Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-09-18

"Oh, no. monsieur that is not what
meant When we have accumulated ten
thousand francs, we shall part with the mon
ey and then ="
"Then, mademoiselle ?"
1--WE shall begin again." continued Nora,
with light hearts for II we ever save that
sum, we can purchase our fathers liberty"
ed. "Is II possible that"
"Hush !" whispered Nina with her finger
on her lip, as she glanced round at the table
where her brother and his companions we're
seated over their game. "Whenever Pros
per hears this subject mentioned, he ia like a
madman. II 1t interests you, monsieur-this
terrible disaster which has befallen us-draw
your chair closer and will tell you in a few
words how II all happened"
The stranger came nearer 10 Nina's side,
and leaned forward In a listening attitude
His face assumed an expression OF intense
concern az she proceeded.
In low voice, frequently choked by tears,
the girl confded 10 the sympathetic stranger
her sad story.
Always anxious TO assist bis family" I" Nina
began, at one day occurred TO my father TO
buy vessel for the purpose OF trading along
the coast Of the Adriatio. SO he collected
together all that he was worth, made a capt
tai bargain and set sail in his little ship, con-
traded in the Adrstic for others for many
years, and was well known as a brave and
honest captain in these seas. But not many
weeks passed before news reached us that all
was lost"
Her utterauce became thick with sobs, but
speedily overcoming her emotion she con-
tinued:
"a letter came from father; il told us
only too plainly what misfortune had over
al. d..
ing such mshap, he was attacked by pirates.
He made desperate resistance, but was
eventually Overpowered aud taken prisoner.
They carried him to Tripoli. The sum de.
manded for his ransom IL so eXorbtant that
il will be impossible for him ever to raise it.
In his letter he adds that we must therefore
relinquish all hope of ever seeing him again"
The girls eyes we're blinded with tears, and
for some moments she could not speak but
by painful effort she succeeded at last.
"We are striving by every honest means in
our power to collect the money. 1t is a hard
fight. This is only very modest little cafe,
and our profits are very small. Prosper gains
few extra francs every week with his boat
In the harbor. But many more years must
pass before We can hope to accomplish this
trying task"
How long" the stranger asked, ''has your
father been prisoner p
''Ten years"
''Is IL possible2'
II was fifteen when he went away At
parting he kissed me on both cheeks" CON
tinued Nina, smiling thoughtfully. Nov
am twenty five"
Poor child :" said the stranger, with great
tenderness.
"During these years we have managed to
save nearly three thousand francs Perhaps
in ten more years, if we are very fortunate,
We shall be able to complete the sum, and
father will be sitting in the old corner, where
you are seated now, as | remember seeing him
when / was a child"
While she was still speaking the dreamy
look which the stranger had observed already
began TO reappear in her dark eyes, and she
seemed gradually to lose herself in thought.
The stranger, who felt that his presence at
her side was forgotten, rose from his seat
with suppressed sigh, and crossing over to
NinR's brother and the fishermen, who still
played at dominoes he placed his hand upon
the boatman's shoulder.
Monsieur Prosper" said he, 'it is almost
time we started But before we 90 let us
drink glass together, and il, " he added, look
ing around-''if your friends will join us, 30
much the better"
The fishermen expressed themselves agree
able, and Prosper filled glasses all around.
Every one rose and ''clinked" with the stran-
ger, at the same time wishing him bon UOyd9e.
Then Prosper COrnllon assisted the officer
to envelop himself once more in his cloak,
while Nina came timidly forward to take his
proHered hand and bid him adeu. And then
out they stepped into the wind and the rain,
followed by the fishermen, leaving Nina all
alone in the cafe, with her hands clasped and
q wistful look in her eyes.