Year: 1860

ished, and she was often Obliged to sit down
and rest. This was a great hindranoc TO
her, and the Sun was hiding behind the
western hills, when she came to that dearly
loved playground near the home of her
childhood. Scan it be- thought she, "that
have been all this time in my native town,
and have not known Il? But surely il
must be so, and this Is why the skies have
always looked so bright and silvery, for
nowhere else do they wear such Hight.
save above these glorious mountains"
Thus musing, she hurried on her way, for
her heart was weighed down with the fear
that Raymond would return, and not find
ing her, would oy some means learn whith-
er she had gone, and follow her. with
this fear how gladly would she have gone
to the old house that looked so inviting, but
she dared not enter there for the family
were strangers to her, and they might be
Raymond's friends. Thus she kept on her
weary, toisome way, and when she reached
the head of the Pond it was quite dark.
Soon she thought she heard mufiled foot
step behind her, and looking around for a
place of safety, she saw in the starlight an
empty boat at the edge of the Pond. To
this she FASTENED as her only means of escape
and springing into the boat she unloosed
the rope that bound il to the shore, seized
the oars, and was soon on tie bosom
of the lovely star-lit waters. She had not
proceeded far, however, when she became
aware that another boat was fast approach
ing her. She knew it must be Raymond,
and at first she felt her heart sink within
her, then she aroused herself and firmly
resolved not TO give up her freedom again.
She would escape or perish in the attempt
Another instant and Raymond had come up
beside her, and she heard him say, Good
evening. my lady. Whittier away so fast p
But he received no answer save light
plash, and then the waters closed over the
sweet form of Lilibel For while Ray.
mond was almost petrifed with astonish
ment, for he had not looked for this ther
he strained his eyes TO catch glimpse o
her as she arose TO the surface, thinking h,
would save her life and still claim her a,
/


his captive. AT length he discovered wha
in the dim light seemed mere speck or
| the water. He piled his oars lightly tc
reach the spot in time to save her. but sht
did not seem to need his help, for she wa
fast swimming to the shore, and thither he
hastily bent his course. Poor, poor Lilibel
she could not thus escape, but again sh
must be forced back to her prison, and pei
can never describe the utter hopelessness o
her anguish when she knew this to be hel
fate. And now for a long, long time sh,
was sick and delirious. The night of he
adventure in the Pond was cold and frosty
and thus she took violent cold from whicl
she seemed likely never to recover. Par
of the time Raymond was with her, AM
watched over her carefully, then again h
would be absent nearly all day, leaving tn,
poor sick girl wholly unattended. Fearin,
she would die, he brought warm woole,
blankets and buffalo robes with which (,
make her more comfortable, and when tn
SHOWS began to fall he brought light stove
and constructing chimney out Of stones
they had,t luxury Of a fire in their cabin
After this Lilbel's health began to improve
and she was soon able to sit up, and walk
little, but she never again was strong an,
healthy as in former years.


Some time near the middle of December
Raymond left his little cabin to obtain


fresh supply of food. Lilibel waited uni
four or five days had passed, and thinkin.
he would not again return to capture her
weak as she then was, she set out, througl
the snow, with the intention Gf once NOR
following the river down, thinking she wou


90 TO the first house to find shelter, an
thence make her way toward the " loved one
at home"


TO BE CONTINUED.