Connecticut western news., 1882-04-05
while behind these was a fine orchard,

The whole aspect of the place was one of perfect loveliness, and afforded such contrast to their late contempla- tions and frightful experience, that they involuntarily paused to drink in the grateful influence of the scene. Poor Frederick was nearly overcome with the weight of his emotions he leaned against 8 tree, while his companion stood at little distance, unwilling to intrude upon his thoughts. At last he opened the gate, and they proceeded up the graveled walk to the door of the cottage. They saw then for the first time that some unusual circumstance must have occurred, lights were dancing to and fro, some of the windows were open, and ever and anon gay laugh would break upon the stiffness of the evening.
 It was not grief at any rate which caused these demonstrations, and Fred erick's heart beat quick as he tapped at the low door.
 It was answered by domestic, of whom he inquired if MT. Summons was at home.
 "Which one ?" said the man. "Mr. Jacob was at home, and the old gentle. man, but MT. Frederick, Lord love him, had not been heard from for many 8 month"
 Frederick said the old man would do, at which the man hesitated, and finally thought his master would not like to be interrupted, as his youngest son, the major, had arrived that day with his new wife, and they were having jollifcatjon day.
 His wife What wife? Frederick could think of only one person in the world to marry, and that was his Mary, and his agitation became so great that his friend took it upon himself to inform the man that they wanted to see MT. Sammons upon important business im- mediately. The man departed and Frederick unconsciously leaned against the side of the door, the rays of the moon falling upon his face, and giving to it's careworn lines pale, spiritual beauty. At this moment his father came into the hall, and instantly recognizing the features of his long-lost son, called to him by name, and father and son wept in each others arms. Soon the news spread. Jacob reunited to his pretty wife, and with two babies instead of one, had settled down at the old homestead, and now pressed his brother over and over again to his heart. Our old friend Thomas, now Major Thomas, and 8 splendid fellow, in dashing regimentals, cleared way for himself and lovely young wife, whom he as we'll as Fred erick rarely remembered having seen be- fore. Frederick almost starts from her blushing, sisterly embrace, as he recog- nizes the daughter of Sir John John son.
 But where is Lizzie, the darling sis ter, who was always the first to meet him on his return, and whom he longed to introduce to his friend and comrade Every one says she was here moment since, and went into the garden to find friend who was spending some weeks with her, and in whom, says Major Thomas, with mischievous look, Fred erick will find friend also. Search was volunteered for the fugitives, but Fred erick declared he would find them him. self, and started off with beating heart, half hoping, half fearing, on his self imposed mission. He entered the gar den, and walked down winding path until he came to natural arbor formed by the interlacing branches of some old trees, and where he shrewdly suspected the missing girls would be found. A low murmur of voices as he neared the spot proved that the conjecture was right, and he stopped, urged by an ir- resistible impulse to hear what they
 were saying.
 "Do not urge me, Lizzie," said a
 voice, which his heart told him could
 only belong to Mary Ellis. (" I cannot
 join the merry making when it recalls
 all my fears, only with greater bitter.
 ness, for the fate of Frederick; if he
 were only here, how we would rejoice in his brothers happiness. ,
 "In his own also," said Frederick, darting forward and catching Mary who fell half fainting into his arms. Poor Lizzie was quite cut out, and feeling herself rather de trop, thought as she said, that it would be best to save her "hugging" until another time, ant
 go and get his supper, and find ou what it all means. A good many joke 7 came off at Frederick's expense whel he came back at the end of half an hou . without Lizzie, but with the happy Mar, l Ellis hanging on his arm. What lonI l explanations had then to be gon l through, with tales of frightful ad s venture and hair breadth escapes, unti t the dawn of morning made the light - grow dim and pale. Sir John Johnson t the brutal father of the young wife, wh @ looked upon Major Thomas with sue s proud admiration, was dead, and tn d old hall, the scene of their impriso1
 ment, which the reader will remembe l. was destroyed, had been bestowed upo d her husband as some reward for hi n services to his country.
 l. It is unnecessary to dwell upon tn h happiness of the reunited family e Frederick and Mary were married ( IS course, and the narrative of his terribl o experiences served to while away man 5, a long winters evening in after years l. In 1886 he was still living, we'll an J. hearty, and was chosen one of th o1o oE nd ar