The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-01-13
For the Bloomfield Times
THE MYSTERIOUS FRIEND.
A Story Of Old Virginia
For the Bloomfield Times.
CHAPTER III.
IN WHICH OUR HERO MAKES A NARROW ESCAPE.

A FEW miles above jamestown, stretch
N ing back from the northern bank of
the river, lay the rich tobacco plantation of
Sir Oliver Wimple. The sun had turned
upon its afternoon course, and though its
rays beat down with strong power, yet
the fresh breeze which came sweeping up
from the broad Chesapeake cast an invigor-
ating influence through the atmosphere.
The dwelling stood only few rods back
from the river, with green lawn in front,
while back of it, and stretching slightly
around to the western side, lay an extern
sive garden, divided into box-bound paths
and flower-beds, with here and there vine
clad arbor, or trellised walk.
Within one of the paths, at the end Of
which was a sort of greenhouse, stood
Ada Wimple. She had been plucking some
weeds from a small bed of English Glenn
ats, and had just risen TO her feet, when
the sound of approaching steps attracted
her attention, and in the next instance she
was in the presence Of Orlando Chester. A
slight blush passed over her features as she
met his eye, but it was quickly gone, and
with frank, smile, she extended to him
her hand.
"You will pardon me for the intrusion,
lady," said the young hunter, still holding
the hand that had been extended to him,
"but was passing homeward in my
canoe, and l could not resist the desire to
see you"
"And surely you would not have passed
without stopping" said Ada, with artless
grace, while, with an interest that sought
not concealment, she gazed into the face of
him who had saved her.
"No, would not have passed now with
out stopping" replied Orlando "for l de-
sired to know of your safety and feel
happier to know you suffer not from the
effects of your adventure on the river"
"And that do not suffer, or that even
live to know it, owe to you" returned
Ada, while beam OF gratitude shone from
her eyes. "of course you will always call
when you pass"
"Always?" iterated the young man, in
a tone of deep meaning "No, may not
stop again"
mot stop again - repeated Ada, in a
tone of surprise, while sudden look of
disappointment rested upon her features.
"You will surely come and see my father
and my mother. They are both away to-
day, at Mr. Berlkley's."
"And wherefore should / see them ?"
"That they may thank you for saving
their only child"
"Do they not thank me already?"
"Thank you? All, yes-and bless you
too"
"Then / accept their blessings, and feel
joy in knowing that have merited them
But did not that deed for thanks, nor for
any other blessing or reward than that
given by my own approving conscience.
When your parents return, tell them that
he who saved your life feels happy that he
possesses their thanks and for you, fair
girl, can only say, may God make your
life happy.
Orlando did not turn away as he spoke,
but extended his hand to the girl who stood
before him. Ada took It, and, with trem-
bling accents, said:
"Why, do you refuse 10 come again?
When first wa met and when first we part
ed, had thought that band Of friend
ship would ever unite MS. Few, there are
who have such claims upon friendship as
have you; and why cast It of now9D
Ada Wimple," said the young man.
you say ] have saved your life, and you