The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1878-04-04

quite comfortable" said Margie bravely.
But Philip knew better. The cold fog
had penetrated robe and blanket, and
was sending its chilling numbness
through both of the young brave hearts.
Philip wrapped the robes closer about
the shivering gil, and drove rapidly on.
The slight indication of the homeward
direction gave them new hope, and again
their merry voices rang out on the muf-
fed air; but the terrible monotony of
their painless ride made their merry tones
seem like mockery, as heartless as care
less laughter in chamber of death, and
silence fell upon them again.
On, on, over the trackless ice, Philip
was driving recklessly; but care was of
no avail, since the fog and the darkness
so completely shut them in. The main
object was speed.
''Phil,n said Margie, "haven't we
driven six miles since we passed that
rough place."
Eyes, Margie, think So" We must
be nearing the shore now.'
Silence again. She sharp click of the
iron hoofs was beginning to fall more
slowly, and the soft jingle of the bells
fell like monotOnous rythm upon the
heavy air. The mist was growing colder
and more penetrating, and the hopeless
darkness of a starless night brooded over
them.
Philip" again, but lower and faint
er, " shall we ever get homer?
"Oh, yes, Margie; it is not late vet;
and Philip struck match to look at his
watch, but he did not tell Margie the
time.
No star, no shore, no light, no warmth,
alas, no hope either. Philip put his
strong arm around the little shivering
girl. There was no false modesty, no
coquettish airs now. The scarlet plumes
dropped YEARLY upon his shoulder.
| Darling, it would be easier to die if
l could hear you say that you love me-"
"You know that 1 love you, Philip"
Margie spoke with a solemn earnestness,
as one speaks under the awful shadow of
death
Margie raised her lips to meet her
lovers in the seal of betrothal. All,
how much that means to young lovers
caresses, congratulations, visions of snowy
robes and bridal wreaths, future home,
a long life of love and helpfulness; but
to these two it meant nothing but clasp
ing of hands and a going together down
into the dark valley. They did not
speak. They were content. The iron
hOofs were falling more and more slowly
the bells rang with a softer melody; the
dull rumble of the turbid waters beneath
them was growing fainter and fainter
What did it matter? The end was not
far of.
"Phillip," cried Margie, suddenly,
throwing off the lethargy that was
slowly creeping over her, "Philip, l be-
lieve l heard a bell.'
Philip drew the rein and the tired
horses stood still. Yes, it was surely a
bell, the sounds echoing softly through
the heavy mist.
"Thank Godl we are saved" said
Philip, as the horses heads were turned
once more toward home, and the faint
sounds of the bell grew more and more
distinct, and the lights of the city began
to appear family through the mist.
"The bells saved us, Philip; how
glad they sound"
Yes, darling. We were turned to.
ward the head of the lake, going nearly
parallel with the shore, and we might
have driven twenty or thirty miles be.
fore reaching the land"
A few weeks later, there was a merry
chime of wedding bells, as bridal party
passed out from the lofty portals of a
church. A little brown-eyed girl looked
up to her young husbands, through a
cloud of filmy lace, and her eyes were
full of happy tears,