Louisiana capitolian., 1880-09-11

oH loI auOtHel uoul-elSuCy minutes,
almost an age for hn-and the strain
was too great, he could bear it no longer,
and, throwing aside his implements, he
took his coat from its peg, aud, taking
his Ak upon his shoulder, be started on
brisk walk for home. As he was near
ing crossing of the road that led past
the cemetery, he saw drayman and
directly behind him or the dray another
man, seate upon one of those dreaded
boxes that told of another unfortunate
As they drew nearer Harry recognized
one ofhis near neighbors, who had charge
OF tie box, and as he felt All interest in
the affair, he halted the dray, aud, ad-
dressing his friend, said:
"Who have you there this time, Tom
1t must be some of our neiyhbors."
But Tom made no answer. He could
deny nothing. His face was downcast
and a sorrow ful expression upon it. The
other was also silent, but a peculiar ex-
preston was on his countenance, which
still more mystified Harry.
why don't you answer, man "asked
Harry, as sutfocating feeling was gath
erng about his heart.
Il cannot, cannot" moaned Tom.
what is the matter! Why don't you
answer ! 1t is-it is-no, no, it cannot be
Nellie" Harry went on, as Tom made
no reply. Itmust be Nellie. Oh, Nellie,
Nellie"
Still Tom could say nothing. There
he stood upon the dray, with folded
! arms and averted, sorrowful face ; for he
knew within that rude casket was the
body of Nellie Kevs.
In an instant Harry sprung on the
dray, aud, thrusting he dumbfound Tom
aside, with "a few well-directed blows
with his ak he had the lid of the box
lying in pieces about him. As he leaned
upon the handle of the AK, as it rested
upon the platform, the look that over
spread his face was one of intense
anguish and horror at finding the darling
of his heart in this rude casing and being
| dragged from his side to be buried wish
ont his knowledge or farewell look. Not
a word or groan escaped from his lips.
He stood over her as pale as herself
dumbfounded, horror-stricken and in
despair. His eyes were r.vetted upon the
uptulhed face of her who was dearer 70
him than all the world beside. But in q
moment his aspect changed; his eyes had
the bright look Of great hopes. He was
now animation, and, dropping bis Ak, he
he reached forward and gently, but won.
derfully quick, raised his darling to his
breast, and, stepping down, strobe rap
idly toward his home with his precious
burden. Not word had been spoken
ty either party.
The amazed men could say nothing.
They were speechless. They thought that
Harry kews was a maniac, and had taken
from them proper subject for burial.
But they appreciated their situation,
and saw that it was impossible to have
funeral properly without a corpse, and
that WAS the thing they now lacked. So
they turned about as soDon as their
am*zement would permit and followed
the course taken 10y Kews. Before they
could oVertake him he had disappeared
through the doorway. They saw him
as he entered, but concluded that it
would be dangerous task TO try aud
secure him and get the corpse without
additional help, and SO they drove on,
and searched the sadly. .depopulated
place for assistance After some time
they had got together all the force that
could spared, and then proceeded on
their way.
Upon throwing open the door their
amazement knew no bounds when they
saw that their supposed corpse was sit
ting up and leaning her head upon
the shoulder of her devoted husband.
while he was administering medicine to
her. And what was better, she was able
to talk to him. The unbidden guests
soon saw that a terrible mistake had
barely been prevented, aud as quietly as
possible most Of them withdrew, only
two remaining to help all in their power
to save the noble woman who bad near
ly given her life for the good Of Others.
There is but little more to tell. II is
necessary TO say, before concluding, now
ever, that one of the neighbors of the
kews family had come in after Horoy
bad been gone from home and hour or
two, and had found Nellie lying upon
the floor apparently dead, and rushing
from the house told the first person she
met that there was corpse at the kews