Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-31

In brief intervals Of sha>tly white light
could perceive that scarcely speck Of dry land
was to Ie seen. Tue, the water was scarcely
above Carlos knees, hut knew how rapidly
it would deepen, and urged the good horse in
the direction Of the town.
Gertrude's arm encreled my waist, aud az
she was an excellent horse-woman had ne
fear Of falling Of, though the wind was blowing
almos, almos; hard enough to whir her from
her seat. ..l.
Before we had go. more than a mile from the
farm, the rain recommended wiihdoubled fury
and in a few minutes we were wet through
The wind. toe, grew from gale 10 hurricane
and amid the continuous roar Of the thunder
and fash Of the pale lightning through the air,
we now and then heard mighty crash, as if
some aged monarch Of the plain fell prone to
the earth
Suddenly dash Of lightning darted rish.
iu front Of Carlos eyes, and, with snort Of
fear, be reared nearly upright.
Hold fast, Gerirudew cried. andeavOring
to throw my right arm around her to keep her
from falling Of
was too lato-she had fallen. | heard a
splash in the water. a cry. aud the darkness hid
her from my sight. Just, however, as | was
about to give way to despair, another fash re-
vealel her to be standing amid the food, not
dozen yards distant. Ispurred toward her.
presently she was again on Carlos broad back.
The excitement Of this event aud the turn
ing Of my horse round and round had made me
forget the proper direction to the town, so that
we now rode on net knowing whittier we were
heading. ,... rs-
Meanwhile the food grew deeper each mo-
ment, and presently discovered that Carlo
was swimming. had not felt fear until now
but must say that, which ever way guided
my charger, he could not touch the ground
knew that weighted as he was, he could not
keep adyat long, aud each moment be seemed
to sink deeper in the water. b.. . ....
At this critical iancture the moon shonc out
again. Not a speck Of dry land was now ysi-
bic but, to ny great JOY, | perceived, close
by, blue-gum tree whose boughs were 50
disposed aa 10 be easily scaled. ..,p
"Do you think YOU can climb that tree, Ger
trude % asked, It's our only chance Of
preserving our lives now" a
She answered fecbly in the affirmative. and,
with some little difficulty, l swan Carlo along
side. Under the trees he regained bis footing,
and was glad Of this, as he was enabled 20
stand steady for my poor little companion to
climb into the branches from his back. ....
When she had accomplished this feat took
off his bride, so that he should not catch his
feet in it if he had to swim for his life aud then
Gertrude and got some twenty feet higher up
in the blue gum, and paused to rest. Shawls
aud wraps had long ago fallen OFF her aud been
lost, aud now poor Gertrude was exposed to all
the inclemency Of the weather, ia the low
neckej, short-sleeyed dress she had worn du-
ring the evening.
do1ed my uniform aud made her putt on.
We then sat side by side, aud putting my
arm around her neck, told her all about my
interview with her father that evening
And did papa say that when you were as
rich as himself he would let me marry you,
Willie 2" she asked. s.
"Yes, Gertrude he gave me his word Of
honor to that effect" Responded. ,i,
"Then he won't break it" she replied
Poor papa this night has made him beg
gar. All bis money was invested in improve
ments on bis land, and in increase Of stock
It is all lost now, so you may claim me sooner
than you thought for Willie
This view Of the case had never struck mo
before, and nearly jumped off the gum tree
in, fear, most selfish ecstaey Of delight
Gertrude, now that the excitement attending
her escape was over. began 70 entertain thou
saad fears concerning the fate Of her parents.
at last succeeded in convincing her thatit
was a matter Of impossibility for the food to
cover the house before rescue came in the
morning, and thereupon she became composed,
and our thoughts reverted to our own hopes
and fears, and amid the rain aud hswlng wind.
aud the still rapidly rising waters below, she
nestled in my arms aud we talked Of love un-
till the cold gray dawn aroused US from our
seventh heaven Of bliss Well, then, to mako
a long story short. after another three hours
perch We perceived some boats coming from
the direction Of Windsor, and by the aid Of a
brilliant scarlo. bandkerchief that | fortunate
ly possessed we signaled them, attracted their
attention, and were in due time taken oa board.
We then rowed to Mr.. Martins farm, a-d
saved the old man aud his wife from a chin
Hey-top whereof they were both sitting with
their feet held out OF the water. We were on-
ly Just in time
Two months later Gertrude Martin became
Mrs. William Rush The old man stuck to his
word, and our position IVES not so bad, after
all, for month previously to our Darriage [
came into "a annuity of bundled aud fifty
pounds per aunum, on the doath Of distant
relative in England, 50 thsl. with my pay Of
seven-and-six-pence per DAY, we were able to
begin housekeeping .omfeitably.
BEWARE OF BCcEwHEAT CAEEs.--A near