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

Oncc nOre Uotu uisaPPOoAeu o'no" ''S
face of the water. Giaord's energy seemed tn
most powerful, and the pioneer, lashed :
fury, seized the jack.knife that his right han
had purloined from tho pocket Of his enemy
and opened 1t with his teeth, and plunge
1t into the bosom Of the young lawyer, VIII
with bubbling cry, released his hold.
Night set in, and the dark waves rolle
heavily. As he paused to regain his strength
he saw the form of his inanimato companion
tossed about on the stream. 1t would b
impossible to portray the thoughts tha
r, shed through his mind. Oh! how bitterl.
did he regret being so rash. Having recov
cred his strength, the young man began :
make for the shore, which he gained.
Two days after the following announce
ment appeared in the village Gazette:
"a most lamontable occurrence took plac
on-evening. A young law student names
Clifford, we'll known in this vicinity, accom-
panied young man named Wilson in boa
ride up the river. A sudden gust of win'
upset the boat, and both were plunged int
the river. Wilson made his escape by swim
ming, but his companion found water.
grave"
The dream of happiness Of Helena Heatl
was now at an end. With all the poignan
grief that the susceptible heart can feel. sh
lamented the sad fate of her lover. while sh
could not repress the chagrin she felt at tn
idea that some adventurous favorite Of he
father would usurp the pre.eminence tha
she had given him.
Nearly two years had passed, and Helen'
Heath, still remained unmarried. Old Heatl
had selected young Wilson for his futur
son-in-law, and he sought to commend hin
to his daughter; but, meeting with indifer
ence and denial, he resolved to select iron
the large circle Of the hardy and athleti
young men the one whose feats were tn
greatest and compel her to receive him a
her lord.
At last the day came for the allotted tria
and to the spot marked out for the rendcz
vous many an eager aspirant came. AmonI
those was newly arrived settler, who ha,
often made the sinewy and bold look palli'
with envy at his success.
The first trial was that Of leaping. On
by one tho competitors Joined in. until
perfect Ajax in limb reached seventeen foe
this settled the question; still notwith
standing this proof Of his prowess, tho oil
hunter seemed dissatisfied at tho idea O
marrying his daughter to such stranger
He resolved to become better acquainto
with his skill and strength, and suddcnl
turning, he said
"Comc, boys, let's have q little rifle prac
ticc-two shots apiece, remember"
A painted nail was partly driven into
tree. The heroes of the other exercise
made trial, but were wide from the nail
head. The stranger rubbed his hands, an,
seizing tho rifle, took rapid aim. The mai
was driven into the tree. The unknown
marksman once more fired the nails hea,
was bent double. This was more than the
rival who was no other than young Wilson
could bear, and he walked of.
All congratulations were offered the luck.
victor. Old Gabriel Heath placed the han'
of the reluctant Helena in his; but she
still treasuring the memory of him who sh
had 50 much admired, and who had openet
her mind to the world Of intellectual beauty
demonstrated against her fathers choice Il
no purpose.
For awhile the victor visited the abode o
the hunter, chatted with him. walked will
the daughter. They talked long and fer
vently together. and he spoke in glowing
terms of his love for her. She started q
this for the image Of her lost lover seemed t
rise and rebuko her.
"You love another, then?" said he. IRE
member that won you by my prowoss.
These words, in some tones, might hav'
made her indignant; but now they onl,
tended to dissipate her reserve, as she re
piled:
"What you have said is true. l owe th
richest and deepest debt to another, Wit
translated to me the mysterious teachings o
nature. I ought to love him, and thougl
he is forever lost to me, yet while exist
will live for no other but him."
While she was thus speaking the hunte
was regarding her with curious expression
which hardly became q rejected lover. Sh,
was turning from him, when he detained
her and said:
"This was the young lawyer, Clifford wa
it not?"
alt was" she replied, looking in his face
where the smile had settled into anxiety.
"Blessings on you for that word!" h,
cried; al am the long lost one-thc rescuce
and the redeemed"
Itwas indeed young Clifford, who, through
an unseen and mysterious Providence. bat
not been drowned, but was saved frou Q
watery grave BY "a fisherman, whose kind
care had restored him to life and strength.
He told her how he had returned to the
village just In time to hear Of the wager oI
prowcss for her hand aud, confident thai
he should bc brought to her again. ho dis
Ii 4 Al n.