession" remarked
Wilson," "yery well, but as I have sworn
not to utter her name, had I a scrap Of
paper would write 1t. then we would ex'
change"
Clifford produced blank leaf from mem
orandum, drew pencil and wrote the magic
name. Wilson did likewise, and they ex
changed papers. Wilson read on his"tlelenr
Heath" Clifford read on his "Helena Heath.
Their eyes met. Wilson was embarrassed
Clifford was pale with agitation and anger.
every well," Wilson at length said; "i
seems to me our mistresses are one and th'
sameD
"ImpOssiblc (! I know Helena Heath toe
we'll" returned Clifford. All you have said
Of her is false"
Wilson had oil the subdued spirit Of rest
less adventuIer. His embarrassment van
auished and he became furious. "False y
/ ho echoed. ferccly.
Eyes an Infamous lie!" responded Clifford
Stung to the quick Wilson grasped an oal
with both hands, and levellcd blow ut hi'
|eompanion's head. Clifford evaded tho blow,
and sprang upon his enemy like tiger.
Wilson dropped the weapon, and the two
were closed in furious embrace. They
struggled, rose upon their feet, and falling
were plunged headlong ino the stream. The
waves closed over them, and tho skif. ball
filed with water, slowly drifted into the sea-
In moment both rose to the surface, still
sclaspcd in fierce embrace. The shades oi
might were closing around them, but there
was light enough for them to glance at each