Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-09-04
In PERIL.


walled house, a large, rambling build
ing, which even in summer time, when
all the trees were covered in verdant
green, and flowers bloomed in the
gardens, looked desolate; but now it
was winter. and snow lay thick upon
the ground and upon the mountains,
the scene was one of intense dreari-
ness.
yet, in spite of this, and its distance
from any town, the house was occu-
pied; the owner. Mr. Seymour, artist
by profession, living there with his
family in seeming content.
The family consisted of himself. his
wife, and two children, the eldest of
whom, CIR. had just reached her
twelfth year, while baby Eddie had
barely numbered as many months; other
little ones had come between these two,
but they had as swiftly been plucked
by deaths unsparing hand, leaving only
bitter memory in the parents hearts.
A couple of mald-servants and an old
man, who did odd jobs about the place,
completed the small household.
One cold winters day, as evening
was approaching, Mrs. Seymour sat in
white, winding road, her eyes alter
nately wandering towards her babe,
who lay in a cradle close by, and the
road, over which darkness was so
quickly falling.
''Adie," she called presently, and as
her soft voice penetrated to her little
daughters ears, she rose from her seat
near the fire and crossed the room.
Yes, mamma"
'LoOk! your eyes are brighter than
mine; is that the coach | see in the
distancer
Adie climbed on to a chair, and for
some time stood with her face pressed
close to the window, her ewes strained
as she tried to make out the dark-look-
ing object which had raised her moth
ers hopes. At last, a little sigh escaped
her, and half-reluctantly she descended
from her high perch.
mo, mamma she said passing one
arm lovingly round Mrs. Seymour's
neck, lit is only old Jasper with the
letters
A shade of disappointment Swallowed
her mothers gentle face-disappoint-
ment which soon changed to anxiety.
Drawing Adie closer to her, she kissed
her as she whispered:
1T is three days since your father
left us; surely he will return tonight!
He has never before remained away so
long"
Perhaps the roads have been too
bad, " Adie suggested, wishing to give
comfort by her hopeful words.
II hope nothing more serious is
keeping him. The coach generally
passes before this, and | see no sign of
it yet"
Jasper is coming here; will see il
he has brought a letter from pal" Adie
cried, rs she watched the horSeman turn
into the big iron gate; and with an
eager light in her eyes she darted off.
She returned almost as quickly, way
ing letter in her hand One glance
at her smiling face told Mrs. Seymour
whom it was from before she saw the
handwriting.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she
broke the seal, but a slight flush of
gladness stole into her cheeks when
she had scanned the short note
He will be home tonight, Adie
The coach, he says. will probably be
late on account of the recent fall of
snow, but they are bound to come"
Rising from her chair. she went in
to the kitchen, where she found Jasper
warming himself by the blazing fire,
and enjoying the basin of hot soup
Mary, the cook, had prepared for him.
Il suppose you did not see the coach
as you came from Shornham?" she
questioned, after she had wished him a
good evening.
No, mum. that | didn't; | hurried
back rs quick as | could, for the old
bridge is just us unsafe as it can be,
arter the storm; | were most afeared
to cross it. | can tell you"
Mrs. Seymour grew pale. and, half
unconsciously, her hand closed tightly
over Aides shoulder
What do you meanP" she said
breathlessly. WHO says the bridge is
not Safe?n
II say it, mum, and it's true as true.
Unless the river calms down a bit there
won't be much bridge left by to-mor-
row. Some O the planks are already
looseued by the rushing waters
Good-heavens! But surely the coach
will not pass over it tonight? Have
you not given warning?n
The man shrugged his shoulders, and
looked at her with a rather vacant ex-
preston in his eyes.
'''Twere none of my business, mum.
Old Jim will see for hisself. when he
reaches the bridge, that it's unsafe to
cross
But it is growing dark, and unless
someone is there to give them warning.
they may rush headlong into danger.
Had you not better 90 back and wait
there in case of accident?"
Jasper smiled, but shook his head.
impossible" he answered decided
~. I'm late now with the post-bag,
and | daren't lose my place for the sake
o the coach"
But think, the lives of your fellow
creatures are at stake" Mrs. Seymour
cried wildly, wringing her hands in
despair.
Cant help it, mum, duty is duty
and mine is to 90 home as quick as
can. Good night. an thank you kind
""
He was gone before she could ado
another word. Mrs. Seymour covered
her face with her hands for a moment
then she looked up, a ray of hope OF
her face.
Where is Ben? He had better sad
die Prince, and ride with all speed tt
the bridge"
A dead sileuce followed her speech.
the cook and housemaid exchanged
troubled chances before they answered
her. At last Mary stepped forward.
Il forgot to tel. you, -ma'am, blu