The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1879-08-14
drously. 1t was like a revelation.

drously. 1t was like revelation. In
that instant | saw the resemblance which
had eluded me at first It was John
Williams face over again, only softened
into feminine beauty. Here was clue
to the mystery surrounding my friend,
but my puzzled brain could comprehend
only the exact likeness between the two.
Supper was over, and we went out
again into the dim twilight, through
which few bright stars were beginning
to CLEAN. Far down the bay we heard
solitary steamer whistle, and presently
the Old Crow rounded the point and
worked laboriously toward u.s. John
had disappeared Immediately after sup
per, but, as ] stood by the little front
gate watching the approaching boat, l
was startled by voices in the dusky gar
den below me- The first was girls
voice, wild with passion
Father" it said, "you ask ME to so
out into the world with you, but you
will not, cannot blame me for shrinking
from the ordeal. Three years ago an
elderly lady living near here took pity
on my isolated life and sent me to the
academy at b. 1 had not one
friend all the time | was there. Other
girls had sisters, brothers, cousins of
their own age Even if they were Or
phans, they were white and easily found
friends but I"-her voice quivered
"was it for any sin of mine that was
an outcast! Only few even deigned to
notice that | was human being. There
is no place in the world for me-"
"My child John Williams voice
was now broken with intense agony
eff l could lay down my life that you
might be spared further suffering, how
gladly would | do it. | can only strive
to bear your burdens with you. All
these long weary years l have believed
you dead my heart has hungered for
your love you are all that | have in
the world come to me, my daughter,
and let my love atone for all the past
years of loneliness. Cannot my little
girl love her father, even though he has
sinned?"
"Father, father, do not think that l
do not love you, l do" sobbed the girl,
"and I will go with you if you wish me
to-"
started quietly as l realized that l
had been listening to others secrets, and
walked hurriedly. The captain Of the
little steamer was bustling about in all
directions, and in answer to my anxious
questioning, said firmly:
Cant start back till midnight sir;
tide dead against us now, very strong
Get you to Olympia in time to take the
stage" and he hustled away to attend to
some one else.
"Cis," said Johns voice, calm now as
usual, "walk up the hill with me, have
something | want to say to you"
We walked to the crest of the hill
and seated ourselves on fallen log.
Twenty years ago." began my COM
panion. 81 landed at this point. There
was then only an Indian camp here, and
my journey hither was made in canoe
with young Indian called Wildly who
had promised to show me some good
hunting l was young then and impul-
sive. Some severe disappointments had,
however, rendered me cynical as re-
garded the benefits of civilized life, and
l was only too ready to think that all the
virtues were embodied in my friends of
the wild woods. Well, of course, en-
loved the life we led. There on that
slope stood Old Peters camp. We fished
in the streams and hunted through the
forests. Oh, the enchantment Of that
time; the wild freedom of that woodland
life"
He rose and walked to and fro, then
came and stood before me.
"Cis," he continued, in tone of
agonizing entreaty, "you will not judge
me harshly? l had lost my best friend,
my father My world had proved full
of vain decisions. l drifted out to this
coast, soured, disappointed, bitter; but
those long Summerdays when l wandered
in the woods were full of peaceful con-
tent. The petty ambitions of civilized
life seemed so far away. 1t was them
his voice grew hoarse-"that l built that
cabin in the woods and I-yes-I took
Old Peters daughter for my wife. l
believed that her very ignorance was
purity and innocence, she seemed SO
II l.. Lee S4,,