The Morning herald., 1877-01-03
CORD AND CRBESB.
CHAPTER XVII.
I'm suADoW OF THE AFRICAN FOREST

IN suADow OF THE AFRICAN FOREST.
AT nrst when waked," he murmured,
and looked around on this scene, thought
b.t I had at last entered the spirit-world,
nd that you had come with me; and felt
deep 10y that I can never express. But
zee, and know now, that l am yet on
be earth. Though what shore Of all the
arth this is, or how l got here, l know
ot."
"You must Sleep" said she gently.
"And you-you-you," he murmured,
18th indescribabls intensity-"you, com
anion, preserver, guardian ANGEL feel
) though, if were not a man, l could
Fsep my life out at your feet"
"Do not weep" said she, calmly. 1.-THE
me for tears may yet come; but it is not
ow."
He looked at her long, earnestly, and
pquiringy, still holding her hand, which
had pressed to his lips. An unutterable
bnging to ask something was evident but
was checked by a painful embarrassment.
II know nothing but this" said he at
st, that have felt az though sailing for
bars over infinite seas. Wave after wave
as been impelling u on. A Hindu ser
ant guided the boat. But lay weak,
Fith my head supported by you, and your
rms around me. Yet, of all the days and
i the years that I have ever known, these
|sre supreme, for all the time was one long
cstasy. And now if there is sorrow be-
pre- me-" he concluded, 81 will meet it rs.
(snedly, for l have had my heaven al
eady."
"You have sailed over seas" said she,
IDLY; "but was the helpless one, and
oa saved me from DEATH"
"And are you-to me-what I thought"
e asked, with painful vehemencs and
nPloring eyes.
II am your nurse" said she with a mel
pcholy smile.
He sighed heavily. "sleep now," said
hs and she again placed her hand upon
10 forehead. Her touch soothed him.
Ter voice arose in low song of surprising
weetnsss. His senses yielded to the sub
% incarnation, and sleep came to him as
e lay.
When he awaked it was almost evening.
Iethargy was still over him, and Beatrice
Pade him sleep again. He slept into the
ext day. On waking there was the same
bsence Of memory. She gave him some
ordial to drink, and the draught revived
i'm. Now he was far stronger, and he sat
p, leaning against tree, while Beatrice
melt near him. He looked at her long
md earnestly,
II would wish never to leave this place,
ut to stay here" said he. II know moth.
eg Of my past life. Ihave drunk of Lethe.
let can n.t help struggling to regain
knowledge Of that past.
he put his hand in his bosom, a. if feel
pg for some relic.
Il have something suspended about my
eck," said he, (which is precious. Per-
aps shall know what it is after a time"
Then, after pause. "Was there. not 4
FreckT he asked.
Yes; and you saved my life"
"Was there not fight with piratesr'
Yes; and you saved my life," !" said Bea.
flce again.
Il begin to remember" said Brandon.
1ow long is it since the wreck took placer
ut was January l5."
And what is this Y
February 6. 1t is about three weeks"
"how did get away ?'
I'm .l, boat with me and the servant"
Where is the servant?"
"AWav nrov;d;po f,, ~, W. hoJ
lnIs,troke, He carried you up here"
how long have been in this place ?"
"A fortnight"
Numerous questions followed. Brandon's
emory began to return. Yet, in his ef.
Prts to regain knowledge of himself Bea-
lce was still the most prominent object in
Is thoughts. His dream-lifs persisted in
planggllng agg itself with his real life.
But you" he cried, earnestly-"you,
ow have you endured all this? You are
cary; you have worn yourself out for me.
nst can ever do to show my gratitude ?
GU nave watched me night and day.
lii you not have more care Of your own
Inc eyes Of Beatrice kindled with soft
ght. What is my life Y' said she. 'Do
not owe it over and over again to you ?
Iut deny that am worn out"
lhrandon looked at hef with earnest, long.
pg eyes.
Ills recovery was rapid. In few days
was able to go about. Cato procured
Sh from the waters and game from the
ooo', 30 as to save the provisions Of the
oat' and they looked forward to the time
hen they might resume their journey,
ut TO Brandon this thought was repug.
cnt, and an hourly struggle nor went on
1nln hlm. Why should he 20 to Eng
no What could he do? Why should
ever part from her?