The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-12-19

steering. We must have passed them, as we
now shot bridget but could not define its
outline, as the clouds had gathered again over
the moon. =. ..g.... a.'-. 5. ....' ..t. ..
On we went in silence still, until the roar of
waters, os though among piles and starlings,
made me aware that we we're approaching
BlackiriarsJ which had eeen the night before,
little thinking should soon have to encounter
what appeared TO me the dangers of the passage.
''Keep us well in the MIDDLE, sir,p said Caves
ton we are ,, neavliy laden; and may capsize If
felt my responsibility. A cold sweat came
uVon my forehead, and my heart beat quickly.
The great coal fires burning in cressets over
head whilst they afforded light, made the
surging, muddy water appear more appalling.
and the huge timbers forming the scaffol ling
of the bridge seemed like the wreck of some
great leviathan. My hands clutched the tiller
with as II were a death grasp, but my muscles
trembled violently.
Through in safety and the revulsion of feel.
ing made me breathe quickly-heavily.
That's wei over" said Gayeston. "Had the
tide been against us we might have slept to.
night In wet shirts, lads. NWhat was that?n
The nose OF the boat had struck some heavy
object IN the water and her side was scraping
AGAINST It. l looked earnestly, and by the light
that was almost darkness saw what / believed
to be human face float past. A woman's face
hke-but that must have been fancy.
A sickness and then a faintness seized on me,
and became unconscious.
When recovered found myself In a room of
considerable size. The panels were of oak, on
witch hung portraits of faces which seemed
to be not altogether unfamiliar to me. The
panels were ali garnished with holly, as though
the owner was old.tashioned enough to do
honor to ChIistmas-tide. l had scarcely time
10 observe this, when Gaveston, attired more
like his proper self, came in, followed by two
seatarlng men, carrying small oak chest
clamped with iron bands.
Having placed it upon the table, they with
drew.
In another moment Laura Gaveston entered,
dressed in long mantle OF black velvet lined
with sable fur. A cap of the same materials
was pie ,ed rather coquettlshly on one side of
her magnidc" Mt heSd, and lent, IL possible
increased beauty to her fascinating face A
thrill OF JOY passed through my frame when
saw her stand before me in all her living love-
liness She held out both her hands to me,
and can never hope again to experience such
a sensation of exquisite happiness as then
possessed me!
"DorrIngton," said MIR. Gaveston, Laura
can alone repay you for7 the service you have
that for the rest OF my life l will forego such
adventures; but thisr-he laid his hand upon
the oak chest-"this was worth the risk-the
danger.n
And 1 do thank you, Mr.. Dorrinqton, from
my heart of hearts," said Miss Gaveston. ~
wish 1t were In my power to make you better
recompense."
placed my hand in my bosom aud produced
held it towards her.
She took my hand in hers and closed my
fingers upon the faded flower.
"Keep it, Mr.. Dorrington,n - she said, in low
whisper, land promise to redeem il whenever
you ask me to do so.n
l should have folded her In my arms had not
Mr.. Gaveston spoken.
Come! come !" he said, 81 am about to ex-
hibit my treasure"
He produced bright key and slowly opened
the chest.
When he had done so, a pale light vapor
ascended from the box, and an odor OF fragrant
sDiCeS Deryaded the room.
at is safe -unbroken! A perfect chryso-
lite ~ cried Gayeston. "Help me to raise it,
DorTington.n
l hastened to comply with his request and
locking into the box was startled at what saw.
"Quick !-quick!n cried Gaveston; Laura is
And then by our united efforts we brought
forth a smoking Christmas pudding.
What followed is soon told.
'Sr !-siI ~ said a mans voice, "We've got TO
Hisleworth-gate, sir.n
'IlsewOrth! l told you to drive to Ken.
slngtonl"
down the Kensington road, sir, you says;
and I've druv down itn
Forgive me, gentle reader. 1 hear you ex-
claim:-"AnOther of those stupid dream
Stories" Yes, and they are common enough
own, especially on Christmas Ewes, with spoony
young men made drowsy and dreamy by the
good cheer which still aboun6s in many a hos.
pitdble home at this festive season.
And go, for the merry seasons sake, forgive
us our foo ling.