The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1874-10-09


the ground. The next instant the face
of the Mexican who had sworn revenge
on him peered with devilish ma!ignity
over the top of the rock. He had
logged Robert all the way from the
farmhouse, and wading silently out
under the screen of the rock, had fred
the moment he had arisen. He now
advanced cautiously to the side of his
victim, who, totally unarmed and help
less, expected nothing but instant death
OF the spot.
"Carjo," said the Mexican, while
his features were perfect study in the
intensity of the passion the portrayed.
"You have had my brother sentenced
to work for years in a filthy prison.
Did you not know hat 1 would kill
your"
az did not kill him." said Robert,
with a calmnessthat surprised even him
self, as he met unflinchingly the glitter
ing, snaky eye of the S%paniard.
80, nor Kissed the other, "you are
very merciful; you did not kill him
you only sent him to a worse fate! 1
will be merciful too," he continued, as
if struck with a new idea 81 will leave
you here and let the waves sweep you
off. That will be very merciful, and
then I will not be a murderer !; you will
only drown-that's all !"
The hope that had flashed over Rob
ert's heart a moment before now gave
way to utter despair as he saw the Span
lard enter the boat that had brought
him thither, bid him a hooking adieu,
and row for the shore.
He glanced helplessly around him.
The tide had been running in for some
time; the sun, which he had come ont
to watch setting, was sinking as if half
in mockery, half in pity, below the
western horizon. 1t was after five
o'clock, and he knew that at seven the
waves would be dashing over the rock,
and the death which he had just now
faced so bravely, fairly appalled, him
with its blackness. Darkness crept
slowly over the sea, and the eager waves
were how tapping at his very feet, as he,
by a superhuman effort, dragged him
self to the highest poir. of the fast
disappearing rock. Had he been nm
hurt, he might have hoped to be able
to retain his position On the rock until
the tide went out, for it covered it only
about eighteen inches ; but, weak and
exhausted as he was, he felt only too
keenly that the first wave which swept
over would carry him away from his
frail support. and then
Suddenly he thought he heard the
dip OF an oar, and looked eagerly in the
direction it came from. To his amaze
ment and heartfelt gratitude there was
a figure in the little boat, pulling stead
lily for the rock. For a moment the
thought darted over his mind that the
Spaniard, afraid to trust the waves,
was returning to complete his work ;
but a few lengths more and he recog-
nized the form TO be none other than
that of Ella! She came steadily on I'M
til close to the rock, and paused, calling
softly:
care you there, Roberto"
"Here, and safe," answered he JOY
fully, as with another stroke the tpoq
grated against the rock.
Who stole the boat away from you
that Spaniard ?" asked she, as she
rose and turned to step out.
EYES," he replied.
"Great God what is the matter p
are you hurt 2" exclaimed she, as she
beheld his PROSTATE form.
a little" answered he; "he did
than steal the boat-he wounded
me, and left me hero to drown, but for
you"
80, merciful Father !" exclaimed
Ella, as she hastily ran and knelt by his
side 81 thought there was some
treachery when he came by, looking SO
tiendishly pleased about something ;
and SO l stole away and ran all the way
down here, but ! little thought twas as
bad as this"
al am not hurt very badly" answered
Robert, in a reassuring tone, "but my
is broken, 1 think, and 1 have
bled a little, that's all and if you will
help me into the boat, 1 think l will