The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-06-14
Written for the Sunday CRESCENT
BARTRELLE.
CHATTER XVI

Into pref yards-bring sterling pounds to far
Credit to infsmy; and the poor gull
Who might have lived an honored, easy life
To ruin, and an unregarded grave.
1.-The Changes.
Two weeks had passed and still Zera had
had no tidings from her messenger. 1t had
been ascertained that the commission for the
trial of Col. Taylor was already ordered, and
would convene in few days. True, the trial
could not proceed without Warren Hayes; but
there was every reason to believe that he was
advised of the proceedings in the city and
would be present whenever his evidence was
deemed essential. What was to be done?
Col Taylor had no witnesses by whom he
could explain the meaning of the unfortunate
expression the letter contained, and if he did
the mere knowledge of person going to the
Southern army from the city, and no informa-
ton given to the military of the fact was an
offense in itself to be punished not less rigor-
ously than the making of such person a mes
senger for the conveyance of contraband in
telligence. In any event, therefore, if young
Hayes appeared, the result of the investiga-
ton could not be otherwise than injurious and
fatal to Col Taylor's interests. What, then,
was to be done? What steps ought to be
taken?
Laura was almost distracted with fear-still
she relied on Zera, who, apparently unexcited,
was yet uneasy. Still she had faith. HoI-
den had never yet failed in matter intrusted
to his vigilance, and she believed he would
yet accomplish his mission. Yet there was
fearful stake depending on it, and uncer-
tainty ever breeds apprehension. 1t was in a
state of mind produced by these various and
conflicting fears that Laura and Zera sat in
the favorite chamber of the latter, discussing
in low, earnest tones, the peril that menaced
Lauras father.
"And you still bid me wait and hope, Zera?"
Yes, Laura, do not despair l cannot
think my plans have failed; and yet it is time
that heard something definitely"
"If you would only tell me what those
plans are, Zeral"
Laura, cannot-for your own sake do not
ask me"
81 trust you, Zera-trust you with my ia
TIERS life."
"And 1 swear to you that the trust shall not
be misplaced"
81 believe you-still am uneasy"
"It is not surprising that you are" said
Zera, and ever and anon her keen black eyes
glanced furtively out into the moonlight.
She was thinking and bordering deeply, and
every unusual noise made her shrink with
nervous impotence.
"What o'clock is it, Laura?"
CATER elevenl"
$50 late thought the night had scarcely
begun-and yet this beautiful moonlight
would WOO one less poetical than
L am, into forgetfulness of the race of
those flowers"
eyes, it is beautiful yet, like my own
heart, it looks pale and desolate."
"Do not indulge in such reflections, Laura,
they make you nervous and i'll at ease; be-
sides, do not laugh, 1 am rarely superstitious;
1 somehow think that this same weird moon
light that comes dancing in through the open
window, kissing the flowers and playing little
pranks with those beautiful plants is har-
binger Of JOY to us"
ooh Zera, if it only were"
Out upon thee" exclaimed Zera in mock
anger; "out upon thee, with thy pale Madonna
looks! tell you, girl, it must be so; be-
lieve it."
"Again, I say my dear Zera, hope sol"
"Hark what noise is that? did you hear
tit sounded like some one pounding on the
rear door Of the mansion; surely the servants
cannot have ell retired? 1t has ceased now.
1t was probably some loose board Tapping
in the wind, Or"
Something else," laughed Zera
eyes, or something else"
"But here comes Hadah, 1 hear his walk in
the hall, said Zera, as the sound of footsteps
echoed along the marble floor The door
opened, and one of Zeras young attendants
entered; but seeing that the ladies had not |
yet retired, she motioned to some one without |
to come in. A tall, dark form filed the door |
way, and Zera, turning to give some direction
to her servant, saw that figure, tall and iron
built-it could belong to but one person!
Holden, Holden, is it you? how glad |
am, ;" exclaimed his young mistress bounding |
from her seat, while her whole frame trem-
bled with eager delight.
eyes, my lady, it is l." he said with pro.
found inclination of the body, and approach
ing the center of the room, he laid in her
hand folded paper, "here is the letter you
charged me to obtain" and again bowling re-
5umed his station at the door.
"And Warren Hayes?" the question sprung
to Zera's lips; but Holden an
iwered with calm imperturbability:
"Is prisoner in Gen. Prices camp!"
"Thank heaven for that" exclaimed Laura
g then he can't be a witness against my
ather."
There could be no harm done if he were.
or here are his fangs, Laura, and she laid
he letter in Laura's hands.
"Zera, what does this mean ?"
alt means, my dear, that Holden started
NO weeks ago to get that letter-he has exc
,uted that mission, Brave and faithful friepd