News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1882-04-20

they ate into the flesh upon his legs so
that it came off to the bone. And what
did that young heroic spirit doP Did
it break down under the weight of cap
tivity and suffering? Not SO; it was OF
such stuff as the spirit of our fathers
was made. He thought of his home, of
his brave father and brothers, of his fair
sister, and one not falrer, perhaps, but
still dearer, and wondered if they had
survived the cruel chances of the long
and bloody war. Then he longed to be
free, and determined to live and escape
from his prosecutors.
At last a chance offered; he with
others was transferred to an island
above Montreal, in the rapids of the st.
Lawrence. There he organized a plot
to escape which failed, but finally
jumped with companion from the
island into the rapids of the great river.
Our hero and his comrade swan for four
miles through those rapids, navigating
among the sharp rocks and fearful shoals
with their best skill. Landing on the
north side of the st. Lawrence, they
fought club battle with village full
of Canadian Frenchmen conquered
killed calf-and selling canoe, tried
to cross to the south side of the river.
They were above the swift and danger
GUS rapids of the Cedars, where no
canoe can live long unguided, when
their paddle broke in the middle of the
stream; and once more destruction
seemed certain. A fallen tree, in the
branches of which they caught, saved
them, however and crossing the next
day delow the falls, they struck into the
forest to seek the Hudson.
For twelve more days they tolled on,
almost in state of insanity, dreadfully
lacerated, and living entirely on wild
roots. AT last they reached Science
tady half naked, and looking like wild
savages here Frederick hoped to find
a Miss Ellis to whom he had long been
devoted, and also some members of his
family. But on inquiry he found that
his father had removed back to Marble
town, Ulster County, his Youngest
brother had become a major in the
American Army, and Miss Ellis, his
bright, sparkling, beautiful Mary, had
gone no one knew whittier.
Disappointed, and SICK at heart, Fred
erick waited only to obtain clothes and
means to pursue his journey, and then
took his way to Marbletown, the resi-
dence of his father, feeling angry with
himself at not experiencing the Joy he
should, at knowing that his family was
alive and well. The young soldier who
had shared with HIM so many dangers,
and from whom he had now become in
separabIe, accompanied him, and to-
gether they approached the home Of his
early childhood. 1t was quite dark
when they arrived at the village and
they inquired their way to the house
of old Mr.. Sammons, which they found
without any difficulty.
1t was an old-fashioned frame build
ing, with low roof, and gable windows,
inclosed in q sort of meadow, which
stretched down in front of the cottage,
at the side was large garden, then in
its early bloom and beauty, and back,
the stables, barns, and out-buildings,
while behind these was fine orchard,
the trees of which were IN full blossom.
The whole aspect of the place was
one of perfect loneliness, and afforded
such contrast to their late contempla-
tons 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 tree, while his companion
stood at a 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 a gay laugh
would break upon the stiffness of the
evening.
1t 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 Mr.. Sammons was
at home.
Which one ?" said the man. "Mr.
Jacob was at home, and the old gentle
man, but Mr.. Frederick, Lord love him,
had not been heard from for many
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
Notification 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 MIR.
| Sammons upon important business i'm
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
its careworn lines q pale, spiritual
beauty. At this moment his father came
nto 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
splendid fellow, in dashing regimentals,
cleared way for himself and lovely
young wife, whom he as well 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