Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1870-03-01

their days labor.
Tom proposed to 90 down first
and light candle. As soon as the
bucket returnd Charles stepped into
1t. and was soon going down through
the darkness, into what appeared to
him to be the very bowels of the
earth. After reaching the bottom
he found himself at the mouth of a
low cave, which was in fact drift
leading off from the shaft. Here
Tom met him with the light and
conducted him through the drift in
to a chamber apparently ten or
twelve feet square, and eight or nine
feet in heighth. In the dark rocky
sides of the cave or chamber Charles
saw small masses OF ore, shining in
the dim candle light. He had never
been in such place before, and as
he gazed about him, affecting of awe
and fear came over him. All was
silent there. The noise aud tumult
of the busy world never reached this
place. The soft breezes of Autumn,
and the chill blasts of Winter were
never felt in that silent, tOmb-like
abode. 1t seemed too, as though
the heavy, overhanging masses of
rock must fall and crush him. He
was aroused from his revery by the
voice of Tom, exclaimiDg:
Halo, Manly, what's the matter !?
What do you think of the place ?
los ~ vNIann m lsxyn ~
work in, replied Charles
4 thought so once, but I'm used
20 it now, aud like it. said Tom.
What are you going TO do now :?
In what direction do you intend to
dig :? asked Charles.
wal, | reckon by digging west ard
Wen strike north and south crew
ice, and if we do we'll strike big min-
eral, at any rate, | allow to keep on
trying a while longer | mean TO
show them fellers in town that luck
haint deserted Tom Long yet
Tom then proceeded to initiate
Charles into the mysteries of mining.
He showed him his tools, and ex-
planned their use, and made his sub
ject plain by practical illustrations,
after which they assembled the shaft
aud returned TO the village.
As every human act is the product
of some motive, our readers may de-
sire to know why Charles Manly left
friends, refined society, and the COM
forts and privileges of city life, for
the rough and uncertain life of
miner. A brief glance at his former
history will answer the question.
Charles had the misfortune to lose
bis father when he was quite young,
who lett him to care for an almost
invalid mother. Mrs. Manly was
refined and cultivated woman, and a
sincere Christian. 1t was her chief
desire that Charles should be use
full man, Christian in the highest
and noblest sense of the term; for
this she toiled, for this she prayed,
and when after the lapse of few
years she was summoned to her rest,
she departed with the consciousness
that she had performed her dsty,
and that her son gave promise of be-
ing all that she could desire. After the
death of his mother, Charles went to
live with an uncle, bis mothers only
brother. Richard Morris, Charles
uncle, received him very kindly,
but as his means were limited,
Charles was unwilling to burden him
with his education and support.
After some delay he found situa-
ton in the Mercantile house of John
Leonard, q well known merchant.
He remained with Mr.. Leonard sew
eral years, and by his faithfulness,
strict honesty and business tact,
made himself very valuable to his
employer. Du iHg the last year of
his stay in Ceaveland be bad board
ed in the family of his employer,
and had become acquainted with
Laura Leonard, the wealthy mer-
chants OILY daughter. la the
course of a few months their acquaint-
ance ripened into love. Laura Leon
ard was a noble girl, intelligent and
beautiful, and possessing traits OF
character that fitted her for any sta
ton IN life. Her sterling good sense
led her to sec that Charles was I'M
like most of the young men OF her
acquaintance, and her respect for
him 10 time grew into love thai
was deep aud abiding. John Leon
ard, Laura's father. was man who
loved wealth and social position.
He had once been poor, had strug-
gled with poverty, and he hated it.
Consequently when Charles made
known his love for Laura, the proud
old man told him plainly that it
could not be-that he respected him,
| but he could not consen. that his
daughter should marry clerk who
had nothing to depend upon but his
salary. Charles saw at once that he
could no longer remain in Mr.. Leon
srd's family, and resolved to quit his
aervice and leave the city for time.
The newspapers from time to time
had spoken of the rich deposits OF
lead ore that were to be found in
northern Illinois and southern Wis
consin, and he made up his mind to
60 there and seek that wealth which
he could not hope to obtain in his
native city. 1t was with sad but
hopeful heart that Charles made bis
determination known to Laura.
She did nor try to persuade bin
from his purpose, but told him to
trust in God, and to let the con-
sciousness of her love for him make
him strong to labor and to endure.
They parted at twilight under the
elms in the yard. he to go among
strangers, to endure the temptations
and toll of miners life, she to re-
main to pray for his prosperity and
to be true and faithful to her plight
ed love.
| Charels, after due consideration,
concluded to accept Longs proposal,
and after purchasing the necessary
mining implements went to work