Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-06-22

somehow L thought OF Minnie more
than usual, if that could be, for | was
almost always thinking of her-and ]
stopped moment to kiss the curl of
sun bright hair in the morocco case
that lay against my heart. 1t had
lain there long time--in fact, l dc
not think my heart could have gone
on with its legitimate business prop
erly if that golden talisman had not
rested there to keep it warm and
true.
| had struck the last stroke, and
turned my back upon the caves tC
gather up my tools before descending
when | heard a crash far below.
turned quickly, and saw that my lad
der had been thrown down to the sta
ging-and also that there was man
beside me on the roof.
A tall, powerful man, clad in the
suit which was the uniform Of the in
mates of St. Mary's. He stood mo
tionless with folded arms, gazing a
me-a halt smile on his haggard face
"a smile drew his lips from hi;
teeth, and left them white and snarl
ing like those Of a dog.
| needed but one glance into hi;
wild, blood-shot eyes to feel satisfied
that he was a madman
"A fine prospect" said he, turning
and waving his hand in the direct
ion OF the river-"don't you think so :?
taltered forth "a trembling affirm
ative. He laughed fiendishly.
at makes you dizzy to be up SC
high-does it? Now | am never diz
zy. My head is cool and steady as
an eagles! See herer he stepped
out upon the very edge of the gutter
and stood there swaying his body tC
and fro, but never taking his horrible
eyes from my face. My blood curd
led-another step and he would be
dashed to the pavement, full fifty fee
below
"Har' he cried, coming to my side
1t makes you tremble, does it?
thought Of getting you for one of the
| horses to the chariot in which | an
going to fly to the moon tomorrow
But, bah such a head as yours woulC
get muddled before you had fowI
fifty fathoms into the air, and We
should all 90 to the devil together
See here let me give you lesson il
tripping the light fantastic toe on moth
ing!' and, seizing me by the waist
he whirled me to the edge of the root
and made me stoop over to see how
black it was below.
| | tried to cry out, though now | haC
sense to know how useless it woulC
be, for in that dreadful place cries OF
mortal terror and despair were tot
common to be noticed, and l nigh
scream for help until l died, and if
they heard me they would think it on
ly the insane rawlings OF some of tn,
patients.
But, when | made the effort tt
scream, my tongue seemed to cleav'
to the roof of my mouth, and m.
throat was so dry and parched tina
no sound came from it beyond sor
of cultural groan.
By a mighty effort | tore myself
from the maniac, and darted away t
the opposite end OF the roof-puttini
the great chimney between him an
myself.
1t was only a moments respite, TO
instantly he was upon me-his eye
glaring like coals-his face livid, an'
his breath sweeping over me hot an
savage like that of an infuriated will
7 beast. He closed with me, and trie
with all his might to draw me neare
the edge of the roof. With one han
+ | grasped the lightning rod and hel
r on with the persistency Of despair
: with the other | clutched his throa
determined never to yield but wit
life. He threw me down, and lay u
5 on me, crushing my chest beneath b
} weight, and sitting my breath wit
, his horrible embrace.
: Slowly 1 felt my strength givin
= way-I could breathe only with tn
j greatest dificulty-in a few moment
y it would all be over with me!
r | should never see Minnie again
never feel her soft hands on my hea'
e or hear her sweet voice calling me tt
}. dear old familiar names of our loy
e and trust. Vaguely | wondered no
t she would bear it when the news can
to her wondered if she would XII
It my dead face as | had seen wome
n kiss the faces of those they had love
d i wondered if she would weep an
e moan over my shapeless remains, /;
7. poor Dan. Harrison's young wife we
d and moaned over him when the
e brought him into her presence tt
s crushed mass rescued from the ruiz
f of the terrible explosion at the loc
motive works only few weeks pr
j. viOus.
It You deem it strange that | shoul
e think OF such things. | tell you th
i there are times in some mems liv,
p when thought works quick and v
e live an eternity in few moments.
e 'Do you like it?" Kissed my to
a mentor in my ear. "Do you enjc
e my embraces? | am an affectiona
u fellow, naturally, only people tre
4 me so roughly that don't show n
h love. Look here, my duck, don't "
| want me to kiss you?" And
is touched my face with his horrib
s lips, cold and clammy as the body {
a snake.
1t A thought struck me; perhaps
le could propitiate him with flattery.
st You are a noble fellow" said
b, sand | am really very happy in pc
d sessing your regards. Let us
e down and talk the matter over"
10 $50 we WILL" said he, heartily, loc
st ing his hold of me, "only let US {
le close. always want to get We
oloca IN naonIa thatsT love you knn