The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1869-04-24

before he betrayed his condition to other eyes
"Give me the child" he said
And as she did so, she felt that his arm waass waass
unsteady.
"Oh! I dare not trust the baby with him, .
was her thought, but she was silent
She could not bear that those around should
know the mortifying truth
81 do wish you would stay all night, Vir-
gie," spoke Aunt Lizzie. "It is 30 late and it
is growing colder"
Virsic thought Hf the dreary FIVE miles ride
with drunken husband, aud then. the river
She had before refused to stay, but now she
thought better Of it.
"What do You think of it, Charles Hadn't
VIC better stay p she asked pcrsuasively.
But liquor had made him sulen.
"No, We must go home"
She knew it would avail nothing to argue
the matter with him, but only lead to p,in-
ful exposure so she commenced paying her
adieux.
BY dint of gentle coaxing she induced him
to give the babe to her before they started.
AS they rode away, Uncle Logan shouted
out to them:
"Look out for the river!"
Virgie's heart was too heavy for reply, but
Charles shouted back with maudlin cheerful
ness:
"All right"
AS they rode ON she saw that he was sink
ing into drunken stupor. Oh, if they were
only safe at home, how glad she would be !!
And then she thought Of the river yet to be
forded; and every breath was prayer. She
determined not to let him have the child when
crossing; but to trust to her own courage to
carry herself and the babe through She
hoped he would not think to askher for the
child, and was nerving herself for refusal,
in case he should, when they came in sight of
the water.
Inc moon shnne down matinr 81 .. -:e,.
as day. Virgic thanked heaven for that! But
she shuddered as the sweep Of waters fell on
Der ear; and she saw it foaming white in the
moonlight as it swept on in strong current
Charles aroused himself
where's the boy ~
"Neyer mind, dear he's asleep, and don't
like to disturb him. can carry him over.
I'm strong enough for IT,"
& "What is the woman thinking of? You car
ry him over indeed? Give him to me-"
"But, Charles, you are not in condition to
hold him. l shall be thankful if you can
guide your horse over safely as you are"
cha What do you mean by that ?"
She made no answer.
'Do you take Inc for fool 2" he said
roughly and angrily.
''No, Charles don't do so! You know your
arm is very unsteady just now. 1t is indeed ~
"Ah, l understand you now SO, madam,
suppose you think am drunk ?"
Again she was silent.
Give me the child 9" he said fcrccly.
"Oh, Charles! For Gods sake
GIVE him to me, / say Do you think to
brave Inc so {. Give him to me this minute ="
Resistance, she knew, useless. 1t would
only serve to infuriate him, and what will not
drunken man do?
Uncovering the little sleeping face, she kissed
it once-then drawing closer the thick shawls
which cnveloped the little figure, she covered
the face again, and gave him into her hus-
bands arms.
"Charles, for the love Of heaven be care
fulw
"Don't be fool''
So they plunged in, and she did not take
her eyes from the other two, until they had
nearly reached the opposite bank. Then her
horse stepped on a stone, and slipping, nearly
precpitated her into the water. When her
attention was again free, they had reached the
other shore.
''There he is, said Charles trumphantly, as
he placed the bundle in her arms.
"What simpletcn you were to think l
couldn't bring him over safely.
How very light it was Good heaven! She
moved it along in her arms-prcssed it close
then uttering fearful Shrek:
"My child! My child ! My Charlie Oh,
my child I"
Both turned simultaneously back to the
water. The quick eye of The mother was just
in time to catch one brief glimpse of little
rnau n;t;P,l untnrnod ool tho, 20