Louisiana capitolian., 1880-07-01


balance, capable of maintaining his self
! possession in spite Of the yawning abyss
on each side of him, might occasionally y
derive support from the beam projecting
outward several inches beyond each side
of tho track, which was riveted upon IT,
Frail support this, however, with those
jagged rocks, 200 feet below, ready to
receive tho Unfortunate adventurer who
should make the slightest misstep!
Harry paused, looked at bis +. .ir friend,
and shmldered.
1--WE had better tnrn about said ho.
"Aro you afraid ~ she softly inquired.
Then, as bis cheek glowed hotly---"For
my sake, | meauw
"For your sakc' Yes"
Mary smiled.
u have beon on the Alps" sllo said,
"foIIowi' & those who hunted on the icy
ruins Of procipices for he cbamois
rhcre!orc why should | shrink now! 7"
Still Harry hesitated. A rail was diff
ferent from The edge efa precipice, and
the young man fauciel he could already
hear Marys piercing shriek-could
already sec her form cleaving the air
headlopg toward those dangerous rocks
beneath.
Meanwhile twilight was gathering /;
the crimson hues on tho sky wero melt
ing away in shadow. The travellers, if
intending to attempt the perilous cross
siug, had better do so now while light
enough remained.
So, said Mary, and her glance was
firm, her check unbleached as she spoke.
"Let me go alone, she continued
then, if anything should happen to me,
you will not feel responsible. Go, how
ever, | must, for perhaps my father lies
dying. In 80 / will SEQ him before he
breathes his lastv'
Come, then,' said Harry. Keep hold
of my .jacket to support yourself as we
90. If should stumble, however, do
not hesitate to lot 80 ofme. Otherwise,
You too, will be dragged down. Mary
silently nodded her head in token of
assent, and tho two started. They kept
on slowly, carefully, and steadily, until
a sudden heavy gut Of wind made the
girl reel. She stopped and, while
endoavoring to recover her balance, she
saw the dark rocks far below, and
thrilled with terror. Over, over, over
further and further. She pressed her
lips tightly together. She made one
last snperlative effort, still endeavoring
to recover her balance. An inch further
and that balance were lost, and she
precipitated upon those Jagged rocks
200 feet beneath. Now, however, she
raised her left arm and that saved her.
Sho slowly regolnod her upright posi-
tion, and they continued course-Harry
unable, without certain destruction, to
turn his head and ignorant of bis COM
panion's late narrow escape. They had
only accomplished half their perllous
walk when tho night.gloom gathered
round them. They must traverse Tho
rest of the way in darkness!
STEADILY" whispered Harry en-
couragingly. FOR Heavens sake, don't
falter nowr She answered him firmly,
4 will not, and tightened her hold OF hit
jacket. At that moment they felt tho
rail quivcr beneath them-a strange,
humming noise was heard. II grew
louder every moment-louder and loud
er-until suddenly CLEAN like that of,
u blood-shot eye was seen bursting
through the darkness fur ahead Of them.
'Tho locomotivev gasped Mary. oh,
what can we do now!'
She was right. 1t was the train bound
to Paris, sweeping along at full speed,
breathing along thunder, steam and
fire. Nearer aud nearer it came, roar
ing and rattling, with its whistle
screaming. The rail now shook so much
that the travellers could scarcely keep
their ba|auce. Whit power could save
them now' They were apparently
doomed to certain destruction with that
fearful train sweeping toward them
On, rer-nearer--nearer! Heav.
en-! it was soon less than three miles
distant! The young people stood still.
Each could hear the beating Of tho
others heart, for Marys arms now were
around Harry'sAwaist. Ahead of them
an approaching locomotive; on each
sido of them yawning abyss; their
only support a slender rail. All hope
died from their hearts5
we must prepare gasped tho girl.