Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1890-09-11
In PERIL.


walled house, large, rambling build
Inc, which even in summer time. when
all the trees were covered in yerdant
green, and flowers bloomed in the
gardens, looked desnlate; but now it
was winter and snow lay thick upon
ahe 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, a girl, 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 unspariug hand, leaving only
bitter memory in the parents hearts.
A couple of mald-seryants 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
room whose windows overlooked the
white, winding road, her eyes alter
pstely wandering towards her babe,
who lay in 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
distance!"
Adie climbed on to a chair. aud for
some time stood with her face pressed
close to the window, Ner eyes strained
as she tried to make out the dark-look-
ing object which had raised her moth
ers hopes At last, u little sigh escaped
her, aud INDEPENDENTLY she descended
from her high perch.
mo, mamma, she said. passing one
arm lovingly round Mrs, Seymour's
neck, "it is only old Jasper with tn
letters
A shade of disappointment Swallowed
her mothers gentle face-diSappoint.
ment which soon changed to anxiety.
Drawing Allie 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.
Il 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 letter from pa" Adie
cried, as She watched the horseman turn
into the biz 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 tremblcd slightly as she
broke the seal, but 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
'.erming himself by the blazing fire
lid enjoying the basin of hot soup
Mary the cook. had prepared for him.
II suppose you did not see the coach
as YOU came from ShornhamP' she
questioned. after she had wished him
good evening.
mo. num- that didn't; | hurried
ack as quick as | could, for the old
2idge is Just as unsafe rs it can be,
AFTER the ;, nrm; were most Meared
TO cross it, can tell YOU"
Mrs seymour grew pale and, half
unconscieusly, her hand closed tightly
over Aides shoulder,
What do YOU meau?' she said
breathlessly. "Who says the bridge is
not SafeP'
Il say it, mum, and it's true rs true.
Unless the river CalmS down a bit there
won't be much bridge left by to-mor-
row. Some o the pauks are already
looSeued by the rushing watcrS,N
Good-heavens! But surely the coach
will not pass over it tonight? Have
you not given warning?'
The man shrugged his shoulders, and
looked at her with 4 rather vacant eN-
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 tC
cross
Bat it is growing dark. and un!es:
someone is there to give them warning,
they may rush headlong into danger
Had YOU not better 20 back aud wai
there in ease Of ACCIDENT"
Jasper smiled. but shook his head.
impossible he answered decided
". I'm late now with the post-bag
aud daren't lose my place for the SAX,
o the coach.
But think. the lives of your fellow
creatures are at stake, Mrs. Seymour
cried wildly, wringing her hands il
despair