The Osceola times., 1883-03-24
Rosalie's Secret.
CHAPTER I.
By GEO. ID. FRANCIS.


Matters went smoothly enough be
tween us, till day when girl and hel
mother took up their abode on the island
Espiritu.
When the days work was over, and
everybody supposed to be asleep at my
hut, swan across to the island, whence
/ returned about an hour after midnight
without my absence being at all surmised
Some days had elapsed since my fins,
nocturnal visit to Espiritu Santo, when
as was one morning going to the fish
cry just before daybrdak. met one OF
those old crones who pretend 10 be able
to charm the sharks by their spells. She
was seated near my hut, and appeared to
be watching my arrival. As she per-
ceived me, she exclaimed
"lIow fares it, my son ?"
Good morning, mother" / replied
and was passing on, when Sic approach
ed me and said:
listen to me; have TO speak to you
of that which nearly concerns you"
Nearly concerns me" repeated in
surprise.
"Ycs. Do You deny that your heart is
in the island of Espiritu Santo, or that
you cross the strait to see and converse
with her on whom you have bestowed
your love?"
"llow do you know thatY"
"No matter, know it well. Robert
Wilberforce, for you this voyage is fraught
with a two-fold peril. The foes whom my
charms can hold harmless during the
day only lie in wait for you each night be-
meath the waves; on the shore, foes more
dangerous still, and over whom my arts
are powerless, dog your steps. come to
offer you my aid to combat these double
dangers"
My only answer was laugh of con-
tempt.
The old Indians eyes sparkled with
fiendish fury, as she exclaimed:
"And because you are without faith,
you deem me without power? BE it so;
there are those who believe in the influ-
ence you but scoff at"
As she spoke, she drew from her pock-
ct little case Of printed cloth. and pro-
ducing, amid pearls of inferior value, one
of large and brilliant water, she asked:
"Know you aught of this?"
1t was one had given to Rosalie, for
such was the girls name.
"How came you by it ?" cried.
"How came by it? Why, twas given
me by damsel who would be the glory
and happiness of a young man, and who
came to crave my protection-that pro-
lection you hold so cheap--for one she
fondly loves"
"His name?" exclaimed, with fear
ful sinking at my heart.
What matters it," jeeringly returned
the hag, "since his name is not the one
you bcar?"
turned my back to her, coolly saying,
"You are lying old dotard," walked
on to the fishery.
The old woman looked after me with a
fendish smile of triumph.
That day was the longest have ever
known. Suspicion gnawed Inc at my
heart with torturing perverscness. At
last night arrived.
81 will 60 at once 10 see her!" cried.
what is the matter Robert ?" said
Rosalie, earnestly, as entered the cot
tage, pale and agitated.
"What is the matter?" | said ficrccly
ASK yourself the..question !"
ASK mysefw
"Yes."
81 know nothing of what occurs. Tell
me, quickly, what is it?"
walked to the window TO conceal my
rising anger.
Rosalie followed, and put her arms
gently around my neck.
Robert, you must not get angry with
me. Remember, next month we are to
be And she hid her blushing face
on my shoulder.
l could endure II no longer, "She Is
trifling with mew said to myself.
l held her before me, looking sternly
into her beautiful eyes.
"Who is hep said slowly.
Don't, Robert; you hurt my arms" she
said, endeavoring to release herself
''Ha! she evades mew I thought.
"Who is he?" repeated.
"Who is hep lido not know what you
mean. Release mew
go" said, you have deceived me !"
Deceived you? Oh, Robertw
Did you not 90 to that old witch,
Francis. yesterday ?"
"Ycs."
what did you ask of her?':
Protection from danger"
"For whom?"
Rosalie did not answer.
"You do not answer me. The witch
told me il was for man, whom YOU said
you dearly loved"
''She told the truth"
"iis name ?"
Rosalie was silent.
ellis name?" repeated.
"At present cannst tell you"
"Falsc-hearted girl. You have made
yonr choice. Farewellv'
HRabcrf Rohart x,or IL 49,, .-.