Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1877-03-02

hOb U0NA " HnhuOWbu ny Huth
verdict, which implies my guilt, not suf-
ficiently proved for the law to punish
but equally guilty"
Two years had elapsed, during which
no intelligence had been heard Of John
Westmacott, were he living, nor lately OF
Thomas Mildmay, when, one stormy
night, the anniversary of John Westma-
colts disappearance, the inmates of the
rcCtory we're aroused by the deep, mel
ancholy boom of the minute gun. 1t was
sound unfortunately too often heard
on that wild, rugged north coast; but its
frequency did not deter the inhabitants
from quitting their beds, anxious to rem.
der aid
The rector was ever among the first
TO encourage and reward. On this night,
despite his persuasions. for she had
grown very delicate, May, her plaid
wrapped around her, accompanied him.
The beach, crowded with men, pre-
sentcd an animated scene. Beyond tossed
the stormy sea- as black rs the sky above,
except when the white crests OF the
waves flashed out, before they broke
with a deafcning crash upon the shore.
Among those waves, gored by the hid
den reefs, was the illfated ship, rolling
as in mortal agony, while clinging to the
shrouds and rigging were tiny specks,
known to be men, whose numbers, after
each sweeping wave, were mournfully
lessencd.
With difficulty the lifeboat was
launched, manned by brave-hearted vol
untcers, and pulled on its mission of
rescue.
Twice successfully it made the jour.
ney, but the third time, caught by side
wave, it and its freight were hurled pell.
nell upon the beach.
"The boat is done for" said the rector,
regarding it, but, praise Heaven, not
before all are saved"
"No, moi o papa, in mercy look, "
cried May, catching his arm. There is
yet one on board who has been left be-
hind "
Her words attracted every eye on the
beach, and there, holding to the shrouds,
was visible the figure of man. The
next instant he had plunged into the
boiling sea.
" He would swim it. 1t is impossi-
ble," CALCULATED the rector The boat
is useless. We have no means to help
him, unless any here would risk their
lives to meet him with a rope"
There was silence. The rope was
ready-the man wanting. They were
not towards, but few there could swim,
and those who were able regarded the
attempt as pure madness.
Suddenly in their midst stood man
already divested of his coat
Fasten the rope around me-" he said,
quietly. q am a strong swimmer, and
perhaps can do it,"
At the sound of his voice May sprang
forward with a cry.
Tom-Tom Mildmay" she exclaimed.
" 0 no, no-not you"
He smiled encouragingly upon her,
watched for the resting wave, and the
next instant was battling his way through
the pillows. In that stormy sea, to fol-
low his course was impossible. They
only knew his progress by the telling out
of the rope.
1t was terrible suspense-to none so
much as to May, who leaned halffaint-
ing, yet too anxious to lose entire con-
seriousness, upon her fathers arm.
A quarter of an hour, and the signal
was given to pull in. Rapidly it was
obeyed. But each haul found the weight
heavier, until it was evident that the
swimmer or swimmers were no longer
able to assist themselves.
So it proved when, by one more haul,
they were landed. The two were found
senscless, clasped in each others arms
with grip like death.
AnXiously the crowd gathered round,
and murmur of surprise burst from
many as in the preserver and preserved
they recognized Thomas Mildmay and
the supposed murdered man, John West.
macott.
Little remains to be told. John West
macott, on recovering, heard with con-
siderable emotion who had been his
rescuer, and eagerly he explained the
mystery of his disappearance on thai
eventful night.
Maddened by passion, after striking
Thomas Mildmay down, he set off tC
walk to a neighboring seaport, resolving
never to place a foot in the reCtory
again.
A vessel when he arrived was on the
point of starting for Norway-a place
he had long desired to visit-and he tool
! passage in her, hoping by travel to fine
distraction from his misery.
/ In Norway he had remained until {
week back, when chance had thrown into
his hands an old newspaper containing
Thomas Mildmay's trial.
Shocked and overwhelmed with re
morse, he had not lost moment in re
turning to Scotland by the first ship tina
sailed, which, by singular chain O.
circumstances, happened to be wrecked
on the very portion of the coast HI
wished to reach.
E" You have saved my life, Tom," sale
he, warmly pressing his friends palm
land am here to prove your innocence
Forgive the past, and" taking May
hand, and himself placing it in tn,
others, - pray you may be happy. l
your guilt was not proven, your devotion
is, and fully merits the reward of Ma.
Westleigh's love."-EngIish Magazine