The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-01-27
Left ON Guard.
A GIRLS PERILoUs ADVENTURE.

I was a very bold and fearless child,
and NV brothers and sisters often dared
me to go into lonely places in the dark,
or do perilous feats of various kinds,
which challenges I never refused.
Very probably the consciousness that
they were about to dupe me gave me
more courage than would otherwise
have had, for any unusual noise or ap-
pearance would be attributed to one or
another coming to brighten me.
But, night and day, used to go
straight up to and touch whatever
seemed fearful, and finding the object
of doubt resolved itself into very simple
elements, / acquired an ease which
stood me instead in times of real danger.
s. We lived in large old-fashioned
country house. 1t opened to the south,
and the two large parlors looked to the
east and west.
The dining-hall and spacions kitohen
formed the square or the house. while
at the west and back was another large
room. sometimes called the great porch.
and at the east and back was the dairy
and another porch.
There were three stairways leading to
the upper rooms. and garnet, whose
ample space was broken only by the
great chimney in the center.
We had gay and lively house, for
NV parents were much given to the old
fashioned virtue of hospitality.
The humblest wayfarer coming in at
the porch was entertained kindly and
babe God-speed, as well as the guest
whose elegant carriage and span drove
round to the front door on the southern
side. ~
lam not going now to tell You of my
handsome indulgent parents, or my
brothers and sisters-only about myself.
There were a great many of us when
we were all at home, especially in the
winter holidays, but at times we were
nearly all away.
Boarding-schools, academies, travel
ing-they all claimed us at various
times. Yet it was rare indeed that one
was home alone.
It 80 happened, however, and to me.
It was q summer day, and warm,
bright and beautiful. The morning
promised lovely day. just after our
early breakfast, merry party came rid
ing down the lane, in carriages and on
QOfDeDock, auu CaAAAu6 JOyOuoAy Al ny
father and mother to accompany them
on . pleasure trip. They we're accus-
toned to this mode Of impromptu fes-
tivity, and gayly answered that they
would soon be ready.
It was only the day before that my
father had returned from California and
bad brought with him bag of gold. /
knew he had this, for ] had seen him
the night before counting some of it,
and putting it into another bag, and /
bedlv wanted to ask him to give me one
Of the pretty coins, but was too well
taught to interrupt or tease him.
Thomas brought the carriage to the
door. Fathers favorite black horse,
vhose coat looked like lustrous velvet,
and who stepped SO proudly, was paw
ing the ground impatiently, - he APP
peSred. He handed in my beautiful
mother. AID stood looking on in
childish pleasure 1t her beauty and rich
dress that 20 became her. Ny father
suddenly Turned to me and said, taking
his key 10 his iron-bound box:
"Rua, Ann, and - me the little bag
you ~ - PIT eway last night"
Tvs proud 10 be 20 trusted; but when
I quietly returned with Il, he was a.
rsaay = - eaE.iaQs, and part way 70
~ -. He Iooksd out and 0id:
ss{o nn11sr. nov, Am, you nay put
= 80 nnnins foe ~ ~ ooing anoeAw
-S ~IT iii nv Harris to-wogIow.