The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1867-10-30
better. Besides, this leave-taking

AAUNA UOtCCl. 1)toluCc, atlliS lcdtt-UdkluS
this leave-taking
YES said I. don't behave like a child
much better. No leave taking, if you cal
help it, or you are lost
kept my seat. I saw them walking arm
. in arm upon the deck for about half an hou,
! called the mate to me, and when he ha,
read the letter, I said
'Garlcy, this is bad business Iput it il
your hands, I obeythe orders, but remain
|, in the cabin until it is all over
How do you wish the thing done :? he ask
cd in nonchalant manner
Take him out in boat-out of sight d.
it as quick as possible don't say anything 0
this until the time comes
4 Garley sat five minutas looking at me with
out saying word. He was strange fellow
I did't know what to make or him. III
went out of the cabin without saying word
Night came at last. Man boat; go
quarter Of mile be quick
i To obey slip of paper! for it was but {
slipsof paper after all. Something in thu
very air must have urged neon. l saw the
young man knoel down before his Laurette
kiss her, kncel her feet! her gown II crieo
like a mailman.
Part them part them this instant. Part
them Curse the Republic-curse the Dirae
tory-the Directors I quit the service !
Curse the lawyers! You may tell them if you
| will"
She was dragged into her berth, and the
boat rowed away in darkness.
Some time after, dull yolley came over
the sea to the vessel ltwas all over.
Fool madman How paced the deck
and cursed myself All night long heard
the moaning of the poor stricken bird
Often ! halted and was tempted to throw
myself into the sea, and SO end this horried
torture of brain and heart.
Days passed. Isaw nothing of Laurette
Il would not see her. She avoided me-
and was glad of it. / could not bear the
sight of the woe stricken face.
| The mate, Garley, how I Lated him. He
was as cool and unconcerned as though he
| had no remembrance of shooting the poor
| wretch.
At Cayenne I resigned my ship. Going to
the city [ made all my arrangements, and
took the steamer Tor New York | placed
ample funds in hands of a trusty friend, and
told him to send Laurette to me at the end of
six months. l could not see her until her
grief had lost its edge.
| Weary: sick. and careless Of my life, I
wandered off into York State, aud finally
bought little place, where hoped should
lay down and die.
sent for Laurctte. Poor bird must see
her. could wait no longer.
One summer night l sal on the porch Of
my house smoking my pipe, and gazing down
the road. Soon the rumble Of wheels was
heard, and the stage halted.
The next moment pair Of soft arms were
around may neck, and the head Of my sob
bling l4aurette was on my Ioson.
oh dear, excellent captain'--
Heavens what is that behind you ?
| There stood the fine manly form Of Antoine
Hindsclear, the convict
sW hat does this mean?' ] demanded hard
ly knowing whether l was d Gaming, on not.
Are you glad to see me?'
Thank God Thank God' was all that /
could calculate.
| understood it all The mate Garley had
read my heart better than did myself: At
ter leaving the brig in the boat he arranged
the whole affair. The volIey was fred, but
no bullet touched Antoine iIindscear. He
was struggled into his berth again, and took
care to avoid my sight. The whole crew
were in the plot, and, thank God, I was
duped
sent Garley thousand dollars as re-
ward.
/ am cow an old man. but am happy
Ny children aud my grandchildren q call
them nothing else) seem to think old Captain
Fountainbleau is not such a wretch after
all