The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1874-09-04

At length he stopped, sank into an arm
chair before an escritoire, unlocked a
tinydrawer, and drew forth a miniature
case. Holding it a moment unopened,
he murmured
Chow memories crowd around me
tonight! Why has fate dealt with me
so cruelty? Everything dear taken from
me-father, mother, brother, and, worse
than all, lore" Opening the case, he
gazed tenderly OF a fair, lovely face,
with eyes as deep and blue az little
Nells, and hair as bright and sunny,
too.
Ten years before, that beautiful girl
was Edgar Austin's promised bride.
Two brothers only represented ali old
and wealthy race-Edgar, the elder, and
Charles.
Merry-hearted and fun-loving was
this younger brother, who came from
abroad, and sang, danced, and rode
with Efgar's love, as sister and brother,
they thought. But the time came when
the heart of each vas awakened to the
truth. She was false to the n that
worshiped her-he to the brother who
trusted him with such perfect faith.
Yes. Charles Austin won his brothers
PROMISED bride.
GO! Let me never see you more !!
Take with you the halfway, more, all
you wish. Pave your way with gold if
you choose. Only go, and quickly !"
Edgar said, when the hope-crushing
truth came to him.
Thus they parted, never to meet
again.
Closing the case with a deep sigh,
Edgar Austin again paced the floor.
Tonight they seem lowering around
me. l believe 1 could forgive them
now. Where are they? Oh I am so
weary, so desolate must get ont, or
l shall go mad - he cried. Touching
a bell, he said to the man who came
immediately:
my coat and cap, Thomas"
at SHOWS, sir" the man said.
al care not. l shall not be long. /
must have a walk, or l shall not sleep
tonight"
The SNOW was falling thick and fast.
The streets almost deserted. 1t was
impossible to see more than a few steps
ahead. Yet Edgar Austin pushed for
ward.
Presently, a sound near arrested his
steps; an instant more, and an immense
dog WIS beside him. He rev back on
the defensive, but the animals manner
was not threatening at all on the con
trary, friendly. Walking on up under
a gas-light, Edgar Austin looked into
the dogs eyes, and, seeing the eager,
pleading expression, asked, putting
forth his hand and patting his head:
What is it, old fellow? What do
you want"
The noble animal was delighted that
he had found r. friend, and profuse i'll
his thanks.
"All right" said Edgar. 81 know.
Now go ahead and let me know what
you want"
The dog ran forward a few yards,
then back, to insure his friends fol-
lowing. On again and back. He ~
timed in the same way until he had
proceeded about two squares, when an
other sound was heard, which Edgar's
companion answered Immediately.
"Fido-oh. come, Fido!" called a
child's voice.
In an instant more Edgar was pulled
gently up to a door, within the shelter
of which crouched little Nell, SILVER
ing and terrified by Fido's long alb
sence. She threw her arms around the
dogs neck a moment, then raised her
eyes pleadingiy to the friend Fido had
brought her, and said:
con, please, sir, take me and Fido.
We will be very good, and work very
hard, and not eat SO much. Only Just
once; We are so hungry now, amt We,
lido?"
Edgar caught the child's hand, drew
her quickly up to the store window,
from which the gas shone brightly, and
asked
"Where are you from, child whom
DO You belong to ?"
From Mrs. Browns. We don't be-
long to anybody but ourselves. We've