The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1892-02-27
THE STOLEN CURL.

Academy mono wero more beautiful than
Rose Fertner, tho sole heiress to all OF
her doting fathers cotton estates upon
the Mississippi river.
A shower OF golden curls fell upon her
shoulders; blue, dreamy eyes, bright.
HmilinS face and graceful form, added
to q disposition OF the truest womanly
sweetness, made tho young girl OF fifteen
particularly attractive to oil who know
her.
Many handsome cadet from tho mil
itary academy had fallen in love with
the bcwitching beauty at the first glance
from her heaven-lit eyes, but to mono
did sho show u preference when meet
ing at the soirics and receptions given
by the different schools.
One OF Rosa's most ardent, though
silent, admirers was Earl Griffith, con OF
a Mississippi planter whose estates lay
adjoining that OF Mr.. Vcrtner; but be-
tween Mr.. Vertncr aud Col. Griffith
there existed great bitterness and for
years tho families had not spoken,
though meeting constantly In social in
tercourse at tho houses OF neighboring
planters.
The fcnd commenced long years be-
fore, in the old days before tho war, when
Mr.. Vertnerand Col. Griffith wero rivals
for the hand Of Earl's mother.
Meeting at Pass Christian, thus it was
that though Rosa could not but sec that
Earl Griffith admired her and he felt
that she was not indifferent to his gaze,
both were. governed by the remcm-
bssncc OF the feud existing between
their parents, and gave no sign OF the
recognition OF the others feelings.
Toward the close of lovely summer
day the fair pupils OF the institute had
gone down to the long pior loading out
into the lake to the bath house OF the
institution.
Soon merry party OF damsels were
splashing abont in the water. 1t was
pretty sight, and handsome youth OF
twenty-one, clad in the stylish uniform
of the Pass Christiau:llilitary Academy,
paus ed and gazed upon tho lovely
scene.
Suddenly shrek was heard. and q
form was borne away by tho tide out Of
reach OF aid from her companions.
With the speed OF deer the Young
cadet sped down the pier, reached tho
bath house and bounded headlong into
the water.
vigorously did he breast the waves
and coon overlook tho girl, who was
struggling to sustain herself above tho
water, for sho was fair swimmcs.
Coon he came nearer, and despite that
help wasAat hand hor courage forsooS
her and she sunk beneath the waters;
while sh rteks OF distress from the shore
showed that her companions believed
her lost.
With deep dive the youth succeeded
in graspinS the drowning girl, and with
renewed strength started shoreward.
Braycly did he struggle, and when al
most at the bath house two OF tho pro-
fessors OF the institution, who, alarmed
by the cries OF distress, had run down to
the scene, swan out a few yards and re-
lieved tho tired youth Of his precious
burden. f4
To the surprise OF all, the young man
turned once more seward and COM
menced to 'swim down the coast.
In vain did they call to him from tho
shore. On he swan, he was no longer
visible.
After continuing slowly and with
strong and steady stroke down the coast
the cadet swan toward pier that pro-
jected some distance into the lake, and
then drcw himself, greatly iatigued,
from the water
Looking about to see that no was not
watched he walked rapidly up the pier
and struck of across tho fields for the
academy.
Arriving there he sought his room and
reached it nnperceived, whore he hast
lily changed his clothing.
Before descending to the study, hall to
join his fellow-students he drew from
the pocket OF his saturated jacket, which
he lind thrown aside, long, golden curl,
dampened by the sea air,
VI could not resist tho temptation to
sever this beautiful curl from ita golden
mates; she will miss it, and yet she will
nevor know who II was that saved her
life."
And carefully drying the trcss OF hair
the cadet placed it carefnlly away.
Great excitement was created at Pass
| Christian by tho saving from a watory
grave OF beautiful Rosa Vcrtncr and the
strange conduct OF her noble presorver,
whatsoever he might be, for it was i'm
possible to identify him.
Mr.. Nertner came to tho Pass, and in
vain did he visit tho academy and en-
deavor to find out the brave youth
who had rescued his daughter from
death. E
e. q
Three years have passed since the in
cidcnts mentioned above, and from the
shores OF the sunny gull tho scene
changes to the banks OF the Mississippi
river.
Riding slowly along tho leveo road
arc two persons lady and gentleman
on horseback.
Earnestly they converse and then tho
maiden draws rein and rests her gloved
hand upon her companions arm.
Earl, hero you must leave mo, and
forever. It's hard to give You up, but
my father will never forgive and forget
the past, not even for my sake, MS dearly
as he loves ME. / cannot again meet
you.", This morning no discovered our
secret meetings and forbade me ever
again to see you, and upon your return
home you will find bitter letter from
him demanding. my letters. You know
how dearly | love you aud yet you know
We must part, Good.by, Earl, 'and that
God will protect You will ever be my
prayer"