The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-01-17

lie IOI0cu MS arms ~ uc bpOk0, uuV
stood with an unflinching air, although
a close observer might have noticed q
slight tremor Of the limbs.
Curses upon you!" howlcd robber.
advancing and pressing the point OF
his knife against the youths heart.
Away with him!" shouted another
OF the robbers.
He was thercupon hurried of to tho
hills.
Now. then. II you have prayers to
say. say them at onccT shouted the
leader Of the band. I'VE intend 10
hang you to this tree" pointing TO q
tree beneath which the group had
halted.
The lurid light OF a torch was now
throwing wild glare upon the scene.
The savage mountaineers leaning upon
rifle aud club. looked like demons hold
ing revel by the light of internal fires.
William was dragged 10 the foot OF
the tree the moment he had said short
prayer.
II have n request 10 make" said the
youth. rs he took small notebook
from his pocket aud tore of q leaf.
(which Is that you will let me write a
few words. and that. after my death.
you will send the note 10 my vessel. !"
The idea seemed To rather please the
robbers than otherwise.
we intended to send word to your
rascally officers of your execution"
said the leader OF the band.
NAY. that is not all. have more
than mere statement OF my death to
make"
You will let us read the note after
you write itg"
Yes. on condition that you will not
read it until after my DEATH"
Agreed; we have no objections TO
thai" shouted several, simultaneously.
The youth wrote a few lines. Then
he rose.
Perhaps we had better read the note
now said one of the robbers.
Yes. yes" cried several OF his COM
panions.
They attempted to snatch the note
from the writer's grasp.
MY last wish is defeated cried
William. We'll. let IL be So"
And he flung the paper TO the winds.
The gale catching il, carried it far
away.
The robbers despaired OF finding it
lat least at night.
Hang him ut onccr' was now the
cry.
They surrounded him. uttcring fierce
cries. and making wild gestures.
One of them had meanwhile pro-
cured rope, which he now secured
about Williams neck.
The other end of the rope was then
thrown over high branch OF the tree,
TO be seized by several of the band.
"Hanlr' shouted the leader.
The men hauled, and William swung
from the tree.
AT the same moment. strange rum
bling noise was heard, meteor-like
flash was seen.
IAN earthquake!n shouted the out
laws in chorus.
The mountain rocked and swayed.
The outlaws rushed from the spot. TO
seek refuge in tho lower land, where
there was not so much danger.
The shocks OF the earthquake lasted
a full hour Rocks were dislodged
and went rolling along with the din OF
thunder. crashing through the shrub
berry and into the gurgling waters far
below. while many trees were torn up
from their roots. to be sent trembling
down.
In the morning Bernard. who. un-
disturbed by the shocss had remained
all night in his hut rose TO depart for
the town. Ruin greeted his sight on
every hand. Finally he caught sight
nf Ca a.. tsxsff IL.
u and perused its contents, which were
rs follows:
DEAREST BEnNARD:-H He who followed you
20 sea ms William Marvel was none other than
Selma Hathaway. She meant not what she
said on that night when she refused you. fof
she really loved you as her ne. she meant e
the VOYAGE. but mn event Inns happened &c
prevent her. She has died 10 save you'll Long
have he'd. The inouniaInccrs Will have hung
Lcr on one OF their trees.
SELMA HATHAWAY.
Bernard's establishment may be i'm.
agined. lie rushed wildly up the
mountain in search of the remains of
his lost Selma. He found her. but not
dead. The earthquake had uprooted
the tree to which she was hung. In time
10 save her life. The false beard was
plucked from her face, the dark stain
rubbed from her skin.
Bernard recognized now the we'll
known features OF Sclina.
The sequel may be guessed.
They safely reached the schooner.
and Bernard Mt once sailed for home,
never again TO doubt the love and faith
of his well-tried Selma. who soon be-
came his bride. augustus Comstock.