Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-04-04

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1t was neither safe nor pleasant to
travel through the deserted swamps,
where runaway negroes and lawless
desperadoes skulked ABOUT, seeking
plumber and robbng any unwary or de-
lenseless traveller who might come along.
Anxiety for others, made our travellers
lose personal fear, and with close car
riage, fleet footed horses and two stout
negroes they started.
They were bOus~' TO- a small garrisOned
town down on Red river where the younger
Johnson lay in hospital wounded and
sick They met with no bindrance or ad-
venture on the way until the last day.
They had travelled hard from early in the
morning ii late in the afternoon, intend
ing TO reach their destination before
night but the roads were badly cut up
and twisted and turned in such way the
driver lost his reckoning, took the wrong
route, and at dusk they were lost IN
gloomy desOlate wilderness.
SAY, Eneck, what is the matterY' in
quired his master opening the carriage
door.
Il dunno marse, but Use afeerd we'er
on the wron' road"
"Drive on little farther"
They had not got many steps farther
before they were halted by two or three
men, dozen the terrified driver and his
companion thought. A little Oluster, the
were ready to 90 down on their knees and
beg for mercy.
GOOD heavens! highway robbers"
gasped old man Johnson. sinking weakly
back in his seat. Mrs. johnson shrieked
with terror and Magdalen lost her color.
The carriage door was opened, "a lantern
swung in, and a big black negro surveyed
he travellers.
"What do you want, sir?" the old gen.
tleman incurred mildly.
something 20 eat first eff you've got it
in here. tnen all your money ] reckon"
Magdaden had a good memory for
voices $ well as faces, and as those gruh
tones fell on her ear, she started and
leaned forward to get closer look at the
speaker. A lightning like fash of
memory brought up certain events of the
past, and with something like relief she
recognized him. She pushed back her
bonnet and allowed the light TO shine
fun on her own face.
Neal"
lie started back, looking rather wildly
at that young lovely face which had so
suddenly appeared, then he too remem-
bered, for Joy aud shame were reflected in
his eyes.
Little missus, is it your Oh Lord,
never done this before, l wouldn't done
1t now hut Pm mos starved. Where you
going Niss MagdaleuY"
40 with these friends. We are in
great trouble. This is a strange country
TO US and we have lost our way"
Il know the way, I'll drive you there"
he said eagerly.
"Gracious heaven! my dear we must
not trust him. Why, why he's the fell
low"
~ think he viii do right in this matter"
Il will missus, whites try me. I'd
die To- you should be harmed"
Here is our lunch basket. May / give
il 10 him Mr.. Johnson"
eyes, yes, il you think It will DO any
good"
lie did not notice the others, but with
az humbly grateful glance at Magdal len
he stepped back, closed the door, and
after . short parey with his companions,
the two servants were released, and the
carriage moved on unmOlested.
Mr.. Johnson resi- gned himself at last
and Mrs. johnson breathed ejaculatOry
prayers, between anxious questions, as TO
the probable intentions OF that awful
creature.
They were soon relieved OF all doubt
and conjecture, for after driving them
IN sight of N--he got down and gave the
lines back into Elleck's hands and plunged
back into the thickets.
At the edge Of the town they were
stopped by the guard, tall, burly brown
bearded Texan, who leaned against the
carriage door, while Mr.. johnson ex.
planned their errand. Did tue gentleman
know an Edward Johnson therei Yes,
slightly. Then Msgdalen leaned eagerly
forward.
.And are you acquainted with John
Grant, The last news / received from
him he intended TO get nearer home, il
possible"
"When did you hear from himi" in
quired the soldier cycling her curiously by
the dull light Of the carriage lamps.
eAlasl not since last August" she
sadly replied.
81 did know him-that is we parted
last year, said the soldier nurrledly.
'Are you his daugnterW
t'Yes sir"
A strange expression crossed the mans
face OF perplexity and regret.
'sMy name is Kelaud. Better 20 to
Leclerc's if you want place 20 stay at
tonight. and In the morning you can find
your son. He is improving. I'll ind out
whether your father IS here or not and let
you know Miss"
He fetreated then and they entered the
town, AS Magdaen stepped out OF the
carriage before the door Of the lodging
house, IL opened, and a sister OF charity
appeared. The nall light fell on her face,
and the girl recognized another old nc
quaintance.
'sister Angelquew she cried, spring.
ing up the steps and stretching out her
hapds.
"MademoseIlep
Have you forgotten Magdalen Grant,
W me glrl who once came TO you for help
IN New Orleansy"
80 my child, recognize you now,v
irba,e plile0s her pale face brightening.
~" gentle kindly questions and