Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1885-05-29
strength: "Hclp! Oh help! In pity,

come to me, do"
Frank Chester was the sonof wealthy
parents, residing in the city of Phila-
delphia. He had just graduated ut
college, and, after . severe ourse of
studies, had come to recruit his over
taxed energies at a farmhouse, two
m les distant from Mr.. Moore's, pre-
paratory to going abroad in the au-
tumn. He Kept his own carriage and
horse and frequently went to p, to
visit some of his young friends, to vary
the monotony of his stay in the coun-
try. He usually drove 10 the city, in
preference to going in the cars.
The railroad being some distance from
his boarding-house, he found it nearly
as convenient and certainly pl~easanter.
Fortunately for the romantic little
Ethel. it happened on this occasion
he was returning from one of these
little pleasure excursions.
AS he was passing near the meadow,
near Meadow Grove, very slowly, for
both he and his horse were fatigued by
the long drive. he was startled by the
bowling of a dog. followed by the wall
ing of a child. He reused himself from
his Longing position and sat upright
to hear. The dog now barked furious
ly. as if determined to have r%eliefathen
again the moaning sound followed
''Merc. full God, what is it?" he ex-
claimed. stopping his horse and throw-
place hauntcd?h
For a few miautes there was silence,
then again the barking of the dog. The
sound came from the meadow. He
looked around. but could see nothing.
"Some cur" he muttered to himself,
urg ng on his horse. 'barking at the
MOON" AS he did so he heard the
words distinctly: .Help! oh, help! in
pity come to mel"
Frank again stopped the horse to lis
ten. Becoming excited, he sprang
from his buggy, and leading his horse
to the fence, tied HIM. Then mounting
the fence he sat. straining his eyes over
the meadow. There was nothing hui
man visible. Even black Carlo was
shrouded in the shadow of the walnut
tree. After listening some minutes,
the perplexed Frank proceeded to unite
his horse, when again, this time faint
er. although distinct, were heard the
words:
Help! Oh, helpH'
He returned quickly, and springing
over into the meadow, shouted: Hal
10! Where in Heavens name are
you?"
The sound went echoing through the
hills, followed by a few minutes ST.
lence, which appeared to the excited
young man Intern. nable. Then came
a ia Mt, sobbing sound, a moan and a
howl from the dog, followed by the
words. hardly ineligible: ''Here in the
swamp!'
"My God!" exclaimed Frank. cit is
certainly the voice of a Oh. Id, here at
midnight in the swamp, what can it
mean? Something terrible has hap
pened; a murder perhaps. 1t is some
one that has been left for dead, and
has been revived by the night ar"
Quickly he crossed the field toward the
tree. As he approached, in the midst
of the vapory cloud. he could see the
form of a small dog, near an upright
figure which in the shadow appeared
Like a portion of a log. The dark, curl
crowned head was turned from him,
tee back only being visible, the face I'm.
seen.
Speak again, for Gods sake! who
ever you are!' cried Frank.
Ethel turned her head and saw plain
ly in the moonlight the tall, dark-look-
ing man approaching. She sobbed
out: ''Here | ami and in a few mo-
ments he was by her side. She extend
ed her hands toward him. He stopped,
and, dripping With 81 me and mud, she
was rescued safe in the arms OF her de-
liverer.
THANK God!" exclaimed Frank;
'.you are alive"
For a few moments she was unable
to speak. He carried her carefully to
his carriage. placing her upon the seat
beside him, followed by the faithful
dog. who ran along beside the vehicle.
Now, my dear little GIRL" sad
Frank, as he gathered up the reins,
"frst tell me. are you hurt, then how
you came to be in the swamp, and
where you belong"
Ethel, collecting her strength and
confidence, answered him that she was
not hurt, who she was, then frankly re-
lated her dream, her idea of the vision,
her desire to explore the mystery, to
find the beautiful lady, etc.
Frank listened with surprise, pleasure
hAA du1uoOlACllG uuoiA AS 4CdS1Cu NAIs
Moore's residence; then said: II earn
estly entreat you never to go there on
such an erland again. Had you been
left there until morning the result
would have been serious"
'''Oh, L never will" replied Ethel.
shuddering. II shall not have the OPP
portunity should 1 desire it, for in a
few days I am going away to school;
besides, I never will believe in fairies
any more!"
Il, too. am going away" said Frank,
'to pursue Il course of studies in Ger
many; l will be absent four years from
this coming autumne When l return l
may meet you again!" Looking at
her beautiful upturned face in the
moonlight-.'Will you remember me,
do you think?"
Ethel looked intently at the young
mans handsome face; then exclaimed
with feeling: Il W will forget you,
never! You have saved my LIE, how
could II" she continued, bursting into
tears.
.'Oh, it is not worth crying about -
said Frank, soothingly, lifting her out,