New Orleans Republican., 1873-06-22

ye his head, and pulled with all his

above his head. and pulled with all his
might.
was checked it plunged heavily and partly
turned over: its top became entangied Ia
the sycamore, and terrible crash ensued.
With sudden spring Fred gained the pro-
;ecting branch, taking his clinging burden
with him. In another instant the cotton.
wood had broken away and continued its
voyage down the river, while the bent syca-
more regained its shape with such quick
rebound that the two travellers were nearly
precipitated into the stream again. Fred,
half supporting, half dragging Becky.
worked his way to the trunk by series of
gymnastics that would have been no dis
credit to BlOndin, and in moment more
both had reached the ground in safety.
That's business we are well out OF. he
said, when he had regained his breath.
Now where are we"
He looked about A light was s'immer
ing from habitation behind them. a short
distance from where they stood. Becky
could not walk without great pain, and
Fred lifted her lightly in his arms and
started for the house. 1t proved to be the
dwelling of small planter, who was not
lacking IN hospitality. Here their wants
were quickly attended to and under the
cheering influence of warmth and shelter
Becky was soon herself again.
They drove home the following day, Fred
having procured the loan of the planters
horse and chaise for that purpose, promising
to return them by Mr.. Eewtons servant
the day after. The morning was bright
and clear, and the fragrance Of the orange
groves was III all the air. Becky. who had
maintained almost 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. II was Becky who
spoke first.
Fred" she said.
"What!"
''You have saved my life, hare you not"
''Happy to do it any day" he remarked.
not knowing what else to say.
Il thank you very much
"Quite welcome, I'm sure"
There was another long silence, broken
only by the sound of the horses hoofs upon
the road. Fred himself seemed to have
lost some of his habitual ease, for he kept
his whip in constant Notion and held the
reins nervously.
"Fredw
"What ~
"Are you going to write to that young
lady in New Orleans y
II s'pose So
Hadn't Observation-Disclosures
yOu-betOre you write z!
He turned her eyes full upon her and
opened them wide.
TRY again! Try what!''
I've been thinking through the night"
said Becky, bending low to hide her face.
and carefully separating the fringe of her
mantilla, "that-perhaps-ify you had asked
me again the same question-that you did
yesterday morning. might answer little
different"
Becky's head went against Fred's shoul-
der. and her face became Immediately lost
to view.
''You darlingw he exclaimed: II never
intended to do otherwise. The young lady
in New Orleans was wholly myth. But
when, may l ask. did you change your
mind 2" |
Il have never changed it, she murmur-
ed. II have loved you all the time, but
never knew it until last night"
And SO to this day, when Mrs. Becky Eek
erson is asked where she fell in love with |
her husband, she answers, ION a log