The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1879-11-07
Select Story.
THE DEATH CHARM.

|
/ Maryland, rode two persons, mounted up
! on two splendid animals, with the easy grace
of equestrians accustomed to the saddle.
! One was maiden of scarcely more than
l6, with fresh, lovely face and form de-
veloping into perfection, wearing a dark
blue habit and a slouch hat, with heavy
ostrich plume. Gauntlet gloves ncased her
| tiny hands, while about her there was an
air of high breeding.
| Her company was nearly double her age,
attired in the undress uniform of Captain
of cavalry He was striking-lookng man
with frank, fearless face that was very
fascinating.
That there was love affair existing be-
tween the two-young as was the maiden
their glances indicated, and the course of
ture love, in their case, seemed to be run
ming smooth
Presently they came upon crowd of men
in the roadway. A youth lay bound upon
the ground, his face pale and bleeding, and
above him bent half dozen rude fellows.
talking in angry tones.
Garter, what means this disturbance p
asked the maiden, sternly addressing one
of the men.
The man touched his hat politely and re-
piled
1T means, Miss Lulu, that we've caught a
Tartar here, but we've got him tied fast
now
What has he been doing Carter p
WELL you see Miss, l saw him coming
out of the forest, where, you know, your fa-
ther allows no cunning, and called to him
to stop and he paid no attention to me, so |
called the boys from the field and we gave
chase and caught him, though he fought
like tiger.
And you have dared to attack man in
the public road, sir? My father shall hear
of this at once,' said Lulu Sanford, angri.
ly.
He's nothing but gypsy, Miss, from the
camp over the hill yonder, sullenly said the
man.
He is a human being, and was doing nj
harm. Unbind him at once, sir =
The young officer at once sprang from hi,
horse and quickly released the youth, wht
was secured with a rope, and said kindly
Get up my man, and return to you
camp
The youth turned his dark eyes upon tn
speaker, and said, family
Il cannot, sir, I am badly hurt
Shame on you, Carter number of burl
men to beat poor boy as you have done
You shall suffer for this, all of you ? crie
the maiden, Indignantly and as the me-
hung their heads abashed, she continued
Raise him in your arms and carry him q
once to the mansion, while | ride by an
send DR.. Moore to see him. Tell Jane t
,, put him in comfortable ROOM
, Anxious to redeem themselves in the eye
of their employers daughter, the men raise
the youth in their arms and bore him away
while Lulu Sanford and her escort, Capta
Fred De Lancy, galloped on after the phys
clan.
An hour after, the two rode up to the doc
i of very handsome mansion surrounded b
! ornamental grounds, flower gardens an
: every indication that those who dwelt thei
were possessed of wealth and refinement.
At the door an elderly gentleman III,
them, who called out pleasantly:
; We'll, Fred, am glad to see you, m
boy. Richard told me you had arrived tn
morning
Yes, Colonel, | received sixty days fu
e lough and stopped to see you on my wf
e home, and this afternoon Miss Lulu al
e myself ran off for ride replied the your
J officer.
r And l am very glad we did,papa, and
found your overseer, Carter, and five of Il
hired men had beaten boy severely just b
cause he did not stop when commanded tC
said Lulu.
, Yes, the doctor is now with the poor bt
A. and his father too. fear the youth is ba
ly hurt. and Carter and the men shall lea
my place at once, for the little fellow W
doing no harm, and his being gypsy is
a crime. But come into the house and G
<; X ready for-dinner, for | have a surpri
=, you
le "A surp Use for me p said Lulu.
4 Yes have found governess for you
Z singing and instrumental music, as you d
1u sire, and who speaks Italian perfectly 5
III will be here in two weeks, and | have e
lp1 gagged her for two years, so you can col
:" plete your education under her.
. Il am SO glad-I was afraid | would ha
! to go to boarding school, And Lulu
Dv cended to her own room, while her fatl
took Captain delaney in charge.
The gypsy boy was severely hurt, and
nearly a week the doctor feared he mis-
=, not recover. His father hung night and d
J" over him, never caring for himself.