Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-06

occupation when ] came down TO the
gate, you would not object to crossing
back. by waterP' 01f
laughed and acknowledged the fact,
To tell you the truth, sir ! was just
thinking how cool and pleasant short
row would be- In fact, if the boat had
not been fastened, / should most as
suredly braved all consequences, and
boldly adventured the experiment
think we can overcome that objec-
tion," said the stranger, quietly turning
to an old ruined tree, whose knarled
trunk overhung the transparent tide, and
drawing key from its hollow depths.
" Suppose we get up an appetite for
breakfast together? ! am not an mex
perienced oarsman myself and i sup
pose you understand the art of propell-
ing on the water?p Io
Just give me an opportunity, and see
if | don't vindicate my education in
aquatic matters" said, in high good
humor, springing into the fairy-like lit
tie shell, followed by my new acquain-
tance Really, sir, this is an unex-
pected treat; scarcely know how to
thank you sufficiently for your cour-
tesy."
"Then do not attempt, said the gen
tleman, inclining his head with digni.
fed, high-bred pohtenes.s which i'm.
pressed me more and more in his favor.
II assure you the qualification is EN-.
tirely mutual. Pull to the right little;
we shall get entangled in yonder float.
ing sheet of water-lilies if we are not
careful. Upon my word, this is most
perfect morning for the water.
1t was, indeed Across the diamond
glitter of the lake the golden splendors of
an August sunrise were beginning to be
reflected; and in the distance, a range OF
dim, misty mountain peaks leaned
against the horizon like far-off sentinels,
almost losing their outline in the blue
radienee of the cloudless heavens.
81 wish were an artistp broke almost
involuntarily from my lips
My companion smiled
Need man be an artist to enjoy the
beauties of such a scene as thisY' he
asked. "a little more toward yonder
point, if you please, sir. Now we are
out in the channel, and you can pull as
hard or as easy as you choose The
boat will almost move of herself, in fact "
He threw down his oars, and leaned
back in the stern, adjusting his straw
hat so as to shield his eyes from the too
vivid glare of the morning sunshine.
Zone scarcely thinks Of civilization in
such a secluded spot as this, he muir
INJURED lazily. II suppose there isn't a
living soul within a mile of us, always
excepting birds and fishes. Ei
suppose not | assented.
"But, nevertheless, the forms and
ceremonies of society cannot be entirely
cast aside. May | know whom | have
had the honor of helping to an hour s
pleasureY sd
| drew my card from my waistcoat
pocket, and handed it across with a
smile.
Vernon Chevely, eh2 A very pretty
name, sir. | congratulate myself on
making your acquaintance. viii you
allow me to reciprocate your franknessY p
He bowed low as he presented me with
crumpled bit of brown paper he extracted
from an old cigar case Upon this was
inscribed, in startling letters in red ink,
the one word, Albert" ai.t
"Albert-who? involuntarily ques-
toned
"ALBERT, sirl" returned my com
panion, starting into a sitting posture,
and regarding me with stern dignity.
Prince Albert, sir Albert of England,
Scotland and Wales
stared at him, aghast Was the man
mad or dreaming?
To your knees, sir, he said, with
sharp, sudden imperiousness. Have
you no reverence for royalty2"
/ obeyed his quick sign almost before
] knew what was doing. He smiled
complacently, at the same time drawing
gaudy tinsel star from his pocket, and
gravely affixing it to the left breast of
his coat III
Yes, my friend" he went on, i'm
pressively, "you are now in the presence
of the Prince Consort of Great Britain
Men have amused themselves by dissem-
mating the idle tale that | was dead;
that's all they know about it. | am not
dead; and, what is more, | never shall
die. / am privileged with the gift of
everlasting existence As long as wear
this jewcled star death can never come
near me
felt the cold perspiration oozing from
every pore in my body; could almost /
feel myself grow pale as became fully /
convinced that | was out upon the soli-
tary lake alone with a madmanr l had /
heard when first came to this mountain /
retreat that there was large asylum
in the vicinity, but | had
never given the affair second thought.
Now was reaping the consequences of
my own folly and recklessness.
His dark. piercing eyes roved restlessly
from object to object Suddenly they
rested on my appalled, countenance.
You don't believe what / am sayingY /
The remembrance of what had often
read and heard about the expediency-
nsy. the pasifive necessitT-that existed
for indulging monomaniacs to the top of
their bent, in whatever whim might pos
sess their minds. occurred 10 me, and /
fastened 70 reply, /" OF course. | believe
il. Why shouldn't p ....,
All, why shouldn't you. indeedl But
people are so skeptieal nowadays. Now
when Victor Emmanuel was staying at
my house, ami Pope Plus came down by