The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-05-25

My limbs began to tremble. Months
prison life and prison fare had made n
weaker than, in the first squirt, had rea
lied
"HaltT came within fifty feet of m
and pistol ball whistled through my hal
and took off my hat At the same momer
cracking sound came from under m
feet, 1 staggered, lurched violently to on
side, then lost my balance and rolled owe
and over on the yielding ice.
All is over now, | thought; for fe
too utterly exhausted even to attempt t
rise. But, just as all hope forsook me,
loud crash aroused me, and / turned m
head just in time to see my pursuer g
down in the treacherous chasm in whicl
bad been so nearly engulfed. Then
knew that | was saved; and with suddenl,
renewed strength | got to my feet agaiI
and made off continued for half mile
further up, and then made straight for tht
shore. There unstrapped my skates anC
took refuge in deep thicket, and in
few minutes was in a profound sleep.
II wonder, now, that | had not frozer
to death; and had not the weather mode
rated greatly iu the last few hours, | an
sure | would have done so. When finally
woke | was stiff with cold, and ached from
head to foot"
Here Mr.. SHINES paused and gave a
retrospective shiver as he leaned over the
fire.
"Aud what became of the poor fellow
who went under the ice?" asked Mr. Har-
court.
Drowned, suppose; hoped so at the
time, at any rate. never saw him again.
Well, that is the last time | skated, con-
tiuued Mr.. Simmes, rising, and standing
with his back comfortably turned to the
FIRE. I've never had the least fancy for
the exercise since"
"But pray continue your narrative, said
Mr.. Hareourt, as he rose and stood on the
rug beside his friend Il can't bear to
think Of you in that thieket with frozen
limbs and aching bones"
Haven't | bored you enough already ?
You know | only promised to tell you my
last experience on the skates"
Indeed, have an intense curiosity to
know how you got along afterwards
Mr.. Simmes resumed his Seat, and con-
tinued when | awOke it was almost
sunset was in dense wood, with no
sign Of habita,ion within sight That l
should find food and shelter for the night
WAS imperatively necessary, so | slowly got
to my feet and looked around. There
seemed TO be no outlet, not even COW
path. | commenced my journey inland,
however, making my way through the thick
underbrush and over frozen streams, till,
finally, after an hours weary walking,
came across little path This | followed
for some time, when, at a sudden bend,
saw, few rods before me, comfortable
farmhouse, lights cleaning from the win
dows, and general air Of hospitality per-
vading the whole premises
II approached with considerable trepi-
dation, for | judged that my forlorn, bare
headed appearance would be decidedly
against me. My timid knock at the door
Was answered By a young girl, WHOM l
thought the most beautiful creature | had
ever beheld, having been thrown for so
many months into the society Of rough men
only. In the most graceful manner that
was possible under the circumstances |
begged foF aight's lodgiag, saying had
LOST my way. The young lady questioned
me closely, aud | suppose | must have
made some very Inconsistent statements, for
at length, to my surprise and dismay, she
said 'You are an escaped prisoner, are YOU
DOT ?"
IL was speechless, and could only look at
her hcseoohingly, She laughed heartily,
but, in moment, said gravely Don't be
afraid, win help you; but father mustn't
know i; for the world Come in, aad |
followed her into cozy sitting room, where
an elderly lady vas preparing table for
supper She introduced her as her mother
and, after telling who was, between Them
they hastily devised means for seeEeting
me for the night.
As the man Of the house was expected
at any moment, was conducted to a little
room somewhat apart from the rest Of the
house Here this angel-girl brought me
my supper You must be of BY daylight,
she said. but win SEQ you again.
sit was hardly dawn when tapping at
NY window reused me. After hastily
dressing came out. Would you believe
me there stood my lovely hostess with
bundle in her hand, and horse, saddled
aud bridled, beside her.
You must be right of, she said; here
are some things You might need, and
money'-thrusting purse into my hand.
And this horse is my very own. You
must take him, and may return him when
thls cruel war Is over.
''She hardly gave me time TO thank her.
| was overwhelmed hy her kindness, as you
may imagine,
6 i viii most certainly return, l said,
pressing her hand Then she gave me
directions as to my course, and | departed.
lit would be Elore tedious than interest
ing to tell how, after long journey across
the state of Ohio, | finally crossed the river
and reached my Kentucky home, From
exposure aud long Imprisonment ! fell very
ILL., When | was at last able to report for
duty again the fortunes of the Contederaey
we're about decided, News of the surren-
der at Appomattox reached us just as was
planning way to join Gen. Lees army.
Here the narrator ceased.
MY dear fellow, said Mr. Harcourt, 81
am heartily glad to hear of the successful
termination of your adventure. | have
always had quite curiosity as to your
ultimate fate
Always Mr.. Simmes looked up in
quiringly,
Mr. Harcourt iudulged in long, low
chuckle. "Yes, ever since came out of
the icy bath | got on your account. You
don't recognize the officer who pursued
you ito the bitter end and l tell you it
was bitter cold under that ice. Well, of
course twenty years does make difference. ;
Mr.. Simmes looked blankly in his COM
panions face. what" he gasped.
"You? You don't say sol-and you
weren't drowned after all l2'
''No, but | came pretty near it. If some
Of the men hadn't seen me go under, and
come up as quickly as they did, would
not have had the pleasure of listening to
your interesting story and eongratulating
YOU upon its fortunate issue"
"Well, said Mr. SHINES with laugh,
as the quondam foes involuntarily shook
hands, "we long ago agreed to clasp hands