Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-01-02

rude path which had been cut along
side one edge of the rayine. The sun
beat down upon them, and there was
hardly a breath of air. But this they
did not mind, and in due time they
reached the head of the ravine and
rested in the shadow of the great rocks
which lowered above their heads.
These they had yet to surmount, and
then the end of their tramp would be
reached.
This a little later was accomplished,
and they gazed around them upon the
wild, half-savage scenery which lay up
on every hand.
A little later and again the sound of
voices and of laughter vas waited up
ward to their ears. The party reached
the head of the ravine and was about
to Chamber up owe the cliffs the way
they had come.
They knew that the ladies had no
easy task before them, and that they
had some little time to stay before they
moved aside or farther on if they still
wished to avoid them.
So they fingered, taking in the view
until the forms of the party appeared
in sight only a short distance below
them.
Come, Hartley, there are some
stunted trees out yonder where VIZ can
find shade. We will take refuge there
until they r gone"
'Tll make the move for your sake"
Thurlow; but mind, / won't do it again.
We have as good a right here as they,
and if Miss Maud Ashley doesn't want
to meet you she can go in some other
direction. IF it were my case / should
stay here, and if she wanted to cut me
in the presence of the rest of the party
she would be at liberty to do so. You
a afford it if she can"
ThurloW made no answer, but start
ed off in the direction he had indi-
Gated. He could not bear the thought
of being sighted by the woman who
in the past had been so dear to him.
In the shade made by the gnarled
and stunted trees they partook of the
lunch they had brought, dividing their
time between the wild scenery about
them and watching the movements of
the party on the brow of the cliff.
In this way the time passed until
Thurlow, looking at his watch, OBJ
served that it was nearly time for them
to be starting homeward.
'FWiIl you wait until they are gomez"
said Hartley. II think they are about
starting. Their moving about looks
like it."
Hardly had these words left his lips
when a cry of mortal terror fell upon
their ears.
They sprung to their feet and
gazed out toward the party on the
cliffs.
One of their number was missing.
Horror-stricken they gazed for an in
slant into each others face, and then,
with the utmost speed they could COM
mand, they flew in the direction of the
spot.
"What has ~happenedP" they cried to
the awe-struck group, each of whom
had ventured as near to the edge of the
cliff as they dared, and were looking
down into the fearful abyss below.
''Maud Ashley has fallen overt" was
the answer from pale lips.
Thurlow uttered a cry which came
from the inmost recesses of his heart.
Then, with a powerful effort lie mas
tered himself, and sprung to the path
leading down to the edge of the ra-
vine.
''She has gone to the bottom" said
Hugh Tilden, as he carefully made his
way after him. She has fallen upon a
shelf in the rocks, and we can hear her
crying for help"
Thurlow turned for an instant and
gave him a look which should have
crushed him into the earth, and then
sped on his downward way, followed
close by Hartley, who almost thrust
Tilden from the path as he passed him.
In a few moments he was opposite
the spot where Maud was clinging fol
her life to the narrow shelf of rock on
which she had fallen and which had
saved her from instant death.
Have courage, Maud, | will be with
YOU in a moment. Here, Hartley, lend
me your hand until I cross this slip
perry rock"
The latter did as requested, and then
with a bound Thurlow gained the shelf,
and grasped Maud by the shoulder.
For a moment it seemed that they
would both lose their balance, and &c
plunging down to the fearful depths
below, but they held their footing and
braced themselves up against the rock
behind them.
care you much hurt, Miss Ashley?'
he said.
''No, thanks to this bed of moss she
answered. But why Miss Ashleyi
Why don't you call me Maud, as o.
oldP"
May I have the right to do so?''
Eyes, you always had"
"Maud, will you be my wifep"
Eyes, dearest, if we leave this place
alive"
"And Hugh TildenP"
500 not mention his name to me
He has no claim uponme. lam yours
and yours alone, if you will take me-"
Thank God, my darling! Now let
Us make u escape from this spot as
soon as possible. If we are careful
we a do it without harm to either"
Hartley and Tilden were looking on.
They could not hear what passed be-
tween the two, but the former was sat
isfied that all had been made right at
last.
Take the wraps the ladies have and
your coats, and tie them together,
making as stout a rope as you can, and
then throw n end to me- called out
Thurlow.
This was soon done. The end was
fastened about Maud. and Thurlow
steadied her out as far as possible.
Then, with a spring, she caught the
outstretched hand of Hartley and was
safe. A minute more and Thurlow
stood by her side. and then a shout OF
joy went up from the throats of all at
their d~eliverance.