The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1869-11-06
for face !; but it was no where to be

seen.
The steamboat lay painting and putting
seemingly impatient to be let loose.
Susy's mother, aided by the seevant man
who accompanied them, had already
crossed the gang way which lay between
the wharf and the boat, and Susy was
reluctantly following, when the sound of
a voice behind her-the very voice she
had lonsed to hear-startled her. She
turned to look round, missed her footing
and fell into the water
Another instant and Charles had
thrown off his coat, and calling out loud
Iy, Tell the captain not to allow the
wheel to stir, and to lower me rope :"
he sprang into the water. But of her he
was risking his life to save he was una
BILE to see any trace.
Judging that the current of the river
might have carried her little forward,
he swan around the wheel, but still he
saw her not, and despair seized his heart
as he conjectured that she might be un-
der the wheel He strained his eyes to
see through the water, and at length dis
cerned, far below the surface. what SEEM
ed the end of a floating garment lodged
between the WHICH, anu tue TOuHueu DOG-
tom Of the boat.
If this were indeed the unfortunate
girl, the least movement of the wheel
must inevitably crush her, and Charles,
in his terror, tancied it was already be-
ginning to, turn. He diged and clutched
at the garment, but missed it. He rose,
painting and almost exhausted; but,
scarcely waiting to get breath, he again
plunged below. This time his efforts
were rewarded with success, at least. SO
far that he was able to bring Susy's form
to the surface of the water; but she
seemed totally lifeless. Charles was now
SO nearly exhausted that he had only suf.
ficient presence of mind to clasp Susy
convulsively to him, while he kept him
self ahoat by holding on to the wheel Of
the boat.
But this, his last hope of support,
seemed also to fail him soon, as he per-
ceived that it was now really beginning
to turn slowly around. BY desperate
effort he struck his foot against one of
the paddles SO as to push himself as far
from danger as possible. As he did so
something struck his head, and his hand
grasped rope. New lite now seemed
infused into him. He gathered all his
energies, and fastened the rope around
Susy' waist. Consciousness then entire
ly forsoek him. In the meantime, the
witnesses of the scene, after giving
Charles instructions to the captain, had
watched his struggles and exertions with
breattless interest. The friendly rope
had been flung to him again and again,
but in the excitement of his feelings and
semi-insensibility, be had been incapable
of availing himself of the proffered aid.
At last, perceiving that he was quite ex-
hausted, and must inevitably soon let go
his hold on the wheel, aud then probably
sick to rise no more, the captain judged
it best to run the risk of moving off, so
that q small boat could be sent to the
rescue. The result of this hazardous
experiment was successful. Susy was
raised by means of the rope, and boat
reached Charles in time to save him also.
Both sufferers were..taken on board the
steamboat, which now moved off to make
up for lost time.
And thus, when our hero regained con-
sciousness, he found himself many miles
from home. OF course his first anxious
inquiry was for Susy, and when informed
that she was rapidly recovering, his hap
piness seemed complete. He showed his
contentment by falling into deep, quiet
sleep.
About sunset a message came to him
that Miss B desired to see him. He
found her lying on sofa in the captain 5
state-room, which had q been given up to
her. She looked very pale and some
what suffering, but she held out her
hand to him very gra ratefully, while the
tears stood in her eyes.
Charles" said she, without Offering
a word of thanks, * want to see cler-
gyman. Is there one on board 2"
81 will go and see," said Charles,
moving to the door; but a dreadful
thought striking him, he turned, exclaim-
ing, :. Susy do you think that -"
THAT [ am going to die 2" said she,
anticipating him. g No, Charley but
want to see clergyr nam"
companied by minister.
g I thank you, sir, for coming to me- y
said she to the latter as he entered. "
nave strange request to make OF you.
Would you object, sir, in the presence,
and with the consent of my mother to
unite me to that gentleman z"
1t the minister was astonished at this
request, Charles was infinitely more SO,
What did you say, Susy ?' said he.
" Did I hear Alright p
believe so.' said Susy, smiling al
his eager amazement. ssDoes the scheme
meet your approval" Z"
''It was heaven inspired" !" cried the
poor fellow, frantic with joy /; but shade
coming over his radiant face, he added
gravely, $ But, Susy, haze you consider.
ed? Remember, want your love. moi
your gratitude. will be satisfied with
nothing less"
g Do not be concerned about thai, ,deal
Charley" replied Susy, gazing at hin
very tenderly through her tears be
assured you have them both, and had ths
first long, long before you had the last >
!" But, Susy, you said only yester
day"
|, 8 Never mind what said yesterday,
interrupted Susy, with some of the ole
spirit breaking out. s Just mind what