The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-03-31
WHOIB MO. 835

Charleston. There was no possibility of
escaping from this place, as there was
not wood enough on the island to con-
struct raft which would float man
across the waters which saparted us
from the land. After we had remained
nearly half year, and after any pro-
jcct of escape had failed, boat which
had drifted from some wreck during
storm had struck upon the island, and
its appearance was hailed with rapture
by myself and my companions. In this
We coasted Cuba, and arrived at Hav-
anna. Here | found the scamen who
had taken care of me when on board
the piratical vessel suffering under the
effects of the wound received from me
in defending the Speedwcll From him
learned, that the plratical vessel, i'm
mcdiately on her arrival at Havana,
was seized on the complaint of British
agent, for an attack upon one of his
majesty's vessels, and in consequence had
with her crew been sent to Jamaica for
trial They were found guilty of the
most barbarous crimes, and every one of
them executed He was himself for
tunately on shore at the time of the
seizure, and by that means escaped.
had learned from my companions that
the crew Of the Speedwell were every
one destroyed, and after taking out such
articles as they deemed most valuable,
she was scuttled and sunk. Once at
HAVANA, my resolutions were soon
formed, and a favor able opportunity oc-
curing, determined to repair imme-
diately to Charleston, in defiance of
every danger. The image of the lovely
Mary, pale and weeping as when
she bid me farewell hauntcd my imagin-
alton, whether sleeping or waking. l
had suffered so much during my resi-
dence among the morasses of Cuba, and
my complexion had by constant exposure
become sunburnt, that | was confident
should secrecy be necessary on my ar
rival, [ stood little danger of detection.
But be that as it would, there was no
danger would not cheerfully have ell.
countered, to have listened to the sweet
accents and enjoyed the delightful COM
pany of Mary. [ left HAVANA, and
reached Charleston in safety. The YES
sci anchored in the bay, and with pal
pitating heart | proceeced in the boat
for the city 1t was dark when I pre-
sented myself at the door of Mr.. Morn
torn's residence and with a faltering
hand knocked for admlttancc.
The door was opened by the same SER
want who attended when | had before
resided with Mr.. Mornton. | was shown
into the same room where I had so often
sat, but on inquiry for Mr. Mornton, |
was informed that he was out on busi
ness, but would return in an hour
told the servant | would wait his arrival
took volume which was lying there
and seated myself with apparent COM
posure. Everything in the room re-
minded me of her [ most wished to see:
aSbeautiful full length portrait of her
was suspended over the mantle piece,
and on opening the book, the first thing
that met my eyes, were the following
lines, in the well known hand of Many
"Ah why delay his wished return /? Forgive
o, forgive me, Mortimer but Joys deferr'd
Makes my heart sick, and hope, with all its
pow'rs,
Can scarce suppress the anguish of my bosom
But peace each murmur fate itself may strive,
But cannot sever thy faithful heart from mlne,
The agony of suspense was intolcra-
bic f; [ longed to enquire for Mary, but
prudence forbid. | perceived that the
servant had forgotten me, and / waited
impatiently the arrival of Mr.. Mornton.
l walked the room listened to every
step, with the hope of catching the
sound of the light and fairy football of
the lovely Mary. The hour passed
away, and Mr. Mornton arrived. spoke,
he knew my voice instantly, and seized
me by the hand.
Z" Good heavens Mortimer can it be
you ?" exclaimed Mr.. Mornton, =" or Is
it only an illusion to mock my senses
and aggravate my misfortunes :"
4" 1t is no illusion am your own
Mortimer" l replied, 90 where is my
Mary ? for heavens sake let me see her
let me fly to bel"
"Good God p answered Mr.. Morn.
ton, grasping my hand convulsively,
arc you yet to learn that Mary is in
heaven yes, she is gono-gone for.
ever ~ added he, as the tears trieklcd
down his cheeks, and fell warm upon
my hand.
l could not weep, could not speak
and it was with difficulty I could sup.
port myfelf from sinking to the floor
The agonies of expiring nature, am
convinced, will never exceed those of
that moment, when every prospect of
happiness was at one fell blow destroyed
and hope, the last anchor of the wretch.
ed, torn from its moorings.
90 God p | cried, when my agitated
feelings permitted the power of utter
ance, why was | spared to endure the
extremity of wretchedness why was
preserved to suffer the agonies Of liv-
| inc death ?r