Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1882-03-16
ed her mother as she always did, with her


preparations for retiring to rest ; and having
done So returned, impelled by an unusal inn
pulse, to the garden. 1t was, indeed singu.
larly lovely night. The moon was nearly at
it's full; calm as dream of Heaven it slept
on the sleeping flowers, and touched with its
radiance the quivering waters of the bay.
So clear, so effulgent, was the light, that
she could plainly discern the sails of little
boat coasting along the shore, and even trace
the outline of it's form as it approached the
landing. Some fshing-boat probably, whose
owner had been tempted by the beauty of the
evening to reman out later than was his
wont or, perhaps, it might be bringing back
some of the village people from an expedition
to a little settlement across the bay, which
held frequent intercourse with theirs. She
watched it's motions with a vague feeling
of interest, and could see when it stopped
and it's occupants sprang out on the beach,.
One, two-only two men; one of these quick
ly lost himself to sight in the shadow of an
overhanging cliff, nearer inland; the other,
after busying himself few moments with the
fastening of the boat, and some adjustment of
away, and disappeared from view.
"That man must be going off again, other
wise he would have taken down his sail,
thought Sophy :; and then her thoughts turned
to some other subject, and did not revert to
the boat or it's occupant again.
In the mean time, Mr.. Erskine, instead of
going directly home, had walked down towards
the beach. He, too, found it impossible as yet
to seek repose. That kiss Of his betrothed
still fingered on his lips, thrilling him with a
new, delicious joy. His heart was still beat
ing with the delight of that moment, brief as
it had been, when, for the first time, he had
seemed to feel all his own. Was it possible
that for his love a brighter day was dawning :;
that hers, at last, was being awakened to yield
it a return ? Dreams of the future they were
to share together thronged over him, intoxica-
ting him with the brightness OF their promise.
His soul expanded, exulted within him; he
trod as if on air all his doubts, all shadows OF
fear, had vanished from his mind.
Suddenly, in the path he was treading, he
perceived figure before him, rapidly ascend
ing the cliff. 1t was the same person whom
Sophy had seen leave the boat first a young
man in a sailor dress, with waterproof cloak
flung carelessy over his shoulder. He bound
ed, rather than ran, with long springing steps
up the acclivity. Haste, eagerness, were dis
played in his impetuous movements.
Why did Mr. Erskine's pulse stand still, as
this swiftly-advancng figure came before him9
Why did his heart, moment before bounding
high with hope and anticipation, suddenly
sink down like lead, as though it's warm throbs
had been stilled by the pressure of an ice-cold
hand ? Even before a closer opportunity OF
discovering the identity of the newcomer was
granted him, something whispered to him who
it was, that Fate had sent to blight his fairest,
fondest hopes. The mighty sea had given upits
prey the dead, or he who was supposed to be
so, was come back to the living world again
'sOh, God of mercy, sustain mel" broke, in
stihed groan, from his lips. Hisbrain reeled;
he clutched at neighboring tree for support,
as the ground, for moment, seemed to be
slipping from beneath his feet. Then his
nerves grew steady again, and with restored
realization of his situation came to the con-
seriousness of the necessity for absolute self
control.
''NIr. Erskine is this you % rang out, in a
clear, glad voice-the voice he well remember
ed, though it had only been for short period
familiar to his ear. ''Don't you know me
How are they all Is Sophy well p
$50 you are back-at last" Mr.. Erskine
managed to utter, with white, faltering lips.
The other was too excited, too much occupied
with his own feelings to notice anything re-
markable in his look or manner. He answered
rapidly as he wrung Mr.. Erskine's hand, for
he was impatient to press on home
eyes, Pm back again, sir not drowned, as
1 suppose everybody think-don't they? I've
been shipwrecked, though-cast on wild ISL
and-got nearly eaten by cannibals- such adj
ventures as never expected fill vol
ume; couldn't write, or anything only one
other fellow besides me escaped. Is my uncle
still here ?"
Mr.. Erskine could only make a motion with
his head. His tongue Glove to the roof of his
mouth. Harry dashed past him, to the top of
the cliff, along through the narrow path that
led to the cottage door. He burst in-the cot
tage was empty; after rapid survey of the
premises, he left as quickly as he had entered
and bent his steps in the same breathless way,
toward the house on the hill. Through the old
shrubbery he ran. Vaulting over the gate he
found himself in the front garden, where the
moonlight beamed, and Sophy stood dreaming
among her flowers.
TTO RE CONTJNJ1ED