The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1877-02-04

then the boat was turned about anu
headed for home. The harvest moon
shone in vivid brightness, and, as we
felt the force of the current, our
thoughts and words turned upon the
dangers Of the river, the few well-known
stories of persons who were carried over
the falls. the narrative Of those who
were swept down from the very locality
where we were sailing, and OF those
who chung to the rocks for hours in the
sight Of crowds on shore, only to be
torn away at last, and hurled over the
abyss. The fearful fascination of these
descriptions absorbed us all.
"How dreadful" murmured Kate,
looking back with @ shudder, as
If she saw the distant rapids
and heard the very roar Of the
cataract; her intense Imagination
brought the scenes before her eyes with
all the distinctness OF reality.
After all, what does it matter where
or how we die?" said Alleyne Forsythe.
death Ia but the casting off our chains
for glorious freedom. For brave souls
1t should have no terrors, but rath sr
should they yearn for their emancipa-
ton. And, as regards the manner of
our going, what death more ethereal
than o. plunge over Niagara. and, i'm
prisoned In a crystal shroud, to take
our next breath in the atmosphere of
infinity? 1t is ignoble to seek death. but,
when my time comes, I ask no filter
medium Of translation than this pure
water. | would pause on the brink to
throw up my arms for joy at the splen-
dor Of my death-angel's face among the
rainbows."
Kate's eyes beamed with responsive
enthusiasm if they had been alone, |
verify believe she would have given in
her allegiance then and there.
"Would you be afraid in case Of dan
ger. Pearl2" said Nathan Day. in O low
voice.
They stood close to my side, so I
could not help hearing them.
"Not with you," replied Pearl. lifting
her lovely eyes to his with so much
trust that his plain face grew almost
handsome with happiness.
/" think the subject has grown girls
w." said Frank Ronalds. FL am free
to say that I don't admire Mors, who
vents velociter and rapits us atrociter
fast enough without these icy antieipa-
tions in addition. For my part, IL any
should give up the ghost with fear In
less than minute. Shouldn't you,
Miss Rathbone?"
"L should certainly be very much
frightened" said Mary.
1--WE two would meet death, II need
he, hand in hand, Rosalie," said Mr..
Vanderheyden to his wife. But I
have no such longing after the un-
known as to give up my assured happi-
ness without u struggle. Trust me,
love, would bear you safely to shore
or die in the attempt. Death would
have to snap these muscles asunder e'er
they would relax their hold!'-aud the
tall man drew himself up to his full
height, and extended his powerful arms
as though already contending with the
current.
II move we sing something" cried
Frank Ronalds. miss Brandegee, IN
less you wish to see US all turn into
damp, moist. unpleasant bodies at your
feet, start a lively chorus, beg
For some time all sung merlily, and
was enjoying the music and the rapid
motion of the boat, when felt a pecu-
liar culver under my feet, and perceived
that our speed was slaekening. As the
party kept on singing. / had decided
that the idea must be the effect Of
Imagination. when, after q moment, L
noticed one Of the men employed at the
engine reaching up, by means OF the
railing, as If to get something on the
EOOl oNGluStlh M LhiS lhSbttAt WIZ Dobp
swayed round with u lurch. the man
lost his balance, and fell backward into
the water.
/ sprang to my feet, crying, ga
man overboard!" but we had already
left the black spot far behind. Nathan
Day rushed toward the engine,
and Frank Ronalds ran to the
wheel, but the black spot had disap-
peared, and we strained our eyes in
vain over the misty water fol any sign
OF life.
How cruel, how wicked, to leave
that man to drown !" exclaimed Kate,
in indignation. 1.-The boat is drifting
farther and farther away from the poor
creature every instant. Can nothing be
done? Nr. FOrsythe, pray 90 to the
engine ut once. ] nm sure you know
more about it than Nathan Day"
The gentlemen left us to ourselves
and crowded together around the en-
CINE; the boat was evidently drifting
down stream with the current, and we
recognized the landmarks we had
passed u short time before. We heard
hammeriDg and the clash Of metal, but
we had no realization OF danger until
Frank Ronalds came toward us, bis
face pale in the moonlight, and his boy
ish voice trembling with agitation.
we are lost lie SAID; we snail &c
over the falls"
A shrek from Pearl Brandegee
brought her lover to her side.
Pearl, Pearl, my darling, do not
tremble so, we may yet be saved" he
cried, holding the frantic girl in his
arms.
But she did not heed him; scream
after scream rang in our ears, until We
were deafened by the shrill sound.
81 shall be drowned, I shall be drown
ed!" she cried, wrestling herself from
his grasp; chow dared you bring me
into danger, you selfish mani"
''She is delirious with fear" said Ma,
than; and, taking her hands, he tried
to soothe her with loving words.
"IIet me be! Don't touch me! Oh,
shall be drowned and carried over the
falls!' and renewed shrieks rang out
upon the air.
In the mean time we other women
had been asking questions of everybody
and, receiving no coherent answers,
had gathered around Nathan Day.