North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1863-11-11


grew sober, dumb, demure. His passengers
noted the change with regret, but could di-
vine no cause Frank himself did not fully
understand why he had lost his spirits. He
attributed it to the cursed chill winds and
to be sure they sweep down the long Torrey
hills somewhat fercely, though he was not, N
reality, the man to mind them.
About a fortnight before Thanksgiving
when the weather was softer than usual, and
something like an Indian Summer atmosphere
seemed brooding over the hills, Lizzy once
more beckoncd the driver to stop to receive a
message.
Are you not tired being troubled 2" she
asked in a voice that seemed to say g know
you are not"
eyes Lizzy, am !" he replied, somewhat {
gravely;" but am not tired of doing any
thing to oblige YOU"
"And does any thing else ever trouble you
but De 2" she said, laughngly.
He was on the point of answering, "Orlan
do Schneider !" but he checked himself and
asked her soberly, what message she had for
him.
g" | am ashamed to trouble you," she re-
Piled but I have no other resource.
want pair of white kid gloves, which caunot
be obtaincd'in this part of the country. Do
you think you can make such Lady's pur-
chase 2"
Frank jumped from his seat to the ground.
Yes he said if you will let me see the
size Of your hand"
Ljzzy laughed and colored behind her little
stuffed hood, but held out her hand, which,
though it showed signs of having been useful
10 employed, was nevertheless very small and
pretty.
What little kltty's paw it is, Lizzy i
Nothing bu: the wild fox glove from the fields
will fill it. Just tell me now, Lizzy, in Sc
cret, if it is wedding gloves you want ?'
" Perhaps they will be worn on such an oc-
casion," said >he, smiling.
"And is Thanksgiving to be the day ?"
"Yes, and the hour, seven in the evening -
"May you be happy h' said Frank, sup
pressing sigh, and turning to remount his
box.
"And you, too" cried Lizzy, smiling again
and showing her white teeth like pearls
among roses.
The next night Frank brought the white
gloves, and upon trial they proved to be a
perfect fit. Franks minuteness of observa.
ton was truly miraculous.
The next Monday morning, the gossip oi
the post.otfice and store door loungers all ran
upon the punishment Of Schneider and Lazy
Hatch. The matter was then no longer
doubtful; and Frank resigned himself to the
hrst dark and bitter disappointment of his
life.
The day came at length in which all hearts
are specially invited to gratitude the old
stately Thanksgiving day, with Its long dull
sermons, its sumptrous dinners, and its mer-
ry party givings. The stage-driver, alone,
with this class, was not permitted to enjoy its
festivities. The same work remained for
hlm-the same long ride over the Torrey hills
broken only by hasty dinner at the tavern
and cheercd only by the hope of rest al night
The day was dark and drizzling. The
roads were muddy and dangerous Night
fell in the middle of the afternoon. At five
O'Clock it was densely dark. As he left the
Torrey tavern, they cautioned him to look
out for bad place in the road Just above
Farmer Hatch's, on the hill. As he drew
near the critical spot, his eyes were caught
by the glare of the wedding illumination in
the Farmers Cottage. Wreaths of evergreen
hung before the windows, and tall candles
were suspended among them. The dazzling
effect of these lights, entirely took from his
eyes the power of seeing in the darkness be-
fore him; and possibly also, the associations
connected Herewith, might have rendered his
nerves slightly unsteady. Whatever might
have been the cause, it is certain that Frank
did not guide his horses with usual caution
and before a thought of danger had occurred
to him, the coach upset, and poor Frank was
thrown with terrible force far down into the
unfa fathomable darkness.
The noise of this disaster reaching the in
mates of the cottage, the old Farmer and his
two stout suns rushed forth TO ascertain the
extent Of the calamity They found the
coach down upon its side, ard the two passen-
gers within crying out Justify for help. Hav-
ing extricated these, who were fortunately
much more frightened than hurt, though a
little bruised, they began to search for Frank
But Lizzy, with lantern, was before them
She had found him at the foot of steep bank
on the road side, lying bloody and senseless.
She cried out piteously for help. The Farm.
er and his sons bore the poor youth into
their house. One then ran for surgeon,
another to get helm from the yillape IN take