Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-04-20


Nan was great favorite with the
young people, and after all, / was
Obliged to own to myself that there was
not much improperly in our Joining
the MOTEL party, but 1 was not as we'll
pleased when, upon nearing the grotto,
we We're obliged to get into small boats
and tithian. the guide, took the oars to
the one of which we we're the ONLY &C.
cupants
But my uneasiness was soon foroot-
ten amidst the beauties of the place we
had come to explore.
Inc grotto appeared at first but
cavity in the rocks which had been
washed out by the waves
1t was very long and narrow, and the
light which seemed to be reflected from
the emerald walls about us was of a
strange green tint, the boats and their
occupants as they crept away from us
growing OF deep blue-green hue.
We rowed about for sometime
admiring the dark green waves,
the rocks of various shades of
the same color, the delicate pea-green
of the foam where the water broke
against the rocks, and the TRANSPARENCY
of the tinted water.
At length the guide spoke. edo you
see that break in the rocks yonder?"
Nan, whose behavior had been as
different from that of the past few days
as was possible. reused herself and re-
piled that she did.
That is ono Of the entrances to the
cavern which opens into this grotto.
Would You like to see the cavern?"
"The Others" l said "are there
before us, undoubtedly.
Nan was very eager to rejoin them,
and we were soon in dark passage be-
tween the rocks, but our guide assured
us that it would grow lighter as we
proceeded. and in measure it did So
After very uncomfortable time in
the darkness, we saw the glimmer of a
lamp which was burning in niche of
rock ahead Of u.s.
eve leave the boat here" said the
guide.
81 do not see anything of our
friends" said Nan, loubtfully, as we
stepped from the boat upon the rocky
floor of the cavern.
"There are several entrances to the
cave, said Fithian, with, / thought. a
sinister look in his eye. "They must
have landed at some other place"
/ never felt more apprehensive
of danger in my life, but I remained
silent while the man lighted a torch
from the lamp and began to show us
the beauties Of the place and pointed
out the different shapes of the stalac-
tites and stalagmites with which the
cave abo1lnded.
Nan too, seemed to be uneasy, and
soon said, "NLr. Fithian, I think we
will return now. Our friends are not
here. Why did you bring us here?"
Because I love you, Miss Man," re-
piled our guide, throwing Off his defer
entail a;:;; that is why brought you
here. 1 kn I, too, that you love me,
and, more than that, l know that you
could never marry me with the con-
sent Of these fine friends of yours.
Therefore, dearest, I have formed q
plan for most romantic marriage
without their consent.
"You egotistical wretch, /" interrupted
Nan, 81 will never marry you. love
you, indeed"
The scorn in her vo ce seemed to
awaken demon within him.
"You will be glad to marry me, he
Kissed. "Your looks and actions for
the past week have convinced every
one that you love me, and you do"
"Bah! I was only amusing myself"
said Nan, with recklessness which
made me fear for our safety. Sect
into the boat, Mollie, we will return at
once"
"You will not RETURN" Missed I'ithan
with dabolical look. you will naver
see the lightof day again unless you be-
come my wife. Say tke word and will
90 for minister ut once, and to-mor-
row the papers will be filled with the
news OF the discovery Of this cavern
and of our romantic marriage upon the
spot; but if you refuse will leave you
here to die in the darkness. No living
person il, acquainted with this cave
but myself.
II will never marry you, 11ever,
neuer"
"Your chances Of escape are small;
think again.
"Mollie, Mollie!" she cried in de-
spair.
aBe frm," I whispered, although
my fear was so great that l felt myself
trembling. ...
II will not marry you.
Fithian, who seemed changed into a
fiend, leaped into the boat and rowed
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