The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1874-05-12
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FRED MORGANS ESCAPE.
A Tale Of Australia in EARLY Days.
BY EEwARp A. coBLE1aH.

Fred's father had departed this life,and
in dying had willed to him, not only a
moderate income, but ayast mineral prop
erty in Australia, which with tue expen-
diture of little money, and under his
own personal supervision, Fred thought
would prove worth fortune. Za.a.a b.
Therefore, having taken me into his
confidence.he offered me third interest
in bis property if l would 60 with him
to the far. off land andhelp carry his pros
ject through Together we took passage
from New York FOR Australia
At the time of his fathers decease,
Fred was engaged in business with me in
that city. for, though an Englishman by
birth, he had, at the early age Of nine
teen, come to America and settled, as he
supposed, for life in New York 1sH
Having taken trip 20 London and
settled his fathers affairs. he returned 10
the United States, we closed out our hn-
siness, and, embarked for the gold fields'
On board our ship it happened that
wealthy Spaniard and his daughter had
also taken passage The Don was man
Of about fifty, strong, robust, and full OF
life He had resided in America some
twelve years, and was now on his way to
'fhe diggings' ALSO: His daughter,
Donna Inez, was a,Spaniard in every
thing but conversation and polish. and in
these particulars was thoroughly Ameri
can, she having been brought to this
country when but six years of age ,fsj
The Don. from some unaccountable
cause, took sudden liking to me from
the day of our first meeting and confded
to me his family history, intentions, and
expectations for the future, and every
thing concerning his intended move
ments -. ~ YasH- -.h iio Gr-s.. tNa1
On leaving New York 1 had said good
by" with fond embrace,to one whom
considered the fdrest and most attract.
i've of earth's creatures, so that Twas in
no danger of being captivated by the
beautiful Spaniard But Fred, who had
not been seriously smitten bv any Of the
bellies of the metropolis, was situated
otherwise, and before we had been three
days out, was s'over head and ears'' in
love with Inez; and she, could see, re-
turned his affections with that ardor nat
ural to Spanish females. Hst-.h
The fourth day out the Don complain
ed of being ill, and before the next af-
|ternoon, was smitten with ship fever in
I its worst form For DAYS he lay in his
berth, tossing in ieverish delirium, and
raving about Australia and its prospects
At times his mind also wandered to Inez,
and he would talk for hours about her
seemed to feel that he was going to
die, and his insane mutterings were sad
and painful. Inez, Fred, the ships ply
sieian and myself were his constant at
tendants.though the heaviest hurthen of
watching fell on me. because he woul1
scarcely let me 90 out of his sight He
knew me even in his delrium though the
rest, even to Inez herself, were unrecog.
mixed 8t ia a5 Ga
1t was the seventh day of his illness
The fever had spread some in the ship,
though for few days no new cases had
been announced / was completely worn
out with watching and almos. corstant
attendance on the sick mar, land had sto-
len to my state room while the Don was
slumbering. We had given up all hopes
of his recovery long before, and were
now only waiting for death to release
him from his sufferings. We did not,
however, think that the liberator was SO
near. f
threw myself on my couch. and had
just dropped off into sleep as none can
know save those who have waited on the
sick for weary days and nights, when my
slumber was broken by Inez. She woke
me and communicated the fact that her
father was dying, and l must go, to him
at once.
had not doffed any of nay apparel,
and went without moments loss OF
time to her fathers apartment. Ifound
him in his right mind. but very weak -
He asked for stimulant to brace his
fast failing strength, and it was quickly
brought In a moment it revived him,
and he asked to be propped up in his
berth to make his last communication.
"George," said he, my hour has come
MY golden dreams have faded, and am
called to leave this fair earth. The blow
has come unexpectedly, but am not un
prepared, save in one thing Ny child
has no protector. Will you do me this
one last favor-promise to take her un.
der your care and guardianship? Though
we are comparative strangers, | feel that
you will make one worthy Of my trust.
Will you do this y