Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-03-30

er oelI, CONTAINING SOule papers, let
ters, and gold locket with picture
in it; also some money, but use thai
yourself if you ever need it.
"The letters and locket please give
to-to-Annie--, the young
lady to whom | was engaged when
left home. You will find the address
in the letters. The papers please
give to father, and tell him to forgive
all the unhappiness | have caused him.
Bless nay dear old father, l have be-
haved so badly to him. Tell her !
have loved her always, and died think
ing Of her.
Colonel, this is all | have to say,
except to thank you for the kindness
you have always shown me. You
tried hard to save me, but this cursed
wound conquers life"
Il promise, Danever, to discharge
your wishes, and believe me, your
friends shall know how nobly you have
always acted since | have known you"
Colonel, give me your hand, will
you?" he asked, after long pause,
"and be careful ofyourself the remain
der of your lonely journey; promise
me you will not be reckless will you p
[ promised, and for a long time sat
holding his hand in silence. After a
while, he said:
Remember Annie, Colonel hold
my hand tight, for I-am-moSt gone
goodbye"
Without a groan he died, and as
quietly as sleep, death stole upon him,
so quietly indeed, that the relaxing of
his hold upon my hand alone told me
he was dead.
! drew the blanket over the pale
handsome face. and lay down to rest
for | was very weary.
The sun shining in my face aroused
me, and springing up, was at once
cognizant Of my lonely condition. The
horses were cropping the luXurianl
grass at their teet,and all nature seem
ed beautiful III the morning light, but
felt very lonely. | built fire and
cooked my breakfast, watered and fed
the horses, and began the sad task of
dispO8ing Of the remains of my poor
friend. Around his waist | found the
belt he had spoken of, and | transfer
red it to my own keeping. In the
saddle pockets that had belonged tc
Don Leo, | found a small hatchet,a t,anC
with this dug a shallow grave, anC
placed the body i'll it. | did my duty
to the dead to the best of my ability
then mounted my horse, and leaving
the other to follow, started upon my
way
Three days after | encountered {
storm in the mountains and seeing il
the distance small cabin, | sough
there for shelter. 1t was almost dark
and the ruddy light from within made
it look quite comfortable. Ia answer
to my call, an old bag of a woman
appeared at the door, and answered
promptly in the affirmative to my re
quest to pass the night. | diSmounte(
and led my horses to a small barr
| she directed me to, and after feedin.
them sought the house.
1t had three rooms in it on on,
floor, and kind of half story above
In the front room was a large fire
place, and table and chairs, that show
ed it to be the kitchen and dining
room. Seated near the table wa
a beautiful girl of sixteen or seven
teen years of age, busily engaged il
reading, while in one corner was
negro woman and boy. The woma
who had come at my call busted heI
self in preparing supper, and |, t
while away the time, crossed over an
sat down by the young girl. | wa
) astonished to find her we'll informe
! and conversant upon many topics.
After a while she asked, "Do yo
speak English or French, Senior ?" fo
our conversation had been carried O
, in Spanish.
"Yes, both; which do you prefe1
, Mademoiselle ?" | answered, in Ems
lish.
!, French, for my aunt speaks littl
: English"
j "Ah then YOU intend to tell me
S secret, do you, not intended for th
S old Iady's ears p asked in FrencI
j ayes, you must leave this house 6
s once; 90 you hear ?"
y ayes, but why, my sweet one ?"
v "Ask no questions, for you are
S danger, and | cannot tell you why"
l. "I prefer the danger in the hous
= to the storm outside, especially as hel
n | enjoy your society,"" answered ht
| with my sweetest smile. But it ba
|, no effect, and her manner impresse
9 me, as she said:
e II tell you that you will die if yc
r stay here tonight; this is the aboc
:, of robbers, and they are up stat
L waiting for you to go to sleep. Go
3 the stable to see about your horse
<. leave your blanket and saddle-ro
d here to prevent suspicion, and sta
s as quietly as you can"
!, This was said earnestly, but at IL
same time In manner not to attra
IS the attention of the old lady, wi
seemed greatly pleased that her ME
1. could speak French, and show off h
o accomplishments.
s | asked:
'e off this is den of robbers, wi
are you here? surely you are n
1T bad ?"
W 81 do not mean to be, but we ust
to live in the city, and my uncle W
l. outlawed for great crime and fl,
ct here. Since then he has led an awf
IS life, and ah i SO many poor men ha
l died in this house by his hand. Nc
go, before it is too lateW
d II have two horses, if you desi
20 to leave this house come with me, al
I will ta ke Won oafoI,, to ON old frio