The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1871-08-24

before me.
All possibility of escape was Thu cut
off. I was In the power of desperate,
merelless mailman, bent on my destruc-
ton, as he had expressly avowed it, and
/ that paralyzed every nerve and muscle.
God help me in this hour of peril !"
was the prayer that arose in my soul, for
I knew no human power was near.
Again the mailman advanced with the
glittering blade quivering in his hand.
l felt the iron grasp of his hand upon my
shoulder, saw the bright blade of the
bowie-knife pointed directly at my heart,
and stood powerless, mntionless as a
statue.
But with this hour Of peril came
strength adequate to the emergency
The courage which had for a moment
deserted me revived. and triumphed over
fear. l knew that to plead for mercy,
to sue for life would be in vain. My
treaties unheeded, and perhaps instant
death would be the consequence. My
only hope then laid in stratagem. a plan
whirled through my brain with tighten
ing speed, and upon it [ determined to
act.
Release me Herbert, I said with as
much calmness as [ could command, and
come and sit down by my side. I want
to talk to you"
He obeyed.
"You will be my wife p he said. You
accept my proposition.
| bowed an assent A triumphant
smile lighted up his features.
Herbert" I began, you offered me
the rich treasures of your heart, but
blindly and foolishly refused it. l reck-
lessly threw away my own happiness but
the act was thoughtless, an unprecedent-
ed one, and [ have never ceased to re
greet it. This time you shall not sue In
vain. - -~
Another Wild shrill laugh resounded
in my ears, and the maniac's eyes fash
ed with additional lustre.
81 knew" he said, proudly brushing
back the long black locks from his high,
broad forehead, II knew your woman S
heart could not second time withstand
the powers of my charms. Ladies always
| courted and admired me. I have been
for years the centre cf universal honor
and homage, and though age is creeping
on apace, | can creep into the heart of
woman as slyIy and subtly as in the days
of my early childhood.
Herbert, I will. as ] said. be the wife
of future life. The unseen joys of the
eternal world we will share together.
| But no bride ever leaves her father
home without making preparations !;
neither can I leave the abiding place of
my earthly husband without making pre-
partitions; without making some arrange
ments necessary for his happiness and
comfort. [ will prepare dinner, to be
ready against his return, and for the
little ones God has given me. While |
am In the flesh [ must be faithful to the
vows made in the flesh We will refresh
our bodies before starting on our long
io- 'rney. 1t shall be our marriage feast;
you shall be the BRIDEGROOM and the hon.
ored guest. My husband will be there to
see the happy change [ have made"
Thus | ran on, betraying neither by
look or act the mental terror of my soul.
The eyes of the maniac glared less fierce
ly; the knife was replaced in the belt
| had touched the right cord of his
breast; his vanity had been fattered by
my praises, and by readily acceeding to
his wishes, and tor the passing moment
| felt the danger was averted
Determined to follow up the advantage
[ had so unexpectedly gained, I arose
calmly, and with forced smile, said
81 will go now and prepare the din
ner-our marriage feast. We will eat
for the last time with our fellow mortals
and take of them an affectionate fare
WELL"
$50 we will |" replied Stanely grave
ly. $50 we will. 1t shall be a marriage
of Canaan, Water will be turned into wine,
and we will eat the bread of life," and
he folded me to his bosom in rough
embrace.
Now, Herbert" said I, after mo-
ment of unceremonious hugging ''now
will go and make ready for our journey
time Is precious. and We will not delay
our happiness. And ] proceeded to
the dining room, and commenced laying
the cloth and dishes on the table; getting
the necessary preparations for a meal. /
hoped by so doing | should be able to
elude the argus eyes of my jailor, and
when a favorable moment should pre-
sent itself, | would leap from the window
and make my escape by fight.
But no cat ever watched for prey more
closely than Herbert Stanley watched
me. Ills eyes never left me, and I saw
that an attempt to escape would be but
to Jump into the jaws of death. But as
my flight grew more hopeless, my mind
grew more and more active. A bright
thought crossed it.
IF | remember rightly, Herbert. =
SAID L, YOU used to be great admirer
of the canine species?"
YES, was the reply.
Now" said |, Il will show you a
most splendid specimen of a dog; he is
as cunning as a fox, and possesses traits
OF character and sacacitv NOT ,,nuo-tb,,