South-eastern Independent. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1871-1871, 1871-05-26

! Lies journey; but take that prop ava
) and her fall was certain.
; Up and down the streets she ran, c.llir
,, upon the name of her child. Her mann
was wild in the extreme, and the dead
pallor of her face gave her an unearthl
appearance, and those who saw her hs
no doubt but they were gazing upon Il
natic. But still, no little George coul
she find; oh, was he lost to her forever
Her manner attracted the attention
an officer, and, of course, the first thing
thought of was arrest, believing, as did a
others, that the poor woman was thorough
ly insane, and might do harm to hersel
and perhaps TO others. But in a fe,
broken words she explained the cause O
her unusual excitement.
To give the mother consolation was in
possible and yet the assurance that tn
authorities would institute an instant an
thorough search brought some relief; bu
it did not lessen the efforts of the mother
The East River was but short distanc
from her home, and to tie waters side sh
went. She gazed into the dark tide
wondering if it had swallowed up her boy
If she had only known such to be the case
how soon would she have Joined him il
his watery grave, in spite of the edic
heaven has issued against self-destruction
But hope had not entirely forsaken her
and still she continued her search. The
moon came up, and the stars shone Oui
brightly. She wondered if they could moi
see her boy, and why they did not speak
and point out to her the hiding place o.
him who was so dear to her. In olden
times an Eastern star had arisen, and set
tied over the spot where lay the infant
Saviour, guiding the Wise Men to his
presence; why could not this be the same
in her case? But no. The moon rolled
silently on, mounting higher and higher
into the deep blue of night, and the stars
appeared to dance in joyous sportiveness,
regardless of a mothers anguish. Oh,
how she longed for the eyes of divinity,
that she might sweep the world alta single
glance, and find her treasure.
But the night wore on, and from very
exhaustion she was compelled to seek her
desolate home. But sac could not rest
Up and down her humble apartment she
walked, ever and anon calling upon her
boy; but no response came, save from the
night wind, which seemed to moan in
sympathy for the mother. Now she would
snatch up toy or little dress, and press
ing it to her throbbing breast and fevered
lips, would burst into tears; and they
were blessed drops, for they relieved the
heart, and kept it from breaking yet
Morning came, and an officer stood at
her door. She hastened to admit him,
and upon his face she sought to find the
word hope written. But it was not there
Indeed, he appeared to be an il-omened
who brought bad news, but
struggled between the breaking OF the
tidings and the secret which he held.
81 am calm-very calm," said the
mother, in a voice scarce audible. 81 am
for the worst-tellme all"
II fear there is no hope"
"No hopel No hopel' and she repeated
the words slowly. "Yes, there is hope
in heaven. Tell me, is my child dead?"
"Do you know this dress" and the
officer produced tiny garment. She
it, and replied:
"Yes. 1t is the one worn by George
when he disappeared"
"Then all is over"
covert Then tell me howl Where is
the body? Where did you find this dressi?"
" 1t was found down by the river"
"And the body-where is that?"
"Only the dress was found"
But he wore it. How came it stripped
from his person?"
Madam, it is evident your boy wan
1ered from his home to the rivers side,
and that he fell into the water. You see
The dress is badly torn. In falling it was
caught upon an iron spike, and his weight
stripped it from his person; for we found
It hanging there"
"And you could not find the body?"
mo. At the time the accident must
have occurred, the tide was running out
and the corpse may have 1oated
niles down the bay"
"Oh, find him for me-find George for
mel" and the poor woman could say no
more, for she fell fainting into the arms of
she officer, who gently placed her upon
;ouch, and then summoned assistance.
For hours after wards she raved, but
here were intervals Of sanity. During
)ne of these, poor woman rushed into
he apartment, and exclaimed:
"Oh, Mrs. Avery I've found your
Ieorgie. He is alive and well-no harm
las come to him, the dear little lamb"
Found my Georgiel And he is alive
Then where is he? Why do you not bring
lim to me at once.
"Pve found him Mrs. Avery, and he is
III right; but can't get him Just yet"
Not get him yet Oh, do not deceive
ne, but tell me all Tell me where he is
hat 1 may go to him, if you will not bring
i'm to mer'
"I'll tell you all about it, Mrs. Avery
Is was coming up Broadway, saw a
gentleman and lady coming
ut of one of the big stores, with little
oy in their company. The child was
ressed ever so handsome, and wished |
had such nice things for my own little |
mes. Then the man and woman got into |
carriage, and the little fellow with them. |
ust as it was rolling off, 1 looked again,
nd that child was your George, just as
ure as live. Somebody has stolen your |
arling, and he is alive this blessed |
minute"
Then why was that dress found down |
y the waters"
"Oh, it's plain enough to me. Them |
lch folks wanted your child because he |
Tas so handsome, and they stole him. Of |
curse, they wanted you to think the boy |
Tas dead, and so they put his dress where |
hey thought II would be found. Think
lg him drowned, you would give up all |
earch for him, and they would keep him
ife" ....-
1He pnyslcldn VINO happened 10 De
resent, took the woman aside and closely
uestioned her. She admitted the posi- |
ility that she might be mistaken, for she
ad only caught a glimpse of the child's
ice; but still she felt sure that she was
ot
The physician shook his head and said:
1t appears very doubtful to me, but we
III let Mrs. Avery think that her child
i'll lives. 1t is the only thing that can
I'VE her, for, in thinking so, she will cling
} hope. without which she would last but
short time"
And the mother did cling to hope. But
lie blow had been so severe that her re-
,very could not be speedy. In a weeks
me, however, she had so far recovered as
be able to leave her house, and she had
rmed her plans. She did not for mo-
ent doubt the story of the woman, and
le hoped, while she had resolved to watch
I'd wait and pray. ;
Day after day she passed in wandering
and down the fashionable streets, peer
g eagerly into every carriage, examining
e faces of all the children of her I
'y's age, she saw at play, and gazing into j
mos every dwelling window. Several '
mes she had been considerably startled.
llfsmothered cries had escaped her, and /
e had run with all her speed to overtake
me vehicle where she had caught the
impse of an infant form. More than
L ! Al =