The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1867-09-20

And off they went, They went upon
deck, and left that beast of letter
rememcr | kept looking at it as
smoked my pipe; it seemed to fix it:
great rcd eye upon mine, fascinating
like the eye ola serpent. 1t was red
wide, raw, staring like the nav of q
fierce wolf. | took my great coat and
hung 1t over both clock and letter
and went upon the deck to finish my
pipe.
We were now in the vicinity of the
Cape dc Verde Islands; the Belle was
running beforc,a fair wind,at the rate OF
ten miles an hour. 1t was splendid
tropical night-thc stars large and
shining, the moon rising above the hOr-
izon, as large rs sun of silver, the line
focean parting it, and long streams OF
bare, shimmering light falling upon
the waves, which as they broke sparklcd
like jewels. | sat upon the deck, smo-
king my pipe and looking at them.
All was still except the football of the
officer of the watch, and as he paced the
deck, gazing, as did, upon the shad-
ow of the vessel stealing over the silent
waters.
| love silence and ordcr--I hate noise
and confusion. The lights should all
have been cxtinguished before this
time; but when | looked upon the
deck thought saw little red line
beneath my feet. At just another time
this would have made me angry but
knowing that the light came from the
cabin ofmy dcpdries determined to see
what they were about.
had only to look down. could see
into the cabin from the skylight.
The young girl was upon her knees,
and was saying her prayers. a lamp
swinging from the ceiling lighted her
room. She had on long white night
dress, and her fair golden hair hoatcd
over her shoulders, and almost touched
two little bare feet, which We're peep
ing from under her white dress, so
pretty. / turned away; but, pshaw!
said l, / am an old sailor! What mat
ters it? SO | started.
The husband was sitting upon lit
tie trunk, his head resting upon his
hands, looking at her as she prayed -
she raised her eyes to heaven, and then
| saw her eyes were filled with tears.
She looked like a MagdalcEc. As She
arose, he said:
All, my sweet Luurctte, Us we ap-
proach America / cannot help feeling
anXious-I do not know why-but
feel that this voyage has been the hap
piest part ofour lives"
=" SO it seems to me-" she answered. -
81 only wish that it might last forever"
Suddenly clasping his hands in Il
transport of love and affection, he
said:
And yet my little angel, l see you
cry in your prayers, and that | cannot
then | fear you must repent what you
have done"
Repent ," she said, in Il sad, rebu-
king tone. " "Repcnt of having come
L
have been yours only Il short time that
should not love you? Was not | your
wife? How can you be sorry that |
should be with you, to live with you il
you live, and to die with you if you arc
| to die"
The young man began to sigh, strik-
ing the floor impaticntly with hisfeet,
while he kissed repeatedly the little
hand and arm which she was holding
| out.
"Ah, Laurette! Laurette! When !
think if our marriage had only been
delayed five days-only five days-that
transported alone, cannot forgive
myself"
At this the little one stretched out
her round, white arms, claspcd his
head, pressed his forehead, his hair, his
eyes, smiling like chcrub, and MUIR
muring all sorts ofwoman'S fond things.
| was quite affected, and considered it
one of the prcttiest scenes had ever
| witnessed.
"And besides wcarc 50 very rich too,"
said sho, bursting out laughing, "Looli
at my purse, one gold louisd'or all
my worldly wealth."
lie began to laugh at her too.
"Yes, dear, | have spent my last half
crown. | gave it to the fellow who
carried out trunks on board"
"Ah, poor" cried she, ,"what matters
il: Nobody so merry as those who
have nothing at all; besides, ! have
my two diamond rings that my moth
er gave me they are good for some
thing all the world over; we can sell
them when you like: and, besides l am
sure that the Captain meant kindly by
us, and suspect he knows very well
what is in the letter."
"Itsa recommendation to the Gov
ernor of Cayenne"
Perhaps so; who knOws:"
TO be sure it is, continued the charm
ing little wife. You are so good am
suro the Government has banished you
only fora short time know they have
no feelings against you"
1t was high time the light should be
stricken out, and now | raped on the
deck and called on them to do so.
They instantly obeyed, and l heared
them laughing and chattering like two
innocent school fellows.
One morning when | awoke | was
surprised not to feel the slightest mo-
ton of the vessel. llurrying on deck
found that we were becalmed - and
IS degrees west.
waited until night when | descend
ed to my cabin and opened the letter
with dull, awful feeling. held my
breath while broke the big red sea
and read
"Captain Fontainbeau; the convict