The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1873-03-27


into the river. In vain Fred endeayor-
ed TO attract the attention of some one
on shore. The cottonwood retained
course nearly 10 the middle of the stream,
too far from either bank to render their
outcries of much avail. As it grew dark,
their situation seemed more and more
hopeless, and to Becky there appeared
be no escape from certain death. either
by drowning in the darkness or by ex-
haustion before daybreak.
Yet to die in this man 8 arms seemed
not wholly terror. She could hardly
think, if death must come. of any way
in which she would rather meet it. Was
it possible she loved him, and must need
to be brought within the valley of the
shadow before she could know her heart
Had she loved him all along? While
she was thinking about it, chilled by the
exposure and the night air she fell asleep.
When she woke the stars were out, but
she was warm uncomfortable. Raising
her head she found herself enveloped in
Fred coat
Fred %
"Well?"
You have robbed yourself to keep
me warm. You are freezing"
mo amt. l took it off because it
was so awful hot" and taking out his
handkerchief with his disengaged hand,
he made pretense of wiping the perspir-
alton from his brow.
How long have | been asleep p
About three hours We are drif.,-s
in shore now.
Shall we be saved p
Il don't know. Put your arms around
my neck for I'm going to take mine
away.
Becky did this time as she was bid.
She not only threw her arms quickly
around his neck, but she laid her head
upon his breast without the slightest
hesitation. In the darkness, Fred did
not know that she imprinted kiss upon
his shirt bosom.
Hold fast now - he cried. Hold on,
for your dear life.
The log bad been gradually nearing
the shore for some time, and it now shot
suddenly under large sycamore which
overhung the bank and trailed its branch
es in the brown food. Quick as thought
Fred seized the limb above his head, and
pulled with all his might The headlonQ
| course of the cottonwood was checked
it plunged heavily and partly turned
| over, its top became entangled in the
sycamore, and terrible cracking of limbs
ensued. With sudden spring Fred
gained the protecting branch, dragging
his clinging burden after him. In
another instant the cottonwood had broke
away and continued it's voyage down the
river, while the bent sycamore regained
its shape which such quick rebound
that the two travellers were very nearly
precipitated into the stream again
Fred, half supporting, half dragging
Becky, worked his way to the trunk BY
. series of gymnatics that would have
done no discrcdit to Blondin, and in {
moment more both had reached tn.
ground in safety.
That's business we are we'll out of, >
he said when he had regained his breath
Now where are we %
He looked about A light was glim
mering from a habitation behind them g
short distance from where they stood
Becky could not walk without great pain
aud Fred lifted her lightly in bis ARM
and started for the house. 1t proved t.
be the dwelling of small planter who
was not lacking in hospitality. Her.
their wants were quickly attended to
and under the cheering influence OF
warm the and shelter, Becky was soor
herself again.
They drove home on the following day
Fred having procured the loan of the
planter horse and chaise for the Dur
pose, promising to return them by Mr.,
Newton's servants the day after. The
morning was bright and clear, and the
fragrance of the orange groves was in all
the air. Becky. who had maintained al.
most utter silence since their escape from
the cottonwood, was no less silent now.
Fred himself did not appear particularly
communicative, and many miles of the
long ride were taken without a remark
from either. 1t was Becky who spoke
| first
Fred" she said.
"Yes2''
| You have saved my life, have you
not2"
Happy to do it any day." he remark
ed not knowing exactly what else to say,
Il thank you very much"
Quite welcome, I'm sure"
There was another long silence, brok
en- only by the sound of the horse's hoof:
upon the road. Fred himself seemed te
have lost some of his habitual ease fol
he kept his whip in constant motion, anc
held the reins nsrvously.
Fred %
Yes? ?"
Are you going to write to that youns
lady in New Orleans?'
II expect to.
Hadn't you-better-try again-be
fore you-before you write p
| He turned his eyes full upon her, ani
opened them wide.
Try again2 try what !"
I've been thinking through the night,
said Becky bending low to hide her face
and carefully separating the fringe of he
mantille. that perhaps-if you askes
me again the same question-that 70,
did yesterday morning. might answe
little-different.
Becky's head went against Fred
shoulder, and her face was immediately
lost to view.
You darling ~ he exclaimed. 81 new