Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-06-16
Vol. 64.-327O. No. 81.

the feet OF man There were confused
curves aud zigagings, as if there had been
struggle or some slight difficulty at starting;
but beyond that point, there were two sets Of
straight continuous burrows running parallel
and side by side, as if the skaters had gone
away with joined hands
The direction was down the rvcr---toward
home.
At a glance, Frank Hill recognized the
thin, tiny score left by the slender steel blades
on the feet Of Miss Clinton But the man
who had gone skating so close by her side
who was he2
A painful suspicion shot through his brain.
He remembered that shortly after leaving
the house, they had passed a man upon the
ice, who was also on skates. They had
brushed 80 near him as to see who he was,
and in the moonlight had beheld a counte-
nance bearing most sinister cast. II was
the face Of Charles Lansing, whom Frank
knew TO be q rival suitor for the hand Of
Kate Clinton
This man had made his appearance in the
neighborhood some three months before;
coming, no one knew whence. In fact, there
was nothing known of him, except his name;
aud this might easily have been an assumed
one. He put up at the principal hotel Of the
village appeared to have money, and to be
gentleman of high birth and education.
Was Charles Lansing the man who had come
to Miss Clinton upon the ice and carried her
away with him2 IL could be no other; for
Hill now remembered having heard the ring
Of skates behind, as they were coming up the
river from the place where Lansing had been
seen, and shortly after they had passed him.
The first thought Of Kate Clintons lover
was one Of a most painful nature. IL was,
in fact, bitter pang Of jealousy. Had the
whole thing been pre-arranged and had she
willingly gone away with this stranger who
though stranger to others, might be better
known to her? Lansing, if not what might
be called handsome man, was good-looking
enough to give cause for jealousy.
1t was a fearful reflection for Frank Hill
but, fortunately, it did not long endure. 1t
passed like a spasm another, nearly as pain
| full taking its place. He recalled a rumor
that had been for some days current in the
ueighborhood-of strangeness observed in
the behaviour of the hotel guest that had
caused doubts about his sanity. And more
forcibly came back to Frank Hills mind,
what he had heard that very morning-how
Lansing had presented himself at the house
of Miss Clinton's father, proposed marriage
to her. and. when refused had acted in such
strange manner--uttering wild speeches,
and threats against the life Of the young lady
---that it became necessary to use force in re-
moving him from the premises.
| Could this bo the explanation Of the dis
appearanee2 Was the maniac now in the
ael of CARRYING out the menace he had made
-..some terrible mode of yenoeance under the
wild promptinqs of insanityY
j The thouoht came quick, for this whole
series of surprises and coniectures did not
occunv three seconds Of time. And with the
4 last ~ tbo.e Franz nan threw All his strength
into q nronnlsive effort and shot off ike an
arrow down the river
A bend was soon passed. beyond which
there was stretch of clear ice extending for
more than mile Awav at the farther end.
two forms were dimly discernable: and upon
the still frosty air could be heard the faint
ringing of skates at intervals repeatiur their
strokes
Frank Hill had no doubt about one of these
bo;ng sbe of whom he was in search; and.
nerved Inv the sicbt he threw fresh yieor into
bis limbs. and aew over the smooth surface
ike a bird upon the WING
On nost rock and tree and hill. and farm
houses sleenino in silence on. in long sweep
inc strides; his ewes flashing, but Fixed upon
the two firms. every moment yettine more
clearly diseernabIe as the distance became
lessened bv his sneed.
And now he was near enough to see that il
was Lansing
The latter olnnciny hack over his shoulder.
a recognized his pursuer; and, taking a fresh
hold on the wrist of his apparently unwilling
= partner. he forced her onward with Increased
q velocity.
She had looked back, and saw who was
coming after. The silver light of the moon
G falling upon her face, showed an expression
of sadness suddenly changing to hope; and,
= raising her gloyed hand in the air, she sent
G back a cry for help.
? 1t was not needed. That wan face seen
r under the soft moonlight, appealing to Frank
. Hill for protection, was enough to nerve him
r to the last exerton Of his strength; and he
= kept ON, without speaking a word, his whole
d thought and soul absorbed by the one great
desire to oyertake and rescue her.
- From what2 From the grasp of a maniac,
I MS the behavior of Lansing now proved him
/, to be.
Merciful Heayenl What is that sound
5 heard ahead. and at no great distance?
}. Hill did not need to ask the question. He
= knew it was the roar of water--he knew that
J. u cataract was below. And near below for,
d on sweeping around another curve Of the riy-
D, or, the black smooth water could be seen
rushing rapidly forth from under the field Of
/" ice, quick whiteued into froth as it struck
e against the rocks cresting the cataract.