The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-01-05

| Libils dispensing hCdltJ HdHNt-SldhCs
and kindly Christmas greetings tc
friend andneighbor. Close behind him
came Sir Philip Trefusis, his daughter
hanging on his arm. AT the lych-gatt
Uncle Dick stepped aside to let them
pass. With kindly eyes he looked
straight at Sir Philip, and we felt in
stinctively that with him, at least, Mr..
Pentreath's appeal had not missed its
mark, and that at the slightest answer
ing sign his hand would have been out
stretched with generous cordially,
Whether Sir Philip saw the look, ]
know not; but his daughter did, and an
| expression of pain came into her sweet
eyes as he strobe on, proud and silent,
and the opportunity for reconciliation
had once more passed away.
CHAPTER II.
We were a merry party round the
luncheon table at the lodge, for Richard
Polwhele was accustomed to keep
Christmas right royalty, and, besides
his own family, nephews and nieces OF
every degree and friends from far and
near We're gathered around his hospita-
BILE board. Luncheon being ended, a
discussion arose as to how we should
employ the interval before the impor-
tant hour Of dinner, the dinner, which
was to be the browning glory of the
Christmas festival Some one sug-
gested skating, and the idea was at
once hailed with reclamation. Pol
worthy Pool, piece of water almost
within stones throw of the lodge,
was frozen over, and afforded capital
skating ground. Every available pair
of skates was speedily in requisition
There was general rush for great
coats, seal-skin jackets, muffs, furs,
warm gloves and wooden comforters
Uncle Dick was led captive by a couple
of pretty nieces, one of whom took pos
session of each arm; and, looking like a
miniature Arctic expedition, we sailed
forth to the pool.
The fun was at its height when Sir
Philip Trefusis and his daughter were
seen approaching, No one noticed
them till they were fairly on the ice,
and then we saw with alarm that they
were close to spot where the ice had
been broken on the previous day for the
convenience of certain ducks and geese
who were the regular inhabitants of the
pool, and which, though now again
frozen over, would certainly not bear
the weight of human being. Uncle
Philip was the first to perceive their
danger.
Back! back! the ice is unsafer' he
shouted.
Edith Trefusis drew back, accordingly,
but her father, either not understanding
the warning or too proud to regard it,
continued his course, and in another
instant the ice crashed under his feet
and he disappeared. After a couple of
seconds he rose again, and, tiinging his
arms wildly upward, with hoarse cry
of " Help! Save mer' once more disap-
peared, but this time did not rise again.
"Good God! he has gone under the
icen' said voice, and in an instant all
was terror and confusion,
Break the ice!' shouted one.
"Fetch ladder" said another.
"Run for ropen' exclaimed third.
A score of suggestions, practicable
and impracticable, were proffered in a
breath; but the ringing voice of Richard
Polwhele was heard above the tumult.
Silence, all! DR.. Hamlyn, you have
a cool head; you tell them what to do.
A gate, quick, and lay itover the hole"
Meanwhile, in less time than it takes
to tell it, he had Invested himself of
hat, coat and boots, and, without wait
ing for an answer, plunged into the ice
cold water. Twice he dived, without
success. He had well chosen his aide
in the doctor,a quiet, unassuming man,
but of iron nerves and unlimited re-
sources; and ere he had arisen for the
second time couple of gates had been
lifted from their hinges and laid one on
each side of the hole. A third time he
Owed; and this time was so long be-
meath the surface that a dread came
over us lest he, too, should be lost I'M
der the ice. But at last, after what
seemed an age of suspense, he was seen
to rise once more.
Help! I'm doner' he gasped.
DIR. Hamlyn, kneeling on one of the
gates, caught his uplifted hand. Strong
arms were quickly outstretched to help
him.
"No, no; Philip firstH' he exclaimed;
and we found that he held Trefuss in
his failing grasp.
Under DR.. Hamlyn's directions they
were both, though with difficulty, lifted
out and laid upon the bank. Sir Philip
was to all appearances beyond earth
ly help, and terrible fear came
over us that Uncle Dick, who was now
insensible, had sacrificed his own life
to no purpose. Never were words more
welcome than DIR. Hamlyn's assurance
that he had only tainted.
"Give him some brandy, some of you;
and rub his hands and feet"
Eager hands volunteered for the serv-
ice; but almost ere they could begin
their task he opened his eyes and gazed
around.
Whats thisp All! remember now
But where is Philip" And, shaking
himself like great Newfoundland dog,
he rose unassisted to his feet Sir
Philip lay on the grounds few feet off
white and lifeless, his daughter weep
ing on her knees beside him. Uncle
Dick raised her with infinite tender
ness.
NAY, don't weep, pretty one; by
Gods help Wen win him back to life