Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1877-12-12

N'>OAS viz old Nollltll thID W It's
legitimate resting place. Had she not
been thus pre-occupied, her quick eyes
might have caught a glimpse through
the wide-open window, of tall form
and dark, handsome face, whose
owner had paused to light a cigar, and
had overheard every word the little
witch had uttered.
Allan Trevor smiled to himself-a
queer little smile it was, too, and meant
volumes-and putting leisurely at his
cigar. strolled away.
"A lew days afterwards, Il party set off
from Huntley Place, for the purpose of
passing the day among some old ruins,
which We're considered picturesque, and
quite the thing for eycursionists to ado"
They were going on horseback, and n
merry time was anticipated.
They reached the ancient ruins, found
them . all that fancy painted them"
strolled around the garden connected
with the old buildings, played croouet
and tHrted, and finally sat down to din
ner, about as contented party as one
would wish to see.
During the whole day, Nellie's father
had endeavored to bring the young
couple together, an intention which the
young lady Immediately OWNED and
understood, and straightway Mr.. Hunt
ley had his hands full.
When woman will-she will-you
may depend on it. And when She
won't she won't-and there's an end
on it."
And every unappreciated, but appar-
emily innocent effort on the part of Mr.
Huntley, only made the demure maiden
shun Mr. Trevor the more.
As | was saying, the party were seat
ed at dinner, an improvised table, laden
with good things, plenty of ice and
long-necked bottles being predomi-
nant. In the midst of merry laughter
and gay badinage, low, rumbling
noise fell upon their ears, followed by II
loud crash.
All sprang to their feet in an instant,
the ladies pale and trembing-the men
somewhat startled"
what is it?'
Nellie's face was paid, rs she asked
the question. Without Il word Allan
Trevor sprang on his horse and rode
away in the direction of the sound fol-
lowed 10y n half dozen of the gsnte-
men.
In IA short time horseman was seen
returning, galloping like mad toward
them. 1t was Mr.. Huntley. He threw
himself from his painting horse and
hurried forward-pale and agitated.
1t is the coal mine over there !" he
cried, hurriedly. There has been an
explosion; portion of the shaft has
fallen in, and nobody knows how many
are buried alive there"
A scene of excitement followed the
dreadful announcement. Some of the
ladies fainted-all were terrified but
Nellie Huntley stood quiet, and out
wardly calm. When her father had
finished, she laid one small hand on his
his arm
"Get my horse, please, papa" she
said I" l want to go there. l might be
Of some assistance"
Nellie, are you crazy, child ?" You
must not think of such thing"
Yes, know all that, papa, Pm not
going to think about tim going right
over there at once. Miss Renshawe and
some Of the ladies will accompany me,
am sure"
Who would have believed it of those
gay ladies of fashion and frivolity-but
not one forsook our little maiden in her
humane GRAND.
The horses were hastily saddled-the
servant who had accompanied them fol-
lowed with ice and wine, in case some
unfortunate should be rescued, and they
set off Immediately.
Arriving on the spot, they found a
terrible scene Of excitement. A crowd
had collected around the shaft. There
were women crying and wringing their
hands; women ON their knees, beseech-
ing Heaven for mercy on the dear ones
shut out from their eyes by that awful
bank of earth There were men stand
ing sullen and gloomy, with arms folded
on their breasts, and in their faces grim
the very air seemed
heavy with groans and sobs, and pray
ers, and CALCULATIONS.
As our party approached, lulI fell on
the tempest OF grief-something seemed
going on; a group had gathered round a
tall form and we're begging and expostu-
lating 1t was Allan Trevor Nelies
heart stood still as she heard his words,
in firm, clear tone;
Do not try to dissuade me am
convinced that there is hope, and if you
will only assist me, | may save some
life. There is an opening sufficiently
large for one man to decend with
rope"
Before Nellie could approach him, he
had fastened to the pit; the necessary
was made, and he disap-
peared from sight in the bowels Of the
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