The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-03-03


the trees. Can it be we have missed the
trail"
"I fear we have" returned the young
hunter, in tone of detection.
Chiron was upon the point of speaking,
when sharp, prolonged, simultaneous cry
from both the hounds broke through the
forest.
On on !" shouted the young hunter.
"God grant that they have found hefr p
The two hunters sprang forward, and
while yet the barking Of the dogs made the
deep forest ring, they glided through the
tangled wildwood towards the spot from
whence the sounds proceeded.
Wildly, fearfully beat young Chestor's
heart, as be approached the dogs, and ho
almost dreaded to come upon them, lest
disappointment only should meet him and
another thought, frightful and chilling,
swept through his mind-might not he find
his mothers form in the cold grasp of
death On he dashed, and at length be
caught sight of the dogs. One bound
brought him to their side, and ere his COM
paniOn reached the spot he uttered one low
cry of hopeful anguish, and sank down by
the side of his mothers form.
Wet and cold was Morgiana, for the rain
had found her unprotected-he lips were
set and colorless, and no mark of anima-
tion dwelt upon her marble features. Or
lando placed his hand beneath her neck
and raised her head to his knee, and then,
with his own heart hushed to fearful
stiffness, he placed his hand upon tho
! bosom of his mother to see if hers had mo-
tion in it.
at beats ! it beats p the young hunter
cried. go, Chiron, my mother lives -
The excitement of the moment came
near overpowering the youth, for long suf-
fering had made him weak, and closing his
eyes beneath the unerring spell he sunk
back upon the damp moss, and the form
ground. Chiron stopped over the forms Of
both mother and son, and ere many mo-
ments the latter was aroused to conscious
ness, and when reason once began to come
to his aid, the situation of his parent
flashed upon him, and strength returned to
his every nerve and muscle. Chiron had
raised the form of Morgiana upon his own
bended knees, and was chatting her temples
with the seal-slkin pouch he wore at his
girdle.
Scan she live?' asked Orlando, as he
took ono Of the cold, alabaster hands in
his own.
"There is hope" returned Chiron, "for
her heart already beats stronger, and
warmth begins to reach her temples.
Take off your coat, Orlando, and place it
here upon this gentle mound of moss. We
will let her rest here while VIC prepare
litter"
, The youth did as directed then Chiron
, laid Morgiana's head back upon the rough
pillow thus prepared, and takiug off his
) own shirt of soft fur, he placed it over her.
This having been done, the old hunter
| drew his hatchet from his belt and proceed
) ed to get out the proper materials for "a
, litter, and ere long one of sufficient capaci-
| ty was formed, and upon it Morgiana
/ Chester was laid. The two hunters raised
the litter to their shoulders, and with eager
, steps they started homeward. The way
was difficult and tedious, but at the dis
| tance of quarter of mile they struck into
hunting-path, and they moved on with
more ease. Often did Orlando find himself
obliged to stop and rest, but at length just
as the sun had sunk below the towering
tree-tops, they reached tho forest cottage.
Old Elpsey bounded forth, and with wild
cry of anguish she fell upon the form of
her mistress; but as soon as she could be
! made TO comprehend that there was life in
that cold form she clasped it in her arms
and carried it into the house, where she
, placed it carefully upon the bed.
With fond heart die the faithful old
negress chafe the temples of her mistress,
and apply such restoratiyes as she could
command. Chiron and Orlando stood by
with earnest, eager watching,and at length
as the last soft shades of twilight were
: deepening into darkness, the maniac moth
er's eyes opened-but o, what fire burn
} ed in their bright depths She put forth
her white hand and grasped Old Elpsey by
the wrist.
Hal you black fiend p she cried, as
she started up in her bed. "'Twas you,
you who carried off my boy p'
ChirOn sprang forward and pressed the
raving woman back upon her pillow. Or
lando seemed for moment riveted to the