Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1891-04-09

! gathered on his lace as the story advanced.
! Years ago." began the old man in his
feeble voice, II was the happy son Of
wealthy parents, and reared In the lap of
luxury. After finishing my education, l
was sent abroad to travel In foreign
country. While in italy fell desperately
| in love with a beautiful woman, and sought
her to become my wife. She admitted
that she loved me- but she was engaged to
another man who proved to be my old
friend and companion, John Reynolds. l
went away and tried to forget my love by
entering society. but 1t was useless. AS
was returning on my homeward voyage,
found on the same ship. your father and
mother and their two little children. My
love had increased with years instead Of
diminishing, and began to hate the name
Of John Reynolds. My love increased. as
the voyage proceeded until longed to
strike him dead. One night when the voy
age was nearly completed, sat upon the
deck with your mother, the last time, as l
thought, I should ever see her face. The
moon was shining brightly, and could
see the rippling waters sparkling IN the sill
very light, but broken by huge black
rock the location of which was known only
to the best navigators. The vessel was
bearing down directly upon it. | started
TO my feet to gain the wheel, but e'er |
reached it sudden thought struck me
which filed my soul with evil Civilizations.
For a moment, | stood there hesitating
In that moment chose between the joys
of heaven and the anguish of hell. | was
good swimmer and knew | could save
myself and your mother; besides, the yes
sci was loaded with yaluables which would
enrich me for life. | went back to my seat
in the stern and waited for the vessel to
strike. For a moment she glided smooth
ly on, then there was a grating, grinding
sound and in an instant we found ourselves
In the water. | clasped your mother IN
my arms and strove to gain the shore.
She eutreated me to save her husband and
children. but needed not her entreaties.
bore her TO the shore and left her nsen-
sibe at a fishermans cot. | borrowed his
boat and was soon at the scene of the
wreck. | found the little girl in her faith
er's arms. lifted her from his clasp and
began to row away.
oh God, shall ever forget that look
that crossed John Reynolds face he
lcve he knew nv intentions and motive
He ~ b.Ati irh OH b,s
and entreated me to save him; and then he
sunk beneath the waves, Paraly zed with
fear, waited. and again he arose to the
surface at the very gunwale Of my boat
ana hxing his CLASSY eyes upon me. he
called down curse of God upon me.
curse that has always followed me saw
him sink again aud for several feet be- |
meath the waves | could see those CLASSY
eyes fixed upon me a. in reproacli.
turned away shivcring at the thought |
Of my crime and rowed for the ship. where
procured the treasure and set out for the /
shore. came here and bought this house,
and, after much persuasion. your mother. |
out of gratitude to me for saving her /
child, became my wife. | buried the treas
ure In an excavation below my house, where !
most of it remains have never enjoyed
happy hour since that awful night, fifteen
wears ago, How you escaped do not
know, but knew your voice and remem-
her those piercing eyes. They are the same
ones that SUNK beneath tne waves. NY
wife and child are your mother and sister.
Now have told you my story and you
will find the proofs in my desk. feel
death creeping over me and embracing me
with its cadaverous form. feel the
moonlight shining on my face and the cold /
waves closing over me. Help! help. |
drown, | drown" and with a terrible cry
of agony. the old man lay back upon the
bed corpse.