Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1890-06-18

GAxed into the darkness, from Wnenco
emerged two figures, and as they came
within the circle of light another more
remote.
''Ninon, my childl is it thou? hast
thou returned to my heart, my love?"
Nine. Chevreul sobbed the words forth as
she hold her niece in her arms. Marden,
his foot upon the step Of the veranda,
his face alone visible, gazed upon the
scene with the satisfaction Of one who
has accomplished q difficult task; while
Stella, a few PAGES behind him, looked
on with the wondering expression OF .
child.
An hour later Mile. Destain was relat-
ing to her friends the story Of her mys-
terious abduction from the burning
house. Ariel had retired to rest, and
the squaw was asleep on the yeranda.
The party were seated around the table
in the dining room, from which the cloth
had Just been removed.
Full Of anxiety fR the fate of our
friends" she said. 81 was about to fol-
low my aunt upstairs, when was seized
with q sudden apprehension of danger.
Hesitating what to do, became aware
Of smoke in the room; then I ran into
the hall to give the alarm; my foot was
ON the stairs, and I screamed Fire!
once, when blanket was thrown over
my head, hand pressed upon my mouth,
till between terror and suReGatton.
lost my senses. must have remained
unconscious for long time. for when
opened my eyes again, WAS lying on
some furs on the bottom Of Q oanoo,
with my head in the lap Of the Indian
woman. The blanket was removed and
! could breathe freely. The stars were
shining, but there were no lights on tho
shore, by which knew that we were
some distance from the town. From
my position could distinguish but little
in the darkness, except a dim form in
the stern Of the canoe. l tried to speak,
but the squaw laid her finger on my
lips. lay still for . long time-hours
think--whep l fell asleep. 1t was
daylight when ! awoke: The canoe
was tied to the shore, and my captors
were preparing q meal, Of which could
not partake. I then discovered that
there was another canoe; 1 also recog-
nized Lemouriers negro servant, who
seemed to be in command, but the squaw
directed his course. The white men
were Canadians whose duty 1t was to
paddle the canoes; kindle fires and pre-
pare meals. After that first night the
Journey was continued by daylight only,
and we occasionally met q party Of In
dams on their way to Montreal, but q
few words from Stella, as have named
her, satisfied them that we were friends.
The negro treated me courteously, but
would answer no questions as to our des-
tination. At last we arrived at the Is
sand where Captain Marden found me,
and you can imagine my terror at the
fate which believed awaited me, and
how prayed for help even il it came in
the form Of death, until that moment OF
supreme happiness when felt the pres
sure OF Ariel's hand in tho darkness Of
my prison"
"But how did Captain Marde n and
the Glue which led him in the pursuit."
asked Nine. Chevreul.
MRS. Vernon found it," Marden re-
piled. IAN Indian woman whom she
had befriended, and who was An unseen
witness to the embarkatton, revealed 1T
to her, and Ariel and I started in pur-
suit, believing that their destination
was Fort Frontenac. We therefore fol-
lowed the north shore of the St. Law
renee, but would have passed them. had
not their camp fire betrayed them to
Ariel's sharp eyes. The credit of the
| rescue belongs to him." He then went
on to describe the subsequent events
with which the reader Is familiar, add
ing: my task being accomplished,
must return to my duty. My presence
here Is unknown to all but yourselves
and must remain so, lest the military
authorities should object to my depart
ure. If I may claim your hospitality
for twenty-four hours, Mrs. Vernon
| And Ariel?" interrupted Mile. Des-
tain.
He will accompa ny me-" said Mar
den. There is bond of affection be-
tween US which danger and hardship
have cemented too closely to admit q
tn ought Of separation, Ask him, and
he will confirm what say"
"What If the chances of war should
leave him unprotected?" asked Ninon.
HE would return to Mrs. Vernon
"Iknow you are generous and unself.
tsh, said the young lady earnestly. 81
owe everything to those qualities, and
appeal to them now. Leave Ariel with VI
for time. Hls devotion to you has
taxed his strength beyond the natural
limit. He needs rest and care"
"a mothers care, added Mrs. Vernon
with emotion. Captain Marden, 1 urge
that claim, although cannot prove i
legally; but I believe that my prayer
has been heard and that one Of my los
children has been restored to me in thu
person Of this boy. Nine. Chevreul, 20,
know my story-the long years OF be
reavement and hope deferred. Pleat
for me-"
Marden, much agitated, was pacing
up and down the room. He stopped
and faced the lady. He was very pal
and his lips trembled.
ut needs not" he said, 81 admit you
claim" His mind reverted to the stor,
which Jabe told him in the ruined hu
in the forest, and which had passet
from his memory like dream in tn
exciting incidents which followed 1t
narration,
"There need then be no delay and n
parting scene" he added after O pause