The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1886-07-01

OF large forest trees and rocks covered
with patches of velvet lichen. Over
head we can see glimpses of blue sky,
anc in the deep grass on either side the
still! deeper blueof the campanulas vies
with the ruby red of the wild straw
berry. To the left the sullen thunder
of a waterfall breaks on our ears, and
few moments later we come to o
britiht open space where a tumbledoWn
picturesque hut pefches on a shelf of
plateau overhanging the dizzy preci-
pice: At this juncture our guide, a
voluble young mountaineer of one or
two-and-twenty, with q superb sprig of
edelweiss in his hat, addresses me:
"Yonder lie two roads. mein Her,
he explains. indicating their direction
with wave of his brown hand. lone
leads to the Old Pass, only used by ma
tive folk and country travellers; by the
other you will soon reach the famous
gallery tunneled in solid rock by the
genius of the famous engineer, Herr
Bronx, from the mouth of which YOU
obtain the finest view to be seen in the
whole of Switzerland.
There Immediately ensues a perfect
babel OF tongues. At length it is
agreed by the majority that We follow
the new road and inspect this marvel
of engineering skill.
"You will regret it, friends as long
as you live" 1t is the Engljshman,
Egremont, who is speaking, and his
tone is curiously ger and excited.
Il have been many times over both
paths, and l assure you there is no
scenery in tho world to equal that
which surrounds the deserted Old
Pass.''
The guide shrugs his shoulders and
smiles deprccatingly.
AT least Miss Sinclair will listen to
reason" Egremont continues, turning
to my cousin, with whom l have
scarcely exchanged a word during the
journey. so jealousy has she been
guarded by her quasdom friend.
give start of surprise at this un-
expected proposal.
''Barby,' l say in a low tone,
"Barby. surely you will not do this
thing? Remember, danger turks
everywhere among these mountain
passes. Pause for your mothers sake,
anu LOT mlnc.
The small hand that grasps the climb.
ing-stick of ash trembles a little, and
she makes a motion as if to seek nv
side, but Egremont interposes. and
bending the glance of his strangely
dark eyes full upon her, whispers some
words that bring red glow to he1
cheeks. A smile of triumph curls his
lips when he sees their subtle effect.
Unfortunately, lose both patience
and discretion together.
''Barby, you shall not go!'' cry hot.
ly.
"'Shall not are imperative words,
Mr.. Ray" she returns, in the old way,
that, in moments of irritation, has been
hers from childhood. II think can
safely trust myself in MIR. Egremont's
care. He, at least, is skilled in the
manners and language of a gentle
man.
l bite my lips angrily, but say nc
more.
''You will find us awaiting you here
on your return, ready to continue the
ascent in your charming company,
announces Egremont, with a bow Of
mock courtesy. "Adieu, good friends
and may you fully enjoy Herr Bronk's
matchless piece of tunneling."
The twain stand and watch us til
our diminished forces are nearly out Of
sight. After awhile our footpath wild
ems into a magnificent high-road 7ards
in breadth, with the leafy forest on one
side and the sheer prccipice on the
other.
AS the roar of the waterfall wakes
louder my heart grows heavier and my
pace slower till my feet seem weighted
with lead. I fall insensibly behind tn;
rest, whose laughter can just distin
guish in the distance. A powerful i'm
pulse seiZes me to turn back, and
obey it without question. At the turr
of the roads strike swiftly into thu
one leading to the Old Pass.
My forehead is beaded with heavy
drops and my breath comes in short
qnick gasps; but dare not slacken m,
pace for even moment, so strong j!
the power that urges me on. Once only
stop to listen; but no sounds reward
ME. Up, up, till the snowy peaks
glitter frostily in the mid-air, and the
misty valley drops far. far below. Thu
heat and silence are alike intense. The
rugged rocks shoot out in larger ant
yet larger masses. Splintered cliff:
tower above, and the road becomes s
mere narrow shelf, slippery to the foo
winding along the brow of the preci
pice.
Suddenly the sound of voices fall!
on my ear, and turning sharp angle
of the rock sight meets my eyes tina
sends the very blood bounding madi,
through my veins. Poised on the mar
rowest ledge of slippery stone stands
the Englishman Egremont, and grasp
ed tightly in his strong right arm
he holds Barbv, while with his lcf
hand he gesticulates wildly, pointing
IN turn from the serene sky above tt
the valley that outstretches hundred!
of feet below. His back is turned tt
me but Barby's face is in full view
white as a snow-drop and infinitely
pitiful in its dumb terror. The hor
rible truth suddenly dawns upon me
Great Heaven the man is mad!
''Oh, Phillip! Philip! where are you
that you do not save me?'
Barby's wall smites the air, and il
answered by a sbrill laugh from tn
maniac.
II have found you at last, my bride
my sweet he babbles. gleefully, "ant
they shall never separate us more
This time we will die together
In desperation Barby seized hold of I
jagged point of rock, and though tn,
sharp edges cut her tender hands cruel
ly, she clings to it with the strength o
despair. There is but one chance lief
a terrible alternative. If possess on
talent above another it is that of per
feet craftsmanship. cast my eye
hastely but carefully about and select
ed a smooth round stone. The mussl
of my right hand close round it an,
tighten to the tensity of steel. Sud
denly Barby sees me and utters m,
name. For one terrible moment Eyre
mont turns and faces me. his dar]
eyes ablaze with triumph and malice
Then with sharp whiz the ston
cleaves the air, my empty hand fel
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