Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-01-03

I
looking at her as she prayed. She raised
her face to heaven, and then I saw that
her eyes wore filled with tears. She look
ed like Megdalen. As he rose he said:
"Ah my sweet Laurette, as we approach
America / cannot help being anxious; l
do not know why-but l feel that this
voyage has been The happiest part of
our lives"
$50 it seems to me-" she answered. II
| only wish it might last forever"
Suddenly clssping his hands in trans
port of love and affection, ne said:
"And you, my little angel, see you cry
in your prayers, and that I cannot stand
| for know what causes it, and then / fear
you must repent what you have done"
REGENT" she said in rebuking tone
repent of having come to you? Do
you think because have been yours only
such very short time that [ should not
love your Was I not Yeur wifef
How can you be sorry that I should be
with you, to live with you if you live,
and die with you if you are to dis?"
The young man began to sigh, sbrik-
ing the door impatiently with mis- feet,
while he kissed repeatedly the little hand
and arm which she was holding out.
"Ah Laurette!-Laurette! When 1 think
if our marriage had only been delayed
five daJs-only five days-that l should
have been arrested and transported alone,
[ cannot forgive myself"
At this the little one stretched oat her
round white arms, clasped his head,
pressed his forehead, his hair, his eyes,
smiling like a cherub, and murmuring all
sorts of woman's fond things. I was
quite affected, and considered it one of
the prettiest sights had ever witnessed.
"AEd besides, we are so very rich, too"
she said, bursting out laughing. "Look
at my purse-one golden sovereign
my worldly wealth"
He began to laugh, too.
Yes, dear, I have spent my last half
crown. Igave it to the fellow who carried
our trunks on board"
"Ah!" cried she, "what matters it! No
body so merry as those who have nothing
at all. Besides, have my two diamond
rings that my mother gave me; they are
good for something the world over: We
can sell them when you like; and then I
am sure that the captain meant kindly
by Us, and l suspect very well that he
knows what is in the letter."
of Cayenne"
it is" con tinued the charming little wife.
"You are so good, I'm sure the govern
ment has banished you only for short
time-I know they have no feeling
against you"
1t was high time that the lights should
be stricken out, and now | raped on the
deck and called to them to do so.
They instantly obeyed, and / heard
nd n ia VIZ
innocent schoolfellows.
One morning when I was awake, was
surprised Lot to feel the slightest motion
of the vessel. Hurrying on deck [ found
that Wa were becalmed. Latitude l de-
gree; longitude between "a and % west.
[ waited until night when ] descended
70 my cabin and opened the letter, with a
dull, awful feeling. I held my breath
while broke the big read seal and read:
Captain Fontainbleau: The convict,
Antoine Hindsclear stands convicted of
high treason against the repoblic. The
directory ordered that ne be shot in mid
ocean, and you are hereby instructed to
see that these orders are carried into eff
feet"
l read the letter backward and for
ward. 1 went on deck. There they were,
she looking upon the ocean, and he gaz
ing upon her with unutterabie fondness-
Catching his eye [ signed for hi N to
come into the cabin, and bidding her
good-by, he came down, his face all
smiles.
l was baGhed in a cold sweat felt as
if deadly sick. I handed him the letter,
and he read it, together with the death
warrant, which was drawn up in due form
and attached. 1 gathered voice as he
finished.
He colored slightly and bowed.
II ask nothing, captain" ne said, in
the same gentle voice that always char
actcrized his speech. mo man can be ex-
pected TO swerve from his duty. l only
wish TO speak few words to Laurette,
and to entreaJ you to take care of her if
she should survive. L hardly think she
win.''
'All that is fair, my good fellow"
said. ''If you request it [ will carry her
beck to France to her family; will never
leave her until she wishes to get rid of
NE; but [ DO not think she will survive
it."
He took my hand and pressed it.
"Most kind captain, see You suffer
more in this business than I do; but
l.
preserve what little property OF mine is
left for her sake. and that you will take
care she gets what her poor old mother
may leave her. l put her life in your
hands. She is"-and how foudiy low his
voice became! "a delicate little creature.
Her chest is often affected. She must
keep it warm; and if she could keep the
| diamond rings her mother gave her
iah ho Oia hnt M
is needed they must go. Ny poor Laur-
cite, how pretty she is!'
| 1t was getting too much for me and
/ began to knit my brows.
Zone word is as good as thousand" l
said. "We understand each other now.
Go to hsr."
Isqueezed his hand; he looked wistful-
| ly at me, and added:
"Stay moment; let me give you a
word of advice. Don't say a word to her;
be easy; that is my business. 1t shall be
managed in the best manner"
"Ahr said he, 1 did rot understand;
| yes much better. Besides, this leave
| tskiug-this leaye-tabiR2i"
YES" said I, ''don't behave like child
much better! No leave-taking, if you
can help if, or you are lost"
kept my seat. | saw them walking
arm-In- upon the deck for about half
| a hour.
| I called the mate TO me and when he
| had read the letter l said:
''Gsrley, this is bad business-bad bust
ness; put it in your hands. 1 obey the
orders, but remain in the cabin until it is
over"
How do you wish the thing done?" he
| asked in nonchalant matter.