Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-12-21
fCon,Inued from fnF psge.J

As this last WORD was pTcuouHceu,
sensation followed in the room; and
screams were heard amid the confusion.
While the president was endeavoring TO
preserve order it was announced that
"Nancy Hill has tainted on the back seat !"
Several young men rushed to the young
lady's assistance, and, by means of pail
full of snow which was brought in from
outdoors and dashed upon her face. she
was ut length drought to-"
When it was still again, the president
said:
"Such confusion at such a time, upon
the celebration of Christmas eve, is IN
pardonabe and entirely uncaled for. In
the absence OF Mr.. Penniworth there is
no need to entertain fears in regard To his
personal safety. as nothing definite has
been expressed His was the last exercise
on the programme; and it, after we have
waited a short time longer. he does not
make his appearance, | shall dismiss the
meeting"
While the audience is patiently waiting
in the hall, we will return TO Simon Pen
niworth; and see why he does not make
his appearance.
As The reader knows, Simon commenced
his Christmas production upon the very
day that ne called upon the "Maid OF
Woodville :" but, trusting to his power,
he did not finish it Till The night on which
he was to deliver il. He went to his room
eaily on this evening. and, giving himself
up to his work, forgo. how rapidly the
time passed away. Indeed, he did not
note the striking of his clock and the au-
dience had been assembled at Washington
Hall nearly two hours before Simon COM
pleted his poem, and discovered the late
ness o. the hour.
Then he prepared him self quickly and.
taking the horse and sleig h that stood ready
for him in his fathers stable, he started
forth.
The snow was falling faster than in the
irst part Of the evening, and the wind
blew tiercely, while the roads were piled
high with drifting snow. 1t was "A wild
night and Simon drew the furs closely
around him.
He had not forgotten the promise of
Mary Lyle to attend the meeting with him,
so he headed his horse in the direction OF
her house, while he wondered if she had
not become tired of waiting, and if she
would now go.
He reached her home, and rang the bell.
us Mary in ?" he asked of the servant
who answered his ring.
aome time ago to attend meeting" was
the reply.
Simon did not ask who the gentle man
was, but his mind was satisfied on the
point. He was angry and sad as he
walked down the steps and got Into the
sleigh.
Striking the borse quite sharply with
his whip. he drove toward Washin gton
Hal ha mir ~ ha mi nd
wbisil-d around him and blew the snow
savagely into bis face. His classical mind
was ruffled; and the wilder the night, the
better it suited his feelings.
On he went, hardly seeming to know or
care where the horse was going. At
length, not great distance from the hall,
and where the snow was not so badly
drifted as in some other places, some por-
ton OF the horses harness becoming
broken and dangling against it, the
nervous animal became frightened and,
almost before Simon could comprehend
his danger, was dashing away at fear.
fully rapid rate.
Away the sleigh sped over the white
road, the snow nearly blindingthe drivers
eyes, till light was family seen in the
distance shining from building. Simon.
who was fearing every moment that the
sleigh would Zip over from the uneveness
of the road, saw with satisfaction the dis
tant light; for" he thought, IL will
shout rs go by. and those inside of the
house may hear me and aid me-"
Help! help" he stood up and loudly
shouted, as he almost flew by the lighted
building
Then Simon felt himself faling-sink-
ing and unable 10 prevent it-then dragged
roughly Though the chilling snow ; and
soon-a blank. And the active mind OF
Simon Penniworlh. A. p. was, Tor the time
being, as though it were not!
"Mr. President, hear shouts from the
outside AS OF one in Distress" said one of
those who had gathered in Washington
Hall.
"And too"
These last words were repeated by a
number, and then followed rush for the
door by The larger part of the men pres
ent.
Having reached the street they looked
about 10 find the cause of the outciy, many
running up and down the road with Ian
terms in their hands.
Before long an halloo from a distant
part of the road announced that some-
body or something had been discovered;
and the men hurried in the direction OF
the voice. to find one OF their number
leading horse attached to an empty
sleigh. From very WEAKNESS, or from a
feeling that ii had accomplished enough
for one evening, Simon's horse had
stopped short distance beyond the hail.
docs anyone know 10 whom this
belongsP" said the man who lead the
horse.
As they crowded around, a number
shouted,
at is Simon Penniworth's."
"And he has been thrown out" said
the first speaker. 81 will take care of the
horse while you search for him. And YOU
better hurry, Tor he may be dyingm
The thought that Simon might. per-
haps, be somewhere freezing in the snow,
caused the crowd 10 become eager in tn.
search for the missing man. Up and
down, and along the side OF the dritted
road the men hurried. and the fitiul light
Of the lanterns shining on the snow.
seemed TO add TO the dreariness of the
scene.
But there was another shout in a short
time. and 1Odin the rrnUd f,llnuJ -