The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1874-07-02

brave my lost Franz. He took me &c
his heart one day and told me was to
be his bride. Ills mother smiled and
best US. And IL was in heaven Of
peace and gladness. The days went by
and we were counting by hours-the
time was so near for our marriage. lie
laushingly left us one morning, saying
he would take his last hunt; because
after he had wife he could be allowed
no such freedom. lie went away t.
Pilatus to hunt, He ncvcr-comc-
back"
The girl rose, fiercely clasping he'
hands together.
"The terrible storms-took him in his
embrace /; he is lying up there in tho
snow, and every storm is burying him
deeper from me. A year tonight he
has been sleeping there-I have beer
watching down here. Mein Gott, meir
Colt Mein Franz, mein Franz
And again she leaned her head upot
the stone work in passion of tears.
took her hand, soothingly, in mine
but what could say to the young ant
stricken hearts? only held her cold
hand, silently waiting for her to grow
quiet. Presently she raised her head.
"Forgivc me for intruding my grie
upon you, but it has been relief.
have never shed tears since he left US
until tonight; tho horrible pain seems t.
be sof,cned in my heart through thcs'
tears. ! thank you for your patience
must go into the house-good.night.
Goodnight, Natalie. Gott sci Mi
dr!w
She bowed her beautiful head an in
slant at my words, and then glide'
away. | sat down to think over tn
story l had just heard Cruel. Piltatus
1t did not look SO fair rs it had an hou
ago. So musing, l must have fallen L
sleep. When reused, the moon wa
still shining, though with iainte
light. l was about to rise and retuIl
to the house, when CHANGING TO glanc
toward the terrace, l say
some one leaning against it. Was
Natalie again l looked closely. !
was a man. rose and approached him
He started at my footstep on the pave
walk, and turned full toward Ine. A tai
noble looking fcl!ow-though | corl
see even in the dim light that his FAC
was pale and thin. Something inspire'
me with strange idea; knew before
knew what would say, exclaimed:
at is Franz-nicht irahr ?"
The man came 10 my side, hastily.
ayes, | am Franz; but who are you
| do not recognize You. And-and-
Natalie. Is she well--does she hve!'
ayes, she lives, bu; believes you dead
How did you get here? 7"
"Shc loves me stili-waits tor me +!
ayes, yes"
"My mo,her!"
"Livcs, and only needs to know so
live, to he restored TO health"
"Nun Colt sci Dank J" And the strang
head sank down just where Natalie
had been an hour beforehand he crle
and sobbed for joy. After little W
sat down together upon the garden seal
and Franz told me how he had BEEF
caught in the storm, and nearly died
was secured by the hunters-had brain
lever in the peasants hut they had tax
en- him TO had lain several month
weak in mind and body; at last rallied
and, by slow degrees, recovered; bu
the year had passed, nearly, before h
was fit to start for home. He had reach
ed it, fearing, hoping, and when h
reached the garden, had been utterly
broken in heart least he was 10 fin,
them all dead-or shock them to dealt
by his appearing to them, his dear ones
This was his story. Then told him al
about Natalie and his mother; and, hav
ing made him promise to be patient an'
wait my return, went to the house t.
call Natalie. The red morning ligh
was just breaking over tho hills, Natalie
opened her door as 1 approached it. Sh'
looked little pale.
"Dear child" began ! gently "som'
one who saw your dear Franz is here
and would like to speak to you of him.
eyes dear friend, l dreamed Of Franz
let us go and see this visitor"
l took her haad and led her to The
garden. Franz stood turned from u.
| led her to his side. She looked up
lie opened his arms.
"FranZ!
"Natalie!"
She lay clasped to his breast. They
spoke no word. saw their trembling,
claspiug arms and bowed heads. / turn
away. l could not look upon their
JOY. l leaned my old head
down on the terrace and wept.
Well! We are going TO have a we'd
ding in the garden to-day, l shall give
away the bride. Franz, the bridegroom.
is busy making xrcaths for the terrace
and Natalie fits here and there, touch.
ing, and rctouching after the mother,
who fergets she is an invalid.
hear Natalie singing "Ach die Vel
ist so choen. 3"