The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1890-10-11
In PERIL.


green. and flowers bloomed in the
gardens. looked desolate; but now II
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. 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 unsparing hand. leaving only
bitter memory In the parents hearts.
A couple OF maid-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
n room whose windows overlooked the
white, winding road, her eyes alter
nately wandering towards her babe,
who lay in cradle close by, and the
road. over which darkness was SO
quickly falling.
.Adic." she called presently. aud 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
distancew
Adie climbed on 10 a chair. and for
some time stood with her face pressed
close To the window. her eyes strained
as she tried TO make out the dark-look-
ing object which bad raised her moth
er's hopes. AT last. n little sigh escaped
her. and INDEPENDENTLY she descended
from her high perch.
mo. mamma. she I'd. passing one
arm lovingly round 5. Scymour's
neck. lit is only old ia per with the
letters"
A shade Of disappoii ..nent 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 10 give
comfort by her hopeful words.
I'll hope nothing more serious is
keeping him. The coach generally
passes before this. and | see no sign OF
1t yet"
Jasper is coming here; will see II
he has brought letter from pal" Adie
cried. as she watched the horseman turn
into the big iron gate; and with an
eager light in her eyes she dartcd off.
She returned almost as quickly, way
Ing a letter In her hand. One glance
At her smiling face told Mrs. Seymour
whom IL was from before she saw tho
handwriting.
Her fingers trembled 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
10 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.
II suppose you did not see the coach
as you came from ShornhamP' she
questioned. after she had wished him
good evening.
No. mum. that | didn't; | hurried
back rs quick as could, for the old
bridge Is just as unsafe as II can be,
artcr the storm; | were most afearcd
Ia cross IL. | 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 safep"
II say il. mum. and It's true as true.
Unless the river Gains down bit there
won't be much bridge left by to-mor-
row. Some o. the planks are already
.oosened by the rushing waters"
Good-heavensl But surely the coach
will not pass over IL tonight? Have
you not given warning?"
The man shrugged his shoulders, and
looked at her with rather vacant ex-
preston In his eyes.
''Twere none OF my business, mum.
Did Jim will see for hisself. when he
reaches the bridge. that it's unsafe to
cross"
But II 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 accidentp"
Jasper smiled. but shook his head.
'Imposslble." he answered decided
~. I'm late now with the post-bag.