The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1898-02-17

two or three that may be spared to
search for me-"
Reuben Bourne, but half convinc-
ed that he was acting rightly, at
length raised himself from the
ground and prepared for his de-
parture. Climbing to the summit
of the rock, which, on one side was
rough and broken, he bent the oak
sapling downward aud bound his
handkerchief to the topmost branch.
The handkerchief had been the
bandage of wound upon Reuben's
arm, and as he bound it to the tree,
he vowed by the blood that stained
it, that he would return, eithe- to
save his companions life or to lay
his body in thu grave. He then de
scended and stood waiting to receive
Roger Malvin's parting words.
Garry my blessing to Dorc as,
and say that my las. prayer shall be
for her and you. Bid her to have
no hard thoughts because you left
me here"-Reuben's heart smote
him-"for that your life would not
have weighed with you if the sacri-
fee could have done ma good. She
will mary you after she has mourn
ed little while for her father, and
Heaven grant you long and happy
days, and may your children's chill
dren stand round your deathbed!
And Reuben he said as the weak
ness of mortality made it's way at
last, ''return when your wounds are
healed and your wearinees refreshed
return to this wild rock aud lay
my bones III the grave and say a
prayer over them"
Reuben, therefore, felt the full im-
portance of the promise which he SO
solemnly made to return and per
form Roger Malvern's obsequies.
It was remarkable that the latter,
speaking his whole heart in his part.
ing words. no longer endeavored to
persuade the youth that even the
speediest succor might avail to the
preservation of his life. Reuben
was internally convinced that he
should see Malvin's living face nc
more.
''It is enough said Roger, having
listened to Rsuben's promise. $50
and God speed you"
The youth pressed his hand in 81
lence, turned, and was departing
His slow and faltering steps, how
ever, had borne him but little way
before Malyin's voice recalled him
"Reuben, Reuben!' said he, faint
ty; and Reuben returned and knelt
down by the dying man.
RAISE me and let me lean bael
against the rock" was his last re
quest. "My face will be turned to
ward home. aud I shall see you q
moment longer as you pass among
the trees"
Reuben, having made the desired
alteration in his companions pos
ture, again began his solitary pill
crimage. His wounds, irrltated b,
the constant exertion in which LAY
the only hope of life, wore away hi
siren 9Th, and at intervals confused
his reason. But even in the wander
ings of intellect, Reuben's young
heart chung strongly to existence
and it was only through absolute
incapacity of motion that he at las
sank down beneath tree, compelled
there to await death.
In this situation he was discover
ed by party who upon the first In
telligence of the fight had been dis
patched to the relief of the survivor
and they conveyed him to the near
est settlement, which CHANGED to b
| that of his own residence.
} Dorcas. in the simplicity of tn
slden time, watched by the bedsid
, of her wounded lover, and admins
tered all thoss comforts that are il
, the sele gift of woman's heart an(
, hand. No authentic particulars o
: the battle had yet been circulated
J nor could mothers, wives aud chill
, dren tell whether their loved one