The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1878-07-18

Mrs. Marshall !; but she listened with
apparent Indifference, and did not re-
mark upon it when the old lady had
finished.
A few days afterward, VertnerFales
was surprised by receiving from the
treasurer of the H University a
receipt in full for the two years. ex-
rense yet remaining to complete his
brothers tuition.
On writing to the gentleman he had
only been able to ascertain that the
amount of the receipt had been paid
by person to the treasurer unknown
who stated that it was done by one
strongly interested in the education of
the blind.
Vertner was mystified, but great
load was lifted from his shoulders.
He could now give his mother some
comforts of which she had been de-
MED, and which were essential to her
enjoyment. And seeing her so much
happier he went about with a lighter
heart, and the people at Mr.. Marshall's
wondered what had made such q
change in Fales. Atheline said moth
ing, but had she chosen she might
have explained the mystery.
| The summer wore away. 1t was
very delightful at the Marshall farm
Atheline grew more attached to the
place every day. But her city friends
were impatient to welcome her return
and so the last day of August came.
and she was to leave Alderville on the
lst of September.
/ Toward sundown she went for q
walk in the south pasture where the
asters grew. 1t was long walk, and
the sun as sinking into a mass of
inky clouds low lying in the west, be-
fore she was ready to return. The
wind muttered dolefully in the pine
trees; it was falling dark very fast,
and along the line of black clouds she
caught the .glimmer of lightning.
There was storm gathering.
She hurried on, her hair tumbling
about her shoulders in ripping masses,
her scarf lost, aud her bare neck swept
by the electrict wind. She caught the
first hoarse peal Of thunder soon, and
directly cold drop of rain fell on her
forehead. 1t was useless to attempt
to reach the farm by the road before
the tempest should set in, and there
was no house nearer. A moment she
stood still in despair. Then suddenly
it flashed upon her-she could cross
the river on the railroad BRIDGE! It
would lessen the distance more than
one half, and she had the utmost con-
fidence in her ability to keep steady
head. Not once did she think of the
evening express train, which was even
then due, so ANXIOUS was she to reach
home before the storm broke. She
flew toward the bridge. 1t was a
high, narrow structure, spanning the
stream at the narrowest point, while
underneath the water roared like mad
over the sharp rocks. Beneath the
ties which upheld the rails was a
sheathing of zinc to protect the timber
from moisture, but hardly equal to the
duty of supporting the weight of q
human being. Atheline paused mo-
ment on the verge of the bridge to
steady her nerves, for she saw that
she must step from tie TO tie in order
to cross. She took the first step, and
then she heard q shout:
go back, instantly! The train has
whistled for Locks Cross Roads Go
back, tell you'll
She recognized the voice before she
looked up to see Vertnar Fales stand-
ing at the opposits end of the bridge.
Had it been any other she might have
obeyed him him she would not. She
kept on boldly.
sGood God!' he cried; are you
mad p
advance.
There was q roar behind her which |
she knew was not the roar of the river, |
a red light from the signal lantern
flashed across the water she heard the
sharp whistle to down brakes, and re-
allied her danger. And Just then
Vert Fales stood face to face with her.
Only a second, and he had crushed her
down upon the timbers, prone be-
tween the rails, and thrown himself
beside her.
BE still, on your life r he whispered
hoarsely ;and them
She felt the hot breath of the loco.
motive sweep over her :; fire seemed all
around her; the frail fabric beneath
shook fearfully; she strovc'to rise, but
an iron hand held her down.
There was one terrible moment of
agonizlng suspense, and then the fear
ful roar of the train was passing into
the distance, and once more the free
air swept the face of Atheline.
Vert Fales lifted fer up aud bore
her swiftly aud silently across the
bridge. She made no resistance now
she let him hold her closely as he
pleased, for she remembered that but
for him she would now have been in
eternity.
The rain was falling in torrents.
Vert took off his coat and wrapped her
in it, aud led her to a dense thicket of
spruce just on the river bank, which
afforded partial shelter. Atheline
found voice first.
Mr.. Fales,' she said, with emotion,
{ How shall offer you my gratitude?' ?
He looked at her, but did not speak.
Beneath his eyes her face flushed red
as June roses. The revelation came
to her fully then. She knew why she
had felt 40 angry with herself when
ever che had thought Of Vertner Fales.