Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-07-05


ton last night to walk there, and lost may way
Help me out; do, that's dear woman"
| The old woman steadied herself by tree, and
being woman of good musles she soon drew
George out, mud from head to foot He shook
himself. ..
''There, if you'llshow me the way, I'll gorighton"
'No you won't either. You'll go right over to
our house and have a cup of coffee and something
to eat, and suit of the old mans clothes to put
on, while dry yours, and I'll send Tom over to
Margate with the horse and wagon, to bring your
wife,
you're trump cried George, wzinging her
hand "God bless YOU You shall be rewarded
for your kindness"
Mrs. Stark's house was only little way distant,
and to its shelter she took George. Tom was dis
patched to Margate, to hunt up Mrs. jameson, and
George, arrayed in suit of Mr.. Stark's clothes
blue swallow-tailed coat, home made gray panta
looms, cow-hide boots, and white hat with a
broad brim-for the Stark's were Friends-felt
like new man.
| They gave him good breakfast, which did not
come amiss, and while Tom absent, the old
lady made him lie down on the lounge and take q
nap
Tom returned about noon. He had secured the
whole village, but found nothing. Only one pas
senger had left the train at Margate on the pre-
vious day, and he was an old man with patent plas-
| tiers for SALE
| Poor George was frenzied. He rushed out of
the house. and stood looking first up and then
down the road, uncertain which way to wend his
course Suddenly the train from CASTOR swept
past, and white handkerchief was swung from an
open window, and above the handkerchief George
caught glimpse of the golden hair and blue rib
bons It was Katie beyond doubt. He cleared
the fence at bound, and rushed after the flying
train. He ran till he was ready to drop, when he
came upon some men with q hand car, who were
repairing the road. He gave them ten dollars to
take him to Groton. He was sure he could find
Katie there.
But no the train had not stopped at all. This
was the express for Buffalo But bystander in
|
gave of Katie had been seen the day before at
Danville, crying, and saying she had lost her hus
band.
George darted Off He caught with avidity at
the hope thus held out. It must be Katie! Who
else had lost her husband?
A train just leaving for Danvile. He sprang
on board, and suffered eternity during the
transit, for it was an accommodation train, and
Everybody knows about those hOrrid delays at
every station. But they reached Danville at last
George enquired for the lady who had lost her
husband. Yes, she all rght-she had gone to
the American House to wait for him. She ex-
pected him by every train, till he came said the
ticket master.
He hurried with all speed to the American
House. Yes she there said the clerk she
was waiting for her husband; room 221, right hand
second flight
George flew up stairs, burst open the door of
221, and entered without ceremony. She was sit
ting by the window looking for him, with her back
to the door. He sprang forward, and holding her
"My Katie my darling my darling have
found you at last?"
She turned her face and looked at him before
she spoke and then she set up such scream
made the very hair stand on Georges head.
'YOu not my James !" she cried ooh,
heavens! Help! help! Somebody come quickly
[ shall be robbed and murdered Help help 4!
murder ! thieves -
George stood aghast. The lady was middle
aged, with false teeth, and decidedly snuffy look
ing nose No more like the charming little Katie
than she was like the Venus de Meci
He turned to flee just the stairway was alive
with people alarmed by the cries of the woman
They tried to stop him. but he would not be stayed.
lie took the stairs at leap, and landed some,
where near the bottom, among the wreck of three
chambermaids, andas many white-aproned walters.
And before any one could seize him he was rush
ing down over the front steps. A lady and gen
tleman were slowly ascending them, and George,
in his mad haste, ran against the lady and broke
the rim of her bonnent.
"You rascal % cried the gentleman with her,
what do you mean by treating a lady in this
manner % and he seized our hero by the collar.
Then, for the first time George looked at the
couple before him.
"'Tis Katie! Oh, Katie % cried he for this
time there was no mistake; it Katie and her
uncle Charles. ooh, my wife my wife !'
He tried to take her in his arms but she fed
from him in terror.
'Take that dreadful man away" she cried 81
am sure he is insane or drunk Only see his
boots and his awful hat!'
tell you am your own George. Oh, Katie,
where have you been ?" exclaimed he.
Katie looked at him now. and recognizing him,
began to cry.
ooh, dear that should have ever lived to see
this day My George, that thought so pure and
good, faithless and intoxicated! Oh uncle Charles
what will become of me ?'
My dear niece, be patient" said her uncle
g think this is George and we will hear what he
has to say before condemning him. Mr.. Jameson,
met your wife in the cars yesterday, and she in
ham depot Of course I could not believe your
absence intentional, and persuaded her to remain
here while telegraphed to the principal stations
along the road for information of you. WHY did
[ receive no answer p
GO Because the telegraph does not run into old
Mr. Stark's huckleberry swamp where had the
honor of spending last night" said George losing
his temper
" But this extraordinary disguise 2"
81 My clothes were muddy, and L have got on
Mr.. Stark's,' said George. And though the ex-
PLANTATION not particularly lucid to those who
heard it, they were satisfied
"My dearest George!" cried Katie, rushing
into his arms, &c and so you did not desert me- and
shan't have to be divorced ?'
Never, my darling and wen never be separ-
ated again for moment"
Ono, not for all the baggage in the world !
Oh, George, you don't know how have suffered"
The crowd could be kept ignorant no longer for
scores had assembled round the hotel, drawn thith
er by the disturbance. Matters were explained
and cheers long and loud rent the air.
The landlord got up impromptu wedding
dlnner, at which Katie presided and George
looking very sheepish in Mr. Stark's swallow-tail,
did the honOrs