Oregon Republican. [volume] (Dallas, Or.) 1870-1872, 1871-08-05

you. Will you be my wife %
"Oh, Clarence, | cannot ! am so
sorry !" and the maiden co9ered her
face with her hands
"Oh, Mabel, give me some hope ;
do not east me off without a hope of
winning your love-" he pleaded
Clarence, | cannot! | have no
right !"
A strange look came into Clarence
Lamont's eyes. but in moment it was
gone, and he said, "Oh, Mabel, why do
you thus repulse my love? Why can
you not bid me hope -
"Never can | be aught to you but u
friend, Clarence, and friend | always
will be-"
Again that strange look came over
his face, and an evil look shone in his
eyes, as he Kissed between his set teeth.
Mabel you have trificd with me. You
have won the heart of true man, and
now throw it from you Beware =
No. Clarence, | have not trifled
with you;" the maiden's voice was
clear and steady now " am betrothed
TO another"
" | have"
The words died upon his lips, for the
sharp ring of hoofs caused him TO look
up, and he saw, coming toward them at
a rapid pace, -riderless, at first
he thought-but as it came nearer, he
saw the form of man. half thrown
from the saddle, yet clinging to the
almost flying steed.
"Oh heavens! the bridge! the
bridget" aud Mabel's voice rang ont in
a wild, despairing cry. Onc glance,
aud Clarence saw the cause of Mabel's
alarm; the bridge was gone-washed
away by the angry waters and in it's
place yawuipg abys, far too wide for
horse to leap, and toward this the
frighted steed was coming at fearful
leaps.
On, on, came the horse painting with
terror and exertion. till 1t stood upon
The very brink Of the cha>m; and then
with a moments hesitation, the leap
was taken As the horse hesitated
upon the bank. the rider strove to dis
engage himself from his doomed stecd
but it was too late. ard with wild cry
he was hurled into the abys
Mute with supense, the two riders
sat stricken dumb with fear until the
instant that the frightened steed he-i-
tated upon the brink Of the abys; and
then as both recognized the doomed
rider, Mabel shreked:
"Oh. Ernest. Ernest
One look at the maiden's agonizcd
face, and Clarence had read her secret.
aud an evil, sinister glow lit up his
countenance.
"Oh, Clarence, save him, save him."
and the maiden laid his h1ud upon his
arm, and looked pIeadingly up in his
face.
With one spring Clarence had reach
ed the edge of the chasm, and gaz.l
anxiously down into the roaring waters;
and then he saw the half submerged
body of Ernest HaIstead desperately
clinging 20 a part Of the bridge tha.
remained in the midst OF the angry
torrent.
His wicked heart gave a triumphant
bound 9s he thns recognized the deadly
peril of his rival and, turning to Ma
bel, who stood mute with terror by the
side of her passive steed, he hoarscly
whispered:
Mabel, | will save him on one con-
dition, and that is, promise to be my
wife 2"
81 cannot! | cannot Do not tor,
ture me thus. Save him, | command
you !"
"Promise. and I will"
Il cannot" !"
Then he shall die !" and he turned
fcrcely away
Oh, Clarence, do not leave him
Save him save him | promise any.
thing, only save himw
Triumphant now, Clarence quickly
detached the bride from his horse. and
with one look at Mabel, advanced until
ne stood upon the brink of the chasm
and then leaning far over, he flung the
relns down to the drowning man.
Eagerly he grasped them, and clupe
with all his declining strength to the
timely succor.
Remember your promise !" cried
Clarence, as he turned for an instant
toward the maiden, and then again bent
to bis task
But suddenly, with a wild crv he
cast the bride far from him, and
sprang backward. But it was too late
the bank on which he stood, aready
loosened from its base by the foamino
torrent, slid forward into the seethino
waters, burying beneath ID the body of
'larence Lamont
Another shrek came from the maid
ems lips, but she did not faint. Nerved
by fear, she sprang forward and eagerly
gazed down into the chasm, and there
saw her lover manfully STRUGGLING with