The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1895-02-02
THE UPLIFTED HAND.
BY EMMA LOUISE oRCUrr.

by EMMA LOUISE CIRCUIT.
The waters of the fair Connecticut
shimmered in the glow of sunset, that
with soft tints was lighting up the
face of young girl standing on the
quiet banks of the river. Uncon-
sciously Annie Matthews caressed a
handful of autumn leaves she had
been gathering. as with sigh she
turned from the setting sun and its
brilliantly tinted clouds, to let
her glance sweep eastward. Her
thoughts carried her through the for
csts, bristling with foes, on across the
wide ocean to the sunny England of
childhood's memory.
For an instant great longing came
into her heart for glimpse of her old
peaceful home. The sound of a we'll
known voice at her side quickly dis
PEELED the dream, bringing smiles to
her lips. But at sight of the intense
purpose revealed in the young mans
face the smiles were changed to a sob.
"Oh, Robert!' she exclaimed, eager
ly scanning his looks, you have come
to tell me you, too, are going to battle
with the savage foes north of us.
cannot bear it." Her voice trembled.
my heart will break. You may die
simply to let an Indian live"
The last words, flung out somewhat
scornfully, accompanied with sud-
den fash in the girls eyes, were soft
cned, however, by the tears on her
cheek.
.Anniev The voice was low and
soft, with dash of mischief purposely
lurking in the tones, though Roberts
heart was also burdened with anxiety.
Annie, dear. the usually clear light
of your mind is in shadow. Have you
learned me to SO little purpose as to
suppose / hold myself so cheaply?"
he laughed. Besides, love you,
dear, too we'll, and life also, to be SO
generous as you mention. But" with
growing seriousness, ut is more than
that, as we well know. / must not
stide principle, courage go to help
others protect their homes, and in 50
doing may protect our own; our new
one that Is to be. See it over there,
my brave girl? The light is dim, and
the trees hide it, but it is there, and
nearly finished, thank God"
Robert Fuller ended with kiss on
the trembling lips
Annie gazed silently at the tall,
muscular man beside her. His fea-
lures were cut in noble lines, full Of
action and enthusiasm. The dark hair
waved back from the intellectual
brow. while his handsome blue eyes
sent keen, penetrating glance into
her own. ''And do you go in the
morning?" she at length gasped.
"A company starts tonight" he
calmly answered, drawing the girl
nearer to him. AT late hour to-
night The fact that we are safe here
makes the duty to help our friends to
the north of us all the greater"
"And their leader?" came in hoarse
whisper. The full tones could not yet
come at bidding.
Robert gathered her tcnderly in his
arms His name is Robert Fuller"
he replied in low, steady tones my
father has given much money to quell
this King Philip. and my brother
Jonathan is hourly expected to give
himself in our behalf, II need be.
Shall refuse what little service / can
render those in trouble?r
"Why have we dallied with these
savage foes?" Annie burst out, her
eyes flashing fire. "Why have we not
ruthlessly butchercd them, as they
will murder us? Why let our civiliza-
tion, our religion, strive with them,
only to be the ruin of ourselves?"
ut is not my strong. tender, con-
scientious maiden who is talking now"
and Robert pressed her closer to his
heart
mo-" with a squirt of defiance. 1T
is the loving maiden, who would rather
lose all else than her lover"
"All-Annie?"
do not tempt me with such ques-
tions tonight 1t may be our last"
Robert gently smoothed the fair
brow, choking back his own emotion.
But Annie caught the sound of sobbing
in his throat Instantly she sprang
out of his arms.
Forgive me, Robert" she breathed,
''forgive me for causing you mo-
ment's pain. 1t was because love you
so much. But /, too, have the blood
of warriors in my VEINS" she ex-
claimed. Help me to be brave-you
who are so strong and fearless l will
be worthy warriors bride. We are
going to die, but / will watch and
wait and serve my duty here as you
serve yours"
''God bless you, my dear. brave girl. 4"
''Hushl" whispered Annie, and took
q step in advance. do you not see
something dark on the river, quite a
distance up the stream?'
YES" Robert replied, peering into
the dusk, 1t is a canoe. Do not
fear" he whispered, throwing an arm
protectingly around the girl. "We are
T., No A. unar have O,,r Indians bouo