Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1891-01-01

An hour later Mile. Destain was relat-
Ing to her friends the story of her mys-
tsrious abduction from the burning
house. Ariel had retired to rest, and
the squaw was asleep on the veranda.
The party were seated around the table
ih the dining room, from which the cloth
bad just been removed.
Full of anxiety for the fate of our
fiends," she said, 81 was about TO fol-
bw my aunt upstairs, when | was seized
With sudden apprehension of danger.
Hesltating what to do, became aware
ef smoke in the room; then | ran into
the hall to give the alarm; my foot was
on the stairs and | screamed Fret
once, when a blanket was thrown over
my head hand pressed upon my mouth,
till between terror and suffocation, l
lost my senses. l must have remained
unconscious for long time, for when /
opened my eyes again, was lying on
some furs on the bottom of canoe,
with my head in the lap of the Indian
woman. The blanket was removed and
4 could breathe freely. The stars we're
shining, but there were no lights on the
shore, by which knew that we we're
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. | tried TO speak,
but the squaw laid her finger on my
Hips. lay still for long time--hours
j think-when | fell asleep 1t was
daylight when | awol5e. The canoe
was tied to the shore, and my captors
were preparing meal, of which could
not partake. | then discovered that
there was another canoe; | 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 it was to
paddle the canoes, kindle fires and pre-
pare meals. After that first night the
tourney was continued by daylight only,
and We occasionally met party of In
dams on their way to Montreal, but
few words from Stella, as have named
her, satisfied them that we we're friends
/ The negro treated me courteously, but
would answer no questions as to our des-
tination. At last we arrived at the Is
sand whore Captain Marden found me,
and you can imagine my terror at the
fate which believed awaited me, and
how prayed for help even if it came in
the form of death, until that moment of
supreme happiness when felt the pres
sure OF Ariel's hand in the darkness Of
my prison"
''But how did Captain Marden find
the clue 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 embarkation, revealed it
TO her, and Ariel and ! 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
Ariels 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 may claim your hospitality
for twenty-four hours, Mrs. Vernon"
"And Ariel?" interrupted Mile. Des-
tain.
HE will accompa ny me-" said Mar
den. "Thero is bond of affection be-
tween us which danger and hardship
have cemented too closely to admit
tn ought of separation. Ask him, and
he will confirm what say"
what If the chances Of war should
leave him unprotected2" asked Ninon.
HE would return TO Mrs. Vernon"
81 know you arc generous and unself-
ish, said the young lady earnestly. II
owe everything to those qualities, and
appeal to them now. Leave Ariel with us
for time. His 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, | urge
that claim, although ] cannot prove 1t
legally; but | believe that my prayer
has been heard and that one OF my lost
Cullufen mas Deen restored 70 me IN tne
person Of this boy. Nine. Chevreul, you
know my story-the long years of be-
reayement and hope deferred. Plead
for me-"
Marden, much agitated, was pacing
up and down the room. He stopped
and faced the lady. lie was very pale
and his lips trembled.
1T needs not, he said u admit your
claim" His mind reverted to the story
which Jabe told him in the ruined hut
in the forest, and which had passed
from his memory like dream in the
exciting Incidents which followed It's
narration.
There need then he no delay and no
parting scene, he added after pause.
81 will depart at once. The canoe
which brought US lies upon the shore,
and there is possibility Of oyertaking
Jabez Locke and his party"
''Not So exclaimed Ninon, earnestly.
''There is more to be told, but not now.
Wait till tomorrow, Captain Marden.
entreat you 70 add this to the great debt
Of gratitude owe you, and perhaps"