The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1877-04-06

Her eyes met his. A half smile trem-
bled On her lips. The Captain yentured
on asking what she meant by the predes-
tined destruction of the island. She
held up her hand solemnly, and repeat
ed the prophecy.
The Holy Island was threatened with
destruction by an evil being who would
one day appear on its shores. To avert
the fatality, the place had been sanctifed,
and set apart, under the protection of
the gods and their priests. Here was
the reason for the taboo, and for the ex-
traordinary strictness with which it was
enforced. Listening attentively to his
charming companion, the Captain took
her hand and pressed it gently.
do feel like demon?' he whisper
ed.
Her slim brown fingers closed frankly
on his hand. you feel soft and friendly =
she said, with the fearless candor of a
child.
Squeeze me again. like it.
The next moment she snatched her
hand away from him. The senses of
his danger had suddenly forced itself
upon her mind. IF my father sees you" !"
she said, "he will light the signal light at
the Temple, and the people from over
yonder will come over here and put YOU
to death. Where is your canoe? No 1t
is broad daylight. My father may see
you on the water" She considered for
a moment, and, approaching him, laid
her hands on his shoulders Stay here
till nightfall," she said. MY father
never comes this way. The sight of the
place where my mother died is horrible
to him. You are safe here. Promise TO
stay here till night time"
The Captain gave his promise. Freed
from anxiety so far, the girls mobile
southern temperament recovered its
native cheerfulness-its sweet gaiety
and spirit She admired the beautiful
stranger as she might have admired q
new bird that had flown to her to be
petted with the rest. She patted his
fair white shin and wished she had a
skin like ii. She lifted the great glossy
folds of her long black hair and compar
it with the Captains bright curly locks,
and wished she could change color with
him from the bottom of her heart. His
dress was wonder to her His watch
was new revelation. She rested her
head on his shoulder to listen delighted
ly to the ticking as he held the watch to
her ear. Her fragrant breath played on
his face, her warm, supple figure rested
against him softly. The Captains arm
stole round her waist, and the Captains s
lips gently touched hers. She lifted her
head with look of pleased surprise
Thank you" said the child of nature
simply. kiss me again; like it. May
| kiss your The tame turlle-dove perch
ed on her shoulder as she gave the Cap
tain her first kiss, and diverted her
thoughts to the pets she had left, in pur
suit of the truant dove. Come" she
said, ''and see my birds. keep them
on this side of the forest There is no
danger SO long as you don't show your
self on the other side My name is
Aimata; Aimata will take care of you
Oh. what beautiful white neck you
have, She put her arm admiringly
round his neck. The Captains arm
held her tenderly to him. Slowly the
two descended the cliff, and were lost in
the leafy solitudes of the forest. and
the tame dove fluttered before them, Il
winged messenger Of love, cooling to his
mate.