Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-04-08
conclnded from flrst page.I

thew should ever have dreamed OF doing
ANYTHING so very ridiculous. The mer-
chant threw himself back in the carriage,
and occupied his mind with the plan OF a
magnificent asylum for unfortunate men
If business. Meanwhile, David Swan en-
joyed his nap
The carriage could not have gone above
a mile or two, when pretty young girl
came along, with a tripping pace, which
showed precisely how her little heart was
dancing in her bosom. Perhaps it was
this merry kind of motion that caused-is
there any harm in saying it?-her garter
to slip the knot. Conscious that the silken
girth-if silk it were-was relaxing It's
hold, she turned aside into the shelter Of
the maple trees, and there found young
man asleep by the spring
Blushing AS red as any rose, that she
should have intruded into gentleman ;
bed-chamber, and for such purpose, too
she was about to make her escspe' ON up
toe. But there was peril near the sleeper.
A monster of bee had been wandering
oyerhead-buzz, buzz, buzz-now among
the leaves. now flashing through the
strips of sunshine, and now lost IN the
dark shade, till finally he appeared TO be
settling on the eyelid OF David Swan.
The sling of bee is sometimes deadly.
As free-hearted as she was innocent. the
GIRL attacked the intruder with her hand
kerchief, brushed him soundly, and drove
him from beneath the maple shade. How
sweet a picture! This good deed accom-
plished, with quickened breath and a
deeper blush, she stole glance at the
youthful stranger for whom she had been
battling with dragon in the air.
s.He is handsome y thought she, and
blushed redder yet.
How could it be that no dream OF bliss
grew SO strong within him. that, shattered
by its very strength, 1t should part asun-
der, and allow him to perceive the girl
among his phantomsp Why, at least, did
no smile OF welcome brighten upon his
face p She was come, the maid whose soul,
according to the old and beautiful idea.
had been severed from his own, and whom
in all his vague but passionate desires, he
yearned to meet. Her, only, could he
love with perfect love-him, only. could
she receive into the depths of her heart
and now her image was family blushing
in the fountain by his side; should it pass
away, its happy lustre would never CLEAN
upon his life again.
''fIow soundly he sleeps" murmured
the girl. She departed, but did not trip
along the road SO lightly as when she
came.
Now. this girls father was thriving
country merchant in the neighborhood.
and happened, at that identical time, to be
looking out for just such young man as
David Swan. Had David formed a way
side acquaintance with the daughter, he
would have become the fathers clerk, and
all else in natural succession. So here
again had good fortune-the best of for
tunes-stolen SO near that her garments
brushed against him and he knew moth
ing OF the matter.
The girl was hardly out of sight, when
two men turned aside beneath the maple
shade. Both had dark faces. set off by
cloth caps, which were drawn down aslant
over their brows. Their dresses were
shabby, yet had certain smartness.
These were couple of rascals, who got
their living by whatever the Devil sent
them and now, in the interim of other
business. had staked the joint profits OF
their next piece of villainy on a game of
cards, which was to have been decided
here under the trees. But, finding David
asleep by the spring, one of the rogues
WnioPCiCu W htc iClBOW
''Hist Do you see that bundle under
his headp''
The other villain nodded, winked and
leered.
''Fll bet you horn of brandy" said the
first. ''that the chap has either a pocket
book or snug little hoard of small change
slowed away amongst his shirts. And if
not there we shall find it in his pantaloons
pocket
'But how if he wakes 20 said the other
one.
His companion thrust aside the waist
coat, pointed to the handle OF dirk, and
nodded.
$50 be itm muttered the second villain.
So they approached the unconscious Da-
vid, and while one pointed the dagger
towards his heart, the other began to
search the bundle beneath his head. Their
two faces, grim, wrinkled and ghastly
with guilt and fear, bent over their victim,
looking horrible enough to be mistaken
for fiends. should he suddenly awake. Nay,
had the villains glanced aside into the
spring, they would have hardly known
themselves as reflected there. But David
Swan had never worn more tranquil as
pect, even when asleep on his mothers
breast.
Il must take away the bundle" whis-
pered one.
If be stirs, I'll strike" muttered the
other.
But at this moment a dog. seeming
along the ground, came in between the
maple trees, and gazed alternately at each
of these wicked men. and then at the sleep
err. He then Tapped out of the fountain.
"Pshaw!" said one villain. 1--WE can do
nothing now. The dogs master must be
close behind"
''Let's take drink and be of, - said the
other.
The man with the dagger thrust back
the weapon into his bosom, and drew
forth pocket.pistol, but not of that kind
tn at kills by a single discharge. 1t was
a flask of liquor, with block-tin-tumber
screwed upon the mouth. Each took a
comfortable dram. and left the spot, with
so many jests, and such laughter at their
unaccomplished wickedness, that they
might be said to have gone on their way
rejoicing. In a few hours they had for,
gotten the whole affair, nor once imagin-
ed that the recording angel had written
down the crime of uurd, = auainst thai,