Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1871-09-07
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from th4 Philadelphia Saturday Night.
The Unexpected Witness.
BY C. D. CLARKE

The light burned brightly on Edge
comb pier, lighting up the mnrky 1T
mosphere for many yards around. The
lighl-kcepcr sat in his room look ,ng ou'
Oh the lake, his face buried in his hands,
man who had passed the middle age, with
grizzled hair and beard. his face full
strong purpose and will. That man had
braved the tempest and the breeze fol
many years, fig ing the battles Of bis
country under the starry flag, wearing The
blue jacket Of the avy; and as yea rs
crept upon him, the influence Of friend;
in the navy had given him this post, and
he served we'll The light was Away
bright at Edgecomb pier, and no belated
ship ever went aground through the in
competency ofSalem Verton.
The stern old face was working strange
" under the light of the lamp, for q
great sorrow had come upon him. Il i.
daughter, the one hope of bis old age, the
sole legacy Of his dear wife who had long
ago closed her eyes upon this Imperfect
world, bad rebelled against him for the
first time fox the love of one he consider
ed unworthy.
Agnes Verton was known aud loved
throughout all Edgecomb. A sweet girl,
with wonderful power Of facination and
it is no wonder she drew after her the
susceptible among the young men whom
she met. But over and above all, she
distinguished one whom her father knew
to be wild, careless, disJipated sailor,
Richard Wiley. He had pleaded with hel
to respect his wishes. and have nothing
to do with ore who could only make hei
unhappy, but she, usually SO .doclle, would
not listen to him in this. Richard had
been belied. Richard had good heart,
and he loved her.
These arguments were the only oues
she used in answer to her father, and
would not believe even when he laid
plain proofs OF: The mans unworthiness
before her.
She will come here tonight, thought
the old sailor, aud will plead with heI
once more. God grant that my prayers
may succeed. Would I bring sorrow upon
her head the only being who really loves
me No. If the worst comes, and she
will marry Richard Wiley. SO be it, and
I will give them my blessing. But
doubt will break her heart
Father, cried voice, help me up with
the basket.
He hurried to the spiral staircase and
took from her hands basket containing
food and drink for him, and she sprung
lightly into the room without assistance
The face ofVerton lighted up, and he
kissed the ripe lips raised to his.
You are not angry with me, dear faith.
er? she said softly.
No, NO, he said, not angry. l never
could be really angry with you.
Madge Sentor called me in, as pass
ed her house, and told me that you SPOKE
and acted like mailman. She told NE
oh! that l should hear it!-that yot
sa ID you would rather see me dead a
your feet than the wife Of Richard Viii
ey. Father you could not have sale
that.
was half mad, Aggie, and I had NJ
right to say it. But if you knew boT
deeply feel it, you would not go agans
my wishes.
Did Richard ever injure you, father
she said half ulenly.
No.
Can you point to one whom he has in
jured?
Yes, I can point to himself. Richard
Wiley is his own enemy, and has done
him self much evil. He has it in his
power to be good and true man, but he
has chosen riot and dissipation instead.
have seen him this man whom you wish
to marry eeling upon the deck of fi'
own vessel, half mad with drink, carrying
sail in the face Of a coming squall. Of
Port Dalhousie, he carried every stick
out of his schooner, in living gale, be-
cause he would get into Dalhousie be fore
tie Flying Cloud. He was drunk then
1 could speak of other things, but thai
ofepse is enough for me.
But, father.
| have seen SO much of this that II
drives me mad to think of it. However
let that pass. He is reckless ue'r-do-
weel, and not the man | would choose fol
your husband.
She remained silent, an expression o
sullen disapproval marring her boantlfu
face. He took her hand in his, and walk.
ed on. of the light to the verandah.
Look at ne Aggie. | love you dearly