Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-11-11

look round and missing her footing, fell into
the water.
Another instant and Charles had thrown of
his coat and calling out loudly, +" tell the cap
tain not to allow the wheel TO stir and to lower
me rope" be sprang into the water. But
of her for whom he was risking his life to save,
he was unable to perceive any trace.
Judging that the current Of the river might
have carried her a little forward, he swain
round the wheel, but still he saw her not, and
despair seized bis heart as he conjec:ured that
she might be under the boat. lie strained bis
eyes to see through the water, and at length
discerned. far below the surface, what seemed
the end ofa floating garment lodged between
the wheel and the rounded bottom 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 fancled 1t
was already beginning to turn. lie dived and
clutched at the garment, but missed it. lie
rose painting and almost exhausted butSarce-
ly waiting to get breath he again plunged be-
low. This time bis 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 sufficient
presence of mind left to clasp Susy convulslve-
" to him while he kept himself ahOat by hold
ing on to the wheel.
But this his last hope of support, seemed
also to fail him soon, as he perceived that 1t
was now really beginning to turn slowly round
Bv desperate effort, he struck his foot against
one of the paddles so as to push himself as far
from the danger as possible. As he did so,
something touched his head, and his hand grasp
ed a rope. New life seemed now infused into
him. He gathered all his energies, and fasten-
ed the rope round Susys waist-consciousness
then entirely forsool him In the meantime,
the witnesses of the scene after giving Charles
instructions to the captain, had watched his
struggles and exertions with breathlesS interest.
The friendly rope had been flung to him again
and again, but in the excitement of his feelings,
and his semi-sensibility, he had been incapable
of availing himself of the profcred aid.
AT last perceived that he was quite exhaust
ed, and must inevitably soon let 60 his hold on
the wheel and then probably sink to rise no
more. the captain Judged it best to run the risk
of moving off, so that a small boat could be
sent to the rescue. The result of this hazard
Gus experiment was successful. Susy was
raised by the means Of the rope, and boat
reached Charles in time to save him also.
Both sufferers were taken on board the steam
boat. which now moved of TO make up for lost
time.
And thus, when our hero regained his con-
sciousness he found himself many miles from
home. OF course his first anxious inquiry was
for Susy, and when informed that she was ra-
pidly recovering, his happiness seemed COM
plete. lie showed his contentment by falling
into a deep, quiet sleep.
About sunset message came to him that
Miss B desired to see him. lie found her
lying on sofa in the captain stateroom which
had been given up to her. She looked very
pale, and somewhat suffering, but she held out
her hand to him very gratefully while the
tears stood in her eyes.
"Charles,' said she, without offering word
of thanks, al want to see a clergyman. Is
there one on board ?"
"I will 90 and see" said Charles moving TO
the door; but dreadful thought striking him,
ho turned exclaiming, Susy, you do not
think that"
"That ! an, going to die ?" said She autici
paling him. "No Charles but want to see
a clergyman"
Charles went and soon returned, accompa-
MED by minister.
81 thank you, sir, for coming to me, said
she to the latter as be entered. 81 have
strange request to make of you. Would you
object, sir, in the presence, and with the con-
sent of my mother, to unite me to that gentle
man ?"
If the minister was astonished at thisrequest,
Charles was infinitely more so.
"Wbat did you say, susy?" saidho. "Did
hear aright?"
al believe so" said Susy, smiling at bis
eager amazement Does the scheme meet
your approval p
1t was heayen-inspired, cried the poor fell
low, frantic with joy-but shade coming over
his radiant face, he added, gravely " but" Susy,
have you considered Remember want your
love, not your gratitude viii he satisfied
with nothing less"
"Do not be concerned about that, dear Char
ley" replied Susy, gazing at him very teuderly
through her tears; Z" be assured you have them
both, and had the first long long before you
had the last"
"But susy, you said only yesterday"
Never mind what / said yesterday" inter-
rupted Susy, with some Of her old spirit break
ing out Just mind what say to-day. If
l was fool once is that any reason must be
one always? But, indeed, Charley" she ad
ded, more softly, q have always meant to be
your wife-the only scruple have is that am
not half good enough for you"
1t is needless to say how the discussion ended.
u ~