Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-06-24


a deer ahead of the crowd, The build
ing was shapely upon the stream. He
gained the bend, and was up the body Of
sloping sycamore in moment
Harry, Harry, don't try, you will be
drowned ? shouted dozen voices, as hi:
purpose dawned upon their minds; but
his will was like the frmest adamant aud
their voices impressed it no more than
the lightest thistle-down plying against
its surface. There was projecting ROOT
and sort of rough piazza, where he had
hauled up his grain. If he could only
drop upon til Like stoalthy cat, be
crept far out on the branches ready for 9
spring, aud with the thought TO save
Percie' calming every nerve to frmness
he leaped as the building passed beneath
him. He was safe; and grasping the
roof with both hands, he let himself
down TO the piazza, and moment later
he was chafng Percie's cold hands and
pressing kisses uponher bloodless cheeks,
for she had sunk apparently lifeless upon
the floor where he such a short time be-
fore had seen her stand.
This will never do, we are nearing
the falls every moment; if only had
something to revive her?' he exclaimed
as he started up in bis perplexity, and
then a happy thought struck him. A
vinagrette had been one of his presents
to her, and it was in his desk. Her eye
lids quivered as she breathed the aroN
matte perfume, andlthen her eyes opened
and warm bushes dyed her cheeks as
she felt bis clasping arms. Just three
kisses, Percie, and then must save you !!
Will you be brave for my sake? We
are lost if we pass the falls !
She sprung up then, pressed her hands
to her head as if to still its throbbing to
think, then laid her hand in his.
you risked your life for mine that
will nerve me to be brave : and the
sweet girlisa face became almost trans
formed into that of heroic matron.
There is but one way; l never could
battle with these swollen waters, choked
With ice, even if l was alone but if the
river has not overfowed the island above
The falls-aud | never knew it to reach
he rock-perhaps we can spring to that
and stay till the crowd contrives some
way to take us off. Don't look SO frigh-
ened, Percie, l am almost sure we can
gain the island, the current is SO mar
'ow."
The roar of the falls each moment
yrew more distinct, and Harry, calm and
,ool, with one protecting arm around
ercie, stood waiting each chance. you
must not faint, he whispered to her for
he tenth time; and she poor quivering
hing, with gasping breath, tried to stand
irm by his side, and look, what she al
most knew was death, calmly in the face.
They were fast nearing the island, and
With one blow window was dashed out
10 they could spring throug b at the right
and at last the leahess bushes
we're even with them.
Now, Percie ? and the next moment
he water was to their waists, but one of
Iarry's arms. was around a strong bush
md the other firmly grasped his COM
,anion's waist. Thank God we are
afe The water only reaches the base
If the rock, and am sure it will rise no
llgher, but there comes the menl Hur-
ah 3! Hurrahp
Such a glad shout as came answering
pack over the waters as the crowd caught
he joyful sound 1t was almost like
ejoicing over the dead returned to life.
Mr. Dwight, who had stentorian lungs,
vas chosen speaker, and he called out
Harry Wood, how shall we take you
IF? The current is not swift on this
ide of the island. Will you trust Jared
Spring to row you over, if we tie a stout
lacked rope fast to tree on this side?
Bring boat Percie is wet thro','
vas the response. Il will trust Jared
lgainst such current as this, only throw
n an oar for me-
While part of them scattered for a
,oat and rope, few came back with the
that the mill timbers were
loating below the dam-boards, rafters,
ce, all together and as Percie heard it,
IS they shouted the news over to the is
ana, she shuddered as she thought where
he should have been if it had not been
or Harry; thinking she was shivering
With the cold, be took off his coat, and
igainst her prOtestatiOns wrapped it
round her.
There comes the boat cried out an
Id sailor, as half dozen boys came in