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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul cliche, il est filmd d partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut on bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. 1 2 3 32 X 1 2 3 4 5 6 Works by E. P. Roe, Barriers BurxNed Away. • What Can She Do? OpExXing of a ChestxNut Burr. From Jest to Earnest. Near to Nature's Heart. Each 1 Vol., 12mo. Price $1.75, DODD, MEAD & COMPANY Publishers. Near to Nature's Heart. BY REV. E. P. ROE, Author of " Rarbibpc h B.HMBKS 13.H.SH. Aw.v,- " w„,, C.N Sh. Do .> - " Op«S,Ka A Chestnut Burr " " Fp„„ i ^pbnino ouRR. From Jbst to Earnest," &c., &c. TORONTO JAMES CAMPBELL .^^ & SON N4- vv h( I th m; m( ad an the tha the pur this clai wor who ratic may vvhic PREFACE. 'pHE autumn winds are again bIo,vi„s, and the when Z'"'^^' "'" ^""™^ '""S"- At the time when the fires are k-indled once more upon the hearth I send this story out to visit those Ch m I can dmost hope to regard as friends. If it „eets he same k.nd welcome and lenient treatment which ™y previous work-s have received, I shall have '"7. "'^" -ffi^'-" -ason to be satisfied. If i„ add.fon to being a guest at the fireside, it bcco;e an .ncenfve to the patient performance of duty i„ e face o ail temptation, I sha„ be profoun'.y hankful. I am not afraid to inform the reader that these books are written with the honest, earnest purpose of helping inm to do right; and success, in th.s respect ,s the best reward I crave. I do not claim for these books the character of beautiful or 3 of art. Many things may have good and vholesome uses without exciting the world's admi. rn^vet T r'" ""'"' """"'' ' P"^-' ^'••"- may ye erect a lamp.post. and place thereon a light wh,ch shall save many a wayfarer from stumblin. 8 PREFACE. It is with much diffidence and doubt that I have ventured to construct my story in a past age, fearing lest I should give a modern coloring to everything. But, while the book is not designed to teach history, I have carefully consulted good authorities in regard to those parts which are historical. Captain Molly has her recognized place in the Revolution, but my leading characters are entirely imaginary. Still, I hope the reader may not find them such pale shadows that their joys, sorrows, and temptations will appear mere sickly fancies, but rather the reflex of genuine human experiences. They have become so real and dear to me that I part with them very reluctantly. CORNWALL-ON-THE-HUDSON, N. Y. I that I have age, fearing everything, ach history, es in regard lace in the ire entirely ly not find orrows, and ancies, but xperiences. me that I CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. A CiuLD OF Nature Page 13 ^T CHAPTER H Vera and her Home 27 Thk ICOXOCLASTS ':!!^^'™"'- For WORSE CHAPTER IV. 54 XV, CHAPTER V Washington's Sermon. . . 66 A c CHAPTER VI A Scene AT Black Sam's 79 V ,, CHAPTER VII New VoRK Under FiKK. . . 86 CHAPTER VIII Larry .Meets his Fate 94 , CHAPTER lY Left to Nature's Care no T.rr. P T. CHAPTER A. The Robin Hood OF THE Hra,„„vx„s M8 CHAPTER XI The Mother Stile Protects hkrChhd 166 n ^ CHAPTER XH Beacon Fires I* 188 10 COXTEXrs. CriArTF.R XIII. LlDKRTY PROCLAIMKI. AmoNV. TIIK. IIir.III.ANDS Page 30I CHAl-lKR XIV. Echoes Alono the Hudson. . , 2I.| CIIAPTKR XV. Saville's Night Reconnoissance oo- CHAPTER XVI. Dark Days 235 CHAPTER XVII. " The White Witch ok thk Highlands " 251 CHAF^TER XVIII. " The Black Witch oe the Highiands " 259 CHAPTER XIX. A Dirge Ending Joyousi.y 372 CHAPTER XX. GuLA Hears a Veritaisle Voice jSj CHAPTER XXI. Camp Fikes and Suhti.kr Flames ^^ CHAPTER XXII. The Storming of the Forts ,,g CHAPTER XXIII. The Wiee's Quest Among the Dead 333 CHAPTER XXIV. Vera's Search Among the Dead --g CHAPTER XXV. The Woman in Vera Awakes g^g CHAPTER XXVI. Vera's Only Crime ,,3 Page 30I .... 214 • • • • 227 . ... 235 .... 251 ... 259 ... 272 . ... 284 . .. 300 ... 318 ■•• 333 • . 336 .. 346 .. 358 COATTIi.Vrs. II CHAPTER XXVir Vera MUST Bkcomk A.N A-nrKisT.... f'age 374 AlI.sTvAUK»ua...^.":'.'.T'^"-^-^^"' Sm„.a SUCCESS '^1'^^!^,^^'''' 393 ^'"APTER XXX. A Master .Mjnu and Will 400 The RKVKLATioN ':!!^™':'^^^- 415 n. CHAPTER XXVir Groplng her Way -'-•^.\ u. 424 CHAPTER xxxnr. Strong Te.\iptation 435*" CHAPTER XXXIV. A Stranger's Counsei 442 ThePakting C;;apterxxxV. 450 c ^ CHAPTER XXXVI Seeking Death -^-^-^m. 459 CHAPTER XXXV;' Seeking Life aa.Wi.. 475 A ^f CHAPTER XXXVHI A MVSTERV SOLVED-GREAT CUANOEr 493 CHAPTER XXXiy Explanations aaaix. Sai tr CHAPTER XL Husband and Wife 533 CHAPTER XLL Wedded with her Mother's R,vg 347 c ]■ ]l d li tl e re J^ d/^a/c/i^au/ Near to Nature's Heart. CIIAI'TKR I. A cmi.ll Ol- NATUKE. T'!!; I ',■■"";' '""""'■■"'« ">■" form the l,i.,toric,-,l A l..^l.l,uui, of the H,„ls„„. have ch.„„,c,l hut ttic .e „d ")v.lty that once bound the colonics ,0 t " ,' o tl.cr country, these bohl hills un.louhtcdly an e- e i .nuch as they do no„.. ,n ,„e ,„,„,, „ , ,' ;^ ' he tmbcr, untouched as yet by the u-oodn.an's axe' l.->>. But the promontories ovcrhan^nnc; the river I"CS of rock and precipice. The shrubbery and d"a.f trees, that catch and maintain their ,e,aa'os id on every crevice and fissure, softened b tie the frownnig aspect of tl,e heights tliat vL gnm sentinels, guard the river resistV,'^l;r' rV'^' '""''"^' '™°''= ^-' scarcely ' "'" Wand,shm..nts of June : even as the stern^ M NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. est features relax under the caresses of youth and beauty. On this warm still day of early summer, when over the city of Boston the wildest storm of war was breaking, the spirit of peace seemed su- preme even in that rugged gorge into which the Hudson passes from Newburgh Bay, and a lumi- nous haze softened every sharp outline. The east- ern shore was aglow with the afternoon sun, like a glad face radiant with smiles. The western bank with Its deepening shadows was like a happy face passmg from thought into revery, which, if not sad IS a^t least tmged with melancholy. ' From most points of observation there were no evidences of other life than that distinctively belon-. ing to the wilderness. If the pressure of populatioli has brought so few inhabitants in our time, there was still less inducement then to settle where scarcely a foot-hold could be obtained among the crags. Therefore the region that is now filling up with those who prefer beautiful scenery to the richest lowlands, was one of the wildest solitudes on the con- tinent, though amidst rapidly advancing civilization north as well as south of the mountains. While at that time the river was one of the chief highways of the people, the means of communication between the seaboard and a vast interior, so that the batteaux of voyagers and passing sails were common enough, still the precipitous shores offered slight inducement to land, and the skippers of the little craft were glad to pass hastily through this forbid- ding region of sudden flaws and violent tides to the broao expanse of Tappan Zee, where the twinkle of I I youth and y summer, t storm of eemed su- which the id a lumi- The east- sun, like a tern bank appy face f" not sad, ■ were no y belong- opulation me, there le where nong the filling- up 10 richest 1 tliccon- ilization, he chief inication ' that the common d slight he little 5 forbid- s, to the inkle of i 1 ^ Cmzo OF KATURE. home lights and the curiing smoke from farm-house ot a trace of the h.man hTe that now puis, e-i through th,s great artery of the land, save a smal Th'e Sut '■"°" slou.y under the shad^v of Cro'n" iiie laint breeze from the we A\,^a . s.n dechned. and the occu;:; ,r d:;Te? : : a,lt at only flapped idly against the mas' The t.de >™s stUI setting „p i„ the centre of the river but had turned close in-shore. Therefore, th yo^r^ man who was the sole occupant of the boat re ^t V ''f f °"'^ ""'■ "■'^ '^""0"' "ound the ^ZVoT: '•""', ^'°"f'>= =l'2'" indentations of the Though the almost motionless vessel and th, r;i^^trg-:ir-:,---"U- - dreamy ry, still^heirrerLtT: 7lu of f Chants; St-- --/-^r„- :t I- \^tt- rnd^titerr"™ fuIloftrouhle-no.'emttti;'[^„:;4:/- r hTvrb:e„''rr;^r '^ ^* '■'°"^'^ '^- «e.ihlemouth:asTt;:tsTr::it":;tHt^^^^^ but often so firmly comnreq-^pH . - ^'^^ 'eelmg, y compressed as co express not i6 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. ■ SO much resolve, as desperation. In contrast to nature s peace, there was evidently the severest con, flict ni this man's soul. In his deep pre-occupation, Jie would sometimes permit his boat to drift almost ashore; then his impatient and powerful grasp upon the tiller bespoke a fiery spirit, and a strong, prompt hand to do its behests. But, by the time he had crossed the flats, south of "Cro'nest," he seemed inclined to escape from his painful revery, and take some interest in sur, rounding scenes. He looked at his watch, and appeared vexed at his slow progress. He took the oars, pulled a few strokes, then cast them down again, mutterincf, " After all, what do a {qw hours sic^nify ? Besides I am infinitely happier and better off here than in' New York;" and he threw himself back a-ain in his old listless attitude. His boat was now gliding around that remarkable projection of land that has since gained a world- wide celebrity under the name of West Point. When a little beyond what is now known as the old Steam- boat Landing, he thought he heard a woman's voice He listened intently, and a snatch of wild melody clear and sweet, floated to him through the still air' He was much surprised, for he expected to find no one in that solitude, much less a woman with a voice as sweet as that of a brown-thrush that was givin^. an occasional prelude to its evening song in a shady nook of the mountains. He at once proposed to solve the mystery, and so divert his thoughts from a subject that was evidently )ntrast to crest con- cupation, ift almost 'asp upon I, prompt its, south ^^Q from t in sur^ tch, and took the m down Besides, ; than in again in narkable I world- . When ■ Steam- 's voice, melody, still air. find no I a voice 3 giving a shady , and so ^idcntly I A ClfILD OF N A TURF torture to cl„-d. upon; and keeping hi. boat close to he huKUhat it ,„i.,,u,c hidda,, and that l! cou d spnng ashore th. n,on,.„t he wished, he p„r- rany tiank and prcpossessin.'' .l,."^!- ','! fP'"™^"^'"--'' ""-- '-■■''"'•cnic point whore now ^rti'et r'-r, '""":•,""' "°'" ^— ciear anc ;vord.s. Indeed, at h,s distance, the nieludy .seemed m,prov,sed, capricious, the utterances of a voice pecuharly sivcet but untrained. It soon became evident that the songstress w .s on the south side of the rocky point, on wh ic "l™ lumps of low cedar. Standin,g with an o.u- i„%he bow oI„,s boat, and causing it to touch the sh,! o gen ly that the heel did not even grate upon th rock, he sprang hghtly to land, .and secured his ves- sel. He ne.xt stole crouehingly up behind a low w de spread„,g cedar, fro.n whence he could se over tnc rid"e. It was a strange and unexpected vision that gree ed 1„„,. „e naturally .supposed that so e I e bank, or that a party of pleasure had stopped 1.0 e for a tn„c. But he saw a creature whom ho could m no w.ay account for. Reclining with her back toward him on a little grassy p,„t just above a rock that shelved down monv witi 7' ""? •'' ^"""2 Sirl dressed in har. as as sil r ■^^■'""' -"■■■-"''">»-• Her attire embr^-l ' ' "'. " ""' ■'"■'"'»=• '-■°»=^-"-"? of an emb.o,der«, tun,c of fir.ely. dressed faua,-sldn 18 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. reaching a little below the knee, and ending in a blue fringe. Some h'ghtcr fabric was worn under it and encased the arms. The shapelj^ neck and throat were bare, though ahnost hidden by a wealth of wavy, golden tresses that flowed down her shoul- ders. Her hat appeared to have been constructed out of the skin of the snowy heron, with its beak and plumage preserved intact, and dressed into the jauntiest style. Leggings of strong buck- skin, that formed a protection against the briars and roughness of the forest, were clasped around a slender ankle, and embroidered moccasins com- pleted an attire that was not in the style of the girl of the period even a century ago. She might have passed for an Indian maiden, were it not for the snowy whiteness of her neck, where the sun had not browned it, and for her good pronunciation of English. In her little brown hand she held a fish- ing-rod, but she had ceased to watch her floral float, which was the bud of a water-lily tied to the line. Indeed, the end of her pole dipped idly in the water, while she, forgetful of the sport or toil, whichever it might be, sang her passing feelings and fancies as unaffectedly as the birds on che hills around, that now were growing tuneful after the heat of the day. Thus far, our hero, whom we may as well intro- duce at once as Theron Saville, had been able to distinguish only disjointed words, that had no seem- ing connection ; mere musical sparkles, rising from the depths of a glad, innocent heart. But imagine his surprise when she commenced singing to an air that he had often heard in England: % % i|iH iding in a ■n under it and throat wealth of ler shoul- )nstructed 1 its beak ssed into ng buck- :he briars d around 5ins com- 'le of the he miglit it not for 2 sun had :iation of Ad a fish- 3ral float, the line, he water, ichever it ancies as ind, that ' the day. 2II intro- n able to no seem- ing from imagine to an air ^ C///ZD OF NATURE. "I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows, \Vhere oxlips ar ' the nodding violet grows." 19 menced winding the line upon her pole. Then Savil le saw that, though very young seemingly, she was taller and more fully developed than he had supposed. At first glance sbe had appeared to be little more than a child, but as she stood erect he saw that she was somewhat above medium height and straight as an arrow. He was most eager to see her face, thinking that It migh help to solve the mystery, but shc^ per- versely kept it from him as she leisurely wound up her line, in the mean time chattering to herself in a voice so flexible and natural that it seemed to mir- ror every passing thought. Now, in mimic an^er she cried, ;< Out upon you, fishes, great and smalT- whales, leviathans, and minnows ! ' Canst thou draw out leviathan with a hook.> Canst thou put a hook into his nose .P ' No, I can't ; nor in the nose of a single perch, white or yellow. Did I not whisper when I first came, < Come home with me to su^- n^ne .."^^.'.---^--^y '<"--, out upon you ; I'll Then, with instant change to comic pathos she dozem'- ' "°"' '^ you-when I wanted a Suddenly, with a motion as quick as a bird on its spray, she turned, and appeared to look directly at cred himself, but was reassured by noticing that she 20 ^EAR TO NATURE'S HEART. ttT^ ''? ^"""'' ^' ^'^'^^ ^°°^"'"S ^^^'^ his shelter, ng cedar at something beyond, with a pouting vexa- assumed He now saw her features, but while they awakened a thnll of admiration, they gave no clue o her mystery The hue of perfect health glo ed upon her oval face, while her eyes were like violets : likl f l".^- T'^ '"°"^^^ ^^-^ ^"^^' y^' fi- nj sibil ty and suggested an emotional nature. Altogether she seemed a creature that might cf . , °' '""'t '""''''''^^ •" this matter-of-fact world Saville could not account for her, and still his won- d-- grew when she exclaimed in tones as mellow as the notes of the bird she addressed : " What ai-e you saying there, saucy robin ? You're so proud of your scarlet waistcoat, you're alwav! putfng yourself forward. ^The sun's bel i d X -untam, and it's time for eveningsongs,' you s y W 1 , I can see that as well as you. Go sing to your litt e brown wife on her nest, and cease your ' mops and mowes' at me. ^ " ' I can sing in sunshine, I can sing in shadow, In the darkest forest glen, O'er tlie grassy meadow, M night, by day, 'tis all the same. Song is praise to Mis loved name.'' " Then she lifted her face and eyes heavenward, as f from an n^ipulse of grateful devotion. Her white throat grew full, as in slower measure, and Jth a ?7: r his shelter- louting vexa- 2r was only It while they avc no clue -alth glowed - like violets 'ct firm, and ssive of sen- re. that might Lit have no •fact world. :i!l his won- s mellow as n? You're I 're always behind the ',' you say. ing to your our ' mops nward, as H^er white id with a ^ CJ//LD OF NATURE. ,, voice that seemed to fill the balmy June evening " -For ye shall go out with joy. And be k'd forth with peace ; The mountains and the hills' Shall break forth before you into singing. And all the trees of the field shall clap tl.eir hands." Saville was in a maze of bewilderment and dchV^h^ Was this a creature of earth or heaven' A f,; ' ar^Kleal Indian maiden, the pcr^ctWr^';;^ and 1 "' ''""' ^""'^ ^^^^'^^^^'^ "P-^ J^'-'^- Oread t>" *»»3 urcun to no niirnnsf> CK , sppmr^r? f^ 1, • , puipuse. one real [hi t "; 'r; ""' ■" '^"'■■'"-"S'y near and En- 4 e ' '° I r -r ™""''- "°'-'°-^' " P-^ the I hlf ■ , '^^""'"■'•'"'y >"11> Shahspeare and myt o":;""' hI" "°' ?' '"« -'S-" --of Greek iiiyuioiogy. He resolved to watch her fill d,. seemed about to depart, and then seek „ ;„' c p Ler, ana by questions solve the enigma. ^ "reaJurn' ''" \ ^" ^°"''^ ^^'^^" ^^^ "^^-^'^^s all His -reatures my playmates ? " In the quick transition that seemed one of her 22 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. Characteristics, she soon snatched up her fishing, rod, exclaiming: *» "OJd Will Shakspeare, I know more than you." And she sang again, " 'I know a bank ' where the strawberry ' blows ' ^Uere the red ripe strawberry even now 'grows/ Quae over-canopied with luscious woodbine, \\ith sweet musk roses and with eglantine •' These I can gather long before the night. And carry hom- to mother ' with dances and delight '- With dances and delight "-and as she repeated this refra.n, she lifted her slight pole like avvand ov grassy plot as strange and fantastic a measure as ever wearied Titania, the fairy que.n There was another low cedar nearer to her and Savtlle determined to reach this, if possible He did so unperce.ved, and for a moment gazed with ncreastng wonder on her strange beauty! Tho g he seeded a perfect child of nature, as unconven- tional as a fawn tn its gambols, there was not tion ^°^'^^^"^^^ o'- vulgarity in feature or ac and tlr^J '^"" f ^ "'^'^ ^^^^ improvised dance, and looked around as with a vague consciousness o alaim It was evident she had not seen nor heard anytl.ng distinctly but as if possessing anilunct sit felt H "T ""' '''^'^''' °^ ^^- f--t, she felt a danger she could not see. Or, perhaps VZ ^^^\;"^"^"- «^ ^^- --e mysterious .Zl «^hich enables us in a crowded hall to fix our eyes I" fishing- m you. ted this id over le h'ttle sure as er, and e. Pie d with "hough onven- 18 not or ac- dance, less of heard istinct "orest, rhaps, power eyes «l ^ CHILD OF NATURE. •'magnctirnv- d2' ir;:;r:x^'^'r^'''" ourselves. ^ ''''^ thoughts to From her quivering nostrils -xnA ri;inf avilie saw that his nvnnh of fi, ■ ^ * or water fhn , ,^ "- mountain, wood, therefore cap in l,,,„d, and with the .suav ° , "cc If ;n ^:r::f f aJt -^;^'t — ;-r J°^ Anvn. or the hcon whose plumage min^d w h him UD it.. ; ' "-' ^" '"■"^ ^''^ '1^'rtcd by mm up he steep ascent, witl> a motion so suift so seemingly instantaneous, that he stood f ;;.^artcM.eras,.eip,ess,ya;ifa'bi:dirtS him and tlw """' "''? '''' ^^'"'^^ ^ "^S far above cursed his stn^tTs^^^tss "°^"'' "'■"'^^'f' ^"' But, when he again advanced toward her and essayed o speak, she sprang from her pead a" was ost n> the thick copse-wood of the bafk n„ ti t i:f '-''"'-r' ^"^ "- '■•"= tith°t r scene as "; n'"'" '° P™™ "'^ "- "hole scene was not an dhision, a piece of witcherv that comported wel, with the hour and the IZ::'-, Correctly imagining that though invisible she might 34 A'EA/? TO XA TURK'S HEART. l:i.' if Hi be v,uc nny lum, l,c took- the flower .-.nd put !t in his b tton-luJ. Ic ,vi„,, ,1,0 p„,, o„ „,,, I .!<...« of I,„ ,„,, ,,, ,.,,.„ [,„,^,^j '^ « "t -r sl,c. had n.d. with his hand upon hi.s heart uh,ch pan,o„,in,c he hoped contained cnou,!, Xl Pl.c, y and nature to serve in place of the words he would not stay to licar. He the,, pusl,ed his boat from the shore (for he ^q hjrthat had gone nutterin,,; throned, the leaves) «nd per,n,tted it to driit dou„ with the tide as With the faint hope of inducing her to appear ^^...n, he tooh up a Hute. of which he had be" me q e a niaster, and which he usually carried «.th 1 n„ on Ins solitary expeditions, and con,, raenced play„,g the air to which she had sung'the " I know a bank ■ " He was rewarded by seeing first the plumage of ^)e snowy heron, then the graceful outline of the maiden 3 form on a projecting rock where now frowns tte nro 7\ ' Y "'^'' '^^^^'^ ^''^ ''''' ^^^^ ^-"^'cl Lhed ' ' "'"'^°''' "' ''^'''^' '^''^ ^-n- Believing now that she was too shy to be won as an acquaintance, or resolute in her purpose to shun a stranger, he pursued his journey with many won- denn. surmises. J5ut partly to please himself, and w.th somehope of pleasing her, he made the qui!^ June evening so resonant with music, that even the it it in hig ik; tlicn, direction lis heart, Lii,^Ii siin- 'ords she ; (for he would a leaves), tide as appear become carried d coni- -ing'the age of of the frowns turned e van- ■on as shun won- f, and quiet :n the A CHILD OF NATURE. 25 birds^seemed to pause and listen to the unwonted Thus he kept the shores echoing and re-echoin^ V he e .t would be nnpossihic to land. Here a li^^h northern breeze came fluttering down the ri^-er .^t Its mnume.rable retinue of ripples, and Saville threw down the Hute and hoisted his sail. As he glided out from the shadow of the bluff to the center^f the nver, the same weird and beautiful voice resounded from the rocks above him, with a sweetness and full- ness that filled the whole region and hour w h endumtinciit, " I kiion- a bant nl.creon llie wilil il,).,„c I,|„„,." Then he sau. the plumage of the snouy heron ^r^ iT " f";'--?"-"'J Ji-^'ingnished the half- concc, cd form of the maiden. The northern gale tossed her unconfined hah- for a moment, and tten the vision vanished. , The wmd fre.,hened, and soon the water uas foam. ng about the bow of his boat. Taking up his flu^ l.e gave as a responsive farewell the simple melody wh.ch had become a Kind of .signal between t "t he one hnk of mutual knowledge, the gossame thread that might draw their lives closer togetl" r The nia,dcn, who no longer needed the shelterinc ol.age but was concealed by the deepening tuih-.-hf Irstened t.ll the faintest echoes had died a^-ay in t e distance, and then, quite as bewildered and full of wonderment as the hero of our story, slowly retraced her steps toward West Point. 26 .\7:.t/i TO NATURE'S HEART. Savillc gazed lingcringly and regretfully back upon the landscape that grew more picturesque every moment in the uncertain light, and felt that he was leaving a fairy land for one of stern and bitter realities. w 'I' I Ily back ;turcsque felt that tern and V£/{A AXD IIEK HOME. 9f 9 -I 'If-. 9 M CHAPTER 11. VERA AND IIER HOME. \;y ITII slow and thougl.tf,,! steps, the younff » * g.rl pursued her w,-,y, finding a path where o another, there would have been onfy a t ng S forest, grownjg an.ong steep ridges and ^B I d picked her way w.th almost noiseless tread, mi^dit ^ave deepened tl,c impression that in some ic u manner she was akin to the wilderness in whieh she eemed so mueh at home. Having crossed a oel ; h II, she entered a grassy foot-path, and soon ap. P oaehed a dwelling whenee gleamed a faint liglu Though her steps apparently gave forth no sound,' tlej were heard, for suddenly innumerable echoe filled the sdent valley, and two dogs, that n,ust have mg. came boundmg toward her. With a low Lugh, " H«;^'s • much ado about nothing.' There made of yourselves, not to know me " The great dogs fawned at her feet and licked her l>.-.nds, and, by the hun,blest canine a^olo^.e sought forgiveness for their rude greeting. 28 NEAR TO NATUI^E'S HEART. riil The light from within fell upon the somewhat haggard and startled face of a man who stood upon the door-step and peered out into the darkness. " It's only I, father ; " and in a moment the girl was at his side. The man responded but slightly to her caress, and, entering the one large living-room of the cot' tage, sat down, without a word, in its most shadowy corner, seemingly finding something congenial in its gloom, "What has kept you so late. Vera?" asked a woman who was taking from a rude cupboard the slender materials of the evening meal. " I was watching a queer little sail-boat, mother." "Sail-boat, sail-boat; has it landed near us?" asked the man, starting up. " No, father. I watched till it disappeared down the river," said the girl, soothingly. " That's a good child. Still it does not signify • no one could have any business with me." But the slight tremor of excitement in the ^\xVs tone caused the mother to give her a quick, search- ing glance, and she saw that something unusual had occurred. Vera looked smilingly and significantly into the pale, anxious face turned to her, and her glance said, " I will tell you all by-and-by." The woman continued her tasks, thou-h in a nianner so feeble as to indicate that the burden of life was growing too heavy to be borne much lon-er while Vera assisted her with tiie quickness of yotith and the deftness of experience. t somewhat 3od upon :ncss. t the girl 2r caress, f the cot- shadowy lial in its asked a )oard the mother." ::ar us?" "id down signify ; :he girl's , search- sual had into the • glance jh in a irden of longer, f youth ^£/CA AA-D HER HOME From a little "lem f^ •• l^ouse, used .s \ ]- m '■'^^""'' ^^'^ '^'^'^ "^ ^I>« Peared. A scadct ^ "n '" /'"^ ""'^'^^ "-^' '-4- u.ban a^r^ \^;:;;t^"''^' ^^'"^^ ^^ ^-^ ^>^ but bent with years at f ""''"' ^'" ""^ ^'^"' d'gnity in her S^" 1^ ^"."^^ '' 'T- "' ^^■^'•■^' -■^^^ ^--r menial position ""'"'^ ^'^ '^^^'^'"^^ asked.'" '' '"""-^ "'^""^ ^^^'"^^ -yting?" she ■It ^vill suffice for m,^ T TvfU. fi 1 , • To-morrow I will be im vKibC. And she hummed to herself: " \ '^■"?^^ "^^^ '^'-inl^ ^vliereon lliey grow- A thing Will Shakspeare does not know." Tlic frugal repast bein^ rcidv fl,„ f i summoned, but before he wo^d 1 '''' -oouns in f^ trotetdtir'^^r^^"^ °"^ ed haunted by some va™.» fear m ■ ""'" '"•■""■ ''>'''-.orthe.»i^;;S';^!— -^-^- il I;! i; 'i ji -I! 30 A'EAR TO A^ATUJiE'S HEART. tacitl)- rccognucd and humored. He ate his supper hurriedly, and then ictircd again to his dusky corner where he sat the remainder of the evening, silent' save when spoken to by liis wife and dau-h'ter, wlio evidently tried to retain him as part of Ihe family cn-cle, though lie morbidly shrank within himself. Ihc mother and daughter were left alone at the table, at winch they sat even after Gula had removed to the kitchen the slight remnants of the meal. A dip-candle burned dimly between them, and lighted up, but with deep contrasts of shadow, two remark- able faces— not such as one would expect to find in a rude log cabin of the wilderness ; for the uncertain rays revealed the fact, though disguised by many a dainty rural device, that the walls of the dwellin- were of rough-hewn logs. But the homely surround! ings only brought out more clearly the unmistakable refinement of the fiices of mother and daughter, now turned toward each other in a subtle interchange of sympathy that scarcely needed words. They seemed to have formed the habit of communicating with each other by significant glances and little si-ns apparent to no one save themselves, and there exTst- cd between them a love so deep and absorbing that It was ever a source of tranquil pleasure to look into each other's eyes. This silent communion was rendered necessary in part, because there was much of which they could not speak in the presence of the father and husband in his present warped, morbid condition of mind. To her mother Vera embodied her name, and was truth itself, revealing, like her playmates the mountain streams, everything in her T. c his supper usky corner, ning-, silent, lighter, who the family himself, lone at the ad removed c meal. A md iigJited wo remark- et to find in le uncertain by many a le dwelh'ncf 7 surround- imistakable ighter, now rchange of icy seemed ating with little signs ;here exist- rbing that 3 look into mion was was much :nce of the id, morbid embodied J, like her ing in her VERA A. YD HER HOME. crystal thoughts. To her father she was enurlly true, but was so through a system of loving disguises and concealments. If she had told him of her ad- venture of the afternoon he would have been greatly excited, and sleep would be banished l^r th, ni-ht The mother saw that Vera had a confidcnce\o' give, and quietly waited until they should be alone • andas she looked tenderly upon her child, her pale' spiritual face might have realized the ideal of pure motherly love. As such, in after years. Vera re- membered :t. It was well that she should look long and fondly upon those dear features, for in their thin transparency they promised soon to become on/v a memory. -^ But Vera knew nothing of death. She had never seen a pallid, rigid human face, and the thought that the dear face before her could ever become such was too dreadful to have even entered her mind. The mother, with a secret and growing uneasiness, had been conscious of her f^^iling powers. Her usua household cares became daily more burdensome. She panted for breath, after tasks that once seemed hght. Her rest, instead of being sweet and refresh- ing, was broken through the long night by a hacking ough, which the bland air of June did not removf as she had fondly hoped. But, in the strange delu! sion of her disease, she ever expected to be^" better m a fevv days," and she never had the courage to blanch the joyous face of Vera with the vague fea. which in spite of her hopes sometimes found en- trance to her mmd. The malady had been so slow 3-''- AEAK TO A\iyL'A'L'-S HEART. \\ . J and insidious in its advances, that Vera had not noticed the daily yet almost imperceptible cliangcs ; but old Gula sometimes shook her head ominously, though she said nothing. The husband was too deeply shadowed by one oppressive fear to have thought for anything else; and so the poor exile (for such she was) unconsciously to herself and those she loved, daily drew nearer to the only home where the lieart is at rest. Upon a rustic shelf above Vera's head were two books that originally had been quite handsomely bound. They were the products of a time when things were made to last ; and j^et such had been their vicissitudes and constant use that they looked old and worn. They were the only books Vera liad ever seen. They had been the story-books of her childhood, and long before she could read them, her mother had beguiled her by the hour with their marvelous tales. They had been the school-books in which she had conned her letters ; and, following her mother's pointing finger, she had spelled her way through them, when the long and unpronounceable words were to her lisping tongue what the rugged boulders around their home were to her little feet. She had often stumbled over both ; still she had learned to love the mossy boulders and the equally formidable words, and the latter had gradually be- come stepping-stones to her thoughts. These books were now yearly developing for her deeper and richer meanings, and were having no small part in the formation of her character. The gilt letters on their backs were not so faded and worn but that the titles \RT. Vera had not itible changes ; ad ominously, band was too fear to have poor exile (for and those she )me where the ead were two : handsomely a time when Lich had been it they looked oks Vera liad -books of her ;ad them, her ur with their school-books md, following lelled her way ronounceable it the rugged er little feet, still she had d the equally gradually be- These books per and richer part in the :tters on their ;hat the titles ^'i:ra AM) jfj.ji jj^^j^j^ 33 ■c^ 1 . , fc>"v<_ j^uinces and worriq \v\y\-> *-!,„ «;ft. wh.ch she valued more than the booi Sh i ! g>ven him the Bible in return and L f .'"'^ depart:. """""" ""'' """■■-' ™°-.t of At a sign from her mother, Vera took down this B.ble, and drawmg tlie faihng candle nearer rInH few verses from the Htl. ehap'ter o S Jo, '„ co ' niennncr << 7 o*- ^ j. , J'-^'"'. com- close of'eactd,vf''°"'' '""' ^' ''°"^^"'" ^t the cose 01 each day, for many sad and anxious years ese'°d,w7" '"' '*'''°-^'--" herlr;' liicbL aivme, reassurm"- wnrHc ti, the disquieted mind of her husb^ "'"^o tr X' she bei.eved that they might eventually I/comt a legacy of hope and stren.^th Aff^r n, °'-^°""- ■» some other p „sa„e w!," ^ ,, "'"^ ''"" "''"■^' ^ ' .-^'- ^\'i-^ '^l^o cliosen. •iiie mother had onpnpri ft. i v i CmIo • w , opened the kitchen door thnf Gula mtghthear, if she would, since she never could 34 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. be persuaded to be present at the family altar. Gula liad been stolen from her African home, where, as she once hinted in a moment of ahi^cr, slu; had possessed some rude and savage kind of ro)-alty, and since that time she had suffered cruelty and wroni;? without Stint from those who called themselves Christians ; thus she naturally chose to remain a pagan. As Vera read the sacred words, the mother's face, where she sat, a little back from the light, was sweet and shadowy enough to be that of a guardian spirit. The corner in which the father remained had grown so dark that only the gleam of his restless eyes could be seen. Vera's voice was sweet, low, and reverent. It was not a form, but a heartfelt service in which she was leading, and one that she knew to be dear to her mother. She made a pretty picture, with the dim candle lighting up her classic profile and a bit of her gold- en hair. All the rest was in partial and sugges- tive shadow. After tlie lesson of the day had been read, ':hey sat a few moments in prayerful silence. With the shrinking timidity which some women find it impos- sible to overcome, this Christian wife had learned to pray unceasingly in her heart, but could never ven- ture upon outspoken words. Her nature was gen- tleness itself, and strong only in its power to cling with unselfish, unfearing tenacity to those she loved. Had her husband been condemned to suffer any form of death, her meek spirit would have uttered no protest, but only force could have prevented her IRT. ily altar. Gula )me, where, as nt^er, she luid Df ro)-alty, and tyand wron;^? :d themselves to remain a mother's face, ^ht, was sweet uardian spirit. remained had jf his restless wect, low, and :artfelt service it she knew to le dim candle )it of her gold- ,1 and sugges- :cn read, ';hcy cc. With the find it impos- had learned to dd never ven- ture was Gfcn- power to cling lose she loved, to suffer any have uttered prevented her VERA AND HER HOME. 35 Tm m shanng- h,s n.te. If, by interposing her own J.fe she could save her daughter's, she wodd o ve it up so naturally and instinctively that the tlfo 'l O self.sacnfice would not even occur to her. Ye^s before she had renounced, for the sake of heMove exile and soon death itself would result .h. n I 11 »Lak, but whose strength God wonlH loltic.t attribute, patient, all-e„duri„g love to speak to the old negress, » l>om she found sitt(n,r on a low door-step, smoking her pipe. ""'"^ 'Art lonely, Gula.?" to'r6u1;""'''"-"°'P"'''^'- I^-'^ lots talkin. ^"rt)XtMh'e°S ""^^ '^= "''■■•''^-™"'^. CO,:' t:'''r!r bat™;. ^' ™''"''" ^°- '» «= lonely any ,W." ''' ° '^^= "™"""-"- I -n't -otdy^r e^'i^t^^^ "^-<"'>'- •'>^- you >", none o' dat. don't keep you se inudderwaitm'; go to bed," was only assun ed to ^|sgu,se the sudden relenting which usually ak' Pl^^ce when the Hintiest heart is touched by e potent wand of kindness. ^ ;• Good night, Gula,- said Vera. •' Amon.^ your voices you shall alwayshcar mine: and U:, who had already gone on before to her child's slcc, ing apartment. "-' gint'and"/ V "'r !' K^' "°^' "^ °"^^ ^^'^^ -- tarns, as her appearance had suggested to Siville tins restn.g.place would have bten in L.n'o t' The rude cottage had been built at the slopi^b "^^^ of the rocky height crowned in later years' witli 1 ! frownmg walls of Fort Putmm , . 'V ^^^' ^^'^ cabin on the southern de T ^ '''""" '^'' far from the rocky se J to f 'f '"^' '''^''''^ '^^ •^ ^'■'^^P as to torm a natum ^iliolf-^H or sort of cave. Tl.is little „icl,e had b e e , i,^ apartment, which Vera and her mother IT v^ guised into as dainty a runi hi ''''" fi, r- • "^^""-y a rural bower as any crrotfo o/ he G,ec,a„ ny„,p„.. j, ,,,, connected TvUtire re r'trr','"", "' "" ""'"■ ''y " "--=J « ^ cavy ogs, fastened in tl,e seeurest manner ll deed the enfre dwelling had been built u 'i h . most the strength of a fortress, and Verl': the; XEAR TO X A TV RE'S HEART. \m ^ secini-d to fiiul A growiiiLj satisfaction in strcni;!!!- ciiint; its various parts witli stone and wood. Tiie brief ascent to Iicr "nest" — as tlic young t;irl called it — was made by stone steps. When her mother grew feeble, Vera brought home a slender grapevine that she had found swinging from a lofty forest-tree, and stretched it from her door to that of the living-room. By laying hold of this, the ascent could be made with greater ease. A stout cord passed along the roof, so that if anything happened, summons or alarm could be given ii-'stantly. But though the poor man who arranged all these precautions seemed burdened with an increasing dread, the years had passed, and they had been unmolested in their wilderness retreat. The mother placed the candle on a little bureau, and sat, panting from her climb, on the edge of Vera's c©uch. The daughter drew a bench for- ward, and dropping on it, leaned her arms on her mother's lap and looked up into her face as she did when a little child. Indeed, in her guileless inno- cence and ignorance of the world from which she had ever been secluded, she was still a child, though fully sixteen. " Now, mother, you have been working too hard again to-day," she said reproachfully. " See how tired you are." " No, dear — I am only a little breathless — from climbing to your nest, I get out of breath so easily of late. Now tell me what has happened." Vera described her adventure of the afternoon, which in her tranquil hfe was a notable event. She f yp-^4 AXD HER HOME. I slrc'ii;j,th- md wood, young girl When her a slender ■oni a lofty ■ to that of the ascent stout cord happened, instantly, i all these increasing had been le bureau, le edge of aench for- ms on her as she did ;less inno- which she Id, though : too hard " See how 2SS — from h so easily afternoon, xnt. She 39 dwelt long an,. !,„,,• i ""['"itntne Muiior tiieyeai, and a niunient lat,-r ^l,.. fast. ' ^^-ckly prepared them for break- ;^ Hc^ kind it was of you to get us these ber- ii^-s, said her mother. " I thonohf i i j , "^y appetite altogether but t / ^^'' that I must be belte P T " ''' ^'°°^ well." '"'^'^^P" ^^^^'y ^^i^l '"ake me The Hush of pleasure that came into Vera's Hxce ''Vo n? '' ^'■"'' ''^^ ■^'^'^' ^^^'J'i-yously: ^ ou shall have, ,K-m, mother, as lung as there- one to be found in the shad 13 lest nook. r^ 1 1. 42 N£AJi TO NATURE'S HEART. The light of day now revealed clearly the charac- ter of their abode, which, in its exterior, did not differ greatly from the ordinary log cabin of the frontier. There had evidently been an effort to make it exceedingly strong, and on every side were loop-holes, through which could be passed the muz- zle of a rifle. But the usual bareness and unsightliness of these primitive dwellings had been quite removed by festoons of the American woodbine (or ivy) which Vera had planted at the corners, and trained along the eaves and to the very ridge. There were also attempts at ilower-beds, in which she had sought to tame some of her wild favorites of the woods. But the interior was an interesting study, from the effort of refinement, everywhere manifest, to triumph over the rudest materials. Such of the furniture as had been bought, was strong and plain, and had evidently been selected^ from motives of economy. This hud been added to and supple- mented as far as tlie ingenuity of the inmates per- mitted, and on every side were seen pretty little things that were not childish, and yet would please a child. Autumn leaves, still brilliant, which Vera had pressed, with great pains, between dry leaves pre- served for the purpose, festooned the unsightly walls,- producing an effect that gave the young girl more content than Gobelin tapestry gives to its princely possessors. Mingling with these festoons were but- ton-balls, cut tlie precedin.g autumn from the plane ^ERA AND HER IJOMF tree, and briirht red bernVQ t„ w.,t,.|, I , "■'""'= ^""struction Vera lr,d t.-opi.y. liut she f„,„ d n r n ""= '' " bird's tiny nest In „, " "'P"^*— '''"""""ig- hook-s, the a„t ers '? ^ f ^ °' P^""™ '^^«^ ■•'"'' and there, and se^ve ,; v T'" rT'"'' ""^ without stoopin.x an lint wurkniaiisiiip, and a h-Ivct, • i W 1 -.■■') ill 1 1 i' ;' w m \:i ll i ■ '^^H'B 1 "W 44 J^£A/;! TO NATURE'S HEART. mouned fowling - piece, which the exiles had brought w,th them, rightly estimating their value ulien seeknig a refuge in the wilderness. The shotgun was hght but strong, and of exquisite fi Hsh. and had ,n other days brought down many a phcasan m English parks. It carried just as truly now, and Vera had learned to be almost as unerring ^ is use as her father. In consequence, a plum^ Pcirtndge frequently graced their board that too often was meagre enough. For a large part of the year game .vas the.r principal food, as her father supported HS family by hunting and trapping. J3ut of la^ he had grown so mood)' and uncertain in his actions, that for oays he would sit in his shadowy corner brooding over some dark secret of the past. It would then devolve on Vera alone to supply the needs of the household, and at tin.es the poor child's lieart was heavy, as weary and discouraged she returned in the cvenmg only to report her ill-success. Then h r father would rouse up as if his manhood were stru^- ghng agau^st the paralysis creeping over his mind, and he would be more like his former self But as Vera grew older, and more acquainted with the habits and haunts of game, and learned in what waters to drop 1 hne successfully, she became more self-reliant and confident that she could at least maintain i supply of food if the worst came to the wor . olL when the man's mind was n.ost unclouded, he would at h s wife s solicitation, take the skins and product of he chase to some village down the river, and barter hem for such things as were needed. A lit le of the hoard of gold which they had brought u" yE2iA AND HER HOME. toTe"acMr"''""^°"'"'"' ^"'^ "«^ ceasing to be a child in appearance, thoueh still a chiw in guileless simplicity, and content wlh th' nle, and duties which had mied her time thus far. " 46 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEAHT. CHAPTER III. i THE ICONOCLASTS. 'T^HE northern breeze caused Savlllc's boat to J- glide rapidly through the looming shadows of the lower Highlands, and in comparatively brief time h'ghts glimmered invitingly from the village of Peeks- kill, which was situated at the head of a wide bay upon the eastern shore. Here he decided to seek refresh- ment and spend the night, intending to pursue his homeward journey the following morning. The episode of the afternoon^ad forml^d a pleas- ing but temporary diversion to the thoughts if had interrupted ; but now, with increasing power to pain and agitate, they came trooping back. In the con- sciousness of solitude and in the enshrouding dark- ness, he made less effort at self-control. His features were distorted by contending emotions, and he often gave vent to passionate exclamations. It was evi- dent that a painful question was pressing upon him for immediate solution, and that the results of his at Jon in any case would be very serious. But by the time he reached the rude wharf he regained his self-command, and having moored his boat, sought a dwelling which combined the character of farm-house and tavern. Here he received a uel- THE ICONOCLASTS. 47 ! boat to ladows of brief time of Peeks- : bay upon k refrcsli- ursue his d a d] eas- ts it had er to pain the con- ng dark- 3 features i he often was evi- pon him ts of his vharf he ored his diaracter :d d -A el- I come that was but in part professional, for in those days of Inmtcd travel, a stranger was an event, and a guest m reality as well as in name, being often made much of, and becoming an object of absorbing interest, .t might be added also, of curiosity, to his entertamers. Saville found the little inn already in a state of excitement and bustle over the arrival of an old acquan^tancc of his own, a wealthy, pleasure-lovin^ young gentleman from the city below, who was off on a^ fishmg excursion, and who eagerly sou-ht to gam Saville as a companion. "^ "■ What is the ncNrs from the army before Boston ? " asked Saville. gloomily. '" The army before Boston' be hanged, and the army in Boston also. I could not sit down to dinner but a fire-brand of a patriot would pluck one sleeve, and demand, ' Are you for Liberty? ' and an ancient fossil who had brushed against a duke, or mayhap a duchess, would pluck the other sleeve and querulously question, ' Are you not for the ^ing. It was in vain that I anathematized both and said, ' No, I'm for dinner.' There is no such thing as peace down there, un'-.syou are ranting on one side or the other. So I snatched my fishing tackle, and showing a clean pair of heels, am here among the mountains. It's a confounded poor world for a man to enjoy himself in. There are always two parties in it bound to devour each other and 1 you won't raven on one side or the other.' they I both turn in and rend you. I don't care Whether the laws are made in. Philadelphia or I 4 ii 48 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. lit 11)1 London, if they will only let me alone. There I'm through with the accursed squabbles of the liour I m here to get rid of them, and intend for the next few days to forget the existence of both Parliament and Congress. So come with me, and keep out of purgatory as long as you can." In spite of his prolonged mental conflict, Saville still felt hmiself unequal to solve the question that burdened him ; and so to gain time and distract his thoughts, he complied with his friend's wish. On the following morning they started, equipped for the sport. It was the Sabbath, but in Saville's estimation, the day was no more sacred than would be a Decadi of the coming French Revolution. He had lived in infidel France sufficiently long to regard the Sabbath as a relic of superstition. He was a disciple of the " New Philosophy." and had faith in naught save man, and man was a law unto himself. But the sport which completely absorbed his companion dragged heavily with Saville, and after a few days he returned to his boat, resolving to put off his decision no longer ; so the latter part of the week saw him again beating southward against the wind with many a long tack, as the river broadened before him. Saville's position was a trying one, and yet not peculiar in that day when the plowshare of division ran, not only through communities, social circle^ and churches, but also through families, severing the closest ties. In order that his present circumstances and character may be better understood, it will be necessary to take a brief glance into the past riierc, I'm the hour, r the next 'arliamerit 'p out of :t, Saville ition that I distract wish, equipped Saville's in would ion. He to regard fe was a i faith in himself, "bed his d after a r to put -t of the inst the 3adened yet not division circles ring the 1 stances will be r//E /coA-oc/.yisrs. Ti 49 -■Je J,e ca,no f, ,„ ft ' T""^' °" '"'^ ''•"''"••^ w,>ich has larger; " e^::,"", °''' ""«-""* stock can character. lf<, t' f 'i"'; S°°d the An.eri- "I'sLt if he ,v„„h|, receive t,?M """"y- ■•'"<' sccnds to children',; c , I e„ , • """ "■'"'^'' '"'•- p-Hcian ran,i,ie;;:/::;:r:,:?;:tXd"r ^"^°"^' to Europe to finish his studies Af, r ' '""^ f, ■•"• English university he e, i to "■" " '"'" Ifs profession, that of .rilit "■" '" ''"i'-'''^ Jiu' i.i.s taste; did ,0 :a7Tr' '="^'""='-"'*?- anJ ixactieal science ad,. "■'"°" "^ '•'•'^•"'^' opera far n,ore thn, I "W'-'-'^^t'^J the Frencl> 1*"' it was tl e e ,Tl' '"""' ""^ '"t'^cations. chaotic age t u „"lv f ■"""'' ''■"■■'■••""'■^ "^ ">'■•' 'i^'"t thcon-sts ar.d ^ ^ '^^"--n.ated him. TI,e bril- i-t and iufin'L" l^^::;;t:'; "■'" "■^■'■^' "■-■ -•'" tions of the slowly bu ItT ,^ '"'''""" ""•■ ''"""'■a- °^-ia.custo„,ra':ci'of::;;:,;:,';y--"''e''-cf, f«med to him the heroes of H S':"^'-'™"'-^"!, little as they, foresaw t^ , ''"'''''■ "c, as "-y were ..'-epaH ^ ' Lotd'^''"'" '" -'■■■^" ceeded only too w-eU in T '"'" ''«' ■'^■•'--■- "- Huguenot .i: , ",: rr't r ^"' ^■•^•''■"s , t, and what tiien passed for nil 50 ,VEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. religion in France, was such a wretched imposition fts to be despised even by its consecrated priests. Social distinctions were arbitrary and uiuiatural. Etiquette ruled in the phice of fideUty and principle, and behind this tinsel mask gross license rioted. Government had become simply the oppression of the many by the few — an organized system to rob the people that the titled might indulge in un- bounded extravagance. The corner-stone, which is the family, with its sacred and guarded rights, had crumbled, and the whole social and political fabric was consequently tottering in inevitable weakness. The character of the times made it far easier to scoff and strike at all institutions that should be sacred than to reform them ; and the leading minds of the day were great onlv in their genius for satire and innovation. But it was the fearful degeneracy in the institutions themselves that gave point to the sarcasm, and it was their crumbling weakness that made blows, which now seem puny, then to appear herculean. Young Saville, unschooled by experience, had just the temperament to be carried away by the railing and irreverent spirit of the age. Naturally visionary, enthusiastic, and gifted with far more imagination than judgment, he reveled in the "Atheistic Philosophy," and exulted over it as the groundwork of a new and better order of things. Voltaire enchained him by his boundless wit. Diderot, and even Helvetius with his gross, materi- alistic theory, that sensation originates all that there is in man, became his masters, while in political Tipositlon d priests, iiinatunil, principle, ;c rioted, 'cssioii of m to rob ,^0 in un- wliicli is ^hts, h;id cal fabric kveakness. :r to scoff be sacred ds of the atire and leracy in it to the iiess that :o appear :nce, had y by the Naturally far more 1 in the it as the if things. less wit. s, materi- hat there politicaJ ^//-ff ICONOCLASTS. 5^ which tmte'^,:;"' ;'"'";"""= '^•""' ^'*-'y '■•ons ,„ust, .nd -r : V did^ f "'"'^ ••'"" ^"""''- wildest license, boc u„e l,i ^'•"'--'■"^■•••to into the become eventiX I'""' "'"' '"■' l>"l>"l to offa.edo„.i;::f„;:-:|,7'''--f'>''.^Kand, ideal '■'-■vii in;,.;:::^:; ,:•:::;;■-■;■;>• vi.-a.ed ,, "^'"°"- S„n,etl,in^, i„ the ,1 'l--''""«l.x..,^. ., .■"nd in his early tnut.in.r ' n .""«">••"<" bl.,„d - ^. «cnn that n, V ".'""'T' '" '"'^ "^""- Sroivth. He ,v,s „?,t r i '^V"-'I<.l=cd ,„to healthful in I'is own land- L "''■"'■'•••""'•'''■•'l »= >"orality l'"nor and „ k^ 1 eTT,''' "''" "■™'"'^ ^-'-- "^ "'0"SI. capable of v^-v t"° '"' '"'" ' ■""' •>ot coldly selfi 1^1 r'' °'' ""»"-»''--f"l- He was '--■t. Hc^ ot titri ist'''''"'''"-'^' "^-""-'^ ■•" "°t at what he b fcve I '?""-■ '""""'■• ^""""■-■. ^^1-- age, prctende^t^ , :::l " V,;' ""'■"• '■" '"'" » solemn and vcner.M '""-"'• '""J "as ni fact ('"■■^, Hhich 1ml h" '"• ■'■'"= '^""' back of gather. 1 e d d ot r' "'■"'^"■''' °^ ^'^""^"""1 alto- exis,e,ce V K , '°''".'"'" "°"' "■*■■" ^'^"""-- '■" ■>» - the leaders of ^ph.io.f; '^""'■■"" ■■"«' -P-ficial P"'-" faith of his ° t "r r 1 ""' '"^"'"Sai-sh the f'-ll "hieT; it 1 , '^ """,' "'^■^■'■"« 'a|.>-Tsti,io„ bad separated u,,,!!", but condenn.ed if I f 4 I 53 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. I! all religion as the folly of credulity, the evidence of a weak and unenlightened mind. He was heartily in sympathy with Rousseau's best characteristic, hatred of the artificial and un- natural, and joined in his protest against the absurd and arbitrary tyranny of etiquette and monstrous custom. He believed with the great innovator, that after the rags had been taken from the peasant, ?nd the titles and court dress lifted from the noble, in each case remained that essential atom of society — man ; and he held that this human unit, with its innate rights and qualities, naturally developed, must be the starting point in the reorganization of the political fabric. He could not then see that he a d his teachers would ever build in vain, even were they to attempt reconstruction ; for they ignored man's moral and spiritual nature and its needs. Let man build his side of the arch never so well, the work would crum- ble, because the opposite side, which is God and the p'.:re morality of his law, and the key-stone, which is intelligent faith and obedience, would be utterly lacking. But there was hope for Sc.ville, because he was so sincere in his skepticism ; because he accepted so enthusiastically theories, the majority of which now have in history a record like that of brilliant meteors only. He had not reached the most hopeless of mental attitudes, that of coldly doubting every- thing, nor had he sunk into the apathy of discourage- ment, or plunged into the recklessness of those who see nothing good or sure save present gratification. evidence of Rousseau's al and un- thc absurd monstrous )vator, that easant, and e noble, in f society — t, with its developed, nization of is teachers to attempt moral and 1 build his ould crum- od and the one, which be utterly ; he was so :cepted so which now nt meteors lopeless of ing every- liscourage- those who atification. THE ICOXOCLASTS. 53 believe i„ the c writ ', , '' '-'""'^' ''"'"'■^'ly nesH, when once a,,;.,.,,:,;!;:;""" ^^""«i"»"-",-. which hbcrtv nnri V ^'''' "'^'^ ^^'orld, m "■e insniration Tj! i , •^'■=''"'-«. Md "atme f ftl- : ' i 54 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART I CHAPTER IV. '^ i II " FOR WORSE." SAVILLE had not been long in his native city be- fore an event occurred tliat chan^^'ed tlie s[)irit of his dreams, or rather blended them with others of a different nature. The nebulous goddess of liberty, at whose feet he had been worshiping, was exchanged for a cre;iture of (Icsh and blood, earthy indeed, material even to her mind. ]>ut Saville had a faculty of seeing things, not as they were, but tlirough a transfiguring mist of his o\\ n imagination. During his voyage home, his fatiier had died sud- denly, and, in consequence, young Saville, for a few months immediately after his return, was much se- cluded from social an" political life. Sorrow renders the heart more tentlcr and receptive, and there were long and vacant days to be beguiled. His mother, wlio had inherited the thrifty traits of her Dutch ancestry, axailetl herself of this opportunity to secure an alliance which wtjrldly wisdom would commend, inasmuch as the young lady in question was the heiress of property which would double the large wealth of her son, and thus, of course, double his ha])pi!uss. Their mutual acres were so situated that tli(\ could be joined together with great ad- vanta. Whether the moral and mental qualities f-OR WONSE. 55 tive city bc- tlic .si)irit i)f utlicrs of .1 s of liberty, i, exchanged .hy indeed, ad a faculty ; til rough a 1. id died sud- Ic, for a few IS much se- row renders 1 there were 4 is mother, her Dutch ortunity to jom would in question 1 double the arse, double so situated h great atl- tal qualities of the parties themselves were equally adapted to ^'""'"' ^^•*^^"'>^ considered, and huLcd .cldom is I,y your sagacious match-maker, who to the end of time ^v'l bo died w.Lh self-congratulation on havin-. u.ned estates. That two po...- souls must iu-nce! r o V T ; ^'''^'''^^ ^"-^ of discord, or become pohshed icicles under the steady frost of indiffer- ence IS a mere matter uf sentiment. Two acres in-. s cad of one is a solid consideration, and ought to sati>ly any heart. * Mrs.Saville loved her son after her fashion, and ^^a. serving him, as she supposed, in the best and mos enduring manner. She was nw.u H.at society ould regard the match as I ,ant , and to have l.c world nod approval w,, .s great a thing a hun- ch-cd years ago as to-day. Sh, haj ,„,t the parents, the uncles, and aunts of the coveted heiress, in - solemn conclave on t..e subject, and found them quite as ready to enter into the arrangement as her- ^^H. VVith numy i ,e speeches they disguised the property considerations uppermost in each mind and It was agreed that the young ladv's disposition' shouklbe delicately inclined to assist! That willf" factor in the problem, however, bluntly said, " I'll ■ wait and see him first." u. i H This very natural decision disturbed Mrs. Saville but htt.e ; for she kneu- that unless her son had changed greatly, his appearance would be in his '--r. Her chief ground of anxiety was th. action . -' Uie young man himself. ■ "Men are so unreasonable/' she saM ; " but un- ^'-^ i heron is utterly blind to his o.vn interests, 'h ■ 1 56 iVEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. m M he must see things as we do. The young lady I have chosen for him is rich, handsome, and of one of the first families in the colony. Indeed her rela- tives ui England are titled." All this was true. Mrs. Saville had weighed ex- ternals carefully. Julia Ashburton was very hand- some after her type and style. The prudent mother had considered everything save the viewless, subtle spirit which dwelt within the beauty, and which would prove, to the sorrovv of all concerned, the spirit of a Tartar. Verily Saville was utterly blind to his own in- terests ; for, soon after his return, he delighted his mother and the other schemers by action that accorded with their plans. Miss Ashburton was eminently gifted with the power to awaken passion ; and in one who, like The- ron Saville saw everything through the transfigur- ing haze of his own fancy, she could even inspire an approach to love. Ikit a man who desired a wife a hcM.e, and donjestic peace, would look askance at her Her black eyes were too near to.-^ether and enn tted scintillations rather than the p^re, st'e^dy hght of a womanly nature. They could fascinate and beguile with something of a serpent's power," they would drop abashed before the searching, ^a.e of any honest man. Her forehead was none tootow, but It was narrow. The development of her lowe ace was full; not too much so, perhaps, for sensuous beauty but to a close observer it would suggest th t.ait of stubbornness, and the possibility that pas- sion might triumph over all restraint. Lit it was 'ART. e young lady 1 Tie, and of one ndccd her reJa- d weighed ex- .vas very hand- )rudent mother n"e\vless, subtle ty, and which concerned, the 3 his own in- delighted his V action that fted with the vho, like Thc- lie transfigur- -'en inspire an u"red a wife, a V askance at :ogether, and pure, steady Lild fascinate 's power, but arching gaze lone too low, of her lower for sensuous suggest thc :y that pas- 13 ut it was FOR WORSE. S? cin^ n ; , '" ^°^— '-'ch she was not at al chary ni d.splaynig-and her grace of carriage wh.ch constituted her chief attractions. She ^^st ^1- and supple as a leopard, as well as ^e ^e in many of her qualities. and .he for a t,me fostered his delusion. Having all the eourtly bcar.ng and polish that could be ac q..n;od ,n French salons, she readily joined in the' fom.ly conspiracy. She was as gentle and s^ni t^.c-t.c as ,t was in her nature .o\e, and gave him , "OS of her tune. A spirit less exuber!,nt t an Sav; le s would have had a vague sense of diss ," iact on-a consciousness of something wantin- i„ to 'fa:Tt";:: ^""r"•'""='■• ^-^ '"^ '--^- s=.-o : o a fault, was deeply touched by her show of regard folHs recent bereavement, and his love fori r >a» mn,gled with gratitude. Soon .she saw 1 m IZ"' '' "" '""'■ """ ""'" -^'- "er Z During the long hours spent together, he hooin-r titled ZT'T "'\" ""»^"'-^' •'"■"'■ "'^'o' n enlarged (to her horror on his favorite dreams of boad democratic liberty and equality. He elen . rm.tted her to see his bitter hostility to everythi,™ : It bore the nan.e of religion, or superstition ? & t as ;;'"f ""^'■'' ""' '"■■ ^^S-"^-" "" f-™s of i d ha V T,'"'"'"'"'="'' °f 'y^""y- "^' be. q to h r 'T '""'"^ '■» ''^^••'" "'thusiasm cqu. I o h.s o„-n for the new and glorious ideas that '■^ l.ad acquired abroad, and for the reception of ' ■it It !^l tHi '"% 58 A'EA/d TO NATURE'S HEART. I Amcri jr ''"''^^'"'''' ^"^""^^ ^^^^^ ^'-^P'^'y preparing Now Miss Ashburton was, by nature and cduca- t.on, as iiostilc to these ideas as it was possible for any one to be. She was a Tory and royalist to her heart s core, as were all her family; and their descent from a titled house in England was the cherished source of their abounding pride. The girl to whom Saville often discoursed of his Utopian dreams, in a manner so rapt and pre-occu- pied that he scarcely noted her effort to disguise her apathy and distaste, was not capable of enthusiasm for anything save herself. Selfishness, the bane of all character, especially of woman's, had consumed the kindly endowments of her nature, and some- times, when her lover's face was flushed in the excitement of his own thronging thoughts, which were at least large and generous, if mainly erratic there would come a crafty, and even vindictive' gleam into her eyes, which seemed to say, " I will endure with such patience as I can. until the uniting itt ;: m:-- '^'^ ^'^ ''''-'' ^^^^ ^^-^ ^- --^ J!: Ti "T'; •^''' ""'"""' '^''^^'^ ^"■"^' ^"d he im, agincd her lacking m sympathy, he consoled himself tlLl ' Tf' '^"'' '^'' ''^ "°^ y^' understand these great themes, and that he could not expect her to reach in a few weeks the advanced view, which m his case, had required years, and that, too,' where they formed the political and social atmo- sphere in which men lived. As for Miss Ashburton, she soon perceived what "% EAJiT. ipidly preparing iturc and cduca. was possible for i royalist to licr nd their descent IS the cherished iscoursed of his )t and pre-occu- to disguise her ' of enthusiasm •ss, the bane of had consumed re, and some- luslied in the oughts, which mainly erratic, 'cn vindictive, o say, " I will til the uniting len you must m, and he im- isoled himself :t understand Id not expect /anced views, and that, too, social atmo- ;rceived what ^OR WORSE. 59 ■J was IHS loyally to I,i,s wo,- yTd'r'-'f rr- ■'"" "™''' ''"'^ -i-" ^y "J'tn) and varied n cdo-o^ t;i,,- „,^ i i i , . "'^ tK.. ^ l''""Uj,cs. ^nc would keen h in from ''"t.ould afterward prove g:dlh:;i;rb;"S. . lifii i t 60 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. she would hold \\\m captive under a merciless tyranny. Unsuspicious of her object, he gave her pledges innumerable, which could readily be made to bear the meaning she designed, but which in his mind had no such purport. Having ensnared and woven a web around her victim, she gracefully permitted herself to be won. It was a rude awakening that Saville had from his delirium of love, and dream of inspiring sympathy in his career as an apostle of the broadest liberty, wherein all kings, human and divine, were to be overthrown. His wife had been under restraint too long already for one of her willful, self-pleasing nature, and she threw off the mask with unseemly haste. To his dismay he found that he had married a pretty bigot, who would not hear a word against church or state, the venerable abuses of whicl^^ 'ere even dearer to her than their excellencies. Nay, more, she told him that by all his oaths of loyalty to her he was bound to the Tory side, which was then rapidly becoming defined in distinction from the Whig, or patriot party ; and such was the ingenuity of her feminine tact, that in his bewilderment he half feared that she was right ; and that he, like the Hebrew slaves, would be compelled to build the structures he would gladly tear down. At first, he chafed like a lion in the toils ; but on every side she met him with the meshes of his own unwary promises. In vain he protested that loyalty to her did not involve loyalty to institutions that he hated. T. a merciless her pledges ade to bear in his mind 1 and woven y permitted lad from his g sympathy dest liberty, were to be restraint too self-pleasing h unseemly had married ord against which \ 'ere icies. Nay, 3f loyalty to h was then n from the le ingenuity derment he he, like the ) build the ils ; but on of his own :hat loyalty on£ that he FOR WORSE. 6i " I am identified with these causes," she would coolly reply. By this chain of loyalty to her, she would even drag him to church, and made religion seem ten-fold more hateful by the farce she there enacted His eyes were now opened, and he readily saw that she was a bigot to the forms of worship, and that the doctrmes of her church were neither understood nor considered. Her spirit was that of the Italian ban- dit, who will shed his own blood to carrv out the purposes of his priest, and the blood of any one else that his interest or revenge may require. Thus the wretched months dragged on, and Saville was a moody captive. As the stirring events thick- ened which prepared the way for the overt acts of the Revolution, he was often greatly excited, and mchned to break his fetters ; but he was ever con- fronted by a will more resolute than his own. " To whom do you owe the more sacred duty " she would ask ; " this wretched cabal of blatant rebels who will find halters around their necks if they go much further, or your wife to whom you nave pledged your honor ? " His young friends in the patriot ranks were greatly disappointed in him. Before marriage, his utterances had been pronounced and radical ; now he was silent and kept himself aloof. There were many sneers about the " apron-strings of a Tory wife," and the '< difference between lar-e swelling words and the giving and taking of honest bows. Some of these flings reached Saviile, and stung him almost to frenzy. ' H I -i m f 62 '■'^■"' ''° ^ATUHE-s HEAJIT. P'acculy ,„,.tcl,ed b u \ I r" ''•■'"'"■" ''»" - ^°'"- At first, Saville o fen ^ '""'^ >"= "''•"<'d. to tlnvart every l.one in!l , '" ■■"''">'' ='"d "ot Slic would e "Zl, f.'"""°" °f '■'■= life. -ad ac-on can I be a tr e w e ' Ca;;' '""'^^ '^"^ y°" are bent on ruinin? us bo.''- v" ^°" 'f '"•^' of monstrous innovation 7? , ^ °'"' "'""^ ''■'= f"» i" the 'lead of ^^^\ ,/' '^ "^^ '^ J'"" ^Lould say '-«erho,„e,,,ant ^ t' /eV T" ^'^^ "^ ^ |""i I will bnild ™n,e;i,t„X;!f "■" --'■°"^=' keep my senses. What u^oul ,'"■"'• ^ot while I """;u;".:r''-"-^' "-'-'"/^^ only ti;l'prX.>-°;::7--"»--'>er meat all. but «'--';- ora stLara:/,::]:;- -r:-".-- end th'ifu^itrdL^s:"*;:^ "^""'■- "^'- '- - -Kl your word is pIed„Td .• "" ' "^" "^ ''°"°^. bro'';'S,t';;';i:,S,:Vcriit":'^, °^^«<-°" .^>-st -e..e betwee'n husband ':;,', -rl^ifr- "°'™>' ob-•nae;■::f^?ern:;^:-IrX'rt^'''=-"'^^ growini^ dislike for bin, wh d, n .^ ' ^ '""■'"'*"'^ * develop into hatred ''"^ """-' °"'y 'o said a:;.!,;!;^^- °^ ''- ™--ab,e intervie., she ^Stf! ART. 2n passion died ^es ]iad so com- Lild be mated. Jier, earnestly reality, and not >f' his life, 'o'^y replying-, [d fancies and 't you s.je that ur mind is full •ou should say ue plan of a vn our house, Not wliile I -rty be worth : ? " ne at all, but father career tcs ? •• Jnit let us an of honor, ?ton almost n a stormy Passion and n her for a 'the settled increased a nc only to '"^'-'^■w, she f'OR WORSE. 63 much a.s touch your hJul .■..",'„••' ' ""' ''"''^''° ••Do you mean that?" hi. asked hoarsely, do •■ ' ^°" ''"^^ '° ''-!"- i^ n,y witness. I ch-incr. 1, appeals nor circumstances could change her views and actions. She form. \ V i"-'vX;'rrth'r:;.:tht:''\^^''''!'='>"- li'^" forliis best TOod -inrl n . ,' '"^'""=y were acting child, mustb'el°e,dintt d ' '"" " '^=''' '°°'^ pass beyond thet.,'; of, t ^.^'^r^r''''^ ■^'■°"" -as as humiliating as it Z^ ^"'" '^^"""="' ->c. which, in an em r^eriir""; ■"" ""-•--• •nan up to the sacrifice Sf and ""' '"'' ' tie, that God mav h . ^ """y earthly large served ^ ''°"°'''^''' ^"'l ''""anity at But, in his creed as >,.» i, own la.; and while 'his h.t slid"";' """ "^' "'^ of freedom," a perverted sense rf 1 ^°'" "'" """^ your word has made you tirV'""? '"'''''" ^o. bfeotry, and your mother " fet ""^ °' ^°" -'•^-^ pawotr, 'c^eTf;:;::'.:,: "" '"°'"=^' '^"^^ "- '-^ heroic action, a^d teac i t*'" "^^'"^ '""'" '°"' '» the alphabet of lib r^v I, °" "f'^ ''"'^ ^'""ren prophesy dismally "°"''' °"'^ '^"P> -«• ho;r:aVitrco;:r:„rth''-"^^°"^ ^-"«''' pses, and their pleasant homes '''ART. >• He was thus >rtured by con- ", and \\{^ face -rmar endured, unsyinpathcti- ■ating condition cntly sure that ley were acting ^ rash, foolish "ntiJ he should iieir treatment s right, for he ad cast away ly defines the e conscience, calmly lifts a every earthly humanity at man was liis ^'^^'^ the cause r said, " No, "your wife's ing her how heir sons to tie children ' weep, and IS brought 3nt homes FOR WORSE. 65 burned, and their children turned adrift upon the hen- folly. I love you too well to permit you to ru.h to your own destruction as truly as to mine " She always assumed that ii would be impossibe for him to go without her permission. ^ h.'' /'"ul"^^^ "' ^'''' ^^^^"^^' "Your love will be my death by slow torture." " Nonsense, my child," the old lady answered a most petulantly. -'You will soon see the day when you will thank me from the bottom of your h ar for havn,g kept you out of this wretched broil which will ruin all who engage in it " Thus there was not even sympathy for him at ear; L?o r ' ' '^^"'"-^ °' ^^^ ^'"-' -^^-^-ere eating into his very soul. So he came to indulge in long and lonely expeditions, by which he sought to I II- 66 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. CHAPTER V. WASHINGTON'S SERMON. T^HE explanatory digression of the two previous PCS tion ' t' 7" ^'^ tormenting difficulties of his dtv n • r " '""' ^^' approached his native city, passing for miles along ru-c.ed ind \..-J\ wooded .horcs, that now arc occupied by spacious ware-houses, and wharves crowdei with tie com merce of tlie world. ™' Ca!!al slei"' '" '"f '''''' ^ P°''"' °PP°-'- -here canal Street now ends at the North River his at IftertrL "• ^r'"^^""'^ "-at it was Sunda? aitcrnooii, he was st.ll ,nore surprised to fi.,,1 fl„f Murray Street of our day, an immense concourse of peop e were assembled. His boat soon rcac Id lui pr.vate quay, where he found his body-serv m w „ ha come down to the shore, with'tC: ds'^ otitis, to witness some great event. H.s master's face was sufficient interrogation to garrulous Larry, and he at once launched fo^ surc'^therl^.Zf d'oi'l"::- folt" 'ri '" 'Z' "^"'' .^ci^ycai,s4.areg-t:i:^-a3^:: ?;•;.-; ■A T. kvo previous ^m one of cities of his his native nd heavily '7 spacious ' the corn- site where rer, his at- st leavincf as Sunday id that on le foot of course of ached Jiis 'ant, wlio sands of Ration to Drth. 2. Faix, Is, as yer ' will eat lyASIimCTON'S SERMON. g US up if xvc don't jinc- the bastes I'm h.lf to turn rebel nieself." ^ *^ '^'"^ "Stop your nonsense Larrv \\n coming yonder aero.,, the rfver '.'nd l\ T "'?" concourse mean ? " ' ''"' ''°" ">'» "it niancs more f-Ii-in t ^ ^ n yer honor. Buth.tr i .f ^' '" " ^''■^''^'' self f]v,f ' ^'" '^^ Washington him sclt thats a com n' there thH ti, i , 1^-nocked bloody blazes out of h ^ ""^"^' ^''''' tin- '• -^ ' ^''^ °^ ^^''^ red-coats in Bos- Tliese tidings were sufficient to arou,e SivHI • "dent spirit to the highest nii.-h „7 ^ Mingling u.iti, the thron^ at he pot „ ''"TT"'' discmbarlcation nu„t occur llj? "■=" ^^•'"^'"l-'-' from whom he obta Led /'^ ,rs t-:rrt'''"'"r""^ succinct. explanation of u-haThc^aw '°^^' " "°' ihe battle of Bunker Hill iv, i u' r "::?Hj'-»i'.^---""-st^r:::erbfi^^ «t\tarors;r^x t" '"'- blood which flowed that day he R , """' °^ become a fact to w,dchmct^ir;r'r' ,^;stno .rse^-;— ^^^^^ it.thatrmer,:i-7.t:;;;r="^"''-''-- He gamed a standing-place unon . • • rock on the bcirh f. , ^ ^ projecting both of t''^, ;1 'i ?" '''^''''' ^'' ^''<^ ^ good view olt.._..ovvded shore and the approaching flo. if }i Ik ^ '"ta cs ^^■i: 'i'. r ^^^^^8 '§ ^^U i Hi ti'Ia, and his cnth rily as he rrazcd ^^^^ TO A'A.^^s'S IfEA^r. "siastfc nature kindl.d It on th *^ scene. monienta- was a lovely summer afternoon tj shone bright but not too wirm ^''^ '"" beauty and li.lUsome e s "T^' ;: t 'r''^ ' '°"' ^' connnonpiace in themselves But t?" '"'"'^ ''^"^ tlmt was ordinary on thiro^ '"' '"^^ ^'^'^^' him on a slopin . b' ''''°"- '^'^^re, facing together, their fa eslnam ., "''"'' ^'^'^'"^ -^^en h-m were draw ; '";,;:; ; ^--^-->"t. Near "^en with Lditterinc! " . '^''^^ ^ thousand whose points th d ?,j , r^"^.^"^^' -^ bayonets When the bo tf ' ^ ,"" ^'^^'''^ '''''^' ^^e. heavyboomn'o th r""^' ''" '''''' --^ the -St awe-insp-i:/, it:r:;:Ch 'ti '^ ''-' multitude, wherein the thocldft H "~" '°"' °^ ^ andresolutepurposeoffl, ^ V ^"^""^''^ ^^'^ling utterance. It iTa sound ^^^ '"'^ ^""'' ^^^^^^-t nature. How the^: a ^ Vo f'r''^^^ ^'"^^^ who, like Theron Savillo k r ^ J^ °^ °"'^ be moved, the people was^t'L^rot'otcTd T^ ^^^'^ ^^ with the others Hi, rJ'l *" "^"^ "°' ^^out pressed with his formin^'pul^';™' ,7;' ''«''P3co,„. desperate, and was pasdn. [,«„.' ,'••■" ^™"''"e was ready to trampfe ver^ fe and , '" "'''"'' ''^ "nder foot that he mig ,11' ^^^"tt °«='' P'^dge prove a crusade against aM T '""' '™"''' spiritual. ^ ''" 'y""'^' temporal and lyASf/rXG TON'S S£A\l/OM 69 Who had even now gained niucl, of tliat rem.rl-.hl. iiillucncc wiicli he w-.c ,1 .• , remarkable young „,™ o : ; „tv H ' """^•"' "'"•■^ ""= tastes, I.-sro,na„t c : i ?;, „"'' '.'""' ""' ''""'"'« had .-.Iready made him a hero in a n ;' m,^?"T°'' patriot^:d\;i\,r:, r/^;r:■ "T '''^'" '' and inauaurator of the „ 1 ' ^ '^"■•'••™""<^'- equality, which his fL*^''™ "'"^^ °' '"^"O' '"'d fufnro r '^y portrayed in tlic near age might .e,e!:me"V\,r," V' '°"': preL,; "= °""" '"'° "-- by its intense «: or"^rm:tiitiit,i-nr;;:r ca r o ie 1^7T''':''':' ^•'^— on that incr I 1 ° n ' *^''' ^^"thusiasm tliat was bum. »ng hke a flame in his own heart ■ Wherein Jay the man's ^..reatness and power > In noted his eat^cr arf-m,, ^^H fnm i w - '''''':'>'"Ston -" ^> ^^^ turned his lace full upon I n 1 '!■ ■4' 1 i I II 70 NEAR TO NATURE^S HEART . ^\ ^Vasliington again lifted his eves fo M,. ^ inp- 1 hniicnnrio 4.1 ^ *-} '^•^ to tile watt- who liad larger „.,.nhl, a , , "'''' "=■" ^ "an than himself, and yet he Ind \^T\ 1 ? Position a cause which Si.ill" , ' '^ '"' '^"'■'unes to both dcsp a !. ,„H ^ ' """ '^'■'•"■■•'rtcnzed as man toward t^,;"^''"'^"''^'''- "-= ™s tl.e -n,ed,a„di,atd:s,tde:rdai::r''rsir';-^'^ with all tit ' """"^ ^' ^^'^ ^^'-^^^^ ■'^aid before Mth all the eagerness which the hone of h\^ I I-erance and the realization of h L drca , co 71 " »■.■.»i.o™,.:J^,,,^,, ,;";*; ■•;■"« est face. Tliere wis n^ .1 .■ ' -''^'°" ■" "is lion- emtified pride w,c, 1 "' "° ='PP'-"'-'"nce of evoked, had tl e e, 'e„Ts ' ' ""'"'■°" ^'""'^ '-•>« largely in ,,3 nitn'; ."'^ LTe"::"'::' T' ''-'"''' complacent self-confiden a d se f 'T °' '" yet he inspired confidence an^ If '""°"' ='"<' his own heroic ind . more-something of behaif of'a sacrH au':r"Hi?f " '"''"''"''^ ^ .-■^Pect of one who fell 1„ ,t ? "°''' "'= ^°''='"" responsibilities, I ^ ' T.t H '■"■^''' """ ^"f"' ^s 11c saw the thousands turning i' ion, while ' tlie waft- face as if ^'as a man I position 'rtunes to snzed as was tlie :inctively •VashinfT- >> Saville i before, own dc- :ould in- ather if dre. nbodied reckless i*ace en- limated lishon- ncc of d have existed ' of all n, and 'n-\g of ifice in olemn awful irning IVAsniNGTOX'S SERMON. ti.ere was o ' " TIT,"""" '"■"• ^"^ •-' view or Lis ,„i,.|uy .fc° „■•";■" T f"''"'"" '" >vl.o u-as wholly consecra 'd T"', "'" '^•"'' th0U.rht of sHf J ? ' ""'' '''''°' "'''l>0"t .' the anLntHct ',"'', '° ^°' "'' '^--- Like height to"i" ,t" c "::'fT:M '";"'"' ^'-^"-^ prepared above the c oul to iI'm" '"" ''^ tarried on the plain b ',o„ ' "'' P=°P'^' "'- nutted hi.;, h:,';:^;;::: ;,:t;;ti;ttr difference between m^,- .1 ^ ""- ^^^^ '^'^"ght the ambition, and a "slln "■"""^'='^"' -'^ I^ersonal unselfish dvot.on He 'r''"" "'""'"'^ "'"' enough himself to n ^'""°"' ^"'^ ""^le -ed,ti.thec:;idi!'::T;\r:,i---- 2-™etoeve.yd„tyheo„:erh.s'wifei:d fe>v mom nt' tl^ ■?'"'™'™^ "P'"">'^ •->"""- 72 :l 1 1 '!' mAR TO A'ATUSE'S HEART. proa "sawn/r:';"™"" '" '■"■'p'^^"-™- "•- to ..ceded. tII ,' ; L":r" "■'"^" "^ ""^ =-' a l.vmg pcrso„-a Divine Man ^°'' "'"' ciats:tiuttdr,i::rrw°.;T^"'^""«--^'^^ tlic man tliat i„h T ^^'"' '"' ^y« fixed on ready to wtl; ,,t'^3'-d"::1,:r "T' "= ™= resolve- ""^ '°'>'' ^eep tone of " His cause is mine from this hour forth T -k . tquah'ty, or death." Liberty, Washington had landed t,i,i s., 'ii with a desire to hc^ar ll T '""' P°=^essed 'oward him .ith many l.e^flie''"' T" r''" who stood at his chi^p; , , , ""^' Schuyler, and interested a,r of tl' "'' ""'"'"•■'^ "'= '^^'S" Saville sligh ,y d tl ./""'l^ '"^"- "■= '^■-- that it migl t be a tooH ''°"S'" °«"^^^d '° i>™ adhercnceo o ,rhad°tr'r"^'° ^""^= '"'= whose wealth and HI ! T ""^ ''°°'' "'""f. b"* tion to e ea se Tie ""f '^ ' '''''°'"' ''''■ Washington and then . P°^' '" ^ '"^^ '"""^ «» •• Lct'me' p es rf"^ "' 1° ^^""=' ""• others of your'feTo^eitiren?.'" ''■"^"^"^>'' "'•"' -?y^;ftri:--;----^ cause " "'"'■ ' "°^' >•- "- -'"> - in this good With deep emotion, Saville replied, which ;:;; terrene/"' """■■"-'"^ """"'-t- • ^ i^xcellency may require." WASHINGTON'S SERMON. 71 "Rest assured," said Washington, kindly, "that :in'l^d;;r"^^-^-'^-^-^^^^^>^-'"--n^ pielseVZf ir:;: t^t 't ^^^^^ ^--^ -^ 1 iiiJii H no Had been decorated by all the sovereigns of Europe. ^ The procession was now commencing to form Sav.«e pusl,ed his way ont of the throng to whe"e Larry was gapmg at the strange sights, and called, ^^^ Jnng me my horse, saddled, within five miL "Och by the holy poker," gasped Larry as he ran to obey the order, "the m°ais'er is a gLh,' to tnrn rebel, Tl,in I'll be a rebel, too : Ibr there's nrv a man of 'em all that can fi.,u o„ld En 1 , , w dT last praty out of nic bin at home "' " A little later. Saville, mounted on In's favorite horse took a flying leap over his garden wairiid Jon,ed the cavalcade of leading citizens w o '«" ' 4 iT' "■? ^°--"der-in-chicf down Broadway «h.le Larry followed with the populace on foot chaff ."g nght and left to the amusement of n.ar.y li ia "f A length the pageantry was over, a ,d in (he purple twlight Saville sought his home. Eve,!! peace '1^1"^ '"'' 'f'^"" "'^""'S "^-^''-d 'l ene of b.tter and unrelenting hostility was awaiting par .would never require the nerve and selfcontrol that he must maintain thi» nuiet 1, 'm i If ' Nl ! f . i: •11 ui h IS own honu line evenuig, and VI ^i 74 ^^^"^^ T-C* A^ATC^/^£'s HEART. piazza, he sau- b,\ !^"' .;" "'"""S ''" °» ti.e willfu, ,stubbo,.„„e . S!,o ,nd " T'T '""""" °' his action during ,1 e af er, ^ f""^ '"^'•"■'^ "' «sult. Havin,. never llr"' ''""' •'"''"'■«'' "'<= "o>v bated d.eC: , ' r:'-'^","' '■" "-f^. ^'>= - utterly repugnant to I'cr """""^^ "'"= andX:ti-:;tbt:r'r-^^"-""^.-".- "Well sir ;,r T " P^'''''^'''^'^^^''^'-^I^!y: "'>>"v:d::ver:,t:in;::^°7^-'--^'-°"'" patriot." "'" " fr^'<= "I'-in and a 1' ^,;f ''-''"'' '""i"'-'--'-. you m«n." before him. ""' '^'°"S ^^ce was toS::^::s::::^''-^.^— .asabout for ^;;e"- llirb^^j'-^'^'-epH^ cable step. If T '' ° ^ " -^^ """ '•''^''. '''■•evo- ubert>,,i^al!;;::;rf ^r^''---' i'tand aside " she rri,.^ • «r foot. .. I ,,ill no ,, ■ ""P"'ou..>ly stamping who break pl^^, ,; d at'r" T '" ^"^"""'- off your wife \l 'X\. '^"^ V'""'' "'" '^^' -"" •• '"-•'■'' of '-aggcd, bias- 4i I iVAsmmroN's sermon. ctcnnined separation •cr on the t»^' a vain ijon, and "pi-css of heard of lised the life, she /es were wp Iking-, ily: n?" and a reph"ed ce was about ' listen irrevo- use of npin^y . diotic thinq-, I cast bias- f^-n. rebels, I. ,,,„„everda...e„ your doc. -'|St:5:o^-r--- , ---n.ea "iti. sueh hot wrat , i„ Cr CnZ, I P"'"""' It'::.' L aTi"' d"°'n '^^^'^ ^'^'^^ ='- -« =.'°ne. fro,:, l,"^ " '""^ """''"^ '-" bee, Tifted entered , ,e„t J:; L:r3rrr:.';s:"7''^ stately and co,^po.,ed, utterly !;„ '" '^ '° baek and forth a! if i,i "j a„o ;' t^:^':"'''"' ha.r hanging in disorder over her fa « h' u" ^.'7 word had pierced him ' '' '■" '^ ^ wrltSi.™'""' ^" '^ '-"■• ==---d the the pat,-iotie cause? " ''' "'^ J°'""' ;; We shall soon be ho,„eIess and penniless." 'i:"if:.::rs°" "--"'' -tent.;! ■^And I shall then be childless and alone !„ the 'vorld ! she cont.nucd i„ the same despairing tone! ?! % ii m 1 h f 1 ! ! 1'* ^^1 ik ^1 d H il ■ if re i ^^H .1 !, 1 1 i r H 1 ^^1 '^1 V 1 1 "1 t '^^^1 i 1 ' ^1 i" 1 { 1 76 mAR TO A'ATURE-S IfEART. U Jias been rAed^t-d h^r^,- > fi^.! reply. ^ " ''^^°'^' ^^'^^ the reproach- charge „e;^^l'■ Co:' r^'T'^^"'^""' tl'e woman to v^C, J '"''"'' '^'' ^'°''' cl.a„ce „r ti,i, V ; ' '"""""^ 1>='P-1..-., .rd and c„„.c,ou.,y ^.^^T. ^ J-.rj^r ''^■"■^"-- ^ course; and to-day I l.avc si,;"' "'^ f'^'^"^' taught me how I can III ""'" "'''° ''"■' -mc time, true to L b ,tv Y •™"' '''"'' '' "'= do you not realize h't;/ '"^' '"'y c'"".'- guidod by Iiis ow, i. H f' " '"'■'"■ "*" '""'*' 1^= ^ra,,?^Ha\::ho::'ryt'"'^'''°^'=''-p-^ -me plans for .he future' "''""=- and form Among his first acts durin- the rcvf f was the transfer of a la r^ . "' "''=^'^'' Paris, subject to his oLT, "" °' "°"<-'>' '» Having thus ca t an n ' """'""^ "''d'--'-- 'i.at I,: ha do I7tv° "r """''^•"■^' '- f*--" ■^itudes of that to m ' .°"''° "gainst the vicis. '..•^ thought! m^efXro'lt ::'■'""' '""^^ ^ive hour. He exolain.H • '"'S ^™rk of the puious deHercy ;"r ;t,T7 -^^ ^^ - ^ --. Ba,eraIIy known bv th h ' ?'"" ^'=="'=' ' ' ' and told this re c^'ni , > '^'"^"''°^" K"'g" £ .-s. '-an-ngrevoin:-:»::: Th':;.:ff,r°7'----''^ - tn.ir aft^i the few weeks my heart, y word is reprof.cli- "do not hat from p-ha/nrd iporanly iberat.''y ' present vho has i at the :hild;— must be lespised to his d form weeks ney to order, he felt : vicis- J give of the scru. ill ..(I veeks I I WASHINGTON'S SERMON. yj required to settle his affairs and provide for his mother, he would be ready to enter the regular service, and that, in the mean time, if any enterprise were on foot, he eould be depended upon at any moment. His young Whig acquaintances had no further cause to complain of his absence from their councils, or of a disposition to shrink from <« honest blows _ If any were to be received. He found a congenial spirit in a fiery young student of King's College, whom his companions nick-named "the Little Giant," but who is now known to the world as Alexander Hamilton ; and the two young rebels plotted treason enough, in Tory estimation, to sat- isfy the shade of Guy Fawkes, and were quite as ready to blow up Parliament and all other anciently constituted authorities. Mrs. Saville's manner was for a time that of cold and stony despair, and considering her views and leelings, it was more real than assumed. But be neath the thick crust of her worldliness and conser- vatism, there was a warm, motherly heart, which soon began to yearn toward her only son, who, she now feared, might any day be lost to her forever Her coldness soon gave place to a clinging tender- ness which she had never before manifested, and which made it a hundred-fold harder for her son to carry out the steadfast purpose which the expres- sion of Washington's face had inspired. Moreover, such are the contradictions of woman's heart she secretly admired her handsome son, in his buff and blue uniform, and respected him far more than if he "ad been coi,tenl to remain merely the steward of ,' l^H % '■ ■\\ :■ '■i- ''^^1 r i ^^^H ' ■ ■ > r ^^^1 ' ^^H •' A , ^^^^1 m I'^l f'.n l?^^^^H i , '■ h'^^^^H w % 'H \ ^H 1 ' i ;''^^l i 1 7^ NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART the large joint estates which her thrifty scheming had united. ^ Both pride and indifference prevented Saville from makin- advances toward his wife, and there was nothnig in her nature that would prompt to any re- lentmg. On the contrary, as Iier husband's out- spoken republicanism and skepticism were bruited through the city, her hatred grew more intense and vindictive. Not only was his opposition to church and state most offensive, but the fact that he could break her chains and ignore her existence was humiliating, and taught the spoiled beauty, for the first time, that her despotic will could be disregarded. Nothing so exasperates some natures as to be first thwarted, and then severely let alone. He scrupulously re-transferred her dower and every vestige of property to which she had the slightest claim ; and she, in impotent spite, refused ^to be known any longer by his name ; but the irrevocable marriage vows had been spoken, and this past act of folly, like a hidden rock had seemingly wrecked the happiness of both. They might hate each other, but they were forbidden to lore any one else. A SCENE AT BLACK SAM'S. 79 O CHAPTER VI. "A SCENE AT BLACK SAM'S." N the evening of the 23d of August, 1775, a L'lrge mansion standing at the corner of Broad- way and Dock (now Pearl) Street, appeared to be the center of unusual excitement, even at that time of general ferment. The place was well known as the down-town tavern of Samuel Fraunces, who, from the swarthiness of his complexion, went by the sobriquet of " Black Sam." This tap-room and restaurant was a general resort, not only because Fraunces was the Delmonico of that day, and could serve a dinner and cater in wines better than any other man in the city, but also because Sam's patriotism effervesced as readily as his champagne or strong beer; and, it may be added, for the reason that they were often served by his pretty, black-eyed daughter, Phoebe Fraunces. To her, perhaps, in the following year, Washington owed his life, since she was able, through the confidence given her by a lover who was one of Washington's body-guard, to penetrate a Tory plot to destroy the dread Com- mander-in-chief by p i on. True-hearted Phoebe was not to be won by a lover who proposed to ad- minister such potionS; 50, having smilingly beguiled from him his secret, she furnished him with another it I If: I \f ;l V fl ' Hi m k'^^^^^l ?'■ m '^l#flHi ''"'!'■ ■u:i ■ i wi P i^^^H V|iilSl:^^| m 1^ Bo r. A'S^, ro NATVflE-S ,!EAHT. noose than tint of irvm ' I' ™:^ warm, ^JtTl^^ ," ^""'" °' ""•■ ^'V- ''"d i'cr swelling throat f', ?"' '■"'"'^ ''"'' bare, '^l'"c' I.cr eye, .ve b, , k " ' 7"'" ■"'°'^'>- "'"'« »^'s coquettish and pin t't th" '^^ ""' "'"•'= ^'"^ °'- bold in her .nanner? "d 1, ?" "■"^'>°"'ing pert t"-utish u-ho gave her , f ' " '' "'""='• ^'^nk or "•™- In her^ readytunr'?" "'"•'' ""• --"« weapon than the s„.o,ls fa f '"= ,^"*'' " keener =" .".e sides of the n p t'"' "' ""^ ''='""'^d >™'ted; and uhen provXd , '"°'' °" *'"'°" -'''e b^^ght the hot blood ^M,, "'? "'"'^'^ "l-Hh >^Wle she inspired a ,vhn1 '" "'"''• f''"*^- But -ally bubbh'ng ove ^r'""?'^" -"= "as gen- ■•^■Partee.nnd so was a -v- erafft ""'"' ""'' '"'e'' "» "ature rea.Iily ca.MfHi' """'=■ "^r mercu. «"J to.„igJ,t her dark ev" , "^IT °' ""■ ''O"'- ™ent, and her white teetl, ,"■ f f" " '"' ^''^eite- Asplayed, and her vh te ied f , "^'"'" ^"'"''^ 'ler quick movements •, ,1 '"^ "■■■'■ S'We to f f f .e flitted here":; frfm: ' ■•',' "^ ^^'■-'• tnots, many an ea..er J^Z '' '°% Pa- but lamely finished: as tie"" >""■ ^"^P^'^ed and he-- admiringly. " 'P^^'^'e-'s eyes followed Little wonder tinf- dw. ""•s bacchanalian £ ':,;;", "■'■j "-"'-"g Hebe of ^ " ■ fo.- the majority habitu. Si donning ^iJs h:in ;♦• . tly 111 Ignorance, it ic summer ni^ht with many were exchanged sinnificant d, was noted that !• raunce3 ■s'Hncant glances with several present and seeiued dilating with some portentous .secret! H.s suppressed excitement grew more apparent, as Ins ,oom.s niled rapidly, and the crowd increased about the doors. It was also observed that all the newcomers were armed, and that among the rapidly appeanng faces .ere those which, hie Lacon \nZ aluaj s betokened some doughty undertaking. The general stir and hoarse murmur of voices n-as greatly augmented when Saville entered with young Hami^ on, fo lowed by fifteen students from King's Col- ege, a 1 fully armed. The latter were soon chaffing th Phoebe as they took from the tray she brought hich tT ""'"^ ""'''' '''''^' ''''^' Madeira, Vor which the tavern was most famous. "With father's compliments," said Phoebe, cour- Then, boy-like, they proposed three cheers for the prmce of caterers and the fair Hebe who had n sh , and they were given with deafening hearti- ness and glasses raised aloft. They were scarcely drained, before a young man leaning upon the bar. and who was more noted "; Ins^cnnkmg powers than his discretion, cried to b Tr". another toast-Saville, who is doublv to be congratulated, snace he has escaped a doubl'r Ws A SCEA'E AT BLACK SAM'S. «3 bontla^^^e-that of King George and also of his Tory wile ; luiving slipped the cable of her apron-striiiL: by u hieh " ^ Jiefore he could finish his sentence. Saville's fist was planted upon his mouth with such force as to send him reelin- to the Hoor, with his -lass clatter- ing after him. Standing over the prostrate and hall-tipsy man, and trembling with rage, Saville said, threateningly, " The man who dares to cast a slur upon my wife shall do so at his peril." There was the usual uproar and confused sound of conOicting voices, when a cry arose which drowned all else, " Sears, Sears, King Sears," and that great firebrand of the American Revoluti.Mi. whose head- long zeal and courage kindled so many fires of con- tention with the royal authorities, stood amonn- them. '^ "Come, come, comrades," he cried, "no need of niterchanging blows here among yourselves. Come with me, and I will give you a crack at our common enemy. Colonel Lamb, with iiis artillerymen, and Captain Lasher, with his company, are marching down Broadway to take the guns at the fort, with- out saying so much as 'by your leave.' Who will follow me to their aid?" There was a loud acquiescing shout, while Black Sam sprang over his bar, crying, " Lead on, King Sears, and the man who refuses to follow may choke with thirst before my liand serves him again.*' In Fraunces's esti nation, this was the direst threat ■ \ 84 KEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. lie could make, and in firf f.. ^ Come, comrade, fall in. WInt Z, fi,„ words of „,at drunken fellow "mt Come know we've grand work on Land Vo .tht " ' '°" Jrl t^n:!^' t7""^ "■= "">■"=''• --y rooms were deserted. The .street became full of lioarse Bl oufngs, and the confused sound of many fcer s Sears, Hamilton, and other extemoonVed Iffl marshaled the c'ti/en s„M- .'""P""^"^^ officers n„i„ I ^ tizen-soldiery m something like orderly array. Then from the head of the column rang ont those stirring words which, though ca s"" many hearts to bound with hope and thrHrwitf ^Jrnyri:™""'"' '-' ^- ^-" "- ''-"-^•ne.l " Forward — march ! " With strong and steady tramp the dusky figures receded toward Broadway, while Pha-be, with eye ab aze, stood m the door waving a farew 11 w'h h andkerch.ef, .ts flutter meaning anything rat e than a truce wffh l^inr-- r , -^ ^ racncr sion. ^ '■»'' " ''S<^"^^ of ""Pres- ba,, «h le ] ha-be repaired to an upper window that she nnght see if the English n,an-of'var in thj lar bor h.ad anything to add to the drama of the even ■ng. The h.thcrto thronged hostelry became sS bemg deserted by all save a few old men whose all' the n.ght^ It was an occasion when not even the .amons Madeira of Sams tavern could tempt a'^y A SCENE AT BLACK SAM'S. 85 loyalists thither ; and such of the Whigs as were too prudent to join the raid, skulked away, much preferring to face a dozen Engh'sh batteries than to hear tlie comments of Phcebe Fraunces upon their discretion. As for the young woman herself, she repined bit- terly at the usages of society which prevented licr from taking liand in the promised m6lec, and was half inchned to don her father's habiliments, and be a man in spite of fate. \'\ m' ■ni. \m \ 31 . , •aik jik i t ll 86 JV£AJ? TO NATURE'S HEART. CHAPTER VII. NEW YORK UNDER FIRE. (^OLONEL LAMB and Captain Lasher with ^^ tlicn- companies halted on Broadway till Scars and his following of citizens joined them; then they proceeded at once to Fort George, which had its front on Bowhng Green, and was located within the space now bounded by State, Bridge, and Whitehall Streets lory niformers had revealed to the authorities in charge of this work th.c intended attack. In view of the overwhelming force, no resistance was made by the small garrison. Unmolested at first the patriots went to work with feverish zeal to dismount the cannon from the bastions, and load them on the heavy wagons that came lumbering down Broadway tor the purpose. To Alexander Hamilton and his party was -ivcn the task of capturing Grand Battery, another and smaller work nearer the river, which was also accom- plisJied without resistance. But the fiery young spirits composing this band were much disappointed at the quiet and peaceful nature of the enterprise thus far. "We might as well have come armed with cnl> pickaxes and crowbars," gnnvlcd Hamilton. "Yes," respo.Kled Savilie, in like discontented I t ATE IV YORK UNDER FIRE. 87 1 mood. " A brigade of carmen was all that was required on this occasion. I had hoped that the night would be enlivened b>' a few flashes at least. Suppose we go down to the water's edge and take a look at the As/a." Securing the approval of their superior officers, and leaving a guard in charge of the work, the rest of the party commenced patrolling the shore, cast- ing wistful glances at the ship, whose masts and yards were faintly outlined against the sky. " Now, if we had only a dozen whale-boats," said Hamilton, " and could go out and board that old tub, we would have a night's work that would stir one's blood." " Not a little would be set running, no doubt," replied Savillc ; " and it Avould not all be on our side cither, I imagine. ]kit see, they are waking up on board. We may have a bout with those water dogs yet. It soon became clear that there was an unusual stir and excitement on the vessel. Lights gleamed and glanced rapidly from point to point, and faint and far away came the sound of orders hastily given. Then there was a heavy splash in the water. " Murrah!" cried Han:ilton, " they are manning a hout. We will resolve ourselves into a committee of reception." The measured cadence of oars confirmed the sur- mise just nKide, and the young men eagerly pressed to t\ic. furthest noint of land, and looked well to the priming of their firelocks. The barge was pulled nil ill l!!^l IH W' 88 ^EA/i TO ^ATUJ^E'S HEART. ly toward them until stead emerged from tl ures of the crew at last a dusky outJi ^e night, and then the shado ne wy fi< Mak e not a sound, md let them land «'".sa,dHan,iUo„ in alow tone. rest ;:: etfdrrH'"'' "■•''"'>'' ^^■'■'■' '™S">">'n? in command dt'Ct 'l-«r- """"'■ '"= "'"^^ shouted : " '""" ?=""'>' '" "'^■■'i"g, and fooi^ot;;:;'?":'''^' "-= >">- ■= ^hat de.iU,.y is on "Come and see," cried Ri,-n,-u i Buf- Hio «- i^amilton lacon cally. that this was Jl 7'^ ^<-°••^^^^ clearly showed stances^^ T;:WwLTh I'" ^'"'^'' ^^^^^ -'--- Avhether by ol '. ^"'" -"^"^tation, and then, in the boa^ fi "f ''"""' ^^^ ^'"°^"' ^ome one bullet. ' "^ ^^'' "^"^^^ "^a whistling " Give 'em a vollev— nmVl- » " ^ • 3 tt Obedience to the orde?^^ ' • f "f "'""""'"• yet not so hasty butt, atX'f '"°"''"' =""» with the rifle from h , "'"'^'""'-'"= f''"l"iar that theifshot"; lu d tal: eff^cT"' '° ""^'^ "'- sicy outline ladowy fior nd if th ey cninj? ;ngth the officer aiting, and iltry is on :ally. with the V sliowed - circum- and then, some one I bloods, ivliistJingf lilton. npt, and famihar hn, and 1 The and the •of- war ; y them lu.skct, irs has- •ci from NEW YORK UXDER FIRE. Hamilton what had 89 occurred. In the mean time ill Lilt, mean t tjie barge reached the vessel and reported, satisfy Laptam Vandeput of the Asia tl mo- he had received of the lat the intimations f ^ proposed attack upon the forts .-ere correct. The British authorities hitherto ad hesitaed n. taking decisive action, knowing that 1 would precipitate the conflict at once. I3u^ now the point of forbearance seemed passed, and he ordered the port-holes opened and the rebels dis- persed by a ^^^, shots. In quick succession three flashes came from the ship's sides, and three balls plowed into the Battery. But so far f.-om dispersing quietly. Lamb ordered the drums to beat to arms, and the church bells to be rung, and soon the silent city was in an uproar. Lnghsh blood, as well as American, was now at boiling point, and the defiant sounds from the shore were no longer answered by single shots but by broadsides, the thundering echoes and crashing balls of which awoke both Whigs and Tories to the real- ization of the true meaning of war. The experiences of Boston, the very thought of which had caused many to tremble, were now their own in the a-o-ra- vated form of a midnight cannonade. Men, women and children, many but partially clad, rushed into' the streets and joined the increasing throng of fu-i- tives that pressed toward the open country, awav from the terrible n^onster in the harbor, whos'e words were iron, and whose hot breath threatened to burn their homes over their heads. Tories as they ran. cursed the rebels, whom they regarded as the c^use of the trouble ; and the Whigs anathema- ' it : BE 1 1,1 l\ life 90 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. tized British tyranny. Rut faster and hotter than their oaths the heavy balls crashed into their houses or oyer their heads, with the peculiar, demoniacal shnek o. a Hying shot. A night bombardment is a terrible thino- tor strong, brave men to endure. The roar of amnon IS awe-inspiring in itself; but when it is remembered that every flash and thunder peal has its resistless bolt which is aimed at one's life, only those who have nerved themselves to calmly risk their lives or who. like the patriots on the Battery, are lifted by mad excitement above all fears, can stand unmoved. But how could the sick and the aged-how could helpless women and children endure such an ordcaP Only the pitying eye of God noted all the fainting mortal fear of those who tremblingly snatched children, treasures, or sacred heirlooms, and sou-ht to escape. Hearts almost ceased their beating'^as the terror-stricken fugitives heard balls whizzing 'to- ward them. The messengers of death might strike out of the darkness any where and any one. Broad- way has witnessed many scenes, but never a more pitiable one than when, in that August midnight a hundred years ago, it was thronged with half-clad shrinking, sobbing women, and little children wailin- for parents, lost in the darkness and the confusion of flight. When, at last, the open fields beyond the range of the Asias guns were reached, the strangely assorted multitude, from whom the gloom of night and common misfortune had blotted out all distinc- tions, sat down panting and weary, and prayed for the light of day. A'EIV YORK UNDER FIRE. totter than lieir houses iemoniacal tiling for of cannon membered 3 resistless those who r lives, or lifted by unmoved, low could m ordeal? -^ fainting, snatched d sought eating, as 'zzing to- ht strike . Broad- r a more dnight, a half-clad, n wailing fusion of ^ond the strangely of night 1 distinc- ayed for 91 Many who were helpless and a few who were brave remained in their homes, cither in an agony of fear or in quiet resignation. Among the latte- was Phoibe Fraunces. But there was not a particle of resignation in her nature, for she chafed around her father's tavern like a caged lioness ; and when a round shot, well and spitefully aimed at the " pesti lent rebel nest," as it was called on the yl^/Vr, crashed through the house, shattering a decanter of Madeira that the gunner would rather have drained himsc}' she forgot the softness of her sex utterly, and seizing a huge cutlass that hung over the bar, and leaving her mother to recover from a fit of hysterics as best she might, she started for the scene of action in a mood that would have led her to board the Asia single-handed, had the opportunity offered. But, as she approached Fort George and heard the rough voices of the men at work, her modesty regained its control, and she realized that it was scarcely proper for a young woman to be abroad and alone at that time of the night ; so, she who was ready to attack a man-of-war, turned and fled before that which a true woman fears more than an army — the appear- ance of evil. But it would have been a woful blunder for any rude fellow to have spoken to Phcebe that night, arm.ed as she was with the old cutlass, and abundance of muscle to wield it. His gallant advances would have been cut short instantly. Although there was panic in the city, there was nothing of the kind within the dismantled walls of Fort George, from which the cannon were fast disap- pearing ; nor upon the Battery, where Colonel Lamb's III 1 ; \ V^ ^! ill 92 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. artillerymen, flanked by Hamilton and his students were drawn up, to prevent the Asia from interferir^ with their operations by landing a force from the vessel But Captain Vanderput prudently contented h.mself with striking from a distance, supposing that the terrors of a night bombardment would \oon bring the contumacious rebels to their knees To make the warning lesson still more effectual, and to increase their punishment greatly, he ordered tile guns to be loaded occasionally with the deadly grape-shot. ^ But, in the morning, both he and the populace had a surprise. The Battery was not covered with killed and wounded. In fact, there was not a Whig to be seen, dead or alive. ]kit neither was there a cannon to be found in the royal forts. While he had been thundermg his disapproval from the harbor, the ^^ raw militia," wlio, his officers jocularly asserted, would not stop running south of King's Brid-re " had steadily completed their tasks, and spirited'off every gun to parts unknown. And when, in the peaceful summer morning the fugitives who had spent the night in the open air. concluded they had better go home to breakfast and appear in less picturesque toilets, they found' instead of death, carnage, and gutters running with blood, no wounds save those which the carpenter and joiner could heal. It was another remarkable example of how little destruction may be .aused by a bombardment, even in a crowded city. The mer- curial temperament of the people, which their descendants seem to have inherited, led those of %«-, I NFAV YORK UNDER FIRE. s students^ interfering i from the contented •osinj4- that ould soon noes. To ;tual, and - ordered lie deadly Hilace had ■ith killed hig to be ' a cannon had been rbor, the asserted, Bridge," rited off ling, the >pcn air, reakfast, y found, ing with arpenter larkable used by he mer- h their hose of 93 Whig proclivities, who were overwhehned with terror but a few hours previous, to react into cheer, fulness and exultation. Many doughty citizens, who stole into their back entrances, strangely ap- pareled, soon afterward appeared, dressed in dif fcrent style, at their front doors, hoping that their flight had been covered by the darkness ; and not a few, who had made excellent time toward Kin-'s Bridge, ventured, over their dram at the corners of the streets, to descant on " the way we carried off the British bulldogs from the fort." The Tory element in the city was very quiet that day; but a sullen, vindictive expression lowered upon many faces. The timid and conservative si-hed again and again, '^ ' " Where is this thing to end ? " In a beautiful up-town villa, the face of one fair woman was often distorted with passion and hate as she hissed, through her teeth, " He was foremost in this vile night work." But when Saville, hun-ry and exhausted, reached his home, his mother, who had been a .sleepless watcher, m\y folded him in her arms, murmuring, "Thank God ! you are yet spared to me." Then she gave him a breakfast that in future campaigning caused many a longing sigh as he re- membered it. :• 5: fij'i 9( JVS^X TO KATURE'S HEAttT. CHAPTER VIII. LAKRV MEETS 117S FATE. .■.fa- ' fa° j ,,TT''"^ "■"'■°'^- -"'^ -'"'^J l"-3 any poil r ::■;:", rr 'v " "»"'" ^^■"•■■^^- ^^ education a, ..„ . "i,,", Ld . 'T' k""''""'- "'^ Martelear', Kv i il» " ''='' '" '"■* bcnig sent to iLKrl.r! "■' '^'"''^ ^^ ''^ ^"Jd'cr to think of 'i>o chief c„^:„":::f;^ .°,r °' '".^ "''"= °f fications. '^ '° ""= '"C'Pient forti- ".e extrct ; in 'o i,rd°" ";' '■" •""" ""^ °f whereon I>e ifad seen u f, !" /''' "=^.'"" =''°^-. seen suJi a strange vision a few ii LARRY MEETS HIS FATE. 95 -nts pos. ttlcd his le made 2rvice at il. His sent to c High, ch pro- ton, but hink of n C(:>m- ; scene 1 found amc of ground sarJier. ng the lans of forti- even- ew of shore, 3 few I months previous. In the press and excitement of succcechng events, tlie circumstance liad ciuite fa-' from lus memory; but now, with the purpose d.vurtmg hi.s mind from painful thouglits, he decided to solve the pretty erngma by which he had been so unexpectedly baffled, lie made some inquiries of the small garrison with whom he was associated • but they like hin^self, were newcomers, and knew nothing of the few inhabitants of the region For s •vera! days he was too much occupied with the clort to obtain the mastery of his duties to think ot aught eise, and, when evening came, was well contented to climb sohk- rocky point on the island and rest, while he enjoyed the wonderful beautv of the landscape; lor this historic region was jus't as weird and lovely then as now, when it is admired by thousands of tourists. But one warm afternoon, early in October, he took xvith him the garrulous Larry, his body-ser- vant, who had followed the fortunes of his master and started in a little skfff down the river to a cot- tageon the western ba.,.. which he had noted on his journey up. This might be the home of the wood-nymph, or he there might learn something ' about her. *=* "Come, Larry, I ^ant time for a little shootin- ^^ft'^r I land, said Saville, impatientlv; "so nuU away, and I will steer, fbr the tide is .' ainst us - 1 m obleeged to yer honor,'" replied Larry, dryly ^^g.ng at the oars; "there's nothing like dewil^^ oi labor. " Vou can rest while I am tramping round with 1 1 '■m !;■■ If, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. ^ ^^.5^^. €/.. L^. U. % 7a 1.0 I.I fj^ IIIIIM t 1^ 12.0 IL25 i 1.4 1.6 V] ^ '•z Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 iV ■^ o %<"% ^.*^ WrS ^V^ <>. ^C^VO ,-*^^ ^ A^ ,ff^ <,\^ ^^i-^ ^ w ^ Is 96 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. my gun," said Savillc, who gave Larry something of the h'cense of a court jester. " I shall expect you to wait for me where I leave you, so that there may be no delay in our return." " Faix, sur, I hope ye's gun will be more ready to go off than I'll be, arter this pull." Having descended the river half a mile below the foaming cascade nov/ known as Buttermilk Falls, they fastened their boat and ascended the bank to the cottage, or, more correctly, log cabin. Saville quickly saw enough to convince him that this could not be the home of the young girl who sang " I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows." A huge, fat hog reclined in the sun near the step, and chickens passed in and out of che door, as if they had equal rights with the family, while the cow-stable formed an extension to the dwelling, and was quite as well built as the rest of it. Were it not for his wish to make inquiries, he would have turned away in disgust. But for Larry the scene appeared to have un- wonted attractions. With arms akimbo he struck an attitude ofadmiringcontemplation,as he exclaimed, " I'm glad I come wid 3-our honor, for I've seen nothink so swate since I left the ould counthry. Now, isn't that a beautiful soight .? Pace and plenty ! Twas jist such a pig as that as grunted at me fath- er's door. Faix, sur, it makes me a bit homesick ; " and Larry's shrewd, twinkling eyes grew moist from early memories. LARRY MEETS HIS FATE. 97 As they proceeded a little further, Larry saw that which proved quite as attractive to him as the vision of Vera had been to Saville a few months be- fore ; but the elements of mystc ry and romance were wholly wanting. In a small inclosure back of the house a young Irishwoman was digging potatoes. As the men approached, she leaned leisurely upon her fork-handle, and stared at them unblenchingly. Her head was bare, but well thatched with thick, tangled tresses which were a little too fiery to be called golden. Her eyes were dark, expressive, and bold ; her stout arms were red and freckled, as was also her full and rather handsome face. In simplicity and picturesqueness no fault could be found with her dress, for it appeared to consist only of a red petticoat and a scant blue bodice ; but it might well have been mended at several points. Her feet and ankles were as bare as those of Maud Muller, if not so shapely and slender. But, as she stood there, aglow with exercise, in the afternoon sun, she seemed to Larry a genuine Irish houri — the most perfect flower of the Green Isle that he had ever seen ; and he hoped that his master, who had accosted an old woman knitting in the doorway, would keep him waiting indefi- nitely, so that he might make the acquaintance of this rare creature. " I'm glad to see you well, madam, and enjoying the fine afternoon," began Saville, with French suavity. " Umph ! " responded the old woman, and after looking him over briefly, went on with her knitting. 5 a i\W \ I ill 98 ^V/r.-//.' TO NATURE^s HEART. \ K, "Have you any neighbors in this region ?" asked bavi e, undaunted Yxj i,-.. r i • i i- d^'Kea " Mf ohf f • ^ forbidding reception. i\lJghty {(:^^i as is neigjibcwly " ;; But there are otlier families hVing near." A small sprinklin'." "Haven't you some neighbors further up the nver and nearly opposite the island where we are buildmg the fort ? " ^ cen/fnp''^''r"' ''' ^""'^^ "^'' O"^ neighbors be da- "Would you mind taking a shilling for a bowl of "Novv ye talk sinse." replied the old woman, ris- ng. No, nor two on em. I ax your pardon i., coun hry, an no good cameo' em. Yer grinnin man there is not a soger, be he ? " ;; No, indeed ; Larry is a man of peace. ' Kase I want 'em all to understand that if any sogers come a snoopin' round here arter Molly, they II be arter catchin' me 'stead o' her ' gravely. But I m sorry you give your neighbors up the river such a bad character " but T- "°' Tf '^''' S'ves 'em a bad character, but their own bad dades." " Why, what have they done?" " That's more'n any one knows ; sumpi.' the ould nai\s mighty 'shamed on, for he won't look honest folk m the face; and as for that wild hawk of a gal asked LAKRV MEETS //IS E.1TE. ^ 99 o; lifs'n. tlic less s.fd -hout lie- the better. She's K-;nd of a uitch..nyhMu-,and 'pears and dod-cs out o si^dU u-in-Ie 3-er winkin'. She needn't turn up her "osc at my Molly there, that's come o'dacent folk." ^ And has she been guilty of that offense?" Dade an' she h:.s ; Molly comes 'cross her now fa. , but the Ill-mannered crather would kinder stare at her a mnuite, and thin vanish in a flash. She's am „,ore o that ould heathen black witch, as lives wid em, than anythin' good." ^'^'What is the name of the family?" "That, too, is more'n anybody knows. They cas e„.el,esM3rown;'butIknow'ta^^^^ name , for , was mesclf that dkl a bit o' washin' for c^.1 once when the woman ^vas sick, and there was o names on the linen, but nary one nor tother was l^rc^vn. couldnt jist make out what they M-as for ham't good at readin' ; but one thing isLtin' husband and wife don't have two names " came''re:e?''"' '"" ^'"'''''^ '"'^^^^ ^^'"^ '^^V " Well, I can't say they a^e robbin' and murderin every mght and yet how they live nobody knows. Bui ,t s nuff that they're hathen. They did widout the praste m the fust place, and nary a thing have tliey had to do wid nraste or parson since. The ould black witch worships the dlvil, for Molly's seen her ,n the woods a-goin' on as would make yer I'ar Stan up; and I'm a-thinkin' the divil will git cm all ; an' he may, for a!! o' me." By the time Saville had finished his bowl of bread mn. tij i I .1 '1 .'] J 1 Hi 100 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. and milk, he came to the conclusion that the crone had more spite and prejudice against her neighbors than knowledge of them. It was the old story of resentment on the part of the ignorant c.nd the vulgar toward superiority and exclusiveness. It was very probable, however, that some guilty secret of the past led to this utter seclusion. Saville well knew that there were many hiding in the wilderness whose antecedents would not bear much light. And yet his curiosity, so far from being satisfied, was only piqued the more by the old woman's dark in- timations. Taking his gun, he said to Larry, who was now digging potatoes vigorously, " So that is the way you are resting." "Diggin' praties is an aisy change, and kind o' homelike ; and thin, yer honor, ye wud not have me a-standin' like a great lazy lout, while a fair leddy was a-workin'." " Very well ; but save enough muscle to row me home." And he went back upon the hills in quest of game, leaving his deeply smitten factotum to the wiles of Molly, who, with hands upon her hips, con- templated his chivalric labors in her behalf with great complacency. '• The top o' the mornin' to ye," Larry had said as he approached, doffing his hat. "Faix, an ye're a green Irishman not to know the afthernoon from mornin'," was Molly's rather brusque greeting. " The sight o' ye wud make any time o' night or day seem the bright mornin'," was Larry's gallant rejoinder. i ^nmmmssmmm LARRY MEETS HIS FATE. lOl i ^ " Ye kissed the blarney-stone afore ye left home, I'm a-thinkin'." " An' ye'll let me kiss y^c own red lips, I'll dig all these praties for ye." " I see ye're good at a sharp bargain, If ye be a bit green. I3ut I'll wait till ye dig the praties." "But ye'll give me jist one buss when I'm half through, to kinder stay me stomach." " There's plenty lads as wud be glad to dig the praties for mo widout a-drivin' hard bargains for it." "So they'll tell yees afther the praties is dug. They'll be very swate about it whin the cowld snow kivers the ground." "An' ye think ye're very swate about it now," said Molly, with her head coquettishly on one side. " No, but I'm a-hopin' ye'll be swate about it." " What's yer name, anyhow ? " " Larry O'Flarharty ; an' ye may have it yerself any day that ye'll go wid me to the praste." ", Is that what ye say to every gal ye mate } " " Faix, an' it is not. It's to yerself that I've fust said it." " Ye're better at talkin' than doin'. I thought I'd git at least one hill o' praties dug by yees." " Give me the fork, thin, and I'll sliow ye that Larry O'Flarharty can take care o' ye and a dozen childer into the bargain." "Och, ye spalpeen! Ye'll have me coorted, married, and a gran'mother, afore ye git a praty out the dirt." Larry set about his labor of love with such zeal ^ M \A r. r I ' 102 ^EAR TO NATURE'S HEART. "rn dress ye „p in silks so foine. An ye shall drink the best o'woine. J'ejaberslbutvve'llcutashoine Jhedaywhenwhafsyernameismoine." Ws,,.at for a dilicate .ay of a.in, ,e ye, ••DW Ir^' '''°'''' ""■"■ ^""^ "°' f"-- lone;." ago. Larry paused abruptly i„ h , vvf rf !, , '^ ■ng Ms chin o„ the fork-hand,:: .'11? ' '"" '^''"- ^_ Are ye sarious about tliat now > " -,^4.f;::u"L^:;rstrd:ti^f:£°'--" " n.-u ^°^'^^^'"^'' Potatoes du- by another P-'der; and sl^ tool t ';o:^ ^-- turning her bark „. V °^ '"' ^'^"^■'^' ^"d oniy a spiteful termagant could. Discom- \\ LARRY MEETS HIS FATE. I'm fl 103 filed Larry ui the mean time perched himself on the fence that he mi^du take an ob.crvatio.i, and hold a council of war in liis ou-n mind. 15ut the more lie coked the more the charms cf this uondcrAd crca. turegrew upon him, and his soft, impressible heart became as vvax. He soon hopped down from his rail, and said, " Come now, Molly darlint, whafs the use o' a-gom agin fate? Ye shall marry a soger bhoy. I see t^.at by the cut of yer perty jib, as the sailors say. Ye ve spunk and fire enough for a rigiment. Give me the fork agin, and one o' yer own swate smiles." Well, since ye're a sort o' baste o' burden, an' loike^workin better nor fi-rhtin', ye may have yer " Faix, an' I will be a baste wid the burden of a^^sore an heavy heart, if ye talk to me in that Molly could come out of a pet as quickly as she fell into It, and so she said, '^'^ ril be swate thin till ye git the praties dug." Yis, an' many a long day afther. I know the soger bhoy ye're goin' to marry." " No, ye don't." " Yis, I do." "What's his name?" " Larry O'Flarharty. The masther may git a new man, ,or I'm goin' to 'list. The nixt time yl see me, 1 11 be a gay and gallant soger bhoy. I'll " " Hush, mother's comin'." Larry delved after the potatoes as if they were halfway down to China. ;i*'' if '04 A'^^^ TO A',,TU^^; „^^^^ ^.ZZT::^^''^ ■^''-P'>-»^ susp,-ciou,Iyat " Wo'i>-. go art),cr' the cows." ^^^J " «o „.iU ,.;■ cn-cd Laro-, tl.rowi,,, clo.n .h. own • " >;^' °.:"'"''^'" -">^- ''■"'.«l.t. of h„ far off; a,K, j"- "dT^, ™;' "•°'"'- " TLcy hain't has been a-u.^,«; ," o ™V u'.^.^lr^' ""' "^" "'">' as to lave him alone ^ ,"=""'"■' ""°"=ooncivil P-tfes dug agi,: ;r.it tk ""''■ ■'""' "■='" "^^= '"= eitlcr ctVlhiru^ta" V^I^^ '° "^ ='"« - ■one at leas Jaf ™ ''''"»'"='' '"''""'^ >"'I' " sogers ■ "but at h^.T'Tf^^'"' "'= dreaded the cows', the in ,e of tl ^''t't. grumblingly after near. "'^'' ""^ '~'''°''^ bells proclaimed them With the usual pervcrsenp^ „r i Molly grew friendly t" a^ ,° '",'7" "'•''"-■ -ther showed Prc^hce gain ,h m'^xV" "" she learned about their life tl ^'"-' '""'^ publicity, vicissitn, . ' "°'''-' •■'"'■active its bold, re.^ e ,' , t ar"t "r'?""^' became to he, mcnt. The thought now occurred to her t| tARRY MEETS HIS FATE. 105 the that porhnps .she misht find, i„ this phytic, „,,„,,„„, ■.'"..acr just the ch.ncc she lu,p.c for. MolK ™ war.. „ her i,,fir,„it, „f t™,„i, .„„ if she Id find a VsoK-er th,,t could be hcpt suhmissivelv «.th better uek thau she had ever dared to expect Larry n,ade his hrst favorable in.pression uhe,, he good-naturedly dismounted fro,„ \l rail, and reco ° to™" r:T " '*" ^'"- '■'■■•■^ ■■^■^'">- ™°""" '° '-- could h " "f ' '"'' '"^-f"' '"^'" °f ^'" "■"■■k be Itu '■■■>" "'""' '"'"'•' -K"l""»l'lier, and then be c, ptu.ed as a sort of base of operations, which ould enable her to lead a free. wild, rollichi ,. ,i ' he had better n,ahe the most of the opportuni, •' Lut she went direct to her point uitl, fen',!ni„e in i.' .-.ness, and so when her ,„other was out of hearing, I' Ve'rc not brave enough to be a soger." '^' An' ye are not brave enou;.h to marry one " Some foine day. when ye'rc a-blackin' ycr" mas- thcr s boots ye'll find yer.elf mistaken, fofye'll see me a-wa km mto camp the wife o' the handsomest man o' the lot o' yees." ^^ine.-,c " Nou' what do'ye mane be that '•• asked Larry abruptly su.spending his labors, while his chin and troubled phiz agam surmounted the fork-handle ' I mane," said Molly yawning, "that I'm only a-u-a. .n to make up me mind which of me so-er swatehcarts to take." *" "An' how many have ye, sure?" said Larry, in somethmg like dismay. ' ^' ill' f^if I' * '■■\ i 1 i i . ,',' ( ■ > i 1 io6 ''''^''*^ 'TO A'ATURE'^ HEART. "Oh! siimthin' less than a dozen." SOjrei ^^^ V,s, a.g„,„ .„ „.,„„,,. ,,„ ^.„ ^^,,^^^,^ .^ ^^ „-.^ " Ati' one uakc from this cl;,y ye will ,<.p ;, " tested Larry, „i.|, u..rty o,.pLlC "' ""• "•ather." "">'•■• f<""'= "ords „ow is loike spilt "(Jell, Molly, mc darlint," cried Lirr,, ■,„ , •. i ■ng anay his fork. h. threw i" ,7^ '""''" bewitching creature an, n I u '"''""'^ "'<= 'aborof the afte^ro'on '"" '""^''"' '°' "- -n::,ti iiutTrwrss';;-,^^; "■'-■- - ;-.o„,ory„uwi,,„e.nt';Lre';:":rrb::y /^ t^^iiantry Jiad been observed " T fni« i refreshed." ^*^s<.ivea, i fale much ^^^■;\VcIl, c„n,c alonu, then; ifs time we were ^J^Good-by, thin, Arolly, ,ne dear, for one lo„« •■ Yc're nothin' bnt a wild Irishman," said Mollv an|,ry,andhalnau,hi„,.;..|namindyc, ofj ■■'^tl-- toggery I tuuld ye on, or .h,„'t ye'e^mc .,t •• """'t ye fear. Whin I come agin, yer other MVatehearts will belike the star, uhen the^un comc-s over tile mountain." '" eomc.s to",t''', '"" ' " '°""'"""' """>• ■ " ''""■' >■■= '^°""-- "P to .^ hou.se or mother'll take yer life. I'll n,ato }<-' lit tlic watlicr. That night Larry made known his purpose to cnhstatoncc. In vain Savillo protested. Like the --ortal Rojneo. Larry had found his Juliet, and was ,n fever.sh haste to don the uniform that would g.ve hmi an " aven sthart wid the other spalpeens of swatehearts/' whose imagined rivalry, Mollv had shrewdly guessed, would be a most powerful incen- tive to prompt action. " But don't ye mind, yer honor; it's in the 'tillery thTsame.-'' ''''' "^' ''' ' "^" '^ ''' odd jobs jist " Are you going to marry that carroty-headed gill over there ? " "If ye spake of the swate crathur in that way divil a turn will I do for ye agin." " Mark my words, Larry, %ou are giving up one master to find a harder one," at which his quondam servant "• — *- -^ — i- , . ^ ' ■'ant went growling and mutt ermg aw ly. HW f:^ ' v^^l H _- ■1 m »■ ■ -M ; ■ ■ M i io8 ^'EAR TO NATURE'S HEART Larry was true to his trvst nnrl fi,<, j assured that the stratc S AToII ''^''"^''^^^^ u,ni =/i "''"» <:°"«ssion to be mung from he- " I will stale away wid ve to th,. r,r . o ' "'" "ci, 1 a p.-.ir o' shoe,." P''""-'' '" ^''^ ""'/ S't wo"Tt:? ":::";!' "r ™'^^'— - °r.^«-ectio„s his fo™::";;,::.';: '"■■"■ ""■'^ '^^^'"^ --'-- to sLocf "ni r'' ""' '■'' ^' ■" «'■-<= me a pair o' yer ° VVi 1 f, '"™^ ^ ^""'l '""> '° pay for 'em " I -""•!;u:?;^;/ryr:" ""--'■-•- ^-y. yer Cor"'"' '"™'"=""°'"'-'^"'-''-y will fit breec,,Lt,j7Vo''T;y\^r,:,ri";-''r^ wo;f:"; .cUwny^ir "L^r^i -" ;"^ ness. "■-"-' '" <:°'>»"mraate l,f,, happil Before a uecl.- „f „edded bliss „ad passed, ,„e LARRY MEETS HIS FATE. 109 newly fledged artilleryman found that he had, indeed, exchanged his old master for a more exacting one, and he dubbed the redoubtable Molly " captain," long before she won the title by her military prowess. I ill ' I ■j no ^^^AR TO A^ATURE^s HEART. '■I CHAPTER IX. LEFT TO NATURE'S CARE. "THE changes that war was about to mike fn fh -.an to- -^:; -- r ¥^n^;- ;:- en<7ineer rnlnnoi -d 'I'nval of the di..teiy by ti,cyou, ,"t- ' , -r:: "'"°^' ■■"■""•- excursion'; in th^ Z, . "P°" °""^ of ''cr Atfir.t the morbid and consciencc-strichon ,. was ,n great excitement and al.rm n , '" tendency comn.on to person in h V v"'' ''^ nected the unlooked-for vent wit ' "' '""- self. His fear- Ip,1 , . /"^"^"^ '^^^h danger to him- become so tarc^dH ''"■ ''"'^'"'^'^ "lind had i."ine so «arped tliat it was no longer can-,hl. „f coTc:.v;^''!;.T" '" ■•"'^' --''- «'-eiL ^s ;. -ncu„.d. J i.c reason for U,c military occupation "TrumtitT Ill I LEFT TO NATURE'S CARE. Ill of the island opposite she had not yet learned, but could not sec how it necessarily threatened them with danger. Moreover, her desire that Vera might form acquaintances, who could rescue her eventually from a seclusion that might at last leave the girl utterly alone in the world, increased daily. In spite of her false hopes, which were a part of her disease, and an earnest desire to live, she had failed so rap- idly, during the oppressive heats of summer, that vague fears for the future often gave her great un- easiness. She clearly recognized her husband's growing distemper of mind, and old Gula was still less to be depended upon. How could she leave her child so friendless and unshielded? In her terrible anxiety, the gentle creature would at times, become almost stern and fierce in her ap- peals to heaven, crying : " O God ! as thou art good and true, preserve my child, and bring her to me at last, pure and un- spotted from the world. I commit her to thy care, and I hold thee to thy many promises." While her growing weakness made it apparent, even to her husband, that she could not be moved, and he was thus induced to remain in his present home, he continued steady and unrelenting in his determination that no acquaintances should be formed with the new-comers. Of this purpose Vera and her mother had a very disheartening illustration about the middle of October. One day, just as they were about to sit down to their meagre dinner, the two nuge dogs bounded out from the door-stct), with hcice^t clamor. i 112 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. Mr. Brown, as he may be called at present sprin. tu. en a stranger and the savage beasts, of The" 1™"" '", 'f' '?"' '■" °'^" '° '-■ "- --« ''Back, Tiger and Bull." said their master- and as the dogs reluctantly obeyed, he advanced will a' dignity which Saville was quick to r.r ! said, coldly, ^ ^° recognize, and ;< Have you any special business with me ? " The young man commenced replying suavely ,nd m a manner which he hoped would pave the w^y to an acquaintance; but, still more coldly and ste-nlv came the interrupting question : ^' " Have you any business with me sir?" " I cannot say that I have, save that as a temn. -O^ne,ghbor I won.d be glad to show mi^elr'nelgt The man regarded him suspiciouslv h„f . t..u.ed, with the same repelling e'oW^^t "' „ J°" '':'™ ""^ bearing of a gentleman." ^^^^ Yes, s,r ; and the character and standing of "I shall put that assertion to the test " vas tl„ good'tXirr"? """'' 'f ^-' '^" '» -^•^ good, 1 shall know how to act herpift^,. i , • seclusion for myself and familv T '" tl.ongh very humble, is my c^sTlfand I ^ ^T^'' v'sit. to it or to this locali^ ^f I'' "^^J^' ^^ "Til illWWi LEFT TO :V A TUNE'S CARE. 1,3 Saville flushed deeply, for. if this man were a guilty outlaw, he could assume a hauteur and lofti. ness which were oppressive. lie felt almost as if an ancient baron were orderin- him, as a poacher, off his grounds. lUit in the face of Vera, who stood exxited, trembling, in the doorway, he thought he detected a dilTercnt and friendly erpression ; so he made one more effort to remove the suspicious ex- clusiveness of the father. " But suppose I come in the spirit of kindliness," he said. " I thought I made it clear that I desired no visits whatever," was the stern reply. " You are unwise, sir," said Saville with corre- sponding haughtiness. " I am an officer and a gen- tleman, and as such might have extended protection to you and your family. This region will soon be- come full of armed men, and how can you escape visits from the rude soldiery, who may not always be over-scrupulous.'" " They will come at peril to life and limb," said the man savagely; and he began to show symptoms of great agitation. Saville saw that the young girl's eyes had over- flowed with tears, that her hands were clasped, and that her whole manner was a mute appeal. ' But whether it was to leave them at once, or to give, unasked, the protection against the danger at w^iich he had hinted, and which her father had so harshly refused, he could not tell. He also saw that the man was becoming excited and dangerous, and that the dogs, quickly catching their master's spirit, were 1!^ m I'l 111; I J 14 JVE^J! ro A'ATO-J!E'S HEART. bristlii.g toward lifm. Vera snr-,n„ a words of rebuko in,l "''ra/Prang down with crouching at t'fcc a"", " "'^ "^''^^ ^"™^'' in her si.nnlicity a„d ..nf "'"°^ ^'''"''" "x^™ ming her eye ,i' e d '"™' ''"''"'>'■ '"''' £""- p.-c^reu,ats:Jitrdt,;:t-i:tt't"^'"-^^ ,=;;-.;3., a„^ 3o^oT:„:a^r;ir;;--;;;:;-ned t1or';^rI^;^::;r^•"-■''■•-"--^S search of game i „ I.^ ^'"°"" ""= '''"3. '" regard to (1^!' ^ , '" "''■""^ ""'^ 3"™;«os in the condu.-o,f arrr 1:^"'^ '"^ ■'" '^'^''"^ the man was hidin' 111 H "°""'=' ^"^^ ">« act of the pa t 5 consequences of some to terrih,: ::,;,',;!, rr^r ::!;;"' '™"'''-'' that he had belonged r^ fi "'°'''-' "'^'''"' classes, for his u" kef.lt '"P'""'' ""^ =''"-tcd could ;ot di tuil ;? appearance and rude attire AtthesametCeve theT rf '''''''' ""'""'"S- i.ad caught of th::e:,s:?he"'"H"'"' '"'■"= pression, however th-if fh. ^^^nnn. l he im- acsnc lor personal acquaintance, and h( ' LEFT TC A^ATUKE'S CARE ^- 115 save some generous pitv tlnf fi, c ■ 3i.ouid be m to dcvdV' a \fch r:"i r' circumstances 1-.^ .^ u ^'^ iorbiddin-<-«wioLauLt.b, ne soon b(='nin,. ;,•. l-rr *» -atos of the cabin ^0^^ i 'tr", 'k ""' '■"• rudely repelled VVItl, ,1, ■ "' '"■■'•'" so tl.c other in nue V '■'u''"'™' "'' ""= ■"'-"'I"', detective a " , tl^^ "™, \'," "''t'^'^ '"^ '"^ Saville was as open t tl- .■■. '■'° "■■ "™"2' mysteries or eZe '^' ""' ''^"^ "" '-'^'"^ f- »H^r::s;^.!:--p'f^''^''--.otso tains. Ven md ." ! 1 1^ '" "'"""S ""^ '"oun- d.appoint:;'r'''&;:rrc:t^;:7^'"-'>' beean,eealmer she o " ■ '""' "''"' '"^ '-band I'alf re..rctted W '^'"■"""^"■""•■J «"i' I'im that he tl.at he°eould not bTd ."'";"•, ''"' ""■ •'■""'^''•' "- '.ad been enabM or':^;;:t, rtV^ '''": ''' "''"" a correct jud-ment a„n h ^ , "»»'" '"''■a>''l of fear woulj "Cp ^ Yt t "'' ?»"'""S"-- tlie depth, of hi- , M 7 ' '^""S '"'" '''"••k ">'» of strangers ' ''-«PO"deney and morbid dread But the remark of Savilk thif H, , soon be filled with in^ I "^'on would creased his un a « " af-„T":,r ',"° '' ^.'catly in. hone fn !„• """'""• al^'O kindled a 6int gleam ol I "otfor 1 „°"""°"'.' -P^J'-'ions milj. LEFT TO XATURE'S CAKE. 117 for home in a state of wild and almost exultant ex- citement. At first, he half proposed to take an open part in the stru--ie. But ion- before he reaelied lii.s cabin, the old wave of morbid fear returned, and the habit of secretiveness, and disposition to shrink from every one, resumed their mastery. He decided to remam in his present home as a post of observation. " I'll wait and see what headway the rebellion makes," he muttered; " for if it fails after I have committed myself to it, I am lost utterly." The man had become such a wreck of his former self that his only thought was for his own personal safety. Mis terrible secret had seemingly blasted every generous and noble trait with its deadly shade. During his absence, Vera and her mother ardently hoped that the young stranger might come again. Vera even went down to the shore, and looked wist- fully at the island opposite, from which the din of labor on the fortifications came faintly across the river. But she saw not the one to whom she now felt she could almost find courage to speak, and ask for that protection which he had intimated they might need. During the summer and autumn, they had been left utterly alone. Even Vera, in her youth and inexperience, had become alarmed at her mother's feebleness and hacking cough, and her thoughtful efforts to alleviate and help were as pathetic as they were beautiful. She felt that they had a very trying winter before them, and knew that her father could be depended upon less and less as a pport. Bul she induced him to repair the cellar under the cabin, t ! 1 .1" ■j i i 1 i t! V 1 w h\ ;,(n ' .1 Ii8 .yJ^.IR TO A-ATUHE'S IlEAHT. SO tliat the vcffctabic, from a small garden mi.-ht be s orcd sccurdy. She also had pcrsu^ulcd h.^To en laige a spr.ng „ear ,l,e house h,to a httic no d a d of 'sh '"sh d,;;'^" k" "^-^ '" '"-^ ci».-t/a";',nm;' her hi !, '"■■'■ ^T '" f""""' "'-• -■>'""I'I-- of most o th"^ '■'" " °' ""•' "■°"''^' "'•■>' "-- ^-y Cs to c m ""'^"' P^-'J'-'S nKainst .he cold, dark aa) s to come, and she even diminished the sun rrels' ^:;;t;e^h!;rr:::ri,r-r'''^'--^''^^^ ™o':ti::,ih::-',;;:d",,::."t ^''"r" "■■""«" "- a..d b.,di„: of evil w-,; 7 ' , ■■' '"■■■'"^'^ J'-'Prcssion -Lich hacP been I If ,"» °'" '"'^- ''" '-"■ even in d,rl , , '""'""= ^'"' '"'"'■rulness Ult hearted confielence. I„ her mother's presence she ever sought, houever, to .naintain her cl ee ful ^mscs, and ,t u-as one of the bitterest drops in her overflown,, cup that her child should be so eal and heavdy burdened. ^ The bond of clinging affection appeared to (rrow ronger and tenderer between mothe'r and daughter a th ,r relat.ons toward each other chan-^ed and Wa began to give the failing parent the ?. re she had once received herself. There « ere days whe , 1 e LEFT TO XATURE'S CARE. 119 poor woman could scarcely leave her bed, and thm Vera s ever)- touch was a caress. Hut the braehv a.r of autumn and winter appeared tu a^n-ee with the mval.d better than the relaxin^^r heat of summer, Ihe generous diet of .ijame which Vera carefully prepared did nu.ch also to keep up her stren.-tli Jiut perhaps her gain in vigor was due to the elenrent of hope which her sympathetic spirit caught from her husband ; for he had at once informed^ his wife of the struggle that was commencing with the Power lie dreaded, and both felt that in its success would come a calming sense of security. The wife ur-ed her husband to take an open part in the con^ct correctly judging that daily contact with others' would be the best antidote against his habit of mor- b:d brooding. ]5ut in his unnaturally developed cautK,n and shrinking fear of discoyery.'the man was r.ot equal to this, and, for the time, became onlv a secret and anxious watcher of the events which' he hoped might work out his deliverance. The liabit of suspiciously shunning every one had grown to be a disease. Indeed, so warped had he become that he began to dread lest his wife-the only one in this land who knew his dire secret-might reveal it to Vera m some unguarded moment ; and at times he even harshly cautioned her against such a possibility. Thus the winter passed rather sadly and drearily away. Vcra's powers were taxed to their utmost as nurse, watcher, and housekeeper. Her father also had bad days when notliing could induce him to leave his dusky corner, and then her hands and feet were pinchrd with cold, as she visited the traps and snares j r :i St m 1- /^ ! - llH 4 j' 120 ^VEAR TO ^VATUKE'S irEART. amofm the hills nm-i'Mrv fi c ^, ^ "HIS, carr>iiirr the fow irr.picrc nl'°- "■■■- ter bed . Do you ever ilream of me in your sleep = " Thus nature, even in ,nid-winter, suggested to her a^^d ful of vague forebodings of evil, .as she saw her tnothers weakness, and her father so deeply en sh.ouded n. gloom, she would take her tru ty .un cl eet w ' , ■ "";""^'''»- «'>J">S P'-'acc and g„o3 chce,, w here to another would have been onK- bbek- n ss and desolation, or the au-ful solitude an'd gran- d^-ur_of a mu.nuain landscape in winter. While Ve'-^i s character was simplicity itself, this noble compa monslup „ith things that were grand and large, though at times stern, took away wterly 1 e rr Dili fl!i; 'S f!'; 122 A-EAR TO .VtTU/lE-S HEART. elements of silliness and triviality which make many yom,g g„l.s at he- a... a weariness to all save those as empty as themselves And th,. .t , .,,,„,.,„■-, ""a the sternness of many le< "es IT "'"'■"'''«'-'-''>' ">"" '-eal ; for in fro„-„i„g 1 protect r; ' "", '°"'" '°^^ "«■'- '■■> »■''-" »>- >vas protected from the winds as she rested, and the sun would often light up the face of the , r ' t who seemed harsh and cold in nature, but who, o, Wr acquautance, would be found to possess trki that are kmdly and gentle. The winter passed, and Vera was being prepared for the part she must take in life-for te^mpt.ati™ rity :f th'^ r""' "°"''' "-'•^' "- ^'-"S"> -'eg! r.ty of the strongest. Her teachers were not sud, as he fasluonable would choose or desire-si k^s -d sorrow at Ironte, and the solitude of wint^ mountanis w.thout ; and yet these stern-visagld m^ structors made their pupil more sweet, unselfith and womanly every day. They endowed her wit- pa .ence, and, at the same time, inspired iTe wS," he'::orid rT-M^'" ''f '"^ '"■" ^'-"^ ^->- the world, the Bible and Shakspeare ; and often a, she watched in the corner of the wide firepUe sit half read and half brooded over their giowL pa, , um.I her own mind was full of thronging tWdS ..nd fancies, which, in their beauty a1,d char.acV were at least akin to those she read ^""•"="-'^. St.ll she often had a sense of loneliness, and the natural cravmg for a wider companionship and sym! pati y, .ron, the day on which .he had ,t first Z, Savtlle, there had been in her mind a vague, fak LEFT TO XATURE'S CARE. 123 "nrcst and a desire to know more „f the world to winch he belonged. Mis a,.en,pted visit had" t v ■ncreased this desire, and concentrated h e^tho ■ s any k„o„ ledge, or who had shown any interest in -. She often found herself vi.idlv ree , " tl ' wo occasions on whiel, she I,ad seen hi™, and ^i, h Id ended so unsatisfactorily. His manner, a,,,,: ! ance, and h.s words and tones even, were dwelt upon; and he became toher like one of Shah neare kn.ghtly and heroic characters-half real, 1 .1 id ,1 She would end by sighing, only as rude, Ul-mannercd mountaineers " and \ era s heart and hands became too full f„ thoughts o aught else save the deepest and tend r est sohctude. Old Gula shook her head more fre- quent ly and ominously, and Vera had the mo t painful mi.sgivinfT.s. One day, after^er mother had recovered from a terrible paroxysm of co.m,; ^^^ ^^jj negress to the little kitehen, and asked " Whydoyou shake your head sodiscouramno-lyP" aso^V:^-''"''"^"^^^^^^^^^-^^"'----n " What voices ? " "You'se can't understan', chile; but you will someday. Dey come to de homesick like." ' VVhere do they come from ?" "Why, from home, honey. You'se mudder is like ole Gula-far from home. I heerd Iier a talkin' in '"'1 f^ •''1 f .1 1 » J I v} i *i m •■'; i 1 i 1 1 . 124 A'£A/^ TO NATURE'S HEART. her sleep of a green, flowery island, way off yond de big water. She, no niorc'n ole Guhi, hab allers hVcd 'mong desc cold, stony mountains. An' now de voices is a callin' her home." " Do you think— do you think mother— oh ! can mother die?" said Vera, in a terrified whisper. " Dunno nuffin 'bout dyin', chile ; don't tink dere's any such ting. ]?ut some day you'll find dis ole body lyin' cold and still, but 'twon't be Gula, 'twon't be me. I'll be far away, a followin' de voices ober de big wabes, where de floatin' miseries go, and Gula will be home where de sun shines warm all de time, and de palm-trees wave. Oh!— oh !-ole Gula's heart IS sore; sore wid waitin'." And the poor creature threw her apron over her head, and rocked herself back and forth in all the tropical demonstrativeness of grief. But Vera's heart was sore also, and finding that she was losing self-control, she hastened out into the twilight, and sitting down upon a rock back of the cabin, sobbed as if her heart would break. Gula soon forgot her own grief in the young girl's distress, and removing her apron, her quaint, wrin- kled face became full of commiseration. At last she rose and hobbled to her, and laying her hand on the bowed head, said in husky tones, " Dare, dare, po' young missis ; don't take on so. You mustn't be so sorry dat you'sa mudder's goin' home. When she gits back where she lived afore she won't be sick any mo'." ' " Oh !-oh .'—oil !— there's no use of trying to be bhnd any more. Mother is going home ; but not to now can LEFT TO XATUKK-S CARE. ,25 E.,sland-to a better l,o„,e than that. But, ol, l- tote left alone -what shall I do? how can I bear tufner;"^ ''""'^^ ■' S^"^' ^f""'"'. 3he at last re. urncd to her mother, who had surmised her dau^h. V _ra agam lost self-control, and kneeling by the bed, gave way to an agony of grief. _^ ■■ O mother," she sobbed, " how can you leave The poor woman gave her child a startled look and then, more fully than ever before, realized the nev, able separation soon .0 con,e ; Lhe also sa that the sad truth could be no longer concealed from cW Mint T '° °"' ''" ^'^^^ '""^^' '^'■-^ t°°l< I'er chUd mto her .arms, and they wept together till both were exhausted. Then the mother whispered the hrtlZ'/ ■■'■"" '"^" '"" ''""''^^ and'sustai d her through so many troubled years: '"Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afra.d. In my Father's house are many man ions -I thmk I shall soon be in mine, Vera; and I will watch and wait for you." "I don't want another mansion, mother. I'll ask God to let me live with you. One mansion will be enough for us both. 01, why can't I go with you .- ^ our father needs you here. Vera. Oh, my poor hu.sband! For my sake he fell into thi; g^u If o darkness. Had it not been for me " .Jii'^r^''" ''''"^ "" '^'^'" '^°'"'^^: ^"d "bother and child became very still, the one oppressed by a dark Becret known, and the other by the same secret ! ;r If II ■ ■ m \ 1 Hi 1 T26 '"""' "'" '■^'■^raRP,, ,,^^^^^ ""l.-"o«.„, but which the -.,VT . . --"^c a,ui ignorance of l,- LJ"" '" ''" '""Pe- be very sad a„d dreadful si °- '° '■'■''"^'^ '""-^t h- little ffro.to-like an ;„,;■■"'''' '"''=' "'"^ to l''"' -Hi .hen came back r^'" "" "'= "^ "'= -;;;.cd upon Lerpatien, ™,r^^'""="'=-'''-'d Tlic husband, who hid h "«■■ '""= of his har h nterr, r " '"'"'■ "'''■ "P 'o "«3s of the scene i , T '. ."' ••" '■"S""-' "it- '•■-ed b, contending Lw::f"!^,"--''^ '""'^y ^^i- heard had aroused him f™"! i , ' '"°'''^' '"■■ '«d •-•■:;' >.etoo began to rea rfor t,;:?''™^^"'''''-". ;;;^e ™-«>.t be near her end-' ;".""' ""^""'^ *''■•>" a temporary ill„e„ ,, ™'. ""' "■"< more "«erly warped but th. he f ""'"^ "'•'' '"« '^o "•"■"an with all the stre ' 1 7f . "'" '^''d=d, dying "'°"Sl.t that she could 2 °, ,'"' ""'"^'-- ■•"'"the be-" entertained. But n „ > ""' '"'" ''^^ "e«r -•• lightning flash ,,1 h",, l'-""*^ "'^•e- revelation ''-■"S the d.k-er th"rea r tt''" ""'''"' ""'^- '•eart wocdd j-earn toward h.'r Ju ""f "™"'="t his ■less and remorse • and tl, "," "" '"finite tender- f-ffing up. born ^fl' "ri'l't " "'°"''' ''^'^ -"= ■"? fear, that if she d id'no o "^""1 ""^ demorali.. would t-now the past it "'' ," '"''' '" ""» '=>nd, arrested her just as'^he wa Zl '° "'■'" ""' "^ '"^ the secret to his child SI, ' ''°"" "•" --"ealing remembered that e d. ""^ '' ''° ^° ^""- hS '-■'■ hearts to sl'ITonr'^^e"; f ■■°'" '° ""'-^<'- must be prevented at all h"ards '™;.""' ""' *'"^ ^-"o-id suspiciousness, h::'^;.:."!';-::;;^ I^EFT TO NATURE'S CARE. ♦ 1, 127 inc woman who Ii',, let the . Lamb of gI" ?'!' ■^^''s'^'^ >""■• Guy. my darling child ? .\n,i , " ' '"''^'''^ y^" and without me. fear'l f l''°" '''''^ ''^ l'-"- off The man „ '"''''"'"'^ ^ burden." on 1:;: :::esT,;:,r,.. "" .f°""'^' '---f ^o- h> a perfect tempest of g^-i^^' '™""=' '"' ■^"''•'='' "I've blighted your life ir,,,,^^ ,. , . , what you might lave been V T"'^' " ^'"'"'< in a palace " ^ °" '"«!" liave dnelt A 'II ;.J ■; 128 A'EAR TO XATURE'S HEART. came and told n.c what had happened, I would act ust the same. I loved you then. Hove you now and God loves j-oii." ' '• WImt kind ,>f a Cod is he that permit, such hon-ors? „,oa„ed the wretched ,„a„, loui,,., t ,t "cn the love of the unbelievin. can in such "erne c.:;noti':.'""^'''"""-°""^-''p^^-''°-x " Ho is the God who only can deliver from such oi tJiis life, said his wife eagerly. ''How has He remedied them? You are dvin- and we will be left alone in this dreary wilde-ne S which vve must cower and hide till we also die '' U Guy, Guy, time is short, and eternity very long So trust, so live, that all may be welM.eiZ after. shall wait for you and Vera ; and it seems to me Uiat heaven will not begin till'you both come The man was silent, and became more composed. And Guy, continued his wife faintly, for she was growing very weary, " I fear this utter seclu s.on IS umvise and unsafe. It may be flital to Vera's happmess. Go out and take an open part in this conflict for h'berty. You will be your old self a e you have mingled a^f hile with your fellow men JSot yet,'; groaned the man. " I dare not yet." The wife sighed deeply, but said no more. But her sore heart was comforted when her husband rose and for the first time for years bent over her, giving a kiss and gentle caress, as he said, ^ " Poor little wife, you have been faithfulness itself." LEFT ro A'A TURK'S CARE. tears- inH V r ^'^ eye, .^^is often dimmed with cotugc ; fo,. all at last .ealizcd that death wa, ,Ju Toward morn.ng the man dozed i„ hi, chX but' Vera s eyes were fixed with a wide and L \ ' he world trr/?" "'"" '"'^ ^'-uld be alont „ the wor d that to her was so strange and uncx-plored r^fe^ncrtVsaWllt '"°"^"'" "°^'=^ '-• ">'- '^^ " If lie knew, would he come ? " And yet all through that interminable night she was susta,ned and comforted by the memor/of 0„e who he felt sure would know and care. ^ But m the light of the lovely May mornin.. and in view of the fact that her mother seemed a 'little stronger and easier, hope revived. ^ ''Father, I think a surgeon might help mother " said Vera with decision. ^ ^'' The man gave his daughter a startled look and .'T.: m, :d^ V H -"'^ '^''''''' ^ -^^- -"«^c vailed '' '''^"^''^ "^^ ^^"^'- n^-^ture pre- ^^'^ Perhaps he might," he faltered; '^perhaps he " Then wliere can one be found ' " He .strode up and down the room a moment, then ca.t.ng a eompass.onate look at his wife, mutlered She shaM have the chanee, eost me what i 11 '=l:\ ( if ! I W 11 Mi U,.l u i !■ 130 NEAR TO XATURE'S HEART. may." TJien aloud to Vera-" There is no doubt a surgeon at the garrison on the Island." " I will go for him at once," said Vcn .' Will you-wiU^.,, go ? " said her father with an air of great relief. " Yes, if I could only keep mother with us I would go anywhere and face anythin- " . ^ Jhe poor woman smiled faintly, but shook her _ But old Gula barred Vera's exit, till she had fin- ished her morning bowl of bread and milk " You'se not a sperrit, lioney, do' you'sc growin* to ook mighty hke one." Old Gula had consider- able sense still in spite of her weird ways J\ ] ^^''"/''^'^'^o"'" little skiff out of its hiding-place and launch it for you," said her father ; " and wHl be on the watch with my rifle all the time to see tiiat no harm comes to you. In less than an hour Vera's light shell shot out of St Juti-onT I r ','' ^"'"' "' ^"^^ °PP°-'t- Con- stitution Island, and was soon dancing on the waves raisedbythesouthern breeze blowing against the tide bavi le was engaged as usual, directing the work upon the fortifications, when a casual glance toward the river revealed to him the approaching skiff Its occupant so puzzled him that he hastened f^r his glass, and soon recognized the shy maiden who had eluded him on the point just opposite, and whom he had half forgotten. But now she seemed comino- boldly to the shore a little below where he stood! As Vera looked around and saw who it was she seemed startled, and rested on her oars r^EFT TO A^iTURFrs CARE ,..;;A- you, too, .n,,-d of ,„e?" asked Saville br"^;tT,cr'bo";rto", '"; "'""^-^ "™'^--' ->■-•> ly, .sl^l. St ;; 1; ;; 7^'/"" "•- *"'!? stead,-, offer l,i,s Land °''"- ""•"'^"'■'^ •»= ""'d you up ? Thouo-l, ,T T , ^ '""'Silt eat J 1 iHougint 1 wcr} an on-re T qIitm,! 1 u '>^.y:e;^si^::StT:d:::^-— = ave^rdi^rttot'-''^^'^'""'^''"'-^'''^-"'''" "Yes "was ail that Vera could say. Tell me what I can do for you ' •■ and her v^iolei etrcL'", ?t™™'' ---'^-ent, " Is there T ''''"'"=• ^'"= »' '"St was able to say, „ i! " "=-1 ^™"'d see a surgeon." ^' S.t down, my child, and rest. Do no^ be afraid ■ you may trust me fully. I wi|, [,,.„„ ,, Z "^ "''''"^ ■ you." S the surgeon to "I am much beholden to you for your courtesv " :MhrTo;r:,^;';t':rs;r "= ^r^^ whose courtly phrale: og^ eerd'to t""' ^"'' priate in addressing a strr,^ger 'PP''"" Savlle was interested in the contrast between S I i32 XE.-IA^ TO XATURE'S HEAfiT. her stately words and simple, ..ateful manner- ; '"' ""-'" '■;'»''^"«J for ti,c sursco,,. Neither he m,; with many a cur ous 'Aawc^, -xx yu.. , ^ *„ )• 1 1 t,iiiiK,c at tne stran'^e vm for realized that their fTr„->ri k i • ^ visitor, 4.1, . , "^''^ Sood behavior was L^reatlv f-o looked w,th dismay at the slight siciff. "''' In, not a fa.ry like yourself, and can't swim D d' :;n'=rr^..?^?^'/-y.'ie.e,opeds":'! I wouldn't ~H?r— -'■-=■'■ pro^ft^Urdo^t'^^.'-'^'-^^^P'"^ with tears. S'catlld „r ':°" ''""^ '^'^ I will take th; h "''■"^" '" y"'"' "''''f' and I'll <.Pf „„ , ^"^ '''a" '"' moment, and J 11 get you something that will do your mother more good than all his medicines," and he heeled to lus quarters, and brought Vera a bottle of Fr:n:h l u tl o tf ^^£IT TO NATUJiE'S CAKE. \ brandy. •■There," |,o ,.,i,, ,. , , '^' •••I'^'rsc; for it w^^t I 1 I ',"" "'^" '" >""r 11^ will tell ySZtls "■"'' ""•• ''™"- »'"" -'" i>-tii;s;ra":?'-:;„r;t;;:t';t''::;- ■■""'■ '''-■•"« ■n the .stream, where .!„. I ..,•,'' "'■" 'oo" out in position, with the r ',""•■ "="" "'''' "■'"""g fowl. ' "'" '""•■ ''"'' I-=cfsio„ of a wate,; Saville's pontoon provr-d fn l,„ ■nodelcd boat of his ow , , , " ''""dsomely P"-V"tc pleasure o I ', '1'"'' ^"^ '"=P' fo'" ^L occasion requ re a, d h. " '"'' "'= "^^ ''-uld after Veras'guSin" ,, iff"";', T""" °"' ^'S°™"»V from which tl a. :n t the , "' ""='" '" •' "°"'' with comparative ea e Vlu'''^" ""''' '='-' '"ade Pany them, haviL a^Lin r. ' ""1 "''°"' '" '''°'^- -nique character of the "^i?"" T'"''"'' '" "'« ">at if the cabin «s t t Wd "' T' ''-''-■''■"^' '''--od of its occupants cou d t 1 "°"'' '" °^ "'""'• "°"« thought of^v 1 was -tr^"" "•""""'' -^'"'^ ">= >vas not to be entertained in regard I, -S !'i i m I m. i ■JUBH II 1 i. ^^^^1 134 NEAR TO XATURE'S HEART, i J i 'I to the niaickn. lU.t Vera arrested his stops, by sayin- u ,th painful embarrassment, ^^^^' Fallicr said I must bring no one save the sur- r cntfully. Vera felt herself cruelly trammeled, but was unable to see how she could explain the apparently rude requital of his kindness. Her troubled a.ce, however, almost instantly disarmed 1^'m, and he saw that her words were not at all prompted by her own feelings; and when she sud- dcnly stepped up to him, and said in a low tone. Chanty suffereth long and is kind/ " he took iier hand and answered gently '■ Cl.arity aI.o ■ tl.inkcth „o c-vil.' You are a good gnl though you arc rather odd. Good-by, and don t worry about m.. May your mother soon get "And may God requite thy kindness," Vera said so earnest y, that for the moment he fdt as if si e had appealed to One who had an existenee. Bu a moment later after she was gone, he shrugged his shoulders, and soliloquized, " That's the way it ahvays is-crime and superst!- t on go together. That girl's parents, who no doubt are h.dmg from the eonstable, are very religious and have taught this poor child their pious j.rrgon: S .11 she seems to have the natural graee to u^e it v.th sk,il and taste. She is, indeed, very odd, and her secmn,g familiarity with the two greatest works of fiction m the world is unaccountable in one so young and isolated. I must find some means of 9! II r-^^r TO X A TV RE'S CARE. ,3^ Propituitln.^r i,,., c\nn\\Ax father- for I »-. , . ,-, pursue this strniMv -, • • . ' ^ ^ ^^'^^''^' ''1^'^' to '-.stian,;c ac.|uaintancc further." tion,andt„t,,c,,::j ,:,.':;:, :;r\"^ ^■'■■'-"'''- ~n.u,,,.H.,,,„:,;;'t;;;r:r,r;::;;;: gncf, wlicn her mother rcstrii,u.M,K ^^ '''"' <' I',. ^1 , ,. ^'-''trained ]icr by sav hi"- J^L' c.dm, darhii- for mv s-.I-,. Tf ■ ^' supposed Le^ .■ ,? .• , -^^ " J^'^t as I f. Th , •'. ? 1 ^^t.ently submit to God's will " can make your mofhfr'c in ^ i ' "" >'°" ^uLir motiicr i, last days mucli eisi...- • •• 1 lie gave full dh-ections ind I..f/ ,,"". '\^'^-"'^' - and "Rut- t;. -11 ^"-'""^ '^nd left alleviatin-r rcmedi..< JJUI baVl le W-IC fl'rrl,*- "1 . ^ "-'"<-t-UCS. Udb light, he concluded, " the brmrK, ment, and the appearance of .,fe cottT,"'" ^ "''"=- his It:„';:T;;:;r:" VoZ ;;•" "^ •^^"■'■'" ^-"'- - L • LuosL people there are verv r.r r^ bong ordinary mountaineers " ^ ^'""^ MiS 136 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. The lovely spring day without, was a dark and dreary one v/ithin the cabin, for the last hope of recovery had vanished. The husband sank into the deepest gloom, from which nothing could arouse him ; but he was unwontedly tender and thoughtful of his wife. From that day he so managed and provided for the iiimily that Vera could give all her time to the sick-room. But this seclusion from her out-door life, combined with her broken rest and burden of sorrow, told heavily on the young girl, and she was beginning to look almost like the ministering spirit Gula had spoken of. The mother would often urge her to go out and take the air, but Vera would always reply, in the pathetic words of one whom in simplicity and fidelity she resembled, " Entreat me not to leave thee." And yet it was an unspeakable comfort to the dying woman that her husband so provided for the household as to leave her beloved child a continuous watcher at her bedside ; for had Vera been com- pelled, as had often been the case in the past, to spend much of her time roaming the hills and follow- ing the brooks in order to keep up a supply of food, the cup of her bitterness would have overflowed. As well as she could, in view of her own ignorance of the world and the peculiarities of their situation,, she tried to advise and guard her child in reference to the future. " Let your name," she said one day, " which your father gave you because he said I had been true to him, express your character. Be true to your God and your faith ; be true to my poor teachings and li .? I LEFT TO NATURE'S CARE. m > our own pure womanly nature. Let the Bible guide you in all things, and then you will always 'have peace in your heart, and find sympathy in nature without. But rest assured, Vera, however wise and greatly to your advantage anything may seem, if your Bible is against it, do not hesitate to turn away, . for it would not end well. Keep thy heart with all diligence. When it troubles you — when your old playmates, the innocent flowers, look at you reproach- fully, something will be wrong. Keep true, mydar- ling, and our separiition won't be long. But, oh !— how can I leave you in the world, so unshielded and alone ? O Thou who caiiest thyself a ' covenant- keeping God,' fLiil not my child."' Again, at another time she said, " Vera, one of the most painful things in your future lot will be that you cannot trust the judgment of your father. In- deed, you will have to be his guardian and protector more truly than he will be yours. Be very tender and patient with him, for my sake as well as from your own love, and yet be firm when your own and his interests require it. I do not think this utter seclusion wise or safe. It will draw rather than avert suspicion and trouble." "Why does father shrink so from strangers? Though I have often asked, you have never told me much about your old life in England." Well, my darling, you must be content to know little, for your life will be burdened enough, I fear, with your own troubles, and T would not add to them those of the past. Let it satisfy you to know that your father met with a sudden and great mis- n • i: ■■ : •' • ;' i' • il '•'! i * ! f. f{ I3S K-'EAR TO A-ATUKE'S UEART. 1 i V ',,■:, 1 1T'''-"^ '° '=»- '■■•= "•••'■■ve land • tT, Phi,, ,,? ' "'" ""' '^''^ '-"»''■-'«!, and n-i,!, -c.i„ . ,,. ^™n^;,:;^,^::vr;;;re: w; ri : „ d tT '"" "■"" "■'■^ >-°"'- "'--' ■"-■'° •^' iJid not God inspire the act ^ "^ Of course Vera had spoken often ofSaville's ]-ind iicss, and the mother seemrvl f . i -^'^^''^e s knid- fi, ^ 1 • , "^^"^' -seemed to have a prescntfmenf is said fh.f f 1 '^'^ ^'''''''-^ '^^^ ^i''-"' for it is saia tiiat the d\'m,^ u . ■' If he ever does seek you,- acquaintance ilnd out ■ 'y^' '"g. yon can depend on ,iotl,i„g else I D,nv God that he, or some other stron^jrhonest frCd onlv d, „ "■ ^■'""' f""''^'-'^ '"='""'-■•• will onl> d.au suspicion and hostility.- 1 iilil LEFT TO NATURE'S CAKE. 139 Thus the dying mother tried to counsel Vera against tlie time, when, though still a child, she should be entirely dependent for guidance on her own judgment and conscience. After all hope of life had been removed by the surgeon's visit, she failed quite rapidly, until at last her life seemed but a breath, that might cease at any moment. She felt that her end was very near, and one day, in the latter part of May, would not' per- mit her husband to leave the house. Still, slie slept most of the time, only rousing, now and then, to give the watchers a faint smile. The man sat most of the time with his face buried in his hands, over- whelmed with remorse and gloom, liut Vera's eyes were continually fixed on her mother's face, as if she feared her treasure might vanish should she turn away an instant. As the sun sank below the mountains, the sleeper aroused, and her face was so peaceful and painless that Vera said : " You are better, mother." " Yes, darling, I shall soon be well. Where's old Gula?" Vera called her, and the aged negress, with her wrinkled face working strangely, stood at her bed- side. "Good-by, Quia. Oh! that among your voices yov. could hear that of our Saviour, saying, ' Come unto me, and I will give you rest.' I shall wait and watch for you, too, my poor old friend." '' You'se will git home 'fore ole Gula, but I'se a goin' soon— wery soon." And the poor old creature ' h\ ',n I40 A'^'jj, ro Ar.rraj,E'S JfEAJ^T. threw her apron over her hn.^ i . ^^- door-step, .ocked b k dt-nf ^"""^^ '^^^^ ^^ comfnuous wail of sorrow! ^^''^^'^'"'^°"^ng a low, "Guy," said the wife and u„n,.u„,,,„y b,,,:;, f '" „^'"= "^.'-■d ''- large '■ Guy," at iJZ \ ' "^'"■' =" ■"■■"'-control. - sh,.,^ be'safe LnHt .t!!"" "' '° '"= "^'"^' "'-= ;; I will try," he groaned.' C"-^ .gain, do 'not drte"-,.;,: '::;'>' '"^ ="«»" we^ ,r;,r ';;, :::i„;™- '-»-"- to spea., ^nt pal":;,- :i:r;::i'',--;'„ '■■■^ ^^'^^ r -■"^- ^nd you again to tl,e Ct'of 't ^ .f,": ^ r"'" ^°"°- licart be so troubled.' " " ""' yo"-- VVlth a cry like tinf ^r „ he rushed from t , "oon ° " ,''='P.'--"'='>' wounded, ™cnt is greater than Tea,; beal""'"=" " ''' P""'^''" 1-ve been ath'to h. Tn'"" °' '" '^'^^ --' the doomed a d unbe„V '' "' ''" ''=P' over ments she was ne,u a , Ti'"^' r"''- ^°' ' ''^^ '"o- Ti.c„ she turned rd Z'ZX^^'' 7 '^^^>-- embrace. ^^^'^^ '" '^'le hist close "'""■'"■"■"-" ■■■'-"■'i.pcrcd,"ifso,„^fo,. t c i\ II LEFT TO NATURE'S CARE. j^, little while, and then we'll not part any more. As- surancc has been given me that He who took into his arms the children that mothers brought Him and blessed them, will take my place to you mJ heart .s not troubled, neither is it afraid. I leave you in His charge, and no one shall be able to pluck you out of His hands." ^ -Mothc-r," said Vera suddenly, <• do you think God would permit any one to have two guardian angels? Might he not let me have two,'t lel^: till 1 find some one who will take care of me ? " •' Well dear, if He will, what then ? " "It may be selfish, mother darling, to ask you to leave heave. ; but God says in His Book that after we go to Him we shall be 'like unto the angels ' If He will let you, would you mind coming down sometimes to watch over me ? I shall be so verv very lonely without you, and if I thought you were near me at times, it would be such a comfort " " I believe he will let me come, darling, and it seems to me that not all the joy of heaven could keep me from being continually at your side. But whether I can come or not. He has said, ' I will never leave thee nor forsake thee . ;.nd His words seem very sure to-day." The mother's voice, in her mortal weakness, had sunk to the lowest whisper. After a few moments, she said, - Can you sing me the twenty-third Psalm, darling?" Vera had long before passed beyond sobbing and tears, and now possessed the strange, unnatural calmness of those uho arc lift.-d by some great ! f I ; m ! ¥i i 142 Ar£AJ? TO NATURE'S HEART. like an ."ilpowc^mi and T"''' "'*" ""^ ''^^- seemed .0%::;;!" 3" W™f ■;""■'"'• '^"^ •''- wide and her hZ ^"'''''^"'y ''cr eyes opened %i.t. Her Hpf ^Ltr:: "^rt 'y/ -™'"^' heard her whisper ' ^^""^'"^ ^^e'*. Lord.' " '^^ handmaid of the Then, as if remembering tho^p cl,« , she looked back to them with n '^''''""l^'^'^^^S, never forrjot for it .1^ I '""^^^ *^^^ ^'^'^ hun^an, a^rd^^aid;:^^ pir,;^'^^^"^^ ^''^ ^^^- " Good-by for a little while AIlJo „ t not your heart be troubled, neliheMet b^'Laid •■ Her breast rose and fell wlfh f f °' -ghs, and then the fral e ' thil . I' ""'''= '""^ -4" •*■"""'•■"»• >""i-i ».««», LEFT TO NATURE'S CARE. 143 "No," said Vera gently, "she is in heaven." Her father went back to his dark corner, and sat there through the long night, motionless, sleepless and scarcely seeming to breathe. Vera, still holdino her mother's cold hand, watched mechanically, too stunned and bewildered to think or to realize her loss, and yet sleepless from excitement and the long habit of wakefulness. Old Gula brought her a cup of milk, but she shook her head. Jr ^.V: "''''^'' '""'""^ >'°"' mudder jus' dc same. Wouldnt she say take it?" and Vera drank it eagerly. The night deepened, and was full of the stran^re wen-d sounds to which she had always loved "to' listen, but she did not hear them. The silent stars passed over her head as unnoted as the hours With the same steadfast gaze she looked toward the dead face, which, though hidden by the darkness, was ever distinctly before her. At last, as the morning dawned, the fac^ began to take shape to her outward vision. At first it was shadowy and spirit-like, then that of a quiet and peaceful sleeper ; but at last a broad ray of light, streaming through the casement, tell full upon it, giving it a strange gladness, and the effect of recovered youth, health, and beauty. God seemingly transfigured the wasted features, suggest- ing to the desolate young watcher what had rially taken place in the sunny land " wherein the inhabi- tant shall no more say, I am sick." To Vera's strong and su^iple faith it was like a vision of her mother's glory in heaven, and the ray became, and was ever remembered, as an angel of light and comfort s*:! 144 ^yP^ATi TO ArATURE'S HEART. Then Gula entered and said, " Keen n rlnfn- • ' ^ gradually the famihar sijrhts aiul ^nnn-i^ c "■•..urc gained her attcntio,, anS b .^n o s t to her ,„ the language she loved and unSeLood' ote I feet All r; "•" "" violets, blooding at he •eet. All . ast wmter we slept in seemin- death as your .nother is sleeping now; but at ti.e rtl^ t^e God awakened us, and here we are to comfort " Look at me," said the bubbling sprin- " The black ,ee shut me in, as the black eath will cover co^mfLt ;;r"'"»" -■■^ '-'^""'^ -^ -^-^^ ' - >-- '» " VV^ r^ '° "'•" ''"''' ""> '^'■^'l-' over her head We did not sing here last winter, but we were smgrng where the cold winds never b ow So IZ r ::;'::: r'^ ^t ^"-'' '° ^ ^"""- ^"-. -d v^e are iiere to comfort you " .piendor over the eastern hills. " Do I not come ba k to you after the darkness of the night > So row, and He has sent nie to comfort you." fi '"J LEFT TO NATURE'S CARE. 145 I Watch me a little while," said a drop of dew hanging on a delicate wind-flower that she had unconsciously plucked; "and, ere you are aware, the sun wdl draw me up toward himself into the sky. bo God has taken your mother, and soon he will take you, and he himself will wipe away all tears and comfort you." Then, to the fancy of the solitary girl, who had iittle companionship save that of nature's children these voices all seemed to join in a swelling chorus:' " Oh ! trust with us the ^'leal Creator, ^Vhose law uf love our love enthralls; Unnoted by our Heavenly Father Not e'en a fluttering sparrow falls." "Let not your heart lie faint and troubled, And neither let it be afraid ; For God wii: guard, with care'redoubled, The child in his own image made." Thus the peace and hopefulness of nature were breathed into her heart, and she went back to the cottage, trusting in Him to whom all things seemed to pomt. But, when she entered the cabin, and the sleeper did not awake with the wonted smile of recognition and words of welcome ; when she kissed the cold lips, and found that they were indeed cold and unre- sponsive, a mysterious dread chilled her own heart and the realization of her loss, loneliness, and help' lessness was so vivid as to be well-nigh overwhelm- ing. But tears, nature's relief, came at last, and she wept and sobbed until she grew quiet from exhaus- ■■•»- ; ,'j ^^^^1 -IB '. < I'fli \ '■ A{ , 1 ■■' f J -.^^^^^1 ^ 1 ■ ^' )|l ^^H 146 A^^^A. TO A^A TUBE'S HEART. a lit,,, food, was at last -a : \ ' r""/'" '° '"''^ from sorrow for a timn in t *•" '"•■'' "'^'•'PS sWffupthcrivcrfora r ^ T"''' ^o with the late before ,c,"trcd H •■'"' "''•" ''' "°'''<' ''^ visions, and ,eavirt\,,f;'"" ''•"^•^^" '°"^^ >'">- Jei,arted. " ° ^"^^ ^=^ Protection, he ■;''--rr;;::rz;::^Te:rs:tf ■'"''"- called. But time hn,I K '^'' "P ''^'^ '<^ -'"•c to rec.p:;;ra,fr;L^rthfsJ:::. ':r;'-^"' iation, al the mn,- . ^" tnc sense -f rJcso- "•>.senee, wal'LTe Tte r';^,?:',!,,:;:" ,"" ^"""■' to resume her post of watc c fo '",0 t^^ ""'= to Gula, . '■"'^ "'g"t, saying we;\l^" i^;;'^;;::: f :7,;;- by mother, .as if she said Gula resoh.fpl,, . !^ V "^ ^°""S mi.ssy," wi^.e «m:« ;;'^f;i,n';tro7r «'°-" '--^ g.vn,g a strange effect to he Ice H f""" °"f" crooned weird snatches of h. h k "' ='"= 'earned ,on, ago in her LjiJ'ltf''°"' '""'" ^- in theitnirLh- T,:; ::i/ir' it Afr.ean princess, who had been 'stot ' f^m U.r I LEFT TO NATURE'S CARE. w home, and wronged, until her mind had become even a greater wreck than her scarred and shriveled ^orm ; and the young maiden, who was like some of her favorite mountain Howers. that grew into fragrant loveliness among rocks and cliffs, where it would seem they could scarcely live at all The night deepened, and it may be well believed that other and viewless watchers gathered round the sorrow-stricken gin. li ' if 148 "^'"' ''" ^^ruKE-s mAxr. CMAPTER X. ■>-"•..,; fro™ alogrb,-;,,™" T""" ''■•'^<-- '^«" ■'eon *esto. the Hudson „j-,t"'""'^""='^°""''-'i"' from the river. H '""''' " -^""-'--'"ble clUance "^ if ).e were look „" T '"T ^''"^' ''"'^ '''■"■""'• "I'icl,, ,„ view orth?hon T 1° ""^ '^''°'» f^om '•I'peared a., if it „i„H( b' „t ' '"^ ''""Slj-. a"J fensc, as well as a dwel in" rt '■" T "='"="^ ••""' J- rurfe air of thrift, and et H, "^ '"= ''"'' ■•• '«■'••"•" "tc from whenc 1 e o, V' ""' "°""'"ff '" '-"^l'- *- no cleared a da" be , T™"' """■'■ ^''-e 'he beautiful norse tint ' ^"T' ■™'' ""'•"•'"y -">i mciosure ar:;,;d\'„r:';'bi. u\ ""™" ■•" "- as one of a woodman's team "°™'' ="^^d The man's action was stiil m«, ■ "ny peaceful pursuit for :^';«°«!lable with lofty hill back of is' it us 'rf^' ■^^'^^"d^'' 'he succession of wooded 2 N 'j'"' '"'' ""<= °' - toward the river, and h v n ''■ ""'^'""ff '-'«'«y ---'' 'he val,;..rt:f.;--.'l.e summit! westward. gr,v,„cr especial 31 1 1 THE Roiiix HOOD or ri,,: nniirLANDs. ,4^ attention to some object far distant upon the road Icaihncr southward. As he stood there, partially concealing himself nmonjr the low trees, glass in hand, we may skotcl, l"m bneHy. He was a little past middle age, tall, and most powerfully built; his quick movements However, adding an impression of lightness and somethmg like grace to that of strength. The aspect ot his face was bold, even to recklessness. He had the bearing of one gifted with unlimited natural daring, rather than the calm, patient courage which would lead a man to die at his post. Mis restless black eyes had the habit of glancing rapidly from side to side, as if he were on a pn pctual reconnois- sance The hght that came ^ n them was not the diabolical gleam of thoso who know themselves to be Villains, but rather the keen, alert expression often seen in beasts of prey. There was scarcely anything to indicate the presence of a moral nature. Ihe eagle, perched upon his eyrie, scanning the val- ley to see where he could swoop down to the best advantage, would be the most correct type of this man Claudius Smith by name, and the terror of the whole region, during the early years of the Revolu- tion. Apparently satisfied by his scrutiny, he went rap- Idly back among the hills, instead of returning to his own house. Within less than half an houMiV reached a secluded glen. Before descending this, he again took an observation-not of the exquisite andscnpe, with valleys lying in shadow, and ru-ed highlands aglow with the setting sun, and all decked ■ IH III - 'It; Mill i^Mkm ISO -WAR TO A-ATUJiE-S HEAH: ■n the tender and tinted foliar^e of Mav Th , of a rine barrel would' catrir « ■ • ^^ ^'"^ Sleam but the perception nh '" '^>"= "'-^'antly, Again every |°L ""'^ T^'^ ""' '" '"^ ""=• descended thT firir";'" ^'^"^'■-'-y. and h. ■•"Stead of «ivi,v^ t" e ■" ''■'° "■' ''"'^=' ''"'^ ">™. "«"gli of a horse Ant ™'^"'°"= exactness tlie -me copse-wood 'net w, er: r'sto"d' '''''? '' b-k, and eight men en, r.ed Is t > ' "7 "'""" bowels of the eirM, , \ 1 . ""=• f™" "'e were togetllc r. ' "" ""' '<^''*'- -"d '>i=^ band watchld til'e s^uad 'T''' ''' -'^ ""-dly. •• J to the so^tLll ."%t™ ■:- f f-y disappeared mounted and armed at "l "Y- *^=" '""-■■ and with the liglnn'es "fd °T"'""" ™ ''°"^' " that characterized 1^1, f''''^ "^ movement His men wr„'r;tr'tt- r^^^rr--- rr;: Lfi^o'f rn*;' "--" '^- c'onn-n 1::: the reso to "hi' hi' r''' '", "" "-■^'■■'''■•'■ood made several in the mon!t ■";"" ^°' "■'"■^'' "-y had leader insis d on o^'lhLV'"""""" ''"''' ''^-' become so notori^^^ ^' ^ JaTt^f ">" ^" ^'-"y •heir capture. After carl ;' t.^t' ,^,f ""''^f of the cave, they went to the^r secT'L " "' homes, or where tl,"ir l. secluded mountain within the time^amed " "'" '" '"''""S. and, house, armed a,;dmou;rd XT'"' ^' '^'^"^ Style. ^"^ '" '^'"e moss-trooper Never was a group of Italian bandits among the i I I » Ilea THE ROBIN HOOD OF THE HIGHLANDS. 15, Apennines more picturesque and suggestive of ruthless deeds than these highland Tories and Cow- boys ; and not a classic brigand of them all was more unscrupulous. ^ Theyvvere all dressed somewhat as their leader, in red flannel shirts and short coats, which could be buttoned tightly or hang loose like a cavalryman's jacket. Buckskin breeches, and topboots armed with spurs, completed their simple attire; but their leathern belts bristled with weapons, while across each one s back was slung a short musket. Thou-h little more than midnight plunderers, they were evt-r prepared for desperate fighting, should the emergen- cy require it. As they hastily devoured the rude meal which the wife of their leader had prepared they certainly were a savage-looking crew, with their unshaven faces, and eyes gleaming out from under slouched hats, which they had not the grace to remove. But of their horses, the beautiful and innocent accomplices of their crimes, too much couVJ scarcely be said in the way of praise. And little wonder for the freebooters had taken the pick of the whole country side. The splendid and spirited beasts made the quiet evening resonant with their neighin- as they impatiently pawed the earth while waitin-"for their ignoble masters. ^^ _ At last, in the dusky twilight, the men formed a Circle about the door, and Claudius Smith hold aloft a tlask of whisky, as he cried, " Here's to a big night's work ; " and he took a heavy draught. i P \\ \\'\ ■(] ',:^ 152 ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ TUBE'S IIEAI^T. %liting." " '"'^'^'^ >'°"' and mayhap some precipitous, tliey walked tCJT "'■" "'""S'' ^"d t'>ey would break into a ,"°'''"' '"" ••"«■"« ■•eaches, sl.owing tl a thev k ^"■"'°" °'" '-^l "ay- At last ^hey de,n ^ r' '""^ ""^'' °f 'he ^'ruck out rapid ya'^:rot" '° "" ^^"'y' -d approached a seduded r ° T'' """"""y' "" "'ey 'ei", they entered the 1 r"""' "'■"^' ''^■•'»'"g dwelling. ' gateway, and surrounded the .o:'a™L:;'harT'r„;^l: j'-fe ^oys, ^- -^'^ ^0 don't let him escaoe R t""'^ "omewheres; TI.e man thus addr;,, J'"^ '"" out. Cole," .f^- the adjacent wd^ile a iT ^r"' ^'.' "'"'-^ ,^P.eaM':;:,71: -- --. '^e con,e out and -..er,youareadeadm:';'vt''Lr^ctd 1 he wretrlipri f ::^----:r::strn:tt;-or; V ■■ ^■#-5'^a?5r^t5tvl»i.r~— . i they d the THE ROBIN HOOD OF THE HIGHLANDS. 153 "No matter about your clothes. We ain't over modest and it's not women you've got to deal with 1 can tell yen The man, partially dressed, appeared in the door- way with face so pale that it looked white even in the starlight. '; Now," continued Smith, " I've got two things agin you. Fust, you're a Whig ; and second, you're hoardin up monc, that others need more'n you do. If you want ^ let yer off on the first offense you must br. .^ .ut every shiner you've got " " Now, Smith," began the man tremblingly, "you are entirely mistaken. I haven't got any-I_" " Stop your jaw," said the robber coarsely "A man that', so near eternity as you be ought to look out how he lies." " But I tell you I haven't " "String him up, boys ; we'll help his memory " They were provided with a rope for such style of persuasion, and throwing it over the well-sweep, they fastened it around the neck of their victim and lifted him off his feet for a moment. "Can you remember where it is now.?" asked Smith unfeelingly. But they had misjudged their man, for he had that kind of passive courage and obstinacy which rises up against outrage, and is strong to endure Moreover, his gold was his heart's treasure, and he doggedly resolved to part with life first; so he said, " I J'^now you, Smith; you've no more feeling than a stone. I expect you'll take my life any way, but you shan t have my money." IP i *■■ .1 (1 i I 's ■ Si. ill '■'If. I H 154 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. \C^\\ r"" ^^•'^"t •'^o"^^ more persuasion, do you? Ui) witli liim a-ain, boys." ^ They kept him struonli,,. a,,, .tran^lin. as ion.' c ancc for life; but be quicic, for this is only the be- ginning of cir ni-ht's work." " No," gasped tlie man doggedly wiiM:;!:::^;^"'^'^^^^-^^^-^-^-^-. ^ the! ; f ^ ^'"''' '"'"'"^ '^^"^^^ «^ demons, obeyed the diabolical order. When thev nfr-,;n I .f i • , tli,> (-,,, ^" "^"^^y again let him down d iX "1 ""•"'-■ '° ^'""^ • '""• '•■' response to silence "'""'""■'' '" ™-"t-ned an obstinate ^J Shall we string him up and leave him ? •' asked Smitli hesitated, and for a moment the man's lifr depended on the eaprice of the bandit's iLw ss ,v if Then lie said, carelessly, "No, let him alone. I rather like his mit nnrl Ive nothms agin him. If I 1,,^ „,! ? ,' , wouldn't even give you time L 'sfy' yo t p .f;;./ _u^n to pay u. f,,,- commg out of our way " sat in' IT" T''"'' '° '" '°°^-^^^^P' - -^-'ch he sat m sullen silence while they ransacked his house resisted. But the farmer had concealed his coin too f:!J jS Up THE ROBLY HOOD OF THE HTCTTLANDS. 155 well for discovery. In order to spite liim, however, tliey carried off many valuable papers, and all lii;ht articles of value on which they could lay their hands, and with the parting salutation of a kick to their half-murdcrcd host, they vanished in the dark- ncss as rapidly as they had come. The inmates of farm-houses and cabins trembled as they clattered by, but they were safe for that night, as the next point at which Smith meant to strike was far distant. It was a part of his policy to mislead and bewilder the authorities by dep- redations so far apart as to make it seem impossi- ble that he and his gang were the authors in each case. Their long, swinging gallop soon brought them to the mountains again, and for an hour they slowly ascended the precipitous sides; then, like the wind, they crossed a level plateau, and afterward con- tinued through wild and unfrequented roads known to few save themselves, finding breathing places for their horses when the ascent or descent was steep. In about three hours they commenced defiling down what was little more than a path, from various points of which the gleam of the Hudson River could be seen in the starlight. The way was rough and rocky, but their horses had been trained for their work by many similar expeditions. At last they drew near the recently commenced military works at Fort Mont- gomery, and their approach became quiet and stealthy. "We must capture one of the garrison," said Smith ; " for if we can send a full account of what r % i ■" ''1 I £J i I i :ilS '56 K^E^J! TO m TURK'S HEART. the Whigs are tloinc; licrc onr T„, r • . city ,vill pay us well for it ■'• ^ "* '" "'= shaC;:f .tt Jr:: ■'" r ?",-"' °^ ''-'^- -- Smith a„r, threVo :::!:;'" p"'^' '■" ^"^-'Se, foot until they reached T J ■■'=™nnoitered on worh.. StealL ,0 : , r "r ''''' ""' °' ''^'^ steps were soon a reid K ' , °, '"'^"^''' "'-^ tening intently for nf ^ " '''s'" '"""d. Lis. and whispered^su^inctfr '"°'""'"' '""'"■ '"-" " Its some cuss asleep.' Leave him to m. •• tnf rtr o:ii„:"o^'::tt'- ^r: ^'^^^ ^"''■•"' '^^ -^ tree, with his InnlVr . ".'"'"' '^'"'^' '•' '"="' ket. above w W, Ibav T !''= ""^^'= "^ ^ ■""- qu.-ck at e.xped „t, 'ram ' ""^'- ^'" ^ory, -Pture. Summo, ;: S tr °/7^ « f-' f- his rected them how f^ comrades, he di. then took from o 7T ,''• "■"^-'^■-"S- He stole noiselessly u," behin^th I '"'"" ''^"' -'l his vietim was leanin! !, "'' ^^'''''^t whieh 'he night an/thin'^uV: .;;";"■ T?"' "^r ™'^<= he threw the belt arr,,,„^ u ' ^'"'"' '''^"e a flash, secred his prisoner bvd. f"' "" "''•'"• ^"'' "Och, Mo'lly,re drrll, 7 m''" '"'="= ''S'"- blazes! what's— 3' ' " °" " '''t. Bloody a hatterS t^^t-ed"""^^ T"'^^^' ^"' "- The other bandi "Ue u/'arb'r" f' "°""'- "----dhi:)t:'u-srbrn'; SggSSSS THE ROBLV HOOD OF THE HIGHLANDS. ,57 and spirited away, giving the garrison he was set whici?Moir''''r "'"'"^' ''''''' '''' re:.onstrance VVhen they reached the secluded spot where the " Now speak low, and speak to the point, if you crtell"','°.f'"'''^^""- ^—-y questions'; can tell whether you are lying or not. At your first Le my men will cut your juggler." And removing tne handkerchief, he asked rapidly about the number of the garnson and the nature of the work Larry's discretion preserved him to die for his country upon a more auspicious occasion, and he answered as well as his chattering teeth would per- mit. Smith was soon convinced that he had drawn from him all he knew, and then said coolly " Now you are going to desert, you know. If I should kill you and leave you here, it mi^ht make your cursed Whig commander believe that you have gone off to parts unknown. We shall have to ake you with us till we find a good place for you to desert in. ^ These words had such a mysterious import that Larry resolved to make a desperate effort to escape. But 1,^ 1, ,d „„^ ji^^ |^_^,^._^^j j^.^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ i^^^ rope they had used on the farmer was about hi. necl<, w,th which they hustled him along as they rive"rTa„k ""''' """>"="-''' '""'^'"S toward the . I' • J f -I I:. ! , lA I; if '58 A-E^;! TO UATVRE'S HEART. J Su,e an- , eVenotgcV ,„„„„,„,, „,,„„^^^_,^^ .aid s'n ,';, ' '^"'^ ""^''= ^'>-' ■•'. '■■• plain E„„i.,v^ »oui blood jsii t inrioci-nt t .1 \- J'ou-rc a VVI,,-..- i, H ' ""' ^''■^ Pl'-'^c. ■•sleeping on your post and'" "■""" "'='"' y°" ' '=- »'.oo. ,on foM,.rto;,rr";r;:.f t,"^ ^™""' to. and we'll save then, t„e tro'ub'e " ' "'^ ""^"^ I-,y tla/"^ ^'°''"' '° "" -id n,c.- asK-cd -•" cio rr,,^;:; ?■::■ rr", r' "r "•"^- --- ^-o- Larry-s terror ;. tJ ^ . : ,? "' T''" ""'" ^"J^ycJ ■'"■-n s.ren,t,. l,e t^^^S^'.T,,:"" f T" ^"P"" l"s hands. With a tlTwi. '^ , "'''' "''•'t ''""nd ab-e to dra. onfh^ " "[, ^"^ '- -as at iast thus relieved them both buiadtl '""■'"' "" '"■"cI to Iceep them to^^etl e " f r P''''''™'''^ °f fn^cdom was unnoted a H ^^°'"' '° "'"' "'^■> f-tbcr with the ; ; ZZT"'" °" * "■«'= '^'eepbanlc shelved do"",;., „t!f T", '° '"''"^ ^ side of the road. Tltrwh , H f'^""' °" ™« desperate emergeney pj'l "'^"'"'•ty which his cut the rope around'^^is n^f ' , I' ''"" '''■' '^"'fe. bank, rolling, tumbi 1 '""""'<='' ^-^ "-e -"■•then in th'e rdtii^rgl'l^a;!^ '"^^ ""' ( f rm ,om.v uooo op tue mcftAA-ns. ,50 hJc-trLt" ^^'- '"■■—■ '"•-■..oat, and Two of the most active sprang fron. tlair I.orse, sound n, hmb, and darted off in ti.e da,kne . , Z the conceain,. copse-wood, soon bccomin, ut.2 --..t,.e.o„e.:ri-L-i-:-» "Yes, and brought the garrison clattering after us. I 1 ad other work- on hand before I crossed the mountan,s, and 1 won't be balked either; so eon.c '^ And away l,ke a thundergust they sped toTork destruction elsewliere. / i u lu uork In an incredibly short space of time, I arry re gamed h.s post, and found, to his Joy, thit the^ime for the rehef of guard had not come. Dod-ine around m sl,adow, he reached his quarters a"d awakened Molly as rough.y as he hadlmag ^d ' he «s rousing hnn when the Tory pinioned hhn to the "Bloody murtlier!" spluttered Molly. Hist, or I'll throttle ye. It's me-Larry. Ify, Hi fi I; 1 1 'l!> icio NRAR TO NATURE'S riEART. -:iTbutif^;e7o, ■;'';';■",'• "' '-." ^'^ ■^" - "•« kct T' 'h ^ ''°" ^ '^''^''^ out an' git me a mus- Don't ye so' T r' "l ""'>' ~'^'' ">'-'. '•''^ »" up. 3talc .„,„e annory an' gi/„,e „t „ , Jiffr",^: qu.ck-, or I'll I,a„nt ye all yer day,,." ^ ^^ ^° iliis dire threat rou.scd Mollv t^ , .■ =he no. began to .cali.e, frotl'arr;'," l:':;:; lULsband threw a gray blanket around her and w th brefcet and noiseless tread, she shpped'tra f^^^ tumed^sa^nr ""^ ^"' ""'''"''• '"' ^^ - be'LlM""' ^-1 '°°^ '" y"''^"'' f"-- I don't want to be bothered w.d ye after ye're dead." A moment raXht"*'^ "" "r' '" ""'^ P°='' -'-- ' ■" o d' sure ,t was not all a dream. But his torn clothes o S",tr"' '"■■'^'' '■•■"•'= P-ved the relmy ol„s strange e.xpenence, and he was only too ^lad ters with an encomium on his vigilance. Bu? his ■■ TtfE ROIUy HOOD OF THE HIGHLANDS. ,0i tale was so strange that Molly would not believe it and her only comment was, ' " I thought ye'd be marc-ridden afthcr tlip sud pe^r^ye ate. Ye'd better find that fireloc.-'inZ bruises and the gaps m his cloth.s which she must mend, she consoled him by saying ve- bm ^' '^"1^''" •' '' ''"•' '^'' ^''^'^ In-mself as had ye, better mend yer ways." Larry shook his head, but resolved that he would i;::tt;;:r^'"^^^^"^^^^^^--^^^-^-^^p-"^^ of the lonely log-cabm back of West Point, where Vera was keeping her patient watch. As they struck t o'h tietd" ^''7 ': '" ''-''''- ^^^^ ^^^' ^ ""P to Jiis leader, and said, " Claud, you're not goin' to Brown's?" "Yes, lam. Why not?" " Well," continued the superstitious robber < thev say everything is not right there, and that 'the old black witch as lives with them can do with a feller J^ust what she pleases. I'm not afraid of flesh a!id J I'm not afraid of man or devil," said Smith sur, W J ^^ """^ ^'"''^'' ^ ^°^ ^^ ^^^'■d money hid in hat cabin, and I'm not goin' home empty-handed after such a ride as we've had to-ni^ht " th.^l!!') ""r"^'' ^'^'''^"'' ^PP'^^^^d the mind of the leader, for superstition is rarely divorced from i? l62 ''^■""'° ^'''Ti'JtE-.s „r.A,!r. iffnorance and crime H„ i >va, shared by tl,. rest of ', h ■'''" "''■" "^"'^'^ <■=" ""--m to halt, and r"';*^ ""-' 'f"« ■ '" '"^ caused »Ra/„. UnJer tl': hn",?""'""-' "•■'•'^- "^ "''-^-y ^-csladtohcar ou' " ,?t ' ''''''""''■ '•""' ^^'•■•••t clog., bounded t,."\ "%''':'■''>' ••■' ">•= »>ot. in quick successio d ,, ;r'r , '"""■ Two Jcrdyin,, whine cea.sed, a 'wa: ,' , ''>" ' '"'' ''"" hem strangely and u„na;ur li;", '"T/'r™"' '° the owner of the c-ihfn ,., t , "^> supposed not a sound. ''""^^ 'Wear, but there was S'Hith took another pull at the H, i W-oachcd the door but fhV '''' ^"^ ^^^^ continued ; a dread '.n '^ ^il'^^P^-'- -'ence -^^^--stand chilled his he ' \f V"l"'' ''''' ered on the hearth filled 1 eVL ' ^'^ '^''' ^'^'^• the windows, with fitful .f r ' "' '"^^" ^^^--o^^^I^ " Come away Chud " . '"'^'^ ^'^^^°--^- " ^^^- - no pll^'e fo^. """^'-^^ ^- con^panions; I^ut the hardihood of the min nr. •, , another fiery draught, h "eked l'" : ^'""''^ went straight to the^doorandtJ:,^^ '''''' ''' There was no response. . "^ ^'.^^^^ the latch, and it yielded to h ' c P'ng w,thin, he stood transfix d Glo • ^'"P" "Pon him from where she cron^T ^ u ^^^'"^"^'"^ out vvas the weird. unearJhly^ : :'^^^^ ^l^^, ^-P'ace fixed gaee of terror was to hf ° ° r ^"^"' ^^'^^^'^^ More awful to the ^uiltv c , ^°'-°" ^^are. race t..„ed toward frU"rber^^^''^%^-^ by her mother with clasped hands and ' "'^' heavenward, and her beauty Pallor .T r"'"'^ ^' Paiior, and attitude ( \ t u g tc ca I become awful ,„ tl,e ^ ^ '^ ■", f -j- "'^'t Lad now '"■" ti.at ho could not brCu h ""^ '"'"'' " """"■■J '<> K' of name leaped „n,^,;*,'''''P^" ''™«^lf- A 'f '•" supernatural m,t "';-''^"'.^«"'"l to dibto as ■•obtcr. He turned" upon h,'' .',"'," '!f "l'"" ""= word, sprang „po„ ,,;, To ,e ;, t^^ ■*"V""'°'" » 'lis tremblinir f-nm„ • " S^lloped awavwith tm^-.rupl:,7t;n;-.^i^ they draw reL' ■-■ftcrn-ard, Smith ,a d iT" 'T' ^'"^^''^'"S °f '^ e-at hand took him bVthoT1,'° '■™ "' '^ - out. " "> ""^ slioulder and thrust him si.din''.:,"oe:ort:r'™:.r "r ""^^^ ^- ^^^ ^ but her training a dTor I • ""•' ^™^ ''""---d , "cr heart at once oG^d""" "■'"""•' >^d l-r to lift to trust Uim only a^,d ,t ' "'"" ""-' ''"'P»'se which attitude she rem "h ^ ,"■ "'°"'"'^ ^''•'>--. i" flyi-"ff bandits died I "r w,"" ,"'' '■="'" °' "-e -Fear not,' G„,a, .1; * '™^,f- arose, she said, more than they that be Jitf Lm If^n ''" T '"" roTs.:-%r/-;r---nse': rl^^i^htlrrnrt'V-'^^'-aid the „e. too ole to be chantrin' GoH .T"""' " '^"' ^ula 's "Ptain Ob de float^ • :S t", fb™^ ,°' ''''^■- °« '"i^ery dat brou-Iit mc from ii 1 ?|i< ! f: •64 m^;, TO nature:, heart ™ nio'. I wants' to J, r' "■'"' '° -= h™ Vera sighed deepL fo. r * ,'° ">- "'"^ home." whfch she°co„,d no't^;/" ^'"•■'! ""-" «Pen-e„c=. "ame that she heard io„T°""''. "'''''''= ^^'""e questions. But after a litn. '1 '''''""^ Perplexing thoughtfully, " '"""^ "''^ y°"ng girl said -Iher •3."°G:d''d';e':°n"tt"^"" '''' '^ ^^^"^ together. No more , in ll ^^ 'T" ""'' '=™™er with the lovingand ge 1 s™" "' ""^' '"^ ''™'--'' take you to where mother' is '■■''^°"" "^ ^°^ ^''°"W Old Gula shook her h.^j PoTul well to see old mLsus a„' n' '""""■, ".''' '''^« vsit her. But I doesn't want .^ \T '"^ '"=' ""^ "eetin' ole masV agin and I '^'^ "° ^"^'^ ""^ ole home. Oh ' da? I 1 " '™"' '-=■■ =ee my With such n„v ! *^^' SO dis minute." ^ -aiden.X wa's ;t:;r"^""^ '-•'"^ '"e Christian pagan slave be'ui ed thlf, ' u'"" =■ ^'"'''' ■•'"<' the "efs, as in their ile^! ''eavy hocrs. I„ .heir be. wWe diversity ^fTT '^"' ™' '''"""Sly abiding-that'o'flo^e- „ '" r J. ''"'"" ""-"'» "ot SO far apart a, manv wi k ' '^"'' "^^^ ^^"« altar. The fathoml. ? ° ^°"' t°ffether nt his «-, and ^frtT' r itri^^G^f ' '" "°' ''™^« tropical home so blended wittv^^ roa^'d-""" '" be content. '^^ ^ paradise as to M ii Note TO Preceding CiuPTFR n v . character but was once the terror o7,^e 're ""i.' '^ "°' ' ^^^'^-"^ 1-ds of the Hudson. The robbery 0,?°" ^^ '"'-""' '' '''' ''^^^^- - described, and is only anteda cd lit , ™7 "^^"'^">' '°°^ P'-« Smuh was hung at Goshen NY ' '^-^ a year. Whea «sked Smith where valuable paperihe nTT ,"'' '"^^' "''^ '"™^' " Meet me in the npv^ > , ' '^"'^" ^^ere. -P;y- ""'""''^"^^-'^ ten you," ,,,3 the grim bu[i;::^::;^.::r::^;^,^-;;-yed i^ ,^^^^^ ^^^ h>m an imposing figure on th ca'^ll .' "'"'^ '"""'''^^'' '"^^e death he inspired something li -e d e d - '''" '" ^'^^ '^°"'- «f ^h-t witnessed his exit. Hi ^ et d. '"''''' '" ^''^ ^^^' ''-^ng -Cly speaking, his lack of moTal Sr""' °'' ^"'^"■''P-^' "^^ cor^ "foment bya characteristic a tl'Vl' ''"' '^°^" ^' '''= last off his shoes," wi.h the brutd Li:^ "^'"" ''' '"^' ^""^ he " kicked jj li i I ,1 'fi 9 a i If If j66 ^'EAR TO NATURE'S HEART CHAPTER XI. T THE MOTUEK STILL PROTECTS HER CHILD. ^"Z^.^^. P"-^ -^''" d-ari,, and u„. satLsfactorily to Saville. Th Ktitution Island foi-tifi tion satisfied that Colonel "l was small, and the worl e garrison at Con- cations advanced slowly. Altl as an cn^^rfncer had b :s on the ^oughhisedu 'cen superficial, h ca of dcfen se were Ivoman's draughts and 1 very defective, and that ) Jic was nies ."oney .ere spent to ,m p ,;:r '^^^ "^ ^f v.s.ts to the western shore and h '"^ '^°^"' '"= pnu, h„d shown hfm that tl'.-T'T""' '''"" looked and comm.,, f ''""' "='■'' over- Points. Bu 1, If "r tt ^ '""'■'^ advantageous "ot won hi,n avl; i r""''^ '° ''■'•^ -T-^-ct had were ignorant lTdl„: VetL?'';™'; °'"«^-'' f" humanity, average dis.ikx fo 'n^st ";? '""' Savdle was so often faulty in the det dl's „f °'.^°""' :::t: pr:;t:troT^-"'^ "-- '» — ■- ■'■'■-■r: ten-ng. nXidd" f::'rr;:eT "r ^"^' «^'- vice in the presence of H, P'eferrcd active scr- dearth of e,f.,W? ,, ' T °"'="^r ' '^'" ■'"^'> "■•-•= 'he too peaeefuiCw: fity ^pi^^ '^'" " '^""^^ ™-" He had, besides, another cause for dissatisfaction •?'"' ""Msiiicss, which also i„cr,-,.,.,l I.; . m ccrt.ihi quarter. It „. ''"■■'""' '"^ ""popularity .-ii-.c. I ," c : ,■'■''■ "• """'■■ '"■■' ""'-■''.-■f ■■" advocate ,■;,:'" •■' '"■!'"p -"' .' duty to had qttite a f„ o ., '.'r ;::::"' ;"-"-'■ •■-■ --" -'■on, he often disco sf,''' r'''^''-'"^ '"-' '<> what he termed " th°absu , ' ""'" ■''^''-- "" and .systems of thT: , a"tK|uated beliefs schon^swLco s .-tS'T'''''-'' '^ ■^'"■-"' "''J their own advantage nt;, .;":""'"■" "'™ '"' me,, in times of .^enenl 1T„ ™''°'"-'^ "l'°" '-.ea,e had co,nf:h::r::,;;,i:;r' ■■'•'"' and break away from the tvr, , r '■'■■■'"°"' trammels of supers t ^T^ ""^'™"a"d the hunself, and Ob y t ' ; ,'"',' T"!" '^^ '- '" .magtnary God seated on a throne vT '"' ever seen. The idea „ '^'-"""V'''"'' "° ""= ''ad tury bowin.. down T ' ■'" "'" <='s!.tcenth cen- / uwvvui^ aown to an anrif^nf- ui .u i- . Why not also before is T .^^^^^revv d.vinity! P,,f 4-1 . '-'"'^^ ^'^'•''. Jupiter, and Odfn-" ^::srsrth;r:r--- r- to whotn they were acoountaW ; h y\:::r a' Sd aTd'™-', "'" »^^^"^-"">' JemorahVe ; u ;; sa.d.andw.th seeming good reason, that " ",v ll not \T'' i"""™— his asso date ." I o^til: Z'dtthrmiis;: f ■ xt '■^-"•■■^■°- he poisoned were coar4:L":;::;tr'-J mi i'ii !(l'l f y 1 i iff ' , "'i ! ^1. n ,'. 1 68 -\7f./A' TO XATrRE'S HEART. ot Ins resources of culture, n.r his ropuo-nnnce to tlu>,n>ss vices of the can,p. It u-as in tah that 1 e -.oust. a.|.i,h then,. Missl to .',?'''"'" "''''-' '" »"'^- /'•'u.i^^ CO tile closest scrut nv • \^^^y fi. .one a.ay;„fJ:::;:;,t"- /;;-';; :7"l.a., ;.oottot„„e,,i.,n„tetoth;t:":d': j'::^^^^^^^^ that he liad ever seen ' ' '' . 7'''' P'-ocession H,-. h 1 , . ^^ consisted only of three • the liusband, wlio rarried uoor hf- i , / V ' -e.uiLci upon IH.-. shoulder the coffin j:/ i :jtl ■fir: C '■- \ ■ I 170 ''* A-EAX TO A'. TUBE'S JfEAHr. conta.nmg tl,c light nnd „.a,ted form „r I • ■. Vera, a,ul old Gula. Vera A, Wp/ ™ °' '"' "'''^= ' flowers, composed of tlie 1 k '•"■»' """^ "^ ^-ood and Wood-root vh";,""""^ "' "'^ ''"g" -■■"> two wreaths of ;:.'.; '"■ "^»-^-' '"'"o-J bowed heads, thev c r nV T , ", °"'-' ""• "'Hi o« lowly ho,„e to t ■ as : 7 ' '"' '"°""-'- ' ^ "■" Then Gula i.Hped W !, " "°'' '°« '^ of .,!!. '•"to thegrave «1 , V '°"'"' "■^' "><■"" wouldshep ;;, , \-''°°'' ■''">'"■"? ^y- Nor wreaths of 1 V .l " H ''"' "'= ''°™" -°=^ ■•"'d .5aveh...seif.Ti:.n'r ',/''' "™" "^ ''" "-otlK. '•" -•■e.'ce at th,.- id 'J "L"™' " '"' '"°'"^^"' ■"'■gl.t upon the shores ofV '"'" S"™' '•"' tl'ey very de. . had n^s "l L ,°f '''" ''"°'' -'"el' one -iti. folded ar^ tnl b ^ed h'c'f T\ ^'^ '"'"■ '^»»as a statue, while Ca aft ' "f '" '"°"™- opened a boolc whirl, q, n . ''"' ""oments, "'- Bible, and w " t f """'' '^^"'^d -a interrupt d by bi ,,; ^r^ '°'"'' "'"' '"^^ -'^ ^"Wi„,e and i,^ ed u ord '^'"f- Tf '° '^••"' "-^« burial serviee in'^ C " ,1 J u!'; '^"™ P-' ^^ '"« -neti^t'heit^droi::;',:::'^''"'^'"-''-""- "-sheltering cedars Im^^^^Z tTc tT^'f broken utterances- nnri n , ° ^''^^'^^^ ^he ops and eloque t „« re d°thf ':' '''"' '"^''' had he been so im^r led w hT/^'''^"™^'- ''•-■''°™ Pati-y started to hfs e 1 \ jT' ^ears of sy„,. , " Poor child, that bea.. :, „, '(i"f ''!^ "'""S'"' l"^-- "°w. Ifs a pity to t ' h ■%' '°'"''"^' ^" 1 t> " -tuibsomeofthesesupc. rii«"i TIJE MOTHER STILL PROTECTS HER CHILD. stitions since they soften many of the inevitable of our lot to those who can bcl" in ilia m After cl icve. osing the ]?iblc, Vera tried to ch Twenty-third Psalm, which 1 ant the just before her death ; but after a fc ler mother had asked A or w broken, pl< of h.,t clear form being covered with the cold bl"c - earth was. too terrible to be borne, nor wo de rema.n as a w.tness, and so she fled to her own litt e -^•''■■■tl.esidcofthehiHbackofthecabn Old Gula soon tottered after, moaning and wringing her hands in her ho)iest grief, " ° At last the man started o„t of his stony paralv- energy till the grave was filled and mounded Then eo.ng to the house, he tool, his rifle and .started j tl>e glen. He was soon lost to view, and the place s::rfirst^"""-r"' -^pp"^'-"^ =•= ''-"'^'- ' - oaviJie hist saw it. He wondered what had become of the dogs. Ven- tunng down into the valley, a little distanct- beio" he found the.r dead bodies. Here was anothe "ys ery. He waited for a time, hoping tha V r" would come to the grave, for she seemed so aione .n her sorrow that he longed to assure her even o ' strangers sympathy. He had been deeply touch d by the scene he had witnessed, and his cLr^sity 1 ad developed „,to the most kindly interest. He felt a he could not go aw-ay untn he had toL W that If he could ever be of help to her she must come to nm again. At first, he thought he would go directly to the door and ask to see her ■ but 1 i 172 A-^W^ TO JSTA TUBE'S IfEAI^r. acting upon another impulse h. . . e'-avc, and commenced nh, ? '""^ ^°^^" ^y the he had learned abro "d ^ '^'"^^ ^ ^^^"^■'"I ^lirge that -^^thrm:Z~^^ the door open. '^ «He thought tiu'c ; j:t:v""'r'"^^^>' "p - °n recognising him ' ' T '^^' ''^''"- ^^^t, slie did not turn n' "^'"^^ ■^^''^'"tJed. Stil --'c. but on^^L :;;7;;°^ ^"^^ ^-^^^ eease^ -^^ tender ch!.racter 1^" '' ' "^"^ P^^'^^'- with herself, Vern nr.^.' , ^ "^o^'nent's debate asked gently. "^ ''^'''^ '^ sympathy?" he J-""- I was' so io„er,-r' '°''''^- ^ ""'"'^- "^'Od sent breaking. Pardo" fne TIT " 'T "^ "^^^ -- a rock beside the g^a^e , /"I ^"'^ ''" "^ ^^^ on do to comfort you? Th^urf, , ''""" ^">-"""g I can «n trust me in this sacrcH ? '^"'■' ^°" '"'''y "•ere is a wretch i„ „e "'Z T" ' "° ""' ">'"k ■■•J"rious thought .•,->! t ""° ""''' i'a'-b-oran Sirave." '-'""■' you by your mother'" V b n- is "1 it "I am sure you could nr>f •• -j xr fully; "and you are iLT. T' '""^ ^""^ erate. one else in alf the world ' ''"°" '° "^ "'''" ""^ ^^^zit^z:iT.r- ""= "° «-<'^-"» there?" ^ '"' "'" '"™^"=^ °f the cottage tw"? tt !;;rand'"wh"°^^ "^^^ ^"^ -- -^y- SrouVthTt'orMt^VhStr^^'"''- Lave taken me ,vith her ! ■' ""''' ""'^ " ■'^"' "'"t would leave the world • bhrt • t one else," said SaviUe gently . T? ' ^°' TT more than your father could beir " ""^''" ''= especiX":!!™ ltttar^?'°^r= '° '-' - ?"ough just howsheca^Le wh -rat:"' T""^ IS hard to understand." ° unhappy _" '' '^> indeed, poor child." " " will seem right by and bv " \t more calmlv and „,f .f ^' ^"^''^ continued, knowest nofn^w bu 'h ''^ , ",' '^''^' ' ^° "'°u Already I see hI;^!! T f "" "^""^^ ''^''^''^ter.' than /can bear o H '"'^" "' '"'■''™ '-"'^^ seemed I could no ^' ''"' ^'°" ''<='•= ^''"--n " longer." °' '^'"'"'■'•" "y l°nely feelings any Saville was deeply stirred fnr !,« ■_ very sympathetic^,^ emoltn 'BuThe m'ustr " .-soiationind'^^^; :: ^'1 ,7;t'h° "■"", '■" '■"'""■'^'^ upon him save that "f ki'ndred h ™ ''''' =''= it seemed to her th ,f 1 f humanity; and yet to her that he was the only one that could |i'. m \n > If I 8 :1 i;4 ^VEAA' TO NATURE^s HEART. believe in sucli vi.n.J "i ^ ' ""^ •■"■= l'™'"-' '» and fortune Tin 1" t \'"T'"' ' ''''•=■ *'^'"'y. )«d in the firs, i' °"1^ '''"= ""=' Vera as i'e at the an< I ",?!' '^^ "\=" '''•'^'= --ivcd her findin, he,p';:M;e':x. ';;,';'!, ™"' '-"^ -^ should take ,„-,s proffered y^;, !' ^%>T' ^'-' for human fcllowshin ind t, ^ , '^ ramishmy stition feel that her r'oTl !, '" '" '"'""S '^"P"- combined to kM h ' it ,"",''■" -;'! '°^^""" '■™ -th the feeiin, Zfl^l^' .^^ '^^'^^'^ asserted one of fhn .f - , ^^^ numanity rest upon h L Z . e "°" '''™' *''=" ^™"'d--^ and uniqueness of rl,l . "^ ' '''''""■• y""th, With! 1 U L:'7 , TP"^-™"- ''- '^lain,. "'.•s.eadhi.,':ndt;':,m:L:,'' r'^r^'" to understand Verb's i„, ' ' '" '"'' "o^le expression of I ef ."t°he"h";-^°'"'^ "'' ^^^"^ gard,.d her feelin" •,, "'' ™""'- "<-' 'e. f-theaw,!!;tLdr„f sorr f" ", ^^"^^ -=•3 -„ .i„d is one or;;:"dee^^e7:';r.t"; THE MOTHER STILL PROTECTS HER CHILD. ,75 instinctive wants of the heart; and there are times when It must be had, or the consequences are dis- a-strous. No nature that is human is self-sufficient in every emergency of hTe ; for even the pure and perfect human nature of our Lord, though allied with Dmn.ty, pleaded with the drow.^ disciples. " Watch A T:^ ' T ' :''^""^' ''"'' "°' ^^ "^^'^^' ^-"^' "or a test 01 their loyalty, but the inevitable appeal for ^^npport which ever comes from suffering The larger and more perfect the nature, the more deeply IS thjs want felt. liut, while human kindness and consideration can do much to assuage this eager i^ui. r of the heart, it cannot satisfy. Th • Jx peneace of Gethsemane is well-nigh universal, and there c..,ne to all. hours of darkness when earthly fnend up is r unavailable as that of the men who s cpt throug! .ir Master's grief when he was but a stone s cast " away. How true this vv^s in Vera's experience will be seen hereafter; but now she saw that the stranger, toward whom her thoughts had so often turned was strangely moved in her behalf, and it greatlJ comforted her. She felt almost sure that God had sent him, and that he would become such a friend as her mother desired her to gain,-one that would enable her to make further acquaintance with her fellow creatures, and escape from her dan<^erous Jsc>htion The thought of anything like Iove,which might end in an alliance with ti is young man, had never entered her mind. ?he id not know what ovc was. save that love which, in its tranquil phases Had swayed her since childhood. ll ■ m m ;■ <■ i ■ 1 1 t;6 NEAR TO A'XTURE'S IlEAKT. As has been said, Savill to understand that si (-vvas larj,'c-mf nded c ""k'lit; and that ] 11-' wflconicd him as noiioh :i t'a[)tive natural cra\ iu'r for >^', in some degree, satisfied sympathy and com I'c ■■'■so saw .,,;, she 4 ' T,un e'"'''';''""''-''"''^- Errs- -■— «" ;,■ 'rr;;: Vou are almost the onlvo.w. t k little cT.ikl. y ""'' S>---">^l'"lly as a be a brother to you as nearly Z e J ^ ^""'"« "> tude^bn'r -tl^ ''"" '"'' '■"'■■'^ '""'"'•"^J "fth .rati Htt.cXr:,v,;:yo":^;: ^" --" - °- -'- <- » P>^.cc of one : . b^; ^;,:'" ^-' "-• '^■'<^' '■- But, l,u„,W. „,„, fnenct : ', : '.r.;" ''"' "T" alono T ' V "^"^f '^i^'k first. I .-.m, indeed, - 1 c,.,n ...n,e , ^ ,;. r :!;;f •'"• --'H .'^ f- .at you a,e true and honorable. AyLartt '"" that vou arr Vr>,. ii '"y "cart tolls inc ti>e spot „.i,e,-c' he 1 ■' T"' ''"''"■"" '°»'"'' prom se me ,1, t V r • ""f . ''P''""- " ^^''l' y°^' 1 e me that your friendship will ever t,.,„l , 'iclp mc live and feel as tl,-,f ,1 , '" wish ? I believe r^T -^r '"■ "°"'" «'0"IJ and I ,visl . to " ,''"■"'" '•" '" ''<= "<>••"• "'<>. l.a-, or a • of , ^r? "° i'"""' "° f-S^'tf^'no.ss of -nore than she eould .nZi:::!^' IZZ ^7 op.n,ons the^bes. service he could rend:,"!':- Zt IS 178 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. m ! I g.rl was to enlighten her mind, and break the chains of superst.tion. And yet his theory in this case fai ed signally, for that superstition was now her only conifort-the rock that sustained her above the dark waves of sorrow. He might better stab the gn-1 .ooknig up wistfully at him, than hint that her mother was not living and that there was no such place as heaven. Then the thought flashed into his mnid : could In-s philosophy make her more true .nnocent, and lovely in character, than had thos^ mo her s teachmgs, to which she was so pathetically seek,ng to be loyal ? His experience as its teache^ had not been encouraging; and had he not better leave the spells of early years unbroken, hi this in- stance:' The moment's reflection convinced him that any other course would be most cruel, and per- haps disastrous; and therefore he said solemnly, I promise what you ask ; and when I see what your mother's teaching and example have made you, 1 feel assured that I am acting ri-ht " Thus again Saville gave a pledge uiiich would m he fu ure confront him, and rise like a wall across Ills pcXtll, ^^ But Vera heaved a great sigh of relief, and said, I am content. I now have done just as mothe would wish," and she looked as fondly at the grave as It It were an intelligent face. For a little while Saville watched her wonder- Jngly in silence, and then asked abruptly, "You have nc-er told me your name.'' "Vera— Vera Blown." 'Vera! it's a most appropriate name." (( THE MOTHER STILL PROTECTS It was appropriate to mother HER CHILD. 179 to me by father, b and it was given so true to h ecausc he said she had ^b iiii- Oh! how I wish ecn you liad come Why do you w.sh I had come .sooner ? " Motlicr wished to see you " •■Indeed ! did she knou- anj-thing about ,„e ? - Why did you not come for me > " ''I did venture once to the shore, but there was a f^ehn ,,,,,, I ,^^,^,^^^ ^^^^^.^^ ^^^^^ made imp s sib for me to ask you to come, though I so Zch wished you would," said Vera, unconsciously re'e, ing he maidenly reserve, which, though no"^^ u d; . stood, controlled her. " I .-as in hopes you mtl come agam of your own accord " ^ ^ ^^'^ ; I ought to have done so ; and yet I feared I might be an intruder." ^ ' ^ "You have no reason to blame yourself, after the reatment you received from father and ^ysc f I had no cause to c.r/>ea you ; I only Ao/,rd." lam still to blame," said Saville ; "forwhi'e your vo.ce forbade me to come, I thought I savv n your eyes the need of sympathy and hei;." you saw what was true, indeed " youf :™"j:h'' '"'"■ ^""^ ''''''' "■'■"• -" -' N] il ., i ■■. I So NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART An expression of pain flitted across the mrl's face For a moment she sat still in deep embarrass- ment,^try,ng to think how she should explain her father s action past and prospective ; but she knew so httle herself, and the whole subject was so mvs- terious and sad that she was at a loss to find words. Her truth, however, and her simplicity served her better than skill or concealment ; for at last she turned a little abruptly to Saville, and with eyes washed clear by many tears, said, j'My fether met with a misfortune in England. What It was I do not know; neither he nor mother ever told me. But he had to leave his home; so he brought mothe- here, and here I was born, and here ^^^ have lived ever since : now you know all that I do. Mother thought that father's troubles and his lon^. seclusion from the world had a bad influence on his mind, and once told me that he had greatly changed from his former self. But, like Cordelia, ' I love Inm according to my bond,' and with her could ciy, ' O my fatlier ! Restoration, hang Thy medicine on my lips ; and let my kiss Kepair those violent harms.' But from you I can ask only forbearance ; the same generous courtesy that you showed when you said to me, ' Charity thinketh no evil.' " This statement, so simple, guileless, and yet en- nched by an apt allusion to one whose character she seemed to possess, greatly pleased Saville. What, ever had been the act that clouded the father's life How ca,ne yJ.L foL ;„T':^r;,f" '">'^'-^- books, of the world?" ^'"''^ S'-t-'at "There is no mystery abou*- thnr- fu only books wc hive ^ , °"^]'^'^^' ^hey are the and they ha >"; JJ^"" '' ""^ '" ^^'^'"' What I should W '^^:T"'^"-^ -^ver since, scarcely knovv.' '"" "'^^^^"^ ^^--' -'■ten. I ^Ji the Bible, of course. But a year a^m T f , answer T „ . , ' ^"^ P''"^.^'^ ^^'oulc! not answer. 1 wanted somethinn- hlco thn i-;,, i ■ . a living being speaking to me and o tV "'" ° the Bible altogether of late.' '"' '^^''^^^ "And does the Bible seem lil-o n i- • speaking to you ?" ^''^'"^^ ^"'^^ " Why, surely; the Bible is God's Word Q t.mes I hear mother's favorite te: t so ph 'i, ""T] '^ot your heart be troubled '-that Tn^^~ halfexpectingtoseesomeone." ^^'^ "-'- Saville sighed, as he thou-ht -Wh.f o •. , deadyondor?' ' ^""'' '"" S'''^''" ^ogs li,, ■'There i^ a my.te.y concerning these two hnmble . I li ij f 1, ? ' 98h • B^^HI «H|^P WMKM&iiaSSt-'' 1 82 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. ( 1 m friends, which perhaps you can help us solve. When I found tliem dead this mornin- I felt very badly. It seemed as if death still hovered around us; and yet (}od preserved us so wonderfully from greater harm, that we have only reason to be grateful." Then she told hiiu of the night alarm, ^ind the intrusion of the robber within the cabin. " l^ut after he entered," continued Vera, " he did not speak, antl scarcely moved until he turned and abruptly left the room ; and then, judging from the sound of their horses' feet, they went as if Hying for their lives. I unbarred and unbolted the door, so that we might be solely in God's hands ; and He protected us as He did the prophet, when cast into the lion's i\c\\r "This is very strange." mused Saville frown- ingly. " Do )'ou think they were soldiers ? Their comino- has troubled father terribly." "^ " You say they came up the valley from the south, and continued northward." "Yes." " I scarcely think they were any of our men. It is more probable that they belong to a class of dan- gerous wretches that are becoming very trouble- some. They pretend to be Tories or Royalists, but usually plunder either party as they get a chance." " Oh ! thank God, who kept us from the evil." " I do indeed sliudder to think of your situation last night," said Saville, growing pale at the thought of the young girl's peril. " Jkit, to quote from one THE MornE, STILL PROTECTS HER CWUK ,83 of.vnu,- r.yorto books .Conscience n,al.e. cowanis 01. ,,11. These Kinlty rascals are very snper- t.t,„.,s, a„,l no doubt your mother's ,lja,l k"e as ,„„re protection than „„ armed man. ,„ troubles me rrreatlv fo H,;,-,!- r and unshielded" ^'"^ "' ■''° '""^^'^'^ cal'mV''"" "'""'""° '° "■"" '■" ^"''•" ^^"'J Vera reDli!d'''V'' •,'f''V ''"'■''' "f' >■"•"■ ^»'"' '"'" '^"•"••'Vo." icp CO Sav.lle heartily; adding mentally, "f„„r Tlie twilight n-as now deepening fast- still it h-,,1 not g.. w„ so dan. but that ^era'.s father ^ou," PM.nly een advancing tovvard them. When he .^awSavdle he stopped abruptly, and took lis rie d nvn fron, h,s shoulder, with the instinctive action of one who suddenly thinks himself in the pr^e ' "f clanger. liut Vera rose pron.ptly, and tal i " . compamon-s hand, le.l him forward, saying, ■" r-ather. tins is Mr. Saville, ,d,o was very kind to me when I went for the surc^eou " The man's recognition was so co d and distnnf .0 be forbidding, whereupon Vera o t ; '^ '", \' tone who.se firmness nnrJ .V^; • ii'ui.ies.s and decision excited S-n-illoV. ^;;;P^.. and proved that .e had unusual t'^'o; "You remember mother ,aid that if he came agan, j-ou must treat him with kindness and lur sv- -;f.-™nKn,cefortl,,„other's will must bey:S This reference to his dead wife disarmed the ,n:,n ■w k "H i: if? ii,u ■■=s«5at-i,i4„^ I! ;: 184 JV£/l/i TO NATURE'S HEART. at once. The known wishes of a loved one who has died are often far more potent than were stron^ entreaties when ur-cd face to face ; and tlic hust band s m nd was not so warped but that he was suf- fcnng from tlie rcmorsefid impression that he had not been as considerate of his wife as both duty and his own affection required, and lie was in a mood to make amends. It ^M.s only his stron^^Iy rooted habit of shunning and repelling strangers that now stood between him and this the first visitor who had broKcn in upon his solitude for so manv long years But Vera was gladdened by seeing him master this' though evidently by a great effort, and give his hand to baville in something like a welcome. "The wishes of the dead are indeed sacred " he said ; " and I hope that neither myself nor my daugh- ter will ever have cause to regret our acquaint- ance. ^ "I pledge you the word of a gentleman, vou shall not, replied Saville heartily; '''■ and ^nghUi blood .s slow to heat and slow to cool Kest assured it will be a lonr fi-ht " \: K 'm m ^■rV M If ;|i i86 A^EAR TO NATURE'S HEART. i\ \ ■ fL.l'J-'uuM ' '"■•'' °"'=." ^«lded Saville thougl.t- part of the strun-"- e will lv> r... *.\ ^v<.i(.;,l looP "^ ""^ ^^■»"'°" ^«°-s "crowded :;:,: WI,ilc Saville and her father were dwellinir on ll,. m.l,taryand poh-tical aspects of the situa io f Vc i's eyes and thoughts often wandered out nto he d rhness that concealed the little .nound wh ch wa eT3d"s'r '° \"r'' '"" ^' "- '-' ™ ■ ncrt. uttered, she sighed forifer'^be"."'" "" "^"''^'' '•■•°-" '"^ '» »--t " It shall be my effort that you escape fmm •,. "any as possible also, though not by fli^ in'the ""known •• sa,d Saville, generously hoping to do more than crcumstanees would probably p^m'it to =how h,s fnendship. ..And nowfsir," he'^cont „ 'ed g.v.ng h.s hand to his host, as he rose to depart' you cannot fail to trust .ne after to-day- fo/l have broken bread with you, and were ^a w ,] Arab, I could never entertain an injurious thought against you or yours." tuougnt resllf of°ool- '"'' Tr^ '"■' ''°^' '™^ =°™"^''^' the resu t 01 pohcy ; for he saw that if he would be of ^erv,ce to the daughter, he „,ust disarm t le sus peons of the father. Moreover, he had come to ti^ conclusion that the man's offense had been of a pohfcal nature, for in his words and beann'th^e was no suggestion of vulgar crime To Veras hand he gave a strong pressure, as he ""' -^"--^^ srru ..orders u,, cuun ,3, ^""'C'::ri";,!,"'' --■•''""■"' Che. ,ou. I gratefully; and she irl.IoT ? ''"^ ^^'*^ '^'-^'^en r f' il: ? 1 t:i '• 1 88 J^'EAJi TO NATURE'S IIRAR2\ i :! % ,8 • I; III'!: ;i \ CHAPTER XII. BEACON FIRES, •imcfj the mnuntn.ns. His visits, which at llrst :rcc:':?°/ ' ^' rr ^^''^''''>'' -™ ^-^^^^^^ souiccs of „, ,,,.H,h pleasure, that ho was rcadv to fe V , r,u;' ■ -'"f 7'^'-'" "'■'•^" «"« '""' ^•- ha„7f H ,',■■''' ""^^""^ "■'"' "■••'^'""'•'^ fascinating than ,f schooled m social arts. And yet such ,vas her youth and simplicity, and so undisguised was he wonder as he described scenes and life°in New Yo k ;"'nt d^ud'"' ,""^' ?'" ^^='"^-'' '» '>'■- -'y -' -td ' tent chdd, when ,t w-as a delight to instruct. Con- gon,.. companionship was a necessity of the youn^ .nan s nature; and in Vera he found so much deh cacy and refinement, con.bined with suci, utter b senee of conventionality, and entire ignorance of the form and et.quctte of the times, that she apnea d to confirm h,s Utopian dreams of a liberty o ,' hat the m,pulses of nature would become the o dy laws. But nattu-e, to Saville and Vera, had very diA fe.ent ,neann,gs. To the one it was an exi^.i, L order of tinngs tl,at he could not account for, C n wh.ch man was supreme, and a law unto 1 im e BEACOX FtREH. 189 To the other it (va, ti,„ ^,. ,. ''^ "f'^ "ivinc,;Ul.p.„;^, ":;'"" ;•'■"' ''"•cll,-n.,.pl..,ce •••™e. her Fathe and ft e , ^'h '"; "'^'^^ ^" "' "'•^' of Vcras charaete S " l "'^''''•""y- .rity belief, but he crr,.7.a.at ' „ ' "'■ ^''"^'^'■^ "' ""^ -suit of earthly ea^;.,:. ^' ''^'P-"'^ ^"' 'o be the T''- ""'" ^'-^ '•"""--■"ce of a nX?"'""' "' '■'" n-e:'r;rtn;'r7,":'^r^'--"'--'>« ^orc than a sorrow.'^a^dl/ "'"^^ ^ '""""'^ "■- sl.anie and disgrace „ t . ^ .~"" '■^'"'"- •-■ fitter "Ot endure the^ nltest ■ "' ''T'' ''""' ""W -other had he men oil ' """ '° ''« '•nS-she crossed l,is '1°',^ r"'™f '''"'' "'= ^■--'- ™» l.f.s wish to for.e , '; ' 7 "'" '''' ""'^ " 'ingled as he re.ne mbe d h ? ' '"' '"'^ '''"'-' l"-^ happiness. VV L tt T""^, '"•■ '''"' ''-"^'^-d 'o Vera of his motitr 'a d ^T' rr T^" '""^'y Now Vorlc, he mai, i^ j tl T K '''''"='" '''"'' '" -«ard to his Wife, w,,;! 4 :;',■; ■'■'T--' "' him. ''-^ ^'"cacly lastencd upon 'i>-p" '.houi;:r:h' :,; ""'- "■'■ >""- •-"'^ -•-"- - prone to el^r h td ^ " T-'"' ''' -^-P^-'-o tain stream could be more r ''' ''''■ ^° ™°""- of nature, who h-.de^ndT'"'''"" "''•'" ""■^^'"'d When, from instinct hemani T ,°' ■"''■' ^'■^°"''^os. the cause was as appa nTaJt t r"" "'*■'■""^^• guilelessness deepened til ■ ''■ "" •'"''o^ Poncd the impression, that Saville n :l .'i m ■ii « ( ' (. :i ^^^^^ 'i ' It ■ I :!■ %. ^> %. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^ f??.- '^< 1.0 I.I ■- i^ 111112 2 !!: 1^ 12.0 l>-25 i 1.4 1.6 V] <^ /2 ^} ./» 'C^ A, Photographic Sdences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 '^/<' >" ^^s* IQO NEAR TG NATURE'S HEART. had formed from the first, that she was but a child ; and his warm and growing affection was that of a brother for a younger sister, who accepts wonder- ingly and trustingly his superiority in all things. And yet there was withal a certain womanly dignity which often puzzled Saville, and made it impossible for him to indulge in the innocent caresses which are natural between brother and sister. As for the young girl, she no more thought of ana- lyzing her feeling toward her new-found friend than would the mind of a famished man dwell upon the chemical constituents of the food that was giving him a new lease of life. She did indeed love Saville, and she knew it ; but her strong and deepening re- gard caused no more unrest than had the tender yet tranquil affections which had hitherto governed her. She loved him like a sister, and yet with more intensity than that relation usually awakens. She loved him from a deep and abiding sense of grati- tude. He had been a friend in the sorest extremity of her life, and had come as a deliverer when her heart was breaking in her terrible anguish and lone- liness. He had rescued her from the agony which pierced like a mortal thrust, as she realized that her mother was buried from her sight ; and he had gently and tenderly sought to comfort and divert her thoughts ever since. She loved him for the same rea- son that many others of her sex would : because he was lovable, and possessed the traits that usually win esteem. He was brave ; he was manly in his appear- ancc and bearing ; frank and affable in his manner ; and more than all, possessed tact, and the power of BEACO.V F!K^s 191 adapting himself to the moods and cha.acters of hi, assocates. He could be most fascinating wL°„ t chose .0 exert himself; and both inclh^tio, and . every generous .mpulse led him to do all in his sole fnend she possessed. But perhaps the tenderest element m her affection was the result of her mo ther s knowledge of him, and her belief that he wouki prove the deliverer who would open a way of e ca 'e irnv'" '^°f!"" -'"* ='- saw. more ^and more clearly would be fraught with danger and unhappi- his^iftof t K ? .'''"''"''= '° "" '"°tl>cr.a„d h s g,ft of the brandy had made the pain and weak- ness of her last days more easily borne. Under the circumstances, and with her nature, how could she do otherwise than love this stranger knight, who had done so much to help and relieve from .sore distress.? And yet there was a depth in her heart in which he name of Saville had never sounded. If he had ^.d her tl^t he had a true and loving wife in New York, her heart would have bounded with joy; for m hat w.fe she would hope to find anothe friend of her own sex. She could love her at once for his sake If, m brotherly confidence, he had told her of another ma.den that he loved, no sister would have sympathized more unselfishly and heartily. Saville was nght ; Vera was still a child. With no disposition to monopolize her as a dis covery o. his own, Saville was perfectly ready to ntroduce other officers, whose characters warramed he pnvUege, at the mountain cabin. But it vvas found that rts master was so morbidly aver eTa i .1 ! Umii ' liF 11 ill NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. yet, to any extension of acquaintance, that at Vcra's request, he wailed until circumstances should break down the barriers. Her fatlier's intense interest in the progress of the war grew more and more appar- ent, and ihey believed chat if he could be induced to take an open part in the struggle, his mental dis- order would pass away. Although, at times, he seemed almost ready to yield to their wishes, his old habit of shrinking caution and demoralizing fear would suddenly resume its sway and disappoint them. That this was true was most unfortunate ; for, as the season advanced, the whole country becam.e pervaded with '-umors of Tory plots and uprisings. The arrival of British forces was daily expected at New York, and it v;as said that the loyalists in the city and along the shores of the Hudson were in league to rise, on the advent of large bodies of sup- porting English troops. It was a time of general distrust. Near neighbors regarded each other with suspicion, and often with good cause. Spies were everywhere plying their trade of drawing from the unwary, secrets that might prove ruinous. It was a bad time for people who could not or did not ^ully ac- count for themselves ; therefore, the man who, among the few that were aware of his existence, went by the name of " Skulkin' Brown," could not fail to become an object of suspicion. There were increas- ing rumors, which had no other foundation than the excited imaginations of people who feared danger on every side, and only the fact that nothing- definite was alleged against him, prevented a self-appointed BR A cox FlKRs, 193 delegation from waftino- on i,- • , --^^P to parts unknown^ " "'^' ""^'^ ^° ^e- J^ut, m tlic garrison at Fort 1\^ . l^^gan to take more tmtfh ^""tgomcry, rumor Molly, sharing ZJl^^J '""""-^ ^"^^ '^ ^- tl-> -^'Chbors^vhot bcrso'^ri^"''"^^ '^-"^^-^^ began to give out m. L h ,^ ''^"^'^^ '-^"^ ""-^^cial, -noised 'rather 'Z:"^ ^^V^^ ^^-t she had constantly gained in ovfl '"^ mtnnations Constitutfon : and Lirrv J , , '"' '° ''°rt -■Jc of the river 'the ,"' 'r'""'"' "'^- ^^^' -turally gravitated „j°"" '^^ -^ "- -Te ■ soldiery who „-ere as "orl .''''''^ '"'"""S «'><= themselves: and Ion ,a 'o' 1 ''"P'--'-^««ous as was not long in convTne ' "'"' " ='P'-''-"^-i"S Molly Gula „as a "hay 1 e"' ;, ^ \:\ ^^^-^'^ ">at old One. and that V^era IJt ^s^;,?'' '''"> "^ '^-■' "- tXt roTveraL'r ':r "' r'"^^^' - '° ^^o- Saville heard of t et Al"""' "r'"""" ■■'"'' '''"' Vera, he pro.pt,yr„,hf ' l' ti^^ '"=, ^^^''-^' "^ lu"£ in tracing tliem toU,. 7 ? " ' ■^"'' "'"'' "ot wl.o had dis^u ted iL ^^"!'""°f""=°l'l"one baseless innu nX o ".e'lft " ""'™°"='^ »' Larry first saw the " ,, , 'T"" "'"=" ''^' -"-d first, he sought to re, ' ,*'"= P°'"'° "'•■'J- At ''->™pathies 'f:r;r;r^;rc:^„" 1 1 1 1 ' 1 1 i 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 Ml 1 194 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. »ii .|( ii *i V I ; the mention of Vera, the coarse-fibcrcd woman only tossed lier head, with something like a leer on her bold, handsome face; and Saville, with indignation, saw that she gave him credit for very dilTerent motives from those of commiseration and fiiondly regard for the maiden he was seeking to protect. Therefore he said, with a sudden anger and stern- ness, before which even the reckless termagant quailed, " Beware how you or your husband whisper another lie against those who are under my protec- tion. If you even hint anything you cannot prove, I will liave you drummed out of camp." This, to Molly, was a dire threat, which for a time had the desired effect ; for, in her estimation, she could suffer no greater misfortune than to be exiled from the camp, where she had already become quite a potentate, with numerous satellites, the unfortunate Larry being the most subservient of all. But her spite rankled and strengthened, nevertheless. Saville was no favorite of hers ; for her husband had reported his significant offer of his old breeches, as well as his shoes, at the time she captured his " quondam man- of-all-work. Saville was able, in part, to allay the suspicions of his brother officers, by his strenuous assertions that the Whig cause had nothing to fear from the inmates of the mountain cabin ; but, when asked to give some account of them, he could say but little, and so an evil-boding prejudice remained. But the rapid events of a stirring campaign soon banished all thought of possible dangers ; and in the BEACOJV FIRES. api^roach of Jeo-Jon-, cT p •.■ , ^^^ p--.cd of To,.; , ci°wt^';:" T""" "■^' ^^^^ -- P--°acl,cd the .i„,e ^CT^'fTU "" "'"■■" ••'P- ■"^■"-of-uar and t™„.,po t, 't ■" "'^' ''"S'-" ^"■ist. Not a day dmn?. h '''"-■'■"■ "P°" tl>e c'inton, .,,„ t,,:, ';:,:, X!;' ^-^-'--'j--: liourly increased anions br^l, ffi ^ '-'^•pcctation One lovely eveni,°", ,^'"''== '""^ ""="■ ••"-'-• i.is i.bo,..: ;:s ■^"'".■■^'"'^"-.saviiie. P""'--d i.is boat ac,„ tl • """""^ '■'■"<' over .l.e eabln. He I.ad "u^elT"' 'V '""" ^-'= "- y^-r, and .as find,',,, , t' "'"''' ''"""S the past cr«.s/„g p„„.„ .„ „ »" _ oe,ety of Vera an in. °f 'I'e pa.st. He MtTL ,T ■'"P'^-ons with feverish thirst, a.d ! t"h " °"= ""-"^d once so childliL-c and int lit , ""^'"^'•'tion, at t'"gcd with the su,,er, M- ^ ■ '° ""'"'■•'' ••""! yet t--n rill, s„.ee n'^ "; "', • "'"' '!''' ^ ""l „,ou„! ■'■eht fron, its myster o^" "■ ". " '''"•''^ ''"'o the '""- He often'wo de dau" '",'■" ''''"'' °' "'= '"■^ 'l>oughts, to a"aI,^ ■'■■'■"'"'■'>"°'="'=l'»'n '° matters ^-hich "i';" '""-'■"■"•"gs in regard ""consciously to arouse 1,"''' '''"'^- -'^ doubt and unbelief ""^g'""gs concerning his «-c:;i''Sint';r:'''-™ certain: her in. bn"g!ng a strange Tee andT ""V^"" "■•>"■ ^"'^ yl that hithertt had "0^ fu, T;'"'""' '"'" '"' =• t'nies embittered by Z"Jfl """''*• ""^ ^as "> 'mpotent resentment at his 'n: ;| J • :-| fipu 196 XEAK TG NATURE'S HEART. n destiny, and again weighed down by deep despon- dency. lie was soon on the crest of the rocky height above the cabin, phiying upon his flute the air which had become the summons to trysts that, tluis far, had not been tainted by the thought of eviL A clear voice from the glen below echoed back the words, " I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows," and, a moment later. Vera gave him her hand in greeting. After a little while their conversation flagged. The subtle sympathy between them had grown so deep, that they did not need a constant interchange of words to enjoy each other's society; and, on this occasion, the exquisite beauty and peace of the land- scape, as they scanned it from their lofty eyrie, so impressed both that they were content to gaze in silence. Darkening and lengthening shadows from the western mountains stretched far across the river, whose glassy surface had gradually passed from the sheen of silver to a colder, steely gleam, as it washed its bold shores at their feet ; but the heads of "Sugar Loaf" mountain, and other lofty heights, were still crowned with light and robed in royal purple. Com- ing night would soon uncrown them, even as death brings darkness and obscurity to those who, but a brief time before, shone pie-eminent in power and station. At last Saville said, " Why is it, Vera, that while here with you, the > P h si H re BEACOIV FIRES. .'.-.ciiy cue, r„:e::r„ : ; "^:;:,:;::v;,"'-f ' ~™""' peace and quiet iov Ti °"™^" • find a stran™ i^ ;°--np,acc ;rd"; ;, H ,""^<^ ''"; '■';- of I.To and even gros,,, and yet t I 'in 7 , "'"^ '^ P''^'" 'he thoughts of ma„; tf ' '°">' '° °«"Py ''".-1- t,,e faSed"::^ '"'V """"' harassing rumors and! > ^"^"y ^-V has its ""' strike us so™, a'd L '°" ""' "'= ™-">- "'c great question of II . '°°""' "'= ^''''"' ^"^ o"ly by ha,^ bio ; , u 'r'^' '■^" ''^- 'l--'"l now ■•elicf it is to escant f, u°" """"' '^■""" "'''.'t a >aboronthef„:Sra,°dt,r'''^^'.-""'''""°f who seem little better than h ! ""T'^'" °^ ""-■" scene lilce this and Ml '" ""^ ''"'•'''--. t° a dainty Arie A e yo t ^"^ '"^^^ ^^ -^•. -^V of the air, an ema^atCoThisrm'":- ""' '•' ^P'"' hour? When the cold da 1 "■"s'™ =■"-'"-p-->.n™ 'Struggle for liberty it HI "' '" °''™ ''^''' '" "'= safer." ^' " "'" 1"= '^o much better a„d t-i,:t:Xr;L^r''' ^-^ "^^^ ^^■■' "'^ ™ ''Do you think," he -ml-^^ i •. . could find a safer place H ,^!^'^',^^^'"gly. " we away?" ^^'^^'^ ^'^^" this?-one further "No, father; none Inir ^^ c not leave this pi™ '"f ^^ ^■•'f'= «^ ' l"-^- We can- swered, so decide "li.T "m'"' '""'■" -^'x-' »"- -•", and Pe,™itted„ ^ , :„^"^ "^^V" '" ■^'™""- the cabin: but, i„ ,'"" '""""^ "■'■''■''" "= sat, a .sleep ,,?,i;:^= """ ''^ °W habit, '•" ■>- Jark corner, ^t^ ^^^^ "'= "'«'>'. 'he sh-shtest sound J^ V :rf„--Tt"^'^ ^' - ^e.a tried to watch % I i r I 1 ':'r »■ 1: '^IM ;•!■ itt u aoo A'£//A' TO NATURE'S HEART with him, but her head soon drooped upon the chair. Gul.i, shadinj^ the li^ht with her hand, looked at her cahn face a moment, and then went muttering to her loft, " She doesn't hear no voices yet." UBEICTV W THE IIIGIILANDS 201 CriAPTRR XIII. S''no,'^';,"™'""! P/'^'-^d before Savill. „p. .laughter "' '"'"'"'^ "■'"■ ''""■ f-thcr and " ' "■'''• yo" joy, Mr, lirown " ho cri,.,! went m,t to meet him •■ V„„ "'■ '"' "'^^ liritish h.vv. This 1 : fr, "'" "° '""■"'-•'- ""'ler -nte„ee,s,,et!w;;:.;tr.,:;;r,f'r "-'•■•'' ■"dependence on the „-,rt of C ''"'••"■■■'""" °f joyous and hearty at ' ^i° Cf' '""' "' "^ - they had been La,d t,,,"" '^ '''" "«""^' ^ ^^ a s"ddrteSro/' "■f^'" '°"' '"'^ "^'-'"^ -'J added eagerly, '" ™'"-'Se, and tion't!:r:rt: u^ev' '° "^' '"" ^"'-" ='-'-- troops; and That r::^?:::,"'" "'-•^Tj'" "-■ be present. I will ,v,7, , ^°" "'"' ^'^^ '» surgeon, whom v'tr:::;;:,!!'""^^^-'™' safety. Indeed vn,„. r J »"'"■•'"'== your your'comint tr' ;'l!!'5 "»'''>- "^'P-'ls upon and you arc known to b ipprovin- upon such an occasion e present it will disarm III, !■ Iflli 202 NEAk to NATURE'S HEART. suspicion, and all will recognize that you are on our side. " We will come," said Vera decisively ; for she felt that it might be the turning-point in their lives. " Oh, no, my child ; I cannot," cried her father tremblingly. "Yes, father; you can and will," said Vera calm- ly. " I shall go, and you will not permit me to go alone. Urged by his strong desire to verify the tidings he had heard with his own ears, and Vera's gentle co- ercion, he yielded. It was arranged that they should come the following day to a point, near the fort, A'here they would find Saville, who promised to ^ive them a position which, while not conspicuous, rvould enable them to hear those pregnant words which had created a new and mdependent nation. x\s may well be imagined, Vera's excitement was scarcely less than that of her father, though more controlled. She was, at last, to catch a glimpse of the world and its inhabitants, concerning which she had thought and dreamed so much. She was to be present on an occasion of pomp and military display, and the one she loved and honored as the most excellent man existing, was to be the central figure. To her, he embodied the Declaration wliich he was to read, and was a synonym for liberty. In her fancy, she compared him to the youthful David of Jiible history, and the loftiest Shakspearian heroes ; ,,nd her heart ox'erflowed in gratitude to God that lie had raised up such a friend and deliverer for her and her father. Through his kind offices, she LJBEt:Ty m rim rnaiiLANDs. would betIlcauM)ir,-n„„ I '" ^""^"^'y- To-morrow "■e happy cl,an"r "'' "''"■'' " ""^ '"-Surate Go^ ha. ra,.ec,,,p?oJl! ;:/.'- '™=«-'wl.o,. T™iptation was indeed comiiicT ,n V ••■ngol of light, but as yet no th ate T ■■"■: '" Pcarcd above the bri.L , °/"™'«'- .s' cloud ap- Kusts lurked behind f '™"- '^■■' "'<-' "'""der- at last as f „,„ a 'ear sbv":'"' "."'"t"'"' '° ^-•^'^- to her. But now ,v,> I'T; ""^"" ""^ '™"' ™"e or a child, she :;■;;: \t"tr::"rvr"'''^™^^- promise opening before he a ,d "id, T ''"" and adn,irati„n which was es;e tll^ t at o? "'t"" for a stroiKT ^nr^ n . , -^ °' '^ sister Saville b°e,::' ^"^-t brother, .she pennitted expectation " "'" '"''" "^ -" -rthly fa.he::r,;tt.rdarfr ''"■'■■«'■'-''- pointed tin,e „ Tt rtif.' " '7' '"''"'' "'= ■••?■ -nple finery she po s 'ed An ,"""' , '" ^" ">= --^ i for neither h' mwltit ,::;: \"?=^ " -;^;;-..x.,had,sheac,uiredany:;;;fi'-/:-- .vaf^rra^r^r'"^!"- ""''"'-'"- so- mother was am, 1 ,°" '" "'»"" "■'"-■" i'" was a maiden in her Fnol,-.-i, i U'as fastened at her thronf K " °'"'^' ''^"^' brooclu But he ch r ^ ' ^'"'"' '"^ ^"'^'^^"t hei chief ornameht was the wealth i m I! If. 204 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. of <;oldon hair that flowed, unconfined, far down her sliouhlers. Upon her liead, as jauntily as when Saville first saw it, sat the plumage of the snowy heron. Saville wondered at her beauty, as she appeared, glowing with exercise and excitement, at the rendez- vous. Her father also had seemingly nerved him- self up to the emergency, and maintained the stately bearing of a gentleman of a former generation ; while Vera, to a very great degree, had renioved from his person and dress the habitual appearance of dis- order. Saville led them at once to his quarters, and placed before tl\.cm such refreshments as could be obtained in a mountain garrison. According to agreement, the bluff but kindly surgeon soon ap- peared, and did his best to entertain the visitors. Saville would have introduced a few other officers, but Mr. Ih'own had stipulated that he should make the acquaintance of no other person than the sur- geon. To his disordered fanc)', danger menaced from ever}- one who obtained knowledge of him. Saville and Vera readily acquiesced, feeling that his habit of reserve and morbid fear could only be broken gradually. liut Vera w.is more than content, and would have been in a state of childlike wonder and delight, had she been left solely to the enjoyment of me new and strange scenes witnessed now for the first time. But with Saville, and the surgeon who was kind to her mother, at her side, to ex[)lain and protect, she felt that her cup was full to overflowing. LIBERTY m THE IIIGI/LAArDS, ^OS Sav'illc noted with nl^Tom-^ t, • i r •. r ''-'' ^^'i^" P'^'^^u'^c her sunn c o-racc anH 1 Wuty of manner. She was his j>roU'J; a^d he 1 nd fel some anxiety as to her appearanee a ,d be^r ,cr -H' also lest she shonld Ik- painA.lly e„ a,n " d or so odd in chess an.I „,a„ner as to att.ac , "^0; "ble not.ce. lint l,er bearin.. „-„ tlr, f ^^ bred but dirndent ehiid. I ier" ."o'de 'de : e^cT o c surgeon'., words boti, charn,cd, and dis'Lcl h m of t he prej„d,ee whieh I,cr father's life and r o ten found expression upon her mobile features •"""'y '■'^P^'J Saville for In's effort to secure S presence. There was, wi.hal, a trace of quai" SM. peanan st.ateiiness in her words and man r t n he' rlr " ' *'"'''■ "••'^ '■"^ "'-» pleasing A, In 1 '"■'"'■' "•■ "'^' P--=™'''"e mode. As the hour approached for evening parade and ye sSef T '°'"'''''"' "'^■" '" ^ commanding et sheltered position beneath some overshadow '"S trees, from which they eould see and car au" and still not be full in the public eye A, y^t noticed this, and saw how relieved her f,n f>at he eould shrin, partially o:t o" si^^,' f^^ ^^J^oyoureadone'sthoughts, that ;ou'r courtesy •• I should be dull indeed," he replied, " if I could not read your thoughts, and most unkind not o amTo takl" '" "" ""f"'" '"' '"= P-' ">at T P ; ; r 1 ill ;.^'^'e4 i;i.;li« 1 ■ y r :| m. Kill ! I It 206 A'EAJ! TO NATURE'S HEART " I am proud that it is the cliicf part," she said exultantly. Savillc's enthusiasm over the Declaration of Inde- pendence had scarcely known bounds, and so at- tracted the attention of his brother officers, that Colonel James Clinton, the commanding officer, said lauijhintrlv, " You shall read it at evening parade, for, judging from the feeling you show, you can do the docu- ment more justice than any of us." " I shall esteem it the greatest honor of my life, if I ma}'," resiiontlecl Saville eagerly ; " for I see in this instrument the inauguration of a totally new condition of society, i think its writer was inspired, and that it contains more than he realized. He wrought better than he knew. Take the words, 'all men are created equal, and are endowed with certain inherent and inalienable rights ; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' Push these pregnant sentences to their logical con- clusion, and they level all arbitrary distinctions, and break all chains, spiritual and temporal. They will make all men sovereigns, instead of vassals and slaves of tyranny, existing on earth or believed to exist somewhere else." "Hold on, Saville," cried Clinton • "you haven't quoted correctly. The document reads, * endowed by their Creator with certain inherent and inalien- able rights.' A Creator that can endow, can also impose restrictions." " I admit," Saville had replied, " that in the letter of its phraseology, the instrument accords with the LIBERTY IN THE IIIGIIIAXD^. 207 ^vanIng superstitions of the times ; but, as I said ic wmer uTou.ht better tl.an he kneu-, and placed tlune the germs of a golden age, wherein man will be supreme, reason holding the scepter. Suppose we break the bonds of King Georgl, how ca'! we possess hberty and pursue happiness, if we are tram- meled on every side by what some ancient bi-^ots imagined was the will of an obscure Hebrew Divinity> If we must be governed by the myths of remote antiquity, m the name of reason, let us go to Greece • for there, at least, we shall find some breadth and' beauty. "If I saw in this document what you foreshadow, I d burn It instead of having it read," said Clinton with an oath. " I see in it only independence of Kin^: George, and allegiance to the God of my fathers " "" ''1 he acorn grow, slowly," Saville answered. but when It grou-s, the shell decays and drops away. •' i ^ ''Very well," said Clinton; "j-ou shall read it and every man can interpret it for himself." Andso it had been arranged. Apart from Saville's enthusiasm, the selection would prove good in other respects, for he had a fine presence, and a strong sonorous voice. ** As the sun sank behind the western highlands, tne tap of the drum summoned the garrison to their respective positions, and filled all minds with ea-er expectancy. Vera heard the confused and hurryhic. tramp of feet, and rapid commands from officers" which, though unintelligible to her, soon crystallised the luiman atoms into compact masses. In every w ■I. H It .fill r-l 20S iVF.JR TO XA TURK'S HEART. f. ' I [ ■■• part of the fort and island that was visible, bodies of men appeared with bayonets gleaming above their heads. Then, with a precision and order which only military discipline can produce, each company was put in motion by a single word, as if all were swayed by one will. The rhythmical tread of many feet echoed and re-echoed on every side, and soon the open, level space before her began to fill with angular masses of men. At first, they seemed to her un- taught eyes like human blocks placed here and there by chance ; but, as company and battalion came marching forward to the music of fife and drum till they seemed to form an innumerable host, she saw the angular human masses take, as it were by magic, the outline of three sides of a hollow square. The martial sounds caused every nerve to tingle, and looking at her father, she saw, with a thrill of hope, that he was losing his shrinking manner, and that his eyes were kindling with a grand excitement akin to her own. In very brief time the lines were dressed, and the men standing like serried ranks of statues. A word of command rang out, which was followed by a sub- dued crash, as every firelock came simultaneously to the ground, and the ranks became statuesque in another attitude. She also saw that in the mean time every cannon had been manned along the ex- tensive line of breastworks. A little in the rear of the nearest stood a person whose strange costume did not prevent Vera from recognizing as the young Irish girl whom she had occasionally met in her mountain ..^cursions. It was no other than the LfBEJ^TV AV TffE iriGirLANDS. ^^ redoubtable Molly O'FIarharty dressed fn J petticoat, the scarlet coat of - n'-u- , ' " cocked hat v,-orn v,V\J. *'" '^'^' '^^'■>''^''^""'»nd a saus from Mollv-^ t ^^ "" ""' •''^''^' ^^'^^ ^^'-^ stare ...vo W L "' ^^''' "'^''^" ^'^^^ --"^-^'-s bold tLo^'^cc'l/n" ■■" "°^'"'""' ■•'"" ^"-« '>-■ '••.ken Co o e r, . ".'■'•''^'='""2 "'" ■-""' "--"P of feet ^-oionel Clinton, vv th hk ^^'^iT ,.ca • ' the shadow of s;,„e L c- ,t ,'a"'' '""'■i'' 1""'' selves on the fonrtN ■ grouped tiiem- .uer Dcinc,r a httle in advance of the of Ii^r. t~^c::?t^rh:^^^^ abroad, tears of exultant pride suffused he eyes ad she murmured, '< He to.vers above them allT "See what a grace is seated on ihis i„•o^v • H>Tenon',s curls; the A-ont of Jove himJclf. An eye hke Mars, to uneaten and co,nmand. A combination, and a form, indeed Where every god did seem to set his seal, And give the world assurance of a man " Ad by th eep hush fell upon the c rustle o )f i-^i- parchment as it garrison, broken only was unrolled. ' i 1 ' 1 1' i ii i !- 1 :| ; r i.l il ?i; iM ''ii 1 I i^ji- M ;' i: 1 ■*i -^ ■ t ■ « : i ; ■ 210 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. Even the most stolid of tlic soldiery could be seen craninrf their necks that they mi;4ht hear more dis- tinctly the words that were so fraiis^dit with destiny to them and their children. 15ut there was no need of such effort; for Saville's powerful voice, like a trumpet, sent every syllable even to the artillery- men standing at the distant guns. When he came to the words, " We hold these truths to be self-evident : that all men arc created equal,'' he gave to thrm such emphasis and meaning, that they thrilled all present, and touched the deep chonl of human brotherhood in every heart. From the common soldiery, who felt their humble .station, but believed that this truth made them peers of all mankind, there went up an irrepressible shout, whose echoes were long in dying away. Savillo smiled, as he thought, " Did I not say that the germ of perfect liberty and equality is in these words? ay, and the instinct of the masses will discover it, in spite of their rulers. Even the mere announcement causes these poor fellows to break the iron bands of military restraint." More than once the reader was interrupted by outbursts of applause, or by groans and hisses given with emphasis by his recent subjects for King George, who, in this memorable document, was to hear the unvarnished truth in a form that would make his ears tingle. It was indeed a remarkable occasion and scene. In the words themselves, in the feelings of those who then for the first time heard them, and espe- cial!)' in view of the results, the element of sublimity L/BEl^TV LV TJIE IIiailLAXDS. 2\\ was prc-cmlnciit Ih ^K,■^^ k c^- o'» cvcrv sic!,. < ,1 '"'""^- l'''■ '*"KK>-'»ti«-- ot wh.M, -, f "^>^ ^'"-y \\^''^' now chiiiniiiT jj,,. ... . nd ,vc,-co,„e ail obstucl.., cvc, as tl c -■Ics of ^LiL t;: '^^■^■' "-' ^'^-^^ - '^y 'l..-ou«h P>-d«. to cacl, ot , o„ '; ' ■■■'r "" "" """"'"y s.ic,vj honor " . f , ' °'"' '^'"•'""•-■■S .-md oui- ilomes to be hdd in chJ\- 1 visit the city, and he began to feel that th ; '.!-<:;t ■ iv.' owed I .t mother was conflictimj most pamfullv with that of a soldier. If he could ::jr P-Cl/OES At. oxu jui-: iiud^ SOA\ only '^' coiitcni (,, rc-t„ni'to tl '•^^movc her to a place cf safety. I 215 <-fC was uu i, th Tl A'oni tl time there ic would cv '<-■ mountain f,,|-t wli en nmediate i)rospect cf act "^ anx.cty kept him on the alert for c '^- city, and in that feverish and ere ivc service !• every rum lUit ^vere rumors iunu nierabU or P"rtent(nis '^".t''*'- '.3thof July, while d '"S: party in the const two ruction of a bastion, 1 i''ectin.i,v a work Tl •'opscomin.LTuptheriverat ^t.' wind was bio east, dan< and yet they carried so uni- very strongly from tl ic noticed ;in unusual speed. rcr water's cd< and at times much >c south- sail as to involve and he 1 Savill would careen over to tl )f tl l^new that n t-' uas somethii !ie could reason 'L' nver craft would 'i}4' of a sailor, one of the casy-noinj. skippers '•aise, in such a oal,., unl carry all the c '■nivas thei ess tl icre wa ;is ur-ent Scanuinp- them tl convinced that tl n-ou-h liis fdass, 1 great importance had icre was reason, and that "■nK-'cl '\n this su occurred below. II ic was soon events of stand in< rmisc when tl o and " past the fort. e was con- le vessels, instead of 'iniL' up before the wind approached the si; ven while cast E J^nchor two boats shoved off, and a fc J'Uei the caotams of fl,« ,.t, •ptains of the sloop le rocky bank and asking for onel Clinton. Saville led the niandanfs tent, and the bluff ore, iuLT <-'w moments 's were clamberin up an audience with Col breath said icm at once to the com- ippcrs, almost in a sk C B rilish oloncl Clinton, look M'ell to you r .uun.- and crs attacked the cit)- yesterday^ft some of their 1 .Hue .1 s! The crnoon. "p-^ were a-stand in « I :W , . i li ItVi 2l6 NEAR TO NATI'iUrs HEART. Straight up the river when night closed in. If they keep on they'll be here afore long." Then followed several hurried questions and an- swcrs. Clinton was a prompt man and a brave sol- dier, and though his garrison and works were ill able to cope with English ships of the line, he had no other thought save that of resistance to the last. '' Make all sail," he said to the captains, " for New Windsor, where you will find my brother, the gen- eral. Tell him what you have told me. Ask him to order out the militia at once, and reinforce me at the quickest possible moment." The captains needed no urging, and scrambled aboard their vessels, which were soon lying upon their sides again, in imminent danger, as every inch of canvas swelled \\'ith the freshening gale. Ikit, even in advance of their swift progress, and in accord- ance with a preconcerted signal. Colonel Clinton sent the echoes of a heavy gun booming up the river, warning his brother, the warrior-governor, that the guardians of the Highlands must bestir themselves at once. " I am sorry, Saville," he said to the anxious-vis- aged young officer; " but there is no use in your thinking of getting away now. The garrison is ridiculously weak as it is. Out with every man who can handle a pick or spade. We must fight with these while the red-coats give us a chance." And, having put everybody in motion at Fort Conotitu- tjon, he hastened down to Forts Montgomery and Clinton, to push forward the work there also, and arrange for signals, should the enemy's ships appear. ECHOES ALOXG THE HUDSON. tl'o took himself i ."■'-'" '^"'' ''°'<' °f unusual cffo , , " """t"-'"^"-'' "■■•'t required grow uucle.- . ; ;: ,1 , B™:'';?-'^"™"'' "■^'^'>- '° Late in ll„. ,ft of officers and men. '"e river, and ^1}^^,^'^ ^-""'^ ^oun concertin.- nicasnr,.. '. =^'"" governor ,vas soon who, in d,e me " ?• f '?"'" "'"' '"» '-^'h". formed Col^u' c i ::' Thf ■"■""'• "'^^'"^ ■•"■ Jiad taken, and of t . ""I'ortant steps he .^I>eedily be on the n> ,"" "='"""'^ "''^' "-"Id he said! ■'" '" '■"■'"■"■■'^'^ ""^ posts, go:,tr;','t s^-;r::,i;;r'-^ " "°^' '^^°- tak-e do,vn with me Te o, /„ "'^'- ' "••■■"' '° '.elp push forward the Hnes " """-'"'" "''''"'• '° sa;d":;:'iL:,r:7t;^;r^-^'''°^-™^^'" accompany the c'vern . ' "i-structed to ba««.i:.^n,:cT,u4::,:ir""^"'''''-'>'-^ fe:^w:,f--:::^---^-oe.m,;hutt„e r;d;;.:;:trr;hr-'-,r-^^"---: Bunderbe ' Bear ]^ T'"' c'^™ '° "•^-. ^"^ 'I'u and liutter^Hi I pee ", • ^"^'^^ ^°''' '^''''^■^^^' flame. ' "''''^ "■'^""l'-''' "><--ir erouns of From the rocky h lo :y heiglit above the cabin, Vera U'i m ' i^ ' and ir m 218 A£^1j;: TO NATURE'S HEART. her father watched the ominous glare, for a long time, with deep anxiety. However little she nii-h't know of its cause, one thin- was certain— it por^ tended dajiger to her only friend. On her was imposed already the most painful experience of war-woman's helpless waiting and watching for those they love. Not niany hours later, swift riders brought tidings to the fort that the admiral. Lord Howe, had come to co-operate witli General Plowe, his brother, and that the active campaign would no doubt commence at once. On the following day came a letter from Wash- ington, urging General Clinton to do what had already been accomplished, for the energetic gov- ernor had stirred up the whole country. In^'the evening the notes of the drum and fife were heard along the river road, and three hundred of the hard> Ulster County militia marched into the fort. During the night. Vera saw many lights on the mountain-side, to the west ; they were the camp fires of five hundred men, who arrived in the fort early the next morning, and, after a brief respite, for rest and refreshment, all were at work upon the fortifications, every man acting, in the grand excite- ment of the moment, as if all depended on himself. For two or three days, Saville's labors were in- cessant, and he had scarcely time to obtain neces- sary rest. But, as matters quieted down somewhat, and the English ships remained quietly at anchor in Haverstraw Bay, he found an opportunity to slip across the river, on a visit to the mountain cabin. J^CnoES ALONG THE HUDSO!,. n vera was ovcn•o^•c(I to c,nr> i • I am out with ,ny riHr " h. • , ^'^'"k's. vigilant scout in%„ursc^-":rirV' ''"' '"^^'^ ^"^ "Let me rcnort ' ^"^ ^' ""'^"^^^'H-" ^-1. ir,ou;po::t::;:'.i^,:r-^^ ^^"- ^'- >- . And so thl ratal eL;;T,^r''^^^^^^ '" the war continued '' ^-^co-^niized part said, '^ P°-^'^- In partmrr^ Jie "ot know wimt an T n "' ''''■^" ^''^^^■'^ ^^e do too much." ^ ^"^'' >'"" "^"■'^t not grieve "I Sllould not SOrI-m^• " -.^- 1 -fr others «.I,o have , o o^; ■ fo'iY^-;'" '-;f""y."as -°'-W. .-..ul a better lirf,!, °' ' '^''^^ '" ^o'l'c, "ot be disturbed by these rud. ' T "'" ^'■'"' <' Tr .,, . ^'^^ ^ "ced not grieve?" heas,:::;::;v;,::;:;;;">'"-o.netoha.e,r,a„,p.. B..tS-^;:e;^e'Ser;;::t;d' '" ^'"- i -"•^' ="^ ^diu earnestly, ■! i^i ^ 1 . 220 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. " If that time ever comes, you will still be first." They accompanied him to his boat, for every mo- ment with him was precious. As he pushed away the father said, " I Khali be watching en the Dunderbere to-mor- row." The presence of English ships so Iiigh up in the waters of the Hudson, created intense excitement along its shores, among both Whigs and Tories; nor was the general ferment diminished by the fact that the enemy's boats were out daily, taking sound- ings far up toward the Highlands. Everything in- dicated that they were preparing to take possession of the river. On the afternoon of the day following Saville's visit, signals were seen along the mountain-sides, which indicated that the enemy were approaching. The drums beat to arms, and all were ordered to their posts. The guns were manned, and the matches ready for lighting. Before very long, one of the tenders of the British ships was seen beating up against a stiff northern breeze, which would enable her to retire rapidly in case of danger. But the occupants of the fort sup- posed that the men-of-war were following, and pre- pared for the worst. Larry, whose company had been again ordered down to Fort Montgomery, was stationed near a long thirty-two pounder which had the best range of the river, and was iiot a little nerv- ous, now that his amorous enlistment had brought him face to face with something more than garrison duty ; but his wife, Molly, aflame with excitement. l^CirOES ALOXG THE HUDSON. Thus she b ;:?"•" :1 "■""■■•'■' "■- ""''-""ted. -letted, ^:^ cii;pSe:'or r "t:-- gave a man an o-,Drohri? , ' ^ ' ""'' '"^ "^'"^ I'ini like a bun To, ^^.^ ""^I^'^^^. i' stuck to as he safd ' ^°'°"'-'' *='""°" "-"'d often laugh, t..- the^d.mtffic::''' "^ ""' °^ "■= ""■■'- '■-'- ■nonial fa e a'd ^ '°:°'''"'^'-" ^ -"Pt-cl his matri- ^ut that EnHish vessel w)i,vi, up against the wind.ZT , '^ Lr^hau;!"! f°'^'^ to be followins;, mi.^it oi,,, i believed to digest than .rV " T, ™ -something harder self btck ihr;'o;,W cr ^^"^-'^^^ ^^"r" -"vt Jast It was thouHit that i-h^ „ i and the governor himseif 3 t ^^ trfoffi""^"-^' command of the artillery ran hT ' '" " Fire ! " he cried '^' ^^°"^ '^' ^un. I im II in 1 : : ■ I '^^ ' r '^H m '''^^'9¥mm'wmfmm ( '■ 222 A'/i.lA' TO A'ATURirs HEART. Kvciycyc was strained, and lia had 'da ball ■s-scs. A shout of exultat was seen to plow into the tend and applause was ppy were they wlui ion went up, as the cr's (juarter, quickdy went about and scudded d lyain and aj^ain repeated as si le fore the wind. The echoes h before Larry breathed fr own the river be- :ul scarcely died away cer in the hope that th.c attack would not be made, and that he should 'M to fio-ht another da) Saville asked and obtained permission to foil ive the tender in his sail-boat, and observe h ow ments, and was soon sk breeze at a rate that er movc- imming along before the drop 1 would make it ns sai un less he wished to e necessary to tality of a liritish priscn-ship. y\s proached so near that a brass howit; M-as brought to bear upon h njoy the hospi- it was, he ap- ;cr on the tender im, and the ball passed over his head, striking the water a little to the 1 ward. He concluded to run his boat ee- ing cove, until the tender sailed out of in doin! shots. He did not 1 into a shelter- range ; but so, had narrow escapes from two more now that th( self-appointed scout was watching all from the sides of the D derberg, and that Vera heard of his peril. un- would grow pale as she When the tender had receded sufficiently, he reefed his sail and followed m tenting himself with the ore cautiously, con- use of his glass. He had not proceeded far, before the English vessel sud- denly rounded to, and cast anchor. A boat was lowered, and Saville first thought that th giving him a chase, in the hope that he might b ey intended ECHOES ALOXa TI,E IWDSOX. of th. ,„ount.u„, was in Hanics, u- .' L ,, '''"■ notliin- could be secMi Th • ' '° ^^'^'^ ^-nSia™^^:^-:;--.--^^'-, an. t,,e within ran..e Hr f„. i -, •^'••fo'''-- he came reaC, befo^t^ie c" /^^^ s 7 ^.I't't, '^ ""' "' proceeded from the .slu^re bu .iif ! "' ^°''' ''"'' ltXTd^;:^°r™■"'='^^'"-^^^^^^^ "-'*-'t,> cina tJie stroke mriit-ni,-. r n ward. TJiis r-,M..i O'^i^'^man fell over back- savi,,eS;:ed"rth:T::t°t;2"''rfT'^'''' -mcnt or t™, the cans t ' L r,',, ! ' ^'"" ^ '"-^ ™d a,ai„ de,a,.cd p„«,.c.3 1:1 , """'• He now sprang down tl)e rocks toward tl, ' . -C whipping out the glass that V^^^V::^ fill i ; ^ 1 1 ; ,1 ft ■, :r I I,: t : .\- ; i liifes?' fyi NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. shoulder, endeavored to dlstlnguisli, if possible, the form of the officer in command, feeling that he, more than any of the rest, deserved punishment! Though this man, with the cowardice in keeping with his deed of rapine, sought to hide himself among the crew, Saville's glass revealed his insignia of rank. Leaning his rifie over a rock, he took delibe- rate aim, and fired ; then, taking up his glass, he had the satisfaction of seeing the craven si)ring up, and fall overboard, while his cry of pain came distinctly across the water. He was immediately pulled or board, but whether dead or alive, Saville could not tell, and in a moment or two more the boat passed out of range. The {i^w random shots that had been fired by the marines pattered harmlessly against the rocks ; for the two fatal marksmen were well con- cealed. Saville now remembered that Mr. Brown had said that he would be watching on the Dunderberg that day, and he at once surmised that it was he who had fired the first two shots. In the hope of seeing him and taking him back in his boat, he sent his power- ful voice far up the mountain, " A friend— Saville." " I believe you are, Mr. Saville," said a quiet voice at his side ; and to his surprise, on looking around, he saw the object of his thoughts standing before him. " How, in the name of the impossible, did you get here without my seeing you ? " " I told you that I could be something of a scout and wished to prove it." ^Cm^S ALO.VC nE ,WI„0N. shots you made." "^ ^^°'^'-^ ^^'crc splendid " Vouns u-as a better nn^ --'■-■ ^. ?^^^=^*=»=e"Bi "-^ owner ^'^^v that her r-,n . "^ "'s own «li. i ponded ol'^^r^^^^'' ^^^'^t h ou^7' ^'^"^-''^^ -'^'•n.' to tie ''■^"^ ^^°- to hou . T' '^ ^- ^n--s wilt r .'^"'^^^^^•on to act f J' ""^ '^^^ ^^^t ' ^^ '^ If possible. ^^^ "^dependentJy of ■tsut early f„ fi,,, , ^ ^' '^"■■'y 8U.S, and ",e f "'■-"■'^ ^'''"^■'"•/ca rW ^' ■'^b'^ain tJiere wne », Governor Clinton ,,,, •^ '--»• The nVer ,C dtp "T"' ^"^ -'"> aecp, and, n-iti, ^ f^.V II ! ii ;i,r i s i ' ; ^^M ! ' ' 'm 1 .t 1 ■ .. , 1., 1 ,-,8j ■ ■■■: %M M XEAR TO A'ATL'A'E'S HEART. i'(lil)' pass his guns, unlcsH c the I lij^lilands, a rich and pen to ravage. lie feared intagc of some dark iiiLdit, 1 sliadows of the moun- ores were lined with guards, boats. Huge piles of brush- able materials, were placed le shore opi)ositc the fort, cindled after nightfall, the that the ships were under ould remain in darkness, while the men-of-war must pass distinctly through the transient glare, and so become excellent targets. The cannoniers slept by their guns, while Molly's scarlet coat flamed along the ramparts by day, and she flitted hither and thither almost as restlessly at night. Every morning found her as morose and vixenish as one of the wildcats of her native moun- tains, because the signal fires had not blazed, and that all had remained c^uiet on the Hudson. There soon came a day on which there was a steady downfall of rain, and it was feared that the brush -heaps and combustibles would become so dampened that they would not kindle. The night promised to be excessively dark, and Saville learned that the general was growing anxious. He again volunteered to go in his boat on a re- connoissance, and his offer was gladly accepted. " If we fire three shots in instant succession, you may know that the ships are under weigh up the u t\ fo lei *l !: ough SAl'/ifj: may be- 'Jiit U ' '-''-^^T ^^Kco.Vxorss. u-c n ■i^VCE, sK nccc '■l" -It interval 'injisli. ''^•^'y 'n sclflcJc/b ■^- .^^'Vc no hoccl. r, '-^' «-'.'"! '"'""I tlicmsci VCSScJi they be "Uifncd ;\ '^^^^^n th - ^"emselvcs to dn•^^ i . "'-^" ^'^^-T P an ler- e tidt ■I /car \ve sli-,i/ c,o„.s." ^ "■^'e "o |/gl,ts out Js V ^'"^ '' «■»' not lont! rr'"^''°"- ' "'"■ "P' ^^'as able to h^y. ^?^^^'^ ^'^^v, and, by .f,"; ^ '^ss silence r ^''' ^°^t for a timp ^^'^"^^^"S ^^- He could hear the r V '" '^°f^°n- ^'^t^e confused sound of I J M ■III 1 / ■■ t "^•"---niiiirfTir- NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. voices, and the step of the officer of the watch, but nothing definite. At last, footsteps and voices approached the bow of the ship under which he stood. Some one said distinctly, " It's cursed dark." " Yes ; but that would be in our favor, if we only get a little more wind from the present quarter, and could feel our way up through these black hills. It's just the time to catch the rebels napping." Saville concluded that he would now put a word in their counsels. " Have my pistol ready," he whispered to the nearest of his companions. Then, by a powerful effort, he pushed his boat well away from the ship, and shouted, " But the rebels are not napping, and, as proof, take that," and he fired his pistol where he supposed the group to be. There was a sharp cry of pain, followed by great confusion for a moment, and in the mean time Saville's companions pulled rapidly away. " Here, a lantern, quick ! Hold it over the side," shouted a hoarse voice. This was all that Saville desired, and taking up his rifle he fired instantly, and man and lantern .splashed overboard. " Lights, lights ! man the guns! every man to his post ! " roared the same gruff voice. " This comes of playing bopeep in the dark. The cursed rebels might put a keg of powder under our quarter, and blow us up." a a St SA J^ILLE Would to th ■' ■''"'"'• "^'^o.v.vo.ss^^ 'CE. '[-•.•■cncdsllnr.r,!,?!'';?'" gestion all th officer, that Stop h c sajne. b^; r;Lr"5'^°^ ''-' bl' you for th '■"^ mouth u-fth (? sue. I men. The no OIK ■ PuIJ sh 'H't th S:''^ipc-shot," th ^^'■e a musket or und 'crcd th( '^^'^ fire a sJiot ? - P°P-8un aboard ^-^^Ptotheieft/'sa/d SaviJI, confu sion and " ^° ^^is oars. ^^^-t a moment or tl^7^ °" ^^^^ ^^^'P -ere so . ^--der could be obe, 7 ''"^-^^^ before the nm^''"' commenced h ' , ""^ ^ ^^^"enn^fi^e fr '^'^^"^ vviien once under fl, „ ,! t"^" ""'<= numerous I ^f °™ P'"-'='"'t. In °','^7 =h,ps, and ,-nd,-cated „;^^'' '^P'^^'i on tl " pan/onrf:v°^^^--.'S':;nr; ,. "P. while complete 1, "'"?'' "'«e are i,vt ? ":; -"". I -pto::;^^'^™- --- "3. o"e of;:,' "^"i both." .'.' f''°j^"'e best shot?" saM^:: V^htmf: ^'""■^^' °"' °f «- ta„est trees/ ""'rapid succession ! J( ^«i I" i 1 \v r ' 1 :',^^B \ i } i „4. A I -KflH 1 232 AEAR TO XATUKE'S HEART. occasionally, to increase the impression of numbers In this way we can keep them in an uproar and state of alarm all night, while we, by moving rapidly from point to point, will run but little risk of being hit." His companions had the nerve to enter upon the scheme at first with zest ; and one of them, seizing an oar, soon propelled the boat within range of the ship with which they had first come in contact. Dropping well astern, they approached slowly and cautiously her nearest quarter. Soon the outline of a human form gave Saville a fair mark, and his rifle again rang out with startling distinctness in the silent night. The man with the oar then sculled rapidly toward the eastern shore, passing directly aft of the vessel. Again there was the trampling of feet, and a hurried giving of orders, and many shots were fired in the direction from whence had been seen the flash of Saville's rifle. But, in the momentary delay, the lively little craft had passed so far to the eastward as to be out of range. " Now," said Saville, "let us give them two shots on the other quarter. The moment we fire, scull down the river. Come around well abreast, so that it will seem as if our shots were fired from another boat." In a {q\v moments, the firing from the ship ceased, as it seemed to produce no effect ; but there was evidently great excitement on board. They had scarcely reached the position which Saville desired, when several men were sent aloft with lanterns, in the hope that their rays might penetiate the darkness more effectually. s a !,»<^l' .P.ck off one of tho,,.' ru '"''■ " Let us f '^« just after me." '""^ '^-■""'" "> the ri,,„i„, Savflle's man w °''- '^' '..■» t, r,:?, P'"7P - t„e deck, t„e Fortunately they e,c, J "'" ■•>'»'-'«.-'nts. P°'»' fo ti.o south where^ '• ""^' ■'°"" '=»ched a ^fj-s;;s";::„:::,:;:'^n.ru.he.,..a,d t",? fcllcv yoncle,-." '""^ " -'Wrmish with that H's companions agreed k . f<"- f'..-s measure of attacl h, '■';L"'" '•'^'""nntlv. ™-c than they bar.a t' ' ^ »" ^"UU.h fleet .is' drn!?/''----eri;::r:tt:nyr'- . s'^ '"'y lower " H-as arran.red th,t » »!?-•'>• Drifting t th tl J°.-t°'^ ^''""''l b- fired P;oached the second ,d "' ""=- »'°»'ly an "-""■hile, comparati,::, ;■: "PPortunity. I„ ti.e' "'.""gi. it was evident tVa ,,"'''" '^■''''" ''-'ored • ''""^■"'P--"'.-.J the two rifles i 'ill! I t l\ I ' • ,, i !fi '34 NEAR TG NATURE'S HEART. again awoke the sleeping echoes, but with what elTcct could not be seen. The commander of the P/uvnix, however, warned by the experience of the other ship, had stationed marines all along the sides of his vessels, and the return volley was so prompt and accurate that Sa- ville's fellow marksman was slightly wounded. Hap- pily the man at the oar escaped, and they again passed out of range, by going toward the western f.hore, and the English officers soon checked the useless firing at random. But Saville had effected his object. There would be no sleep on the British vessels that night, nor any hope of catching the " rebels napping." So he hoisted sail, and quietly stood up the river, leaving the sorely puzzled and not a little frightened British crevv's standing at their guns and alarm-posts, so that any attempt at boarding, on the part of the indefinite number of rebels imagined in the sur- rounding darkness, might be repelled. Saville and his companions received high praise for their conduct, and were soon sleeping peace- fully, while the harassed enemy remained on the alert until daybreak. Note. — The incidents of the preceding chapters arc largely founded on fact. 1 .iC tidings of the irruption of the British ships into the waters of the Hudson were lirought as described. A tender of these ships ventured within range of Fort Montgomery, and received a shot in her quarter. On retiring down the river, her boat was sent ashore, a farm-house I)urnt, and the boat, on returning, was fired upon. The F/iivi/ix and Rose approached within six miles of the fort, and, when- ever oi)portunity offered, the English vessels were annoyed by mark s- uieu in boats or from tiic jhorc. DAKK DAYS. 235 CHAPTER XVI. DARK DAVS. ON the folloivintr div tl,„ Britfsh vessels s.l^I. m """"""^er, of the p.-eparatio„s for es stt . h T'"'''" "'« f""" preccdfn, ,„-,ln, „or ...AC^Z: ^^^^ "'■ '"= a position where the dcen .1, 1 '■^"'''"" '" ;-•"» ™.«IU afford cL Lett ulr'""-' '"-"- force was cfose upon them H "" ^'"■•"^king ^l>.-ps down the rive" o the „Ih"^ ."''""'' "'^'•' Fear of immediate atHk,-. '""'°''So. thoughts recurred .0 Vert anrf ^" ''r=''' ^^''''e's proposed visiting them that e '""'"• ="'^ '"-■ '>e ™igl.t find M, l™ n „ r"'"T- ''°P'"» ''"" out the measures on we ■ "''"°" '° ^••'■'•>' welfare depended But ', • '"' ,°'"' """^ Veras - ..tii, .summ-one^l.^,::- „t^--„oon "^ ^ can now fjive vnn -, ^ • i said General ClhUon'^nd'T/'"" '' ^'^^"-'" and look after your ',. ^ ^ ^''"' "'^'""'-^^ 't- Go ^-- these d s,C; :tT-^ r'^'^^- ''''' ^^^ ^^- Washin,.ton. The/^ e L '^ Excellency, General hi- at the earlie JpoTsib 1;°"' "^' "^'^^ ^'-^ possible moment. Your escort ;!i^** ! 3(( . W''> 1 ™ •;. 1 ■ 1 '■ i :,'i, fl ! t< ■ i ■ ;■ ■ 1 ^ L ■ . .: .,1 1 236 X/-:AR to NATL' flic's HEART. \ will be ready within an hour on the further shore. I have mentioned your name with praise in my dis- patches, and though I shall feel your loss, you will probably be assigned to duty in the main army. When things are somewhat settled, your heavy bag- gage will be sent after you. And now, sir, hasten''; give those papers into his Excellency's own hands,' or into those of his private secretary." Saville was greatly pleased at this turn of affairs, and, in the excitement and bustle attendant upon his hurried departure, forgot for a time the inmates of the cabin. When he did remember them, it was with a pang of genuine pain and regret, that he could not see Vera before his departure. As this was im- possible, he penned a few hasty lines, explaining his sudden movements, and urging that she should find a safer retreat, and that her father should enlist openly in the war. This was sent to tlie surgeon at Fort Constitution, with the request that hiT would deliver it. Unfortunately, the missive was never received. Having arrived in New York, and delivered his dispatches as directed, Saville received permission to provide for his mother's safety. The old lady, however, would not leave her city home, asserting, " 1 have naught to do with this unnatural broil, and shall demand protection from both parties." JJut, after all, her chief motive \vas the desire to be near her beloved son, who, she hoped, might be assigned to duty ui)on the works that were going up at various points on the island. In this expecta*^ A-^/'A- /X4 vs. ^2>7 tion she was rearK. f , ^^^ Saville therefore rave un I,.-' i «' "nee reported for duty 'l^lf'^"^' °f absence, and »f h's natural desire to see m r!" '^"""''''-'ration »° long an absenee, he ^t ",? V''' "°'''"- ^f- faction of some redoubtfn ""? °' "'^ '™- '•""se, and at a po/nt tlt^e h° t "" '"'= °"" -•■•"'"•s movements wit a :,': "oV""''' P'--"'y she scowled upon him. '"'" '""'' ^arldy But the disastrous 'battle nf T °eeurred, and was speedily f„,^„ Tc '"'""'' >^°°n f the American forces from tl' -'^ "'^ ^^'^--" Saville, in his sphere a,'d oT^ "'^ ""'* ''=''■'"''. -eonded WasMngton'm ste .' "'"•■'" "''"'^ =""'"'y. shovel in the dishear eLw '' "'' °^ "'^Piekand He now sought thoro " 2 :7^"»V.'"' '°"°-d. and became an efficient oC Wa'. '"■"'■'-■■"'■°"' 'o know something of U,,'L ^^^'"""g'"" 'earned promptness and eter«v v^ m' "^ ">=" he had eomplish much even wit """^■'' '""' '» ^e- defenses reared in a mVI t' ' '"™ ' """ ••" '""es, On the 4th and 5 h rfNo "V™"'' ''^S'ments. began to'retire r „° b^rtv''' ,""= '^""■^'' ^-^s P--tion in the inter™ of tv Ltd," "^?"'^ ^'""^ ■ng the roads leading sonVl ^ ' ^"""'y- tak- river. As soon as i b" came '". ""^ ""-'^"^ "'« 7"'d cross into the Jerryr";"' ""' '"^ ^-'">' Phia, Saville was sent th.th . "™''"='= Philadel. the defenses of that i y 'th f '" ^'-"gthening Vera at the close If tt f^'" ''" 1°"^' °'' -einf P^nte.l. He wrote to cr ,! .""'P^"S" "'as disap. to her agam, as he had several f l ■$ ■■■ * i ' 1 . j ! I : 1 .. ■ ■ ■ ' ! [■ * , ■ ; i '■ ' -ii .1 ■■■■M ■ ffr- El t ; < m 238 A'EA/;: TO NATURE'S HEART times before, in care of the surgeon at Fort Cjnsti. tution. But that officer liad been assigned to duty elsewhere, and the letters never reached their desti- nation. Saville comforted himself with the hope that Vera was informed of his movements and con- tinued remembrance. As diiy after day passed, and nothing was seen or heard of her friend, a great dread began to chill Vera's heart. Her father had come back from his, watch on the Dunderbcrg in a wretched condition of mind. With scarcely a word, he had cowered all the long night in his dark corner. But, as the result of rest and. quiet, the incubus lifted from his mind somewhat in the morning, and Vera heard of Sa- ville's peril in following the tender down the river, and of his firing into the marauders' boat. Of his own share in the transaction her father was charac- teristically silent, even to his daughter. On the dark and stormy night of Saviile's recon- noissance, the southern breeze had borne faintly through the damp air the reports of the guns. To her, every such sound now meant danger to him. The days passed, and still he did not come. Her father told her that the ships had moved down the river. As far as she could judge, the garrison oppo- site had no apprehension of immediate attack. She urged her father to go down to Fort Montgomery and make direct inquiries; but vainly. Saviile's prolonged and unexplained absence had awakened his morbid suspicions and fears, and his mind was so shattered that he was not capable of the effort. A look of wistful, anxious expectancy became I^ARK DA YS. icsti- -'^39 tl^c I.abuual cxpressfon of Vcra's face TI r , est sound startled her. In her ,hfK V if '''^'''- ^^•- ever toward the wind n t '' 'f'''\ ^''' '''' tH'i.cr, tlie bark of a scn,h-re h ' ] i '"■'"'^"'"- °^ ^ fi- often venturelil^L^^^^^^ ^^er eyes in the vain effo tl ' '"^ '^'''''^'"^d '•'^J^uid opposite Con. . '""''^''''' ^^'"^ °" the ^^^Peili return wrT^^hl^lT ^^ '' '-''- her despondency ..Zdlt '^"""'^ '"'° "'■«'"• oppressive. Then she 1 m7' "'°"' ''=■"''•■" ''"d back- .„ the cabr-.nd , f''*^ '"■'■• ''^'-'^y ^"-'Ps ^'"' even Gu ■ 'e «,■ 't:':' ^^''^-'f '<> sleep. ""Ch, and she -m-cu w n '' '"''"" '»=■• f" --'at old u-on,an be-a o Cl , V''"'' ''""-'>• The mutter, " "■'"'^^ ''" ''^d ominously, and " I'sc nieard she's be^innln' t,, l, be orful lonely if she ^oe T f" ™""- 'T>"-" One evenin > nfte she i „ ,7° "^ "''^ ^'''■•••" =l>e tried to sin,, ", ' ' "f "?""" ^''''y etching, often a„s„,ered^;";'L"T;;' Z^:! '"''"' "^ '"'' ^ 'ou'tdTife™:,,::: :::;':: ''"i-,^ "■^' "-" --« blng heart to listen Tie ' . """ ''"" '"=■• "'rob. «•■■'■ from the Ion lyvl :;:?'' "°'- °f- "bippoor. She threw herself ^ ""^ ""'y =""»'er. herself upon the ground, like a child, '"i 1 J. ,.,} H ■ H I 1 ^'i\ a4o S! in an A-EA/:: TO A'ATl'Rr.'S UFART. agony of grief, and wept until utterly exhausted \\hen she looked up, the lurid -hire of the beacon fires was again upon the mountain-tops, but he had not come. ;' O God ! " she sighed wearily. " I am a weak child. I had but one friend-one brother. Where is Thy rnercy? " O mother ! are you happy in heaven, when I am so lonely ? " ^ Poor Vera was In the deepest mystery of earthly discipline. Her God, her mother, and her friend all seemed to have deserted her that night, and she could scarcely drag her weary feet to the home where no gentle sympathy awaited. Her father was away upon the hills witli hi^ rifle most of the time, and was wholly absorbed by his mtcrest in the progress of the war, at which he could only guess, as he would speak to no one. Vera had hoped that he might again meet Saville, and when- ever he returned, she eagerly questioned him. Old Gula, in her strange superstition, sorrowed mostly for herself, as she saw Vera growing pale and weak like the parent who had died. " Young missy is a gwine home to her mudder and I'll be left all alone. Why can't de voices call me too ?" On the evening after her almost despairino- o-Hef Vera said to herself, " I can endure this suspense no longer. He is either sick, wounded, or dead ; for he cnuld not have left without a word of fan well. I will go to the fort and find out. He may have needed my help, while I have been weakly mourning for him," r c si ai gr DAf!A' DA YS. ) -• 241 I'or liis sake— i„,n . r ►* '' "'''•"" ""•■ "•'■'t^'ry. 'Ojface ,l,c. .tare „f ,strun'4r" ^ ^ ^""'^ ^■^'"'"^^ 'hougl,t of the tivo former '"■''^'" ^^ ■■^'"-■ had crossed at tha^X ' °" "'"■^■'' -^''o orin:tor:er;':''i'^'''^'"' "'■-■■•"'>-- f-.> ''•-■■ -ir;r„ ,:,;,:'■ .^-j'P "f — . and, " occurred to her that . "-'^ "'•''■'•• "'T":^"- be .saved the o de 1 ' ll '"f ' "J"-""" 'I'™,, and ^'udcd to ask for t e °. , "' '"' °"'^'"- ■'^'- ^■"■>■ sick, wounded or~hnr ': """-'■ '^ ^""■"'■' «cre -'- would k,;o::;;u;j'^';';'^'---' •-" "-■ ">-«'.t Unfortunately, the offiror. '1 address were u^d red h r i'™" "'= "■'•'^ "bout to "'-> nor„,al condi;,™ t^ " 'k ,-"' "''° '""■ '"^'l" "Ti.cres a rareTld ' erh """"• proached. ' '^"'''' o'"-'. as Vera ap- "' J would see Mr I-, 7f estiy, with downcalt :;;s ■. ZtT" Z r^ of ,be,ng shown where I nayfin.'t "'^'^ ""-' '"°^ -rseo,: "'/r ir'C"^ "'■■" ■' ^°" "■■'^■^ - "-'J of a are looking for." °^^''°""=2^'"»' '"^'^ myself you '^•.nd^ift;rifr;„r:?',f-'-e,>.iedcoid,y. grant my request." "°'' P''"™'' he will "We have no surgeon," continued the first speaker I llil i \\\ 242 ^'EAk TO ^'ATURE'S HEART, reck-Icssly. " A sold to have a jovial Jcr's only business is to d pretty one, excl time while h c can. 'A blinnf \\\. liange your frowns for smil ie, and So come, my s you are men," cried Vera d es. :e a leaf, " h ave t.-.sperately, trem. and tell me where I m'.v'finT^^'' ' clcfenseless girl, The instincts f . Slem.n "rT r ^''''''' of the party and Jn :* "^'''"*^" ■''^''' ''"Sered in one soberly! ^' ^^^""'' '" '^''' '''^''^^' ^^^ ^^''d been ordered away." ^ ' ^'- ^""'P'' ^'^^'"S ^ Jhen-then-may I see Mr. Saville?" faltered ly' '"h^h^Tr ''"'''^'"-"'^^' '''' '''' ^P-'-"- coarse. ^y. bhc had him in mind all the time " tlZ^T""""',^'""'" ■■' ""' '"='•=. •-'nJ I have l.eanl tl.at ho was ordccd hastily to Ncv York." Come, my lass o' the hills," struck -n th^ r youth. .. The crows have eaten Sav^l e I.fo e th,?' i II be to you a far better lover " >-To°;tT;;ct;t;t" hr,f "=• . ^-'"^ -'•" -" " Things Lave com to ■mr:::/"'^ "r^^^- ' fellow, .. if IVe got to ask slv^n?' ."" ""= to give the insult. ""'^^^ ^'''™^ Vera, with her old instantaneous quickness whfrh had once suiprised Saville, eluded L,^:;;!::^ v P C( ot h.' an my er sIciTr, and H'hile h foot ^AlJh' DAYS, l^' out ,-n the stre '-''• insultc *"<^J fell into tl «■; unsteady from 1 •im in a m '""t'^i,', and fell into ,1 ' ' "'" "^I^'"'-' ' 243 omcnt. t Jiis phVht^ .„,^, 'qi'or, missed Ji ^'Tipanionj IS -•■amb/e out, sputterin^raad r • . ''' ^'' ^"^''ci ^vay across the river. ^ ^^'"^'^"'^' ^^•'•a was half, 7^' "^^oi: ::;: ^;°:: ^i;'*^ ^^dy ... tin„in, ■'^ '°'-^^- She scarcely I J' T'^'" ■'^^'^" ^^'''^ched the '^'^ ^^'Jls to the c'bh/ , r"^^''' ^° ^''»^b over threshold. ''^'"' '^"^ ^^>^>n fainted across it, ^-^tTrt^rr^^'^-'-d sense enough ^' ^-t she slou.iy :: L:r bS "^' ''''^'^'-' ^-- '•ace several days. '''' ^^'^ -'seriously iJJ for StiJl, the bitterness on,,., reh-evci for 9. n . ' """""^al trouble hirf ho '• '(>r bavjllc's ails,.,, .„ ""^t-nadbccn ">■■ l.ad been order«l lu, ,v I "■'•'' '■'«°"""-'^' f"r, '""'t. she believed - , , '^ "^y- '" l"^'' stm,,,, "■'y for a farcueli v,| ' Id""'"' ''^"' "° °PP°""- for tl,i„l" answer to her prayers "'"^ ^1''-'^'= '■im in vJrtt::rf,i::''.vrrf'''''';"--»--.^nd physical o.-sa„i.atio s e ^"0 '^ ,?'"''"^" -" «"W not suffer without 1! """'^''''''^'J "'at on, °"'"- But in hot she '^'"^"^'">' '■■•"m the '-■■■■"? been nurtu d n t h"' ;"""^'"-'- ''-^'""-ul -''•'-bracin,airoa;,:;t:,l?''=-°^'-''> 1; r ! / I :7 • 244 ^EAR TO NATURE'S HEART. Her father, upon her illness, seemed at last some, what conscious of his daughter's need, and, in his poor way, sought to meet it. He waited upon her with unwonted tenderness, and brought the delica- cies of wood and stream ; but he had lost the power to speak soothing and appreciative words. His own disordered mind was tossed on such a sea of troubles that he had no calming thoughts for another. Thus, in her sad isolation, Vera was compelled to look heavenward, and, in her long hours of weak- ness, the unseen world of faith grew very near and real, bhe felt sure that her mother was watchin- at her side, and in the night, at times, fancied she saw the dear, familiar form. The impression was often so strong, that she would reach out her arms with expressions of endearment, or speak her thoughts with the freedom of olden time, when sure ot loving sympathy. Her mother's favorite text, " Let not your heart be troubled, acquired daily richer and fuller mean- ing and the ability to trustfully cast all her burdens on her Saviour increased. So, although the strain and nervous excitement of the past year had been very great, she slowly but sure y rallied back into her old. vigorous health. She would need it all in her coming desperate strug, gle for bare existence. By the time she had fully recovered, the autumn wmds were prophesying of winter, and, with a fore- ought learned in the hard school of experience, ^she realized the necessity of making all possible provision. She knew how little her father was to I I^ARK DAYS. 245 t , 245 "-■Tth,-„„ ti.,-.t could ep^c :':;;• ■" ':°"^'""g As her father c„uld „ot h ' "'"'"» "■•^''•• Continental .crvice ol ,K. \ '"''""'''' '" J""' "■<= '" as she coald to '*''''" '"^'■'^""deci hi,n, as '-Pping pursuits.' """"' '"^ °" ^""""5 ind SaWl^agaL'L'befoL'™?^''"'-^ ^'- -"" see "nd a ree'og, ..cd pl.e '„ o ?' °' '"''"« fr-nds So, nothin,: remai , b" , r,^;;™"'^ ^^ -="-«'• of present duties ''''"™' Pf^'formanec anX^^the';str:^-f ';".» '^r "- ''-"■■-. '.•on, were inereasing N^ , ° '"'= ''"^ ^" "bserva- as unusuaJ efforts to shun t ^ T '""''' '•'«'^""™ c^nosit, as „,ster, /n'^con;:", L".:;'""'" ^° '"^"^ i^elievcd from StuHI^' • " "^nt. "Ot long before Mo K^Vrl"'^ P"^™"' ''' "- '•" Jark hints as to tl e n'^^ '''n" '° "'^S -^gai", inmates of the cabh, WVl "^ .""""^•■- °f "'0 «-c;ght ,vith the officers t ' ,'" , ^°*''P '''•"' "° ■ijnorant soldiery ^„Z'! "''"■'"' <:"tain of the -quiring th. tm^^^^^f'^"- r' '''"'' "•■-- of tl>e Highlands." If L, l'","' f'"' "-"^'^ '"-tches of the baser sort over 1^ , '"»"'' °" son,e almost all the power ofTj:""" ^''^' ''"^ °^'aincc/ duti uhol es might Cr;o:nKl^^'^^^"^^"'^-^'^J--eIy lesome fear of S ler. AndyetVer avill ■ruption; bu t a ""' vengeance restrained '^^nc which miglit be fired unconsciously, was 1 at any tiin Jving over a e. ?■' ' 1 m ,,^ ■ ■ ii r^H 1 , ' ^^1 ; l| . , 1 ■■■■ ,1 1 r m 1 5 iltti Hf Bl 246 N£A/l TO NATURE'S HEART. To the officers, also, Brown, from his seclusion, and the fact that no one could account for him, was an object of suspicion, and they would be inclined to deal summarily with him should any one bring a definite accusation. But though wrong-doing in the past, and most unwise action now, must cause their legitimate evil results, God would not permit his child to suffer beyond her ability to endure. During the month of Octobe-, the beacon fires had often flamed, and yet while Vera and her father saw that there was unusual stir and preparation in the garrisons, and extraordinary efforts to obstruct the navigation of the river, no attack was made, and they remained in almost total ignorance of the progress of the war. At last the exile could endure his anxiety no longer, and he determined to find out the condition of affairs ; but, with his old characteristic caution, went across the mountains to an interior village, for the ostensible purpose of barter. He had in his mind the inoffensive-appearing old man whom he had once before ventured to question, and felt that if circumstances favored, he could do so again with- out risk. He found the aged gardener at work as before, and as talkative as ever. But the dismal tale that he told of the American defeat on Long Island, of the evacuation of New York, of continued retreats, dnd, worse than all, of the second irruption of the British ships into the Hudson, caused Mr. Brown's checks, already pale, to grow more ashen. DARK DA Vs. 247 f ply ^I^V" '!''' T""'-"^." -- the hasty re. liste, to any of JT ^"'""'''' "■"^'^'^ to tl.c ti,.e L t «: wh' r h' '"1 ^^'^ ''^^■•'^ ">" must be supreme nr Judgment and will abroad.and the ™n """"""^ '"'' ^^ less Here he Zidt^ "--"er was the safest place. uc uould often reman all dav -.nH . times through the nirrl.f ,1 ^' "" ^°""=- i"i? to move ° '°' ^PP''«»tly dread- goin^. back to H ^^^^^''^"^ted, she almost dreaded ,0 "1^ oack to the cabin where hr^r Afi , ""d cowered, haunted by fe. ' t , '^^'"'" <^'-°"rf>ed ':o-.t=.Sious, and where /eW old r ■"'"■'■' °"'™'"^ mumbled unccashu.lv„n " """tered and uiiccasmglyofhcr unearthly voices. The ill' '..:n l| 248 A'EAR TO NATURE'S HEART. poor girl herself was growing morbid in her misfor. tunes and unnatural surroundings. The hard struggle for mere^'existence began to blunt her finer sensibilities, and she was often too weary for even prayer or thought. Like many others, under the increasing stress of earthly care she permitted herself to gradually lose her hold upon the Divine strength and patience, which her mother had ever enjoyed through her confiding and unquestioning faith. Not that she entertained doubts of God's ability and willingness to help, or cherished resentful thoughts at her lot; but, in the pressure of daily duties, prayer was neglected. She wis dnftmg unconsciously from the quiet waters where faith had kept her spirit moored in peace' out upon the restless sea of mere human endeavor and dependence. Like many another, she could still pray " Lead me not into temptation, and de- liver me from evil ; " but for " daily bread " she turned practically to her traps in the thickets, to her fowling-piece, and to the diminishing stores that her own hands had gathered. Unfortunately, tlte ques- tion of daily bread was the absorbing one, and as we have seen, it did not bring her near the Divine source of spiritual largeness and growth. Thus her life began to grow hard, material, and devoid of those influences which had made her appear to Saville more akin to the supernatural world in which she believed, than the tangible one which was all to him. The poor child was learning to employ bodily fatigue as many use narcotic drugs, and sought to I) ARK DA YS. 249 escape fron. her desDcnfP i^ v of .sleep, whenever feTlin' " ""^ °^""°" at least. .„. occaJo . ,t ,'rr ''• /" ''"='-'' face bending over I.e.- ,•,,,00."°'""' '°^"'' tenderness; more frequent y Savill fl'"''''"'™ "' m"--cal signal from the Ichr 't ^"'l^"^''"' "'= grotto, and she, in spiriT I, ? 7 »'" ''"'"^^ ''" ever to awake a d ffnd it on'" . '° "" "^^' ' l""' she would sob herself to ',"' " "■'"'"■ ^'"'°"S'' hope for the rej^r^'^o^t rvi^^'";f'"f 7"'^ ^"" on« more see his face and heir ',™'l!: . '"^ "'■^""■' :;:f>^^;:^or^:d'ii:s;;----^"= " St: 'trsted'-ro ^■■"- - -=- ency, and would take down t, P-iT'""' '''° "="* after the labors of he dt bu ?"' T "'= ^'ays, droop upon the paoe a'.d'tt " ?^ '™"''' ^°°" ashes, as had her h:pes """ '^'""'^ =^""' ""o Her father was dreading lest he ,hn„M 1, known, and compelled to ca,n ''"°"= presence of nucsf)n„ ^ " '""'=' '"to the terror at the thou..ht Vcr.h^' '"' "'"ost , "Amialwayst ii^; ,'lfeV°f'^-J'--'f. " here till I become little btr[hn t"" " '= '^''^ birds of prey that hid,- in fl " """asts and I envy tL: ; f:;. ,^ . ,t" r tlieir own kind." ' '^'^ (Companions of -.c!."s;::\:d"ie':/"' "" ■'""^*'™ "-^ --emy and, in her • i , ^ /;™: _^ ^'i-Pf of the world' knowthesvveetsofr ,'='''="' '"-"amed to sheets of congemal society and friendship. .ii' III fliif M f '11 l'] 250 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. Though so very young, she was becoming one of earth's weariest pilgrims, and, at times, she ahnost felt, when benumbed with cold, like lying down in some wild mountain-gorge, and letting the snow drift over her as she sank to sleep. If she had believed, with Saville, that it would have been a dreamless, eternal sleep, she would undoubtedly have yielded to the temptation. Thus the winter dragged heavily on. till the sun turned from its decline southward, and began to fill the mountains with brighter and more genial rays. But she, who had always welcomed this hange, scarcely heeded it. Perhaps the sharp suffcnng and seemingly untoward events soon to come, would be better than the slow, increasing pressure of the sordid cares and loneliness of her lot. Immediate and pressing dangers might break up the apathy of practical unbelief, wherein God becomes a being who must be prayed to and served, but ceases to be a helpful, sympathetic friend. Anything that would drive her to Him as a refuge would be a blessing; anything that broke the leaden monotony of her life' a healthful change. ' TiiE mriTE mrcH of the highlands 251 CHAPTER XVII. "THE WHITE WITCH OF THE HICHIANDS." JN the latter part of February, the stores in their ■^ iittle cabin ran so low i-lnf ;f should be replen shedhv • ""^'^"'^'^ ^'^^^ store Enf-h f r ^ ^ ^'^'^ ^^ ^°"^e country ^^ff. was ni Ins worst mood, and it was i., vain that Ve a besought him to go on the errand. A last mo "i: 'Tn"'°"' ;!" '-''''■' '^ ^° '--'^' e sT.e s"w iha? 1 '"^ '''' ''" '^'^^"^ ^^- --^bin, She wl f '^"'^ '""' ^^^^'"^d ^^^th smooth ice her t: lo ,'°""/° •'' ^"""^ °^ ^^"^ -^^-^^ -^^^bled her to look up the river, and through the cold clear father started on what was. t« her. like thevoy "e o Columbus, a journey into the unknown. Her only weapon of defense was a light, strong staff pon,ted w,th ron, which would enable her^o rv tl-e^ce, and also assist in wall - °' e rl u\ '°''"' 'f '^'"^ 'i'^^med it neces arv Though she found the way lon.er tl>.nn she uT posed, and the effort to walk on the smooth i« Hi ! ! ' lie I m * I 1 ' liK '1 2^2 A'EAN TO XATURE'S HEART. against the wiiul very fati^^uii safety the shores of Nc she reached ii a build she might there obtain what sh th th vv Windsor, where she saw ing whose appearance led licr to hope that c wished. To her joy e surmise proved correct, and she cr weary steps. She asked and obtained was saved fur sion to sit down and rest awliile. ]\L were the glances cast upon her by the 1 always infest such places, especially in wint permis- iny and curious oungcrs that er. 5om th er e tried to engage her in con •c was something in their tones and though she did not versa*^ion, but manner that. understand, she disliked, and. with an innate dignity and reserve, which is a true woman's sure protection unless men are equal to brute violence, she silenced them. She would have gladly hastened away, had she not felt that rest and the warmth of the place were essential for a time before starting on the homeward journey with her laden basket. Among the men present, when ^he entered, was a knot of rough-looking soldiers, who had impressed her most disagreeably. They had stared at her a few moments, winked at each other, and then, to her relief, departed. • As soon as she felt equal to the effort, she started homeward; but the sun was already declining; the sky also was becoming overcast, and the rising wind betokened a storm. By the time she reached Butter Hill, the snowflakes began to fly, and not a soli- tary form was seen on the dreary expanse of ice. where, in the morning, travelers had appeared in the distance. I rm wmTE wnai of tub laciiLAA-ns. 253 ^till, tliis (.lid not trouble^ l.n.- r i cl.o>d a .ton„ as „u,ch Ts e t ; Jrm!"- r Her only concern „as lest ti,c ..now midit „,, c 1, ; horiharr^T' ^^ ^°""'"« ""^ occasir: thf noii't of ti^ '■" '"■™'.^' "'''"• °" P-='"S ^^und of il mo""'^'"!, .she came upon a ..rem of ^old.er.,, apparently lying ,„ wait. With sic en "g fear, she reeosnizcd in them the illllor j fc ' lows she had seen in the store at Neu- VV Id or She hesitated, and was abont to tur b;cl- • but they, w,th devilish ct,nnins, seemed to'I-iX •' Ihave nanght to do with them, nor they with mc, she thought ; •• and no doubt thev will L , pass without a word " ^ '^' ""^ rive;'afi'f';nre 7"' °"' "'"■•'^'' ""= ""■"d''-- of the t..;p?:-j::,rL\Tor=-^^^^^^^^^ ^. z:z:i^^ "- ""•"- -p ". o: less ye fly up the rocks." ^ ^ ' Vera gave the precipice a despairing glance • even one could not snip i> ti t, fa«ajn,t, . tven au.usa.Hi,hr;t:vor^rr™rt„:;s:iri^' If '■ ■:i' ibI , i::!., H 1 lit: ■■ k ; :H >'- gMM«|| f- -. ii| ll ^^^^^H 1.'; ;H Ill *54 '■'E^H TO J^ArUA-E's HEART. Notu-ith- tanding her wonderfully nuick ,. bluif. A few yards to the south, and nc^r th. I ' , billing in that, to find herself n .-^r • . ' neath the ice o. ' ''''''^^: ^ '^^"S^' '" fleath be- then . ' '''" ^^ ^^^ P^'-''«"s ed.^e and in tnne, and fell in. "" '^"'"S^'' This created a diversion in favor of Veri -ind f curses, to " heiH liw „«■ . , ' ' °'^'"s and " Miv tr, ^ cr off up ag,„ the mountain." May the divil fly away with mc if I don't h. l.eve she .s a witch." cried one of the „«?„:" ' '" Vera ha now reached a place where th^e wa, a pf;:"::.^::s:::.^Sd;::^cd. seemingly, a fatal nionicnt. Two of th« -en spran. ashore south of her, thus cutting o ? escape along the base of the cliffs, while one Ttood on the ice behind her. iov-^^;'ir-^'''7 "°^'-'" '^'""^ -^^-^^-^^ horrid joy , she s just druv into a corner o' the rocks and must go through em to get away " ' coml-n^n"/' ^'''^ ^^'^ '^^^^'*^' ^'^^^"' '-^"^ t'other come and help us g.t Barney out. I'm afecrd he'll gittin could and numb-Ioike." Vera gave a swift glance and a sobbing praver to t^atre;rf k"" ,'""'"' ''''''''' ^^-^-anite' rocks t at beetled above her head, to see if there w.ts the faintest possibility of escape. With a thrill of hope she saw crevices in the inner angle of the rock, and' from one of these, far above her head, a bush was growing. Here was her only chance. Availino- herself of the moment's respite given by her purt suers m their solicitude for their half-drowned companion, she planted her long staff among the oose stones, and. by its aid. steadied herself up the almost perpendicular rock, till she reached the bush. It bore her weight, and seemed like a helping shrubbery, she reached a point not quite so steep, vhere the angle in the precipice turned off toward the river somewhat, and she was able to climb with more security and hope. J j . I : I; :4 irfB HP' M# r i r l -I ' lili: s 4 i i Lii ".••v,„g pulled |,i,„, ,„„,.^ dead tl, °, "'"'"'•• '!'>■■ icc, they m.,de a rush fcl , '' °"^ "P°" ;-."• unbounded unLe: „ ';':j:^I "'■ ;''-• '^ "'^"- Leads, a,sce„di,„MvInt se^^^ Tr ''"■■• '^^'"'^"ve "f vie,;-, the i-crncKlTc I r ft? r '^^ ""■■''• I'oint -meat the3: c'ouid" o ; t;-f if ti?-'- 'T ^ hain't ca4.^,er::\rn '7;,'' '"^ ''^ •■'= ^--1 -•k^ to the' .s.,™i'"'.f ;: •'" "'»"'- '•" "- least fifty feet above l.clr 1 caS ?'"' '"'' ""' ••" tilt- ascent was eas/e, nTl r '■°™ ""'« P°'nt "•■fficuit and da";:;;^^ f r""°"«" ^"" -'■>' mounted higher, scaling places ha^ """"'"' ^'"^ passable, a superstitious dread ere '' ^'"T"'' """ y .'lunk off wiU, muttered cr^:::",'"^™' "■" shore of tlie river leavin™ ,1 u , "" °l'P°si'e '"cl c-opped it. Th .g^l/';^ tT T'"= ^"^ l-er, lest she should dash he fi' "^ "''"''S'' °V" were, to their besotted mi, d! ■^'""'' " ^'™e, "— andthecabi,.hile.f^:,Ltide^;- Tus mnTE mra, of t„b wcniANns. ,57 safety, a sens,- nf h '° '"•'' * *'" ""B of Lad hXT\vL^"J F"'"'^'^''' "■W- si".' never "•oe; yea, 1 uill help Zct. l\ I,' 1","f",'™ with the ri.'ht hi,„l Ar ' ■ , "1'''°''' "'« heave ■••0,' Z!,' tT^'ST "" ""^ '°--'' mothernow! tlJtt, Tl '1^ '"= ''°"" '° and stormy valleyV """'"' ""° ""= ''"k -u1f"Thri™d"s:h""r"' "'v'"- ''^P"- °f '- serv; tl,e from al ev 7'r 7'"-" ^^'^ ''''" P^^ " I.,.f „„t , "^ ^''^" preserve thy soul " ^ Let not your heart be troubled, neither le'tTt be journey of several mile H. '" ""' °" ''^■' broke/wilderneTs ""'" '.''™"S'> a rugged and u„. mountains enShfrTo" TotrdheT'lf '^^ "' '"" ...ti,egathuri„,dar..„essr„a;^::mrir:«';r™ n:;;S::Vh:'drs:^t:ir;ri"'- ward the eabin. She began toTht'l'thtrhelrn i^' '^ould fa.l, and that after all she might perish ; b^ut, 1 1 1 ' w il 1 >■ ' ^^^^ ( sllt^ '^^H fff ■ ':fl r !| 1 t . ■ ■ i m 258 ^^AJ, TO NATUJ^E'S HEART. on, scarcely conscTo, i f ^^^^"^'^^"y ^he tottered -ached the'vane;reerdr'r^^^ ""^''^ ^^- '•"ff all her faih-n/er e,l7. , ^'°"'=- Summon. i s n h( dc i,' TlfE SLACK mrCH OF TIfE mc^LAms. 25g CHAPTER XVIII. "THE BLACK WITCH OF THE HIGHLAND." so wrapped un in ,, . ""^ ^^^'"' They were both ^^-y-idZ^7Su;:;:e^r^^ was in its accustomed place. ^ ^^^hng-p^ece Throughout the entire dav r,,! • had been hearing voices and o' ^ '""'^'"'^ ^^^ did not prevent he, f f '" '^'' '^"^^^''^ ^^Id kittle kitd.en ^pir tirth:'""^'" '^°'" °^ ^^^^ tinct. While busv in ^ ""'^''^ ^" '"°^^ dis- for Vera as aX ^^TrT'," '°°' '-^ ^"P^^ would often cro to fh.r^ "^^ Permitted, she for the fo tsfeps o the"' "' ''^^" '"^"^^^>^' ^^ strange echoe tl -it • T ^^''""^^ ^"■^' ^^^^ ^^r the r-n. her tr';-: j hi" '^^ ^''^^^^^-^ -"nd, came home to-night I'se .11 » '''^''' ' '^ -wine down the gfen as fast T.T"^^ '"' ^^'^ ^^^^^'^d ^ as fast as her age permitted, till her \\ m f ' 1 • 1 jl 1 \ !'-f Ir' . \ ill 260 A-^^/- TO ,VArvJ,E-s HEART. and the,, ,, . ,„„ ^^:j^'^^'^^ "bs.aCe. 'ikeshl's^tr' ""° ''"'■^''•■' Missy Vera pears The father liastcned fo fi.^ •'■- t'.cy bore he,- -Uo u,: :;;:,:P°'> -'' between wh,-spe.;'" ''^''- ■■ "^'-^ "--■ -a„ in a husky good; riiputa'iSf „t;„':'r. "I '",'""''^- ened Vera's Up, „,ith tl . ' "■ '^''''•' '""''st- and was co..foLd ;" 3 eLT™' °' "" "^■^""y- svvallow. ^ "S ""^ spasmod/c effort to .v:!rr:dT:::n,r;r:fr''^r''^"'-"-'' couldn't let her ffoarret^^"'"'""''*^^"" " O God ! if tiicre is -i r„ 1 r cried the father in agony "Yv 77 "^' '^'"''' ■'" to leave her so expo^ed^:. ^nH , ''"" ^ ''^^o.no, remorseful terror ° '"^''^ over her in ^^^S^Z^^ -.selousness, and .as at "Where l^v y u b!e " VV Tr"""' asked her father ea "eriy " '''' ''aPPoned? " "No^no^^nfi-Jf'''- ''-''. and said faintly, Af r I ' -^ can t teJi you now." ^' deep sleep, „l,ieh i. !"='[.; '^^^ '"- sank into , into the casement On , • "" '"''" ''''"'ng senient. On awaking, she found her W" father watchiinr licr with tlw. will. Vcra's basl-P n [ '" """= >"= ■'ctunied the cabin floor, mutterin- decn " 'V ^ ^ ^'''"^' who were beyond the ..,?,"'""' °" ^'^^^ caitiffs " Fatlier " s.id V "^^ ^"'^ vengeance. 'iLULr, said Vera Ditf^oii«Kr ii care of us? won't you u'.\ , " ' ^'^^ ^""^'^ 'Kju L you be \'our old sp/f nc t be- j^u when a little ehiil ? ,,;"'' be , "?■ r,jra,:^.'^'°----i".-"i:"!^^^^^^^ to;i;f.a7,erbe:.„t';;;:-^^-"-'''-"''^ ;*0 father! be a brave man. Do as Mr c:, •„ wished, and all will yet be well - ^'^^"^ Act now, father, act at once." I will— soon." of game. '^^ "'" ''°"=^=l>oU u/.h ab.ndanee After a few days of nerfe^t ,. . rr . ^"'f-e,.te4overtt'ttr:;Sfet'L'': ^ll s ■ pwii 262 A^£:AI, to NATURE'S HEART. but there remained in h,.. C"cd expression. ] le „ ; ,7'''''' ''' ''""'"'^''' '■■■'^""- >■>'■"' ^o her. vvv ;:;';; r ;,"•■«-- "-^d .-■p- "f tlie H,-"l,la,,,|s?" , ""•' ■•"■'"■''-■witch term ? A V ; tnse o ", "' "'"" ""' ""■'■'" '^>' '"- a ---.r lost the* sec Ion '?-'" °'''""^"' '-- -'" ■•>gn.e evil concemin" u":,;^^ -usn,. people to im. ^p'.^.>x;:,;:;:'t:nr-i ;■■ '"-^ -'■•■«-. ^°^ ^q"ad of „,on ma,d,cd oli,': 7 •■"' °''"'=^''- -'"' ^ " I wish to see a 1 ' "'"•' ■"°""'"?- prompt request "" '"""'' J^™un," was tl-e '.efftuS^i^t'ti:;:- °^'T' '='^" "■- '--"-"e. " I am he." ''°'"' """ ="''' ''aughtily, -.^plrd o/r;;'^ ;: ;r°7 ^■°" "■-' >- -e no definite char J, ,1, "^- ^s there are ""ce .spoke in your ftto?'^' >'°"' -^ - Mr. Saville O" 'l..-.soccasion B u™ 'J!" "= -' '" ''= -rested f-J in the vicinity o/,r £!"""-",'■■ "° '°"^" '''■ "'at you leave tl is rclrK';'" " " '"^"'""^'^ "pens. If after two Je^s, of" "^ -"'Pai«n tr-ve no s;,tis,actory aeco.u t r '^ ''"' '""> e»n a-te<,a„dputin^:X;m:nt'°"^'""'^°"-"^^ com;:rtl:^--;;[-arc:,y retain sn^cient rfficcr nas turninV , v vr"'"?"^"^ ' ^"'' as the " Indeed s,v T' "^ e.xclaimed, justice." ' "^' "^ "^^ '°^-'- You do „; father in. die.-,, ,i,c „.:,,,; f" "'"'""'-''I -"»"= ci.c- s„i. ".ffia s had k- t n,^\ ;''".■■■'»'"■ ^' «'-^'' ""-• '" '""-P' quiet, fcaj-in.' lest V,.r-, i i , report tlicir co„duct and H„ , k "'■-' witli. But the m^ in ^^ ° ""'"•'■''>■ ''-'^l' and was so b so ted nT T ™""' ' "'■"-'-^•. to feel that he , d , od";! tT ^".V'^''"™">' - ;^aph, his Bn.tant.^,::;- ::ct:-:^r: selves h, their true eolors. ''°'''™y ""-■"'- ruZ!".?f' '"'""' '"'''"''^■" "^""duded the irate c:":ha j:a,rLU"; s^,ttr; ^'''■;:' "^-^ t.e....po.er.:,,p»,,-K::to,S The story of Vera's <;nli-nr^ <-i rapidly among the Tnor'n ' ^I ""'"'""' ^P™^ bers of the 4rri,o„ ? ^^''Perstitious mem- beeame p'iti p^of tl^t Ih":'" ''""^ '"'^•^' ->" well as Old r r • ^ mnocent maiden, as One ^"''■'' "■"^ '" ^'°^'= league with the EvH was ^a'prl ^° , °T '"'' ™^=' "'=™ °"' -me day," was a p,opu.al often made, and once or twice in f!l» A'EAR TO NATURE'S 1/EART. m dai.i a- ■ ,■ the forr u-as not severe and H "'^^^"' "^ Pcrmutoi to be absent "^"^ ^'"'"^ "'^^^" ^^ "3 naa cautioned her f1i'.f c -n i-card MvUiin- of h,--r 'V , "'d not seen or return. Beside, MoPv - H ? """' ""^ "''s'"' amount or ,uck-d got'",' 'h d'Tf ""f!' °' "'>' to fece its eonscqu.C SI, n ,"""' ''"""""^ brands and arrous recH ■ '" '''''"'^'' '""■'=- --g the wound': Ind"' u^ 2;,- :; ^ "- ^^"^ woman enouoh ;., I„.r . '"S- and tliere was deeds of cruelty nS viol" '°, .'''"'"' ■■"■" "'= would occur did th. ^ "■" "''"<^'' '''" '■"'■'•■^■••w of kindr . lot! '",'™ ^""'y '''" a band Kiiiur^.., spirits agfamst the rTKJr, c , to satisfy hi. revencre hv .M • ^"^ '^'^ ^''^^ hints that <^, '''^'^"-^ ^y '"ducing him to throw out ri sons ^ Th '" ''"' " '^°^>^' a-watchin' the Jr- about t„e ™a;'':i:;?„;rcrp:iir:itH:;t^' J0.n the service, or to remove from I reg " w, T ? he were so mclined, he could be very usefuTtn ^V enemy. Thus thp m„l '^ "setul to the i;f -•■ if l.e were slninking j j ;,, ji"''""-'' ^PP^='-d toltercd back to l,is dus v ''""'"'"'S ="^7. He scarce able to wallc , a tremh, ""', •"' ''=""'"S'>' " Vera, we ™ust fly at :;^;';^,'■"^"'-l'-. he .aid, Hve without iK^e^'owTl'^r"'"^"''™^ gone forever? " " '"^ ■^^'>' '"'-'^cy clean and wlSS^'::::^'---^'''--;.,, sudden ncss my wife's Cve v'„ ^ " ""'^''^'^'i- Wit- dare not live-llt^^t dl' 1' r""? ■"^-"^- ' impulse, and that is to i" d \nd 2^ Y'' T "''"= no "uraan eye shall see „,o a-n in n "'"; """'= gorge in these mountains htf,\,.''"°" "^' " '''' by any foot save mine I X "'"''= """-oJJon I built a hut ti,cre for' a Z- ^ir; ■"'^'"^■- "-''. to the worst. Last f-,n r , "''"■"' ^'•""e ■wronger. No one knol oHt" \ ''"^ """^' '' '■^ the fi«t that I have X f i^' c '"' '°'' ""' go at once." "• "^ome ; we will woliTb:::,' ''Asl:'r'^r'"' ^"^"^^ - '-^ --heart what, and said, " '""S™''' '''= ''^■-■'^■J -me- U-s'I'mo u™:"' ■"' ^° '■" '—o- They gave delpih;:,r '°But'is':L" '° -^^ """•■' '^'^ v-- I': ; ['I lip H' M'' Ml 266 A'£A/i TO XATUAE'S HEART. is dcstroyinnr us all ? I fear I shall self, go mad my. N o," said her father, with the .doom of tl hopeless fatalism in his t no escape, and there is dark cvcr more, dcst tie most one and mann er th ere is nc; my as myself. I a ou are in the "rip of th all the wa)- on for- e same awful i-s, I know that I am. I m mail, and the woii^t of it can see my mad self, and :in see my former and nobler self when I and all day and all night I sit and was sane. I expect you will become lil compare the two. curse to myself and all bound t l'. Would it not be b to the commander of the garrison, ano herself on his mercy, declare that her fatl longer responsible for his act questioned ctter to go n, and, throwing ler was no time she had sought to make h ions } And yet each th e wo ■Id, she had been met by experience caused her womanly nat pressiblc fear er way alone out into s that ure to shrink with hici Is th Eh ere only one true, kind man in th e groaned in bitterness e world ? ' At last, sh( concluded that her father, in h IS pres- ru^ BLACA- wna, of rm ,„c„laxos. ,,7 soj,c ;„.,:, :t'i' rj;;,,::r'T' '''■"'," ''" forest SI,,. -.1 , >^ '""^•^^''. 'I'Hi pcnsh in the all that his -loon, t\r "'""""^ ""'^'^'"^ ^"^ "-^ :.'<)oni, icar, and rcniorsc had tlicir rl.t-i- --CCM,, ,,,,i,t r .son. ,.- ™y unto the i-ord, fust also ml Im,..,„d He shall bring it to i.=S::haTG:fd"r''in.''''^"''°''^-'""""^ "■■''-''- 1 -^-^^n htr faJKT sumu.oned her in the mornino-. i ■ « I iii; f «r -/t-^' ! f li 268 A'EAX TO N,llUItE-S HEART. Artcr an early meal, they made up two mrl- .,■ contam,„y tools, L,cdding, wmc food in i . l ■ ' ^^ and taki,,, .he.Vgnnts te'd or th°e :' "si a e::l'"'^"' ^'^•-"- «- "»' - d'-s^^ttas ; roads and :;• ?'' '""'''' ^'°'^ "" ""= "•"""'■"" 1° CO d .t'^i ■'■ "."■" "■='' P'"" '° ^P->d two or and;;:;:o':::;;r,df^:::i^;.r"™'»-'''''-<>'^Gu,a But, ,n tlieir absence, the elements of evil were at -sso-cLate Xdtito:^^!:!::;:;:;:^,^ "'^"'" and heard th't'^r^'' ";'.^-""'I™'«' 'he office, that they should go and h.nC th Y """^ ^^■'■tches. By reason of M, ^ ' departure of the a bnef leave of absence fron, their officer, ' -ch::ui,r:;i;;To;';h:':aM:'"Tr" ""^ •"- THE BLACK WncH o/. t,ie HIGHLANDS. jCg quickness in flight. But, to their surprise, not a soul - to be seen. Th.y looked eautfousi; in every place ,vhc,e one could be concealed in the mah oom and kitchen, with the.r weapons ^^ tl.e c was no trace of their victims Th. , Barney and two others of the most reckless of the Z^ wen up the covered way to Vera's little room fZ beastly satyrs of Grecian myth, in the grotto of a P i V a 1 "l ? '"'f '" '•'=" '^'-Z- of maidenly pur ty and beauty. Again, in after day,, with a graftude be; ,d words. Vera thanked God I .he -as absent. Uer filial loyalty to her father Id brought unspeak, ble reward. The rufiians >vere n, v convinced that the occu pan s of the cabin h, ,,ed. and with sa r li! o hands they destroyed, pill.g.u, and defaced, till their at nt,on was diverted I y a loud shout from one of the,r number who had ascended the ladder to peer .n.o the httlc loft. Here he caught a glim^e of Gua cowenngin the remotest corner, and' wa's no v n hruta glee dragging her down to his companions who w.th oaths and imprecations gathered a'ound 1 he aged negress, speechless and paralyzed with terror, was as limp and unresisting In their hands as ,1 dead; turning, as the only evidence of lifc,her w.ld, horror-dilated eyes from one to another of her pers^ut, rs, who were to her so man, torturing "Where i. the other she-divil .? where is the «mte w,tch o- the Highlands.- demanded Barney. ■=peak, or ue U make ye swallow coals o' fire." n) '!■ a/O XEAH TO KATUKE-., IIEAKT. i.cr o it.pt":'; ™ ";■• T ""■ ''■^" ■"^>' -'^^ -.usance, .„d u«cn„s not 1 ^u ' '' "''^'■"= "° tl,-,t rM.'"'-'' ''■"' y-" ''■""• ••""! '!"•" »c:t fire to "Now, ye ould black ha'- o* S-iHn foii , ^^ But Gul.> only turned upon him her horror-stricken He seized a firebrand, and held it scorchin-Iv near her hand. She writhed, but wouid not ^pS .' t-lLTL, hoys, git some dhrv sticks nn,! ,^„f • around her reet. Ve;,, see ho^^: bl^th^'lf bC/'" Hold on, Barney," said the others ; "don't let us gojoo far. Her looks'II haunt us all our dl" wreld''be!f T" °" """ '°''''-^'"'- ""= ^^n^en wretch began to carry out his fiendish cruelty him- Gula at last seemed to realize that she might be near to death, which to her meant return to kfudred and rude regality in her far-away home, and si « u enly br,, -e the silence, thus far mai„t'ained,t a weird, .^ rill cry of ecstasy, ^ THE BLACK WITCH OF THE HlGHLAl^DS. j;, ' De voices, dc voices ! Tsc hear you plain. Tse a-coinm now, sure." The ruffians started back aj^liast. "What voices?" demanded Harney A piercing shriek from tiie liill west of them was he answer. Then the report of a rifle rang out, and arney 1^11 dead at his victim's feet, with a bullet tlH'ough his cruel heart. Ili.s companions turned in precipitate flight, but another yelled with pain as the contents of Vera's gun reached them. Marking the course of their flight with blood, thev reached their boat half dead from fri^dit and bruises and, crossmg to the garrison, told a terrible story of Tory outrage. A strong party was sent over imme- diate y to arrest Brown and the " Torv horde" that was declared to be with him ; but nothing was found save the smoking embers of the cabin, and the dead body of the ruffian Barney, which was brought over to tile island and buried. From what he saw, however, the officer in chart as If mipelled by a powerful motive, she made her A DIRGE ENDING JOYO J ST. y. <>« way rapidly ,, though f^^ively, along a path no one save herself could follow w 73 liich Assh e reached the vicinity of her old 1 approach became .ore cautl^nra'nd st:i;'i:;'\sh: n.tted, l,ke some timid creature of th.e forest 'rZ on the httle glen made dear by so many m'mories The first object that her eyes dwelt on wa tie grave of her mother, and she seemed to dread 1 " a sappea.ed But the mound was untramplcd and the flowers she had planted near were still 'gr„; „ As the glen seemed as lonely as her own life sire ventured from the thicket to the shade „ t 'e m here rose the grassy mound. A visit to this . ave ad become the poor child's best earthly solace nd w irire:v^!ri;,:" ^"-^^"■"■"^ -pani™.;- ..on,etowh;;;:thel!::s:;-;::r;hJ:ot^T^- were crushmg out hope and life; but here she co Ic Becon,ing satisfied that she was alone in the P "« aw"'' "T ^■"■'^■' ■•'PP-'--- "'an passed away, and she gave herself wholly to the cnder men.ories naturally inspired. Leanin,. her head on the grave, as si,e had upon her moth " torti::": ",,";"■ "= ="°'^= °^ p-^ — - tones that would have touched the most callous Her sentences were fragmentary, mere indteroi her hope of ^„,cetn,g Saville again had aln,ost per. H '':.< ill: :] I J ; i ■ ' ' I'l 1: );■ :« -A i '-s.. ft ■>:■: m >«l£ - m i.-'-.-.f ■^!' — iuii- '! Ill 274 AT/SA/? TO NATURE'S HEART. ishcd but that her recollection of hfs kindness was of such a character as to be in harmony with the sacred memories of her mother. At last, with a weary si-h, she saw, from the dcep- cmng shadows in the glen, that night must be near, ohe clasped the cold earth of the mound in close embrace. She was indeed orphaned and alone, when the pressure of her heart against a grass-grown grave could give m,ore comfort than aught else When about to rise, she lieard footsteps, and she hastdy stole into the thicket from which she had hrst issued, and which would cover her night back to the hills. But, though almost fainting with alarm- sudi had become her ^^•eakness of mind and body-a faint hope stnyed her fleet steps till she could obtaivi one glimpse of the intruder. There was something in the distant outline of the tall foriTi that was strangely familiar. But, as the strangers rapid advance revealed his face, she sank upon the ground overwhelmed with her feelin-s It was, indeed, the friend and brother whom she had mourned as lost, and he was apparently as un- changed as on the day she last saw him. Was his presence actual, or uas it merely a vision of her overwrought and morbid mind } She scarcely dared to move or breathe, and feared lest the wild throb, bing of her heart would break the illusion And yet he was so real, he could not be a phan- Ground fi' "T"" ""'"" "'' 8-J^°-^t-like, but struck the ground hrmly. Now she saw the expression of his face-the per- plexity-the alarm, the trouble, and distress depicted I 'mm A DIRGE ENDING JOYOUSLY. 275 hcre-as the desolation of the glen became apparent. 1 e went to the stone step that had led to the thresh- old of the cabin, and peered into the charred ruins as It he dreaded discovering there traces of its in. mates He next ascended hurriedly to the place here Vera s grotto-like apartment had been, but hescrutmy of the ashes gave no confirmation of the fear that apparently had risen in his mind He took off his hat, and passed his hand across iHsbrow and eyes, as if all were to him a vision which he would gladly dispel. He looked up and down the glen till his eye rested on the ehn under wh.ch was the grave, and he approached it rap.db' as if hoping to find there something that would lead to the discovery of those he souo-hV She must be living," he said aloud, " for here are the proofs of her care and taste. Indeed, from the marks upon the grass, I should think that some one had been here to-day." Again he looked up and down the glen, in the hopeof seemg something or some one that could explam the mystery. The poor girl, who was but a few feet away, seemed under a strange paralysis. She tried to speak, but, as if dreaming in very truth, though her hps moved, there was no sound ]5ut_, as Saville sat down upon a rock, and, takin-r out US fiute, commenced playing the same dir<.e which once before I.kI summoned her to him and kept her heart fron. breaking, the stony spell that bound her was broken. Tears rushed to her ej-cs "'I know a bank,'" she f;;ltered ; then, sprin >in- n-um her concealment, she knell at his feet, as^ne I : %\ m )A :•'"'. 'f i- 1 \V 276 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEAR: "g'Lte::"° ""'" '''"™""" f™- --^ P-- "Vera!" he exclaimed, raising lier up. "My fnend, my „tle sister- what has happened ? WlVa^ has changed you so ? " But for some moments, her tears and sobs were his only answer. He gently seated her on a rock besKle hnn, and held her hand, while strokin/het head n. gentle caresses, accompanied by equally tender and soothing words. t.quaiiy "My poor little sister, it is plain that much has happened, and that you have suffered deeply, si ce 1 saw you last, ^ ' "But thank God, thank God ! you are not dead- saT brk;:,r°^^""""^'"^''^' --"-''- to •• You may indeed take all the eomfort you cm ou of these facts," he replied cheeringly. .'ineve ha a better prospect of living, and tSL was v ss danger of my forgetting you. So cease you rembhng l.ttle one, and dry your tears. I a, agam stationed at Fort Montgomery, and can Z you often, as in old times. Now telf me wla i I happe„ed-no, first tell me where you live fo7i ts almost night, and we can HIL- r.n ' , " Oh I " , ..r " °"^ ^''"^y- tliither." ^ Oh exxkumed Vera, "in the joy of .seeing you I have forgotten all else. The wretched little hu ' vh.ch I cannot call home, is miles away. You can go with me there ; the path is too rLh and tang ed for aught save a mere creature of th tre t as I have become." ' Then, for the first time conscious of her tattered A DIRGE EN nix U JOYOUSLY. " My What 277 and forlorn dress, and her bare and brier-torn ankle.. low lone '"'"^ ''''^' "" ''''"'"^ ^^"'^^' ^"^ •^^'^> ^'^ ^ " I am glad night is near, that its darkness may cover n-.e. I wonder at your kindness, for I looked into a mu-ronng pool on my way hither, and saw my poor, miserable self as you now see me. What mus^ 1 seem to^you, who have seen the best of the world?" Vera, said Saville gravely, "did not your mo- ther,^when living, hope that I might become your "Yes," said Vera, with fast-faiUng tears " That hope has been fulfilled ; bit, were I onlv a casua stranger, what else could 1 feel for you ' \n path> . You may trust me then without fear or bruised feet, which are to me the touching proofs of your misfortunes. There are no stronoer el ims - those of humanity, and unconsciousi;; ua " hese in a way to make them most saci-ed. I fed hat 3'ou are committed to my charge, and that na- ture and all controlling destiny constitute me yl- brother and guardian. So, rest assured, you ha h'ding-place, which, I (bar, is little liuer thr U e nests o the birds, which are open to the sky' " ^ Bu the way is longer than you ^hink." Will ,t seem shorter to you without me ? All WrT^'^^'^^^'"- Come, little .ist^ l':;:hi::;;/'"^^-^-''-'^-'-i^^^ :!:i!: 1:;. i."- i ;■ . i - i , i i«i! i 'I 278 A'£.l/C TO XATUKE'S HEART. " I can take the more open paths, now that you arc w,th me, she said, with sudden gladness in her tone. "Yes, any you like. I will take care of yo„ " W.th a sisl, of intense relief, she exclaimed, " Oh ' «vhat a comfort it i,s not to be oppressed with fear very monrent. Constant dread was becominla I'-'b.t of my ,n,„d, as it is with father. There are ■such cruel uKl terrible men in the world ; and we -e so helpless, and are the objects of so nu,ch sus- peon, ,,at concealment and flight have become our only safety ; and, with the simplicity of a child, she told h.m of her own and Gala's experience, and the burningof the cabin. •• \Vhen »e saw the smoke," she said, '• uethonH.t •t had caught fire by accident, and we ran, in The hope of saving something. Bat Gala's cry, and the hornble men's rough voices, soon led us to f"ar U," wo,-st. r was afraid, at first, that father would leave old Gala to her fate, for often he is so .stran.l t.nml. h,t, for a feu- moments, he seen.ed like f cn.gedl,„n. He shot the leading villain, and the T^vl:^' T' '"'' ^^''- Only their raw n.htkept nn, from attacking them single-handed seemed to thmk they were the same ruffian that tncd to catch me ; an.I, f,-on, whr.t old Gala -a aftenvard I am sure they were. Ever sh, c I Imve hved ,n a state of terror lest they should spring out upon me." ^ siioum Iter tragic story was often interrupted by Saville's exclamations o pity and anger; .and w^hei^she^^ scnbed her peril upon the ice, and in climbin,, th. 1^' lil^ A DIRGE ENDING JOYOVSLY, 279 precipice, she felt hi hand. ■s arm tremble beneath 1 ler You shall be amply revenged," he said ni a tone, as she concluded. "Oh, no," she cried pleadingly ; "any effort to avenge me would only add to my pain and fear. Please make these dreadful n,en understand that ather ,s loyal, and that Gula and I are not witches. How came they ever to imagine such a thing about two such inoffensive creatures ? " " That's the cursed quality of superstition," he muttered. " The less reason and cause, the more monstrous and bigoted the belief." " You can never know all I have suffered of late " she said, findn,g much comfort in his strongly mani- fested sympathy. <' We often do not hav^e enou^di to eat, and I was beginning to hope I should die belore winter came. Father is more gloomy and taciturn than ever, and I often find him lookL at me ^^■lth a strange pity and almost horror in his e"'es as If he were murdering me and could not help' it' H.s looks haunt me. Old Gula, too, is growincr more strange, and mumbles unceasinglv of her un" earthly voices. Still I could endure all'this, were it not for m)' constant and unspeakable fear lest those wicked men find our hiding-place, or spring out at rne when I am away alone among the mountains. When I heard your step this evening, I came near flying, without looking back (God saved me frum that at least) I even wake out of my sleej), and imagine 1 hear them comir,(r vJth th«ir r!ro---'A 1 ■• ^ 11!^ \..tii iiiv..ir arcciviiul oatns. Arc you sure you can keep them away ? " 1:;: ;;l ! if i .!? ' m h ■ !i an f n.u 280 ^£^* ro A'ATURE'S 11 EAST. pollt ,T,°?' '"';• ^°°' '^'■"'^ ■' ' "''' "<" dream it "What you. say," she comhiued, m an aw«l fnRl.tc„ed tone, "leads ,.0 to speak of the wor't' ouble of all. Mother's Bible 'as burned it e cab,„, as was nearly everything else. I have tr ed o remen,ber its teaehin,., but of late they see ed .mi:;"°:beTo "'.;■""'■ '"^-j. i ^pi--od™ times .0 be foigettnig everything. I felt as if I were dwmdhng to nothing in body and mind, and a ,^ e"? DC just bccommgrnoth iiff. When u-p fi.-f «hethc, I should ever see you or any one else a<.ain ■fe. But, wlnle the world ,vas so da 1 the door of heaven seemed wide open, and mother' tan , ," , 't hght, wa,tn,g for me. For a longtime this beau Has God forgotten me .> Is He in truth I ' ::d;"i[:r''"'°''----''''^-"i^"l^ much hke the poor, timid h'ttle creature, nf .1 "oti "1^^ . I WKsh you could explain it all to mc " one h ''"k '^^T''' ^''"^' ^'"^''"^'' ^^^•>^ ^-''^dily. When one has been onn- un(!(>r Mv. ,-,.p r ^^"^ii '-'"o unacr the influence of trouble and «! A DIRGE ENDING JOYOUSLY, 28) solitude, and especially when there has been a lack of nutritious food, tl full of un 10 mind becomes morbid, and Strang .'hen th natural fancies, just as tl le ni;^rht is full of monstrous shadows, which all di. .„, ^, . --.appear When the sun nses. The sun has risen for you, and All these strange shadows upon your mind will soon pass away." " But are you sure that God never forgets any of His children, though they are weak and insignificant ? It IS this fear that troubles me most." ■ " Well, Vera, to tell you a truth, which you would have suspected long ago, if you had not been so in- nocent, I do not know much about God. I think you had better try to overcome all these morbid fancies, of which you have spoken, in a new and hopeful in- terest in your present life. I promise that I shall never forget you, and will try to make it certain that you shall never be so exposed to misfortune again." At first, Vera gave him a troubled, startled look and was silent for some moments. Then he felt her hand tightening in its grasp upon his ,.rm, as if the thought were in her mind, " If God is failing me I must cling the closer to this friend, who is so near and sympathetic." To divert her mind, he told her of his experiences durmg his long absence, and how he had written to her, and had hoped that she knew about his life else- where, while he remained ignorant of hers. He ex- plained how very uncertain letters were to arrive even along the regular lines of travel. And yet his heart reproached him that he had, in .ng, to offer you in the w ,y of supper. I'e .Zt tell you how it troubles me." "And are you forgetting your own pangs of hun- ger and consequent weakness, in the ear that you may not have a supper for one who dined heatify a few hours ago .' " he asked, taking her hand. ^ are no!:'" """ ''"' '""^ '° '"^"'^ ''""""-y- =>":s and steep " It is so strange to be petted and taken care of" she said, with a low laugh, "that it must be ali'a dream. " Thanks for that laugh," he cried ; " it is the first I ha\-e heard from you, but I shall be much mis- taken if it s the last. If I can carry out my will, tins IS your last dark, miserable day." "This day is no longer dark and miserable," she said promptly. " How is that ? " he asked. " It is night, and you are both hungry and weary." " But comforted and liap'pv," she added. " The only ache that I cannot endure is the heart-ache, and your coming has cured that." Having at last descended into the wild, secluded valley, they were not long in reaching what Vera had called with truth " a wretched little hut " 1. 1 i, (;ii; \m ^*\ ^.^. V <^ /, ^'l'^' V IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) 1.0 1^ 1^ IIM |3.2 I.I u> |40 2.0 11.25 u mil 1.6 luC SciKices Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 h /, y. t/i m \ iV \\ ? ! I i 284 h'EAR TO .VA TURE 'S HEART. ■Hi I 1^ •lis I » M CHAPTER XX. GULA HEARS A VERITABLE VOICE. WHEN Vera told Saville that they were iieaf peared the little cabin, he asked why no light ap- We live literally in darkness much of the tim( she replied ; " for father will not lest its rays reveal permit a liG^ht, our hiding-place; and I have been so timid, also, that I was well content to sub mit. Please wait here, and I will prepare father for the meetinfT." " Is it possible," he thought, scanning the place by the light of the rising moon, " that this poor little hovel has been her only shelter for long months? Even our soldiers' huts are bcMcr than this." Vera noiselessly raised the latch, saying, at the same time, in a quiet tone, " It is I, father." "I am very glad you have returned, for I was beginning to surmise horrible things. What has kept you ?" "I met an old friend." " Met an old friend! Who?" " Your friend as truly as mine. Can you not think who he is ? " "Has Mr. Saville returned, and is he indeed friendly?" he asked eagerly. GULA HEARS A VERITABT.E VOICIL " He is more friendly than ever ; he shall si)eak for himself. Mr. Savillc ! " " O Vera ! you have not brought him to this our only refuge.'" cried her father in great agita- tion. " I fear evil will come of it." " No, Mr. Brown," said Saville, cordially taking his hand ; " good and only good shall come of it"! I am here as a friend to you both. Besides, I brincr you cheering tidings, sir. We are making good our Declaration of Independence, which you heard over a year ago, and have now excellent prospects of final victory." The fear-haunted man drew a long breath, and then said. - The deed has now been done, and, since you are here, we will treat you with the best cour- tesy we can ; but I had hoped no living soul would ever discover this retreat." "God has in mercy willed it otherwise, father." "God, forsooth! "he responded bitterly. " If I could hide forever from Him, I might hope for a little respite. " We have not a chair to offer you," he continued turning to Saville. " Will you accept of this rude bench.?" " I shall be most content in faring as you do," answered Saville, in the frank, cordial manner which always gives confidence. " And now, I pray you, sir, sit down with me, while I tell you of the prog- ress of the war. Vera has related enough of your experience to fill me with the deepest sympathy for your misfortunes. At the .same time, I clearly fore- see brighter days in store for you both." i ■! , ; : I I, fflllvi 286 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. JJcfurc tl plctcly c-ibsorbcd by ] battles tliat had e exile was aware, Savillc held h im com. lis graphic descriptions of tl V i-'i'a, in the mean ti occurred duriiit well rise. "Now you arc my prisoners," he continued ; "and only on the condition of your making a good supper, shall I permit you -.o escape." " Hungry as I am, I cannot cat, unless you share the birds with us," persisted Vera, leaving the choice bits before her untasted. "Was there ever such a queer little sister? If any pain were to be borne, you would want it all, I warrant you. Well, I'll take a wing." " No, that may portend your sudden absence again. " "Where is Gula?" he asked abruptly. " I'se here," said the old negress, stepping from the deep shadow of a rock. " And riglu glad I am that you are still here," said Saville cordially. " I have heard how badly you were treated, buL 1 am vou all now. joing to take care of 't^ A ■m i. i ■I' 288 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. IMas'r I3rou-n fired little too quick lionie nou-. I would like to -it h winter come. Tink I uill, for d po'fiil strong lately, or I'd been ome afore de cold e voices is call in' 11 li ' JJut our voices will call on ^-ou more strongly to stay with us; besides, I am going to bring a lively young colored boy to help you, when I come again. Vera he said in a low tone, turning to the young g.rl, be so kind as to let me ^^.^ my portion to this poor old creature. When I come again, I will, in truth, be your submissive guest." "Well," said Vera laughing, ''I do not know much about the world ; but I imagine that men always have their own way n\ it." " You have indeed forgotten your Shakspeare if you think that. But lam much interested in your gyp. syjife Where were these birds cooked so nicely?" We has a stone fireplace in de side ob de hill " said Gula, with a courtesy. ' _ "Father has arranged it so that the smoke is car- ried off among the rocks, and in such a way that it cannot be seen by any one on the hills around us " added Vera ; " and the cabin, you perceive, is quite hidden by evergreens." It was, indeed, even from them, who were but a lew feet away. "All this may answer in summer, but not in win- ter, said the young man decidedly. ;' I doubt whether M-e could have survived the ^'inter. Vera replied in a low tone. wo'rls "' "^"'''"^ ^'" '^'"^ '^"'^ ^""'^^^ suggestive GULA HEARS A VERrTABLE VOICE. ' It was my best h 2S9 my Thank fort Ith lopc, t'"II you ca me. Line, my comincf w anlc God," added V IS not delayed. tably Don't mention that 'n',ea:y ,f o ra;';::e::;;r::fr/°^^°"^-^--"---'y sivillo?"; '•'''"'■'■''«'' » f^"- - to be silent, baville hul seen much of the world, but the nic ure made by that wild mountain-.or.'e a d h- t" tie group before him left an ineffaceable , 1 tsion er r" -dronZhimm '"^"' -'? ^^^^^ tHe other i;i:rinirr;::v:u:;:r°s LI v.stas opened here and there, w-ith stran'e effect among the giant trees of the valley. The closelv ranked cedars and hemlocks concealed I^ v wl of the I, tie log hut, and the i„„,ates, as thev e°n appeared, were so unlike ordinary people thah^ : eat-™ o^t^ "f "'^^ r"°'^ ^^'-^ -- "'- '' e Bu to \ "'^ "'"" =" ?"■■' "f tl'o real world Bu to hnn, who was weary of the platitudes and hollowness of conventional life, the picture hn . unspeakable attraction. ^ '''"^ "" mi°rt^"''^!-°°' ^ ":".'= ""'' '•™'" h- "'-ter ' Jeamng her tall, gaunt form, that was feeble ilr : !'■ ;- if 11 i 2()0 XEAH rO NATURE'S HEART. n-o,n ;u;c and lack of Hk-cI, aj^ainst cue of the c^ranito boulders that were scattered thickly at the base u{ the mountahi. Her wrinkled features fornud as elfish ■xn.X unearthly a visage as could well be hn^ aguied. The luibroken rays of the moon, as they shone lull on \ era's father, only made more evident what a wreck he had become. His Hice ^^•as ha-ard, his hair unkempt, and his ^^nzzX^C^ beard had ^roun to enormous proportions. At times, when SaVille wis speakm- to him, he had almost the bearin- of a finished o-entleman ; a little later, he wore the look of a fnohtened animal, furtively devouring its food Althouo-h Savillc, with almost the appreciation of an artist, marked the other features and accessories of the picture, his eyes constantly reverted to Vera with increasing interest. Havin- finished the repast. wJuch, after all, was very meagre, she leaned her head upon her hand, and listened with such a wistful intent expression in her face, that it was difficult for ' him to da-ell merely on the details of a past cam- paign. He wished to comfort and reassure her. He now had opportunity to note the changes that had taken place in her appearance, and saw, with boding anxiety, how frail and thin she was Her sun-browned face was very pale in the moonlight, and more suggestive of spirit than of flesh and blood. lo his kindled fancy, her wealth of unconfined hair grew into a halo, and the pure, beautiful face be- neath resembled portraits of saints that he had seen in picture galleries abroad, and he thought, " If the world would only worship such' saints-^ ^'~' '" imiruM J base (if 11 be iin-. ^'y slione -•nt wiuit ^ard, his ;:ro\vn to I'iilc was ■iiig of a the look its food, atioii of cessorics to Vera e repast, ncd her I wistful, icult for • ist cam- he r. i;cs that L\v, with s. Her onhqlit, i blood, cd hair "ace be- ad seen iaints — ■ G!7A.^ ///;..//•,,• ./ ;y 'f'Vely, unselfish, and 1 niore-Jiope for 1 J^ut the niQ-ht //7V//,Y^ J'0/C£. 291 'viiic,^ wonien~ih uinianity, ere would b« gnt was passing, and h Vou will not think- of of day?" remonstrated V c ros e to depart. returning before the b ' cs Ih era. reak be at do d ave lingered too I my post in the ni 01 ""g already; I mu unng the day. I shall ■'l'"L^ and I have much about th I shall asl. f^l'L'ii path. return to-morrow c .s.-une hour I canie to-night. And your kind St to even in GT now, sir. "ess to guide me back to tl 10 I M can lead ontgoni ^!^l!Zr'' T""^' ""■'^''^'' ^^'^y to Fort ' ''f^^'"' ''isi'ig promptly gomery," said Mr. h and to-night I feel like tal I wil not s, ing the wall Jest it be followed I lygood-b)'," said V: sence. era, in parting, 'y ''I'l'^^tlier long and dreary ab- Her fatlu 1" guided their uest for :ind left liim only u-hen the path b several mi.- to b that easily followed. S ecame s avill o pkii n as ">= visit had so aroused the unl e was greati)' j^Ieased during their w.il], in Iiis mind a healthful II lappy man, and. contmuedtodohisbesttokindl even obtained from h interest in the out come with Vera, at the place where th nn a promise that 1 er world. •inset the followini D Savill urnin- th ey parted, e remainder of 1 le would evening, to e s mind wa ems presented by t probi situation of the f; lis walk to the fort ■s very active in trying to solve the' and to su Pply them with food e peculiar charact 'imily. It uas clearlv his fi resolved, at the earl ane ' .- loll rst duty lest ""S:- He ah so opj)ortunity, to assure tlu i I'j. f' ! i t(^^ f (i 292 A'EAR TO NATURE'S HEART. I 1 ! ) nnhtary authorities of Mr. Brown 's loyalty to the American cause, and thus preserve the lau.ily from fiu-lher molestation, because suspected of being lones He also determined that if Larry and his jv.fc Molly, had auyht to do with the outraoes that had been committed a-ainst the family, he would make them suffer to the extent of his ability. Vera, fearin- that it might lead to a bloody quarrel had not told him of the insult received at Fort Con- stitution, when she crossed thither to learn what had become of him. Early the following morning, he sought an in- tcrv.cw with James Clinton, who now commanded the forts, and who, several months previous, had been promoted to the rank of general. Saville, also, on the ground of merit, had recently been commissioned captain in the engineer department. It was impossible for the young man to be a cool advocate, or to be satisfied with halfway measures and he soon quite enlisted General Clinton's sympa- thies in behalf of his protc'ga. Ilis request for a brief leave of absence was readily granted, and full protection for the family promised. His next step was to secure a boat in which to visit Peekskill, that he might obtain the articles of apparel and comfort which both Vera and her father greatly needed ; and therefore he summoned the colored servant whom he had lately taken into his employ, and who thus far had proved a bundle of contradictions, a human riddle, that his master had been unable to solve. He was a genuine African in features and manner, N ■'k I i \ "TiTinr'iiiiiiii 11 OCflA UEAliSA VEI^nADLE VOICE. jg, ,. *^''-^ "I'ln or bu\' fr,. i,.. i J'-mscIfat Savillc's tent on fh , P'-^''^^-"tc,I arrivvU. asking for service. '"'^"'"^^ ''^''' ^' ;; Where do you come from ? - Saville asked response. ^'' ''^' ^^''^ indefinite " VViiat is your name?" ;; Mas'r kin call me what ],e Jikes." Maven tyou any name?" no'Jcr" ril' " ""'" "'.';•""-: J-^^' -s 1,V hab an- .ou|.!,;:;;-:;.-::;;- j^:;:;- -.. ..a,,. V\ell, u-hoarcyou, any way?•• i cIoesn•tjes•kno\v.•• ;;Whatareyoudoinginthisregion?•• A sc a-lookin' for somebody " "DtI,. . ' '^- , ^^"-^'^c IS your master ?" niteof h '^' ^ ^^^ ^"-^'^'o'." s-'u-d this most indefi- nite ot Jiuman atoms -if- fi,-. .• "iu(_n- head toward Savi e • !'■ " '"'' '"''^'"» '"^ answer my purpose." '^"'' y"" ^"" ""' littte hoi-n ''r '"''/■f ""^'--'^ ^-e"'"' -'' P""ed a "uie Horn of wool that ho h-^A c- . • i over his forehe.d f.. .' :. l^^^'^^.^:''"'"S'>' ^"-^^^d No w, if rehcad for polite or pol mas r 'II begin to be use'l right politic uses, jes' guv me a handle, I'se '11 straight." fi ;!b ' ! 294 .^■/.^ I I : !'::/■ -s i/r.Ah'T. " Oh ! answer, A ii.ilhllr! •" i'I». siimpcii f.) rail and sc-iul inc .1 name by, Any one ol y„i,,- ,,i^i ones will ' •''•^srploasc.I\inuIdu-lK-KUvmeanc^^^ L ; ; .V ' ";''^''^'"'^^^'^-'-^ -^ tenns for an unknovvn quantity, ami name you X Y Z." "l>afll suit ker.ackly," u-as the deliH.ted re rr;. .::.!?'---•■ ■ ■"'^- '-■ - ^ -^ ■' - ■' lf"t I si, ,11 c.,11 y.,„ X fo,- sl,„,t/' said Seville, , '.;; ''"^V'-r",' ''"^''''-'"' !'-""»• I"'>vc'l l,i.s ability to «,vc ,vd I ,r l,c sc. chose, and „o>v was on Land .cu ly to do l„s master's hldding with alacrity '•:"' me a sn.all sail-boat, that can he, owed if t ri'-i " ?",'/■'"■>; •""' '"^ '■""'y '" g" "i"' ■»'-■ to i cekskdl m half an hour." Within less time, the boy reported that all was reach the tore of Daniel Birdsall. Frou) his mea-^rc stock. Sav, e made the best selection he could, 1 d f sm .„, half frownin, over the coarse material and stout shoes he was compelled to buy for VerVs wear. ^ v^ia.^ ^^ "They will at least keep lier warm," he thouglit • and 1 have no fears but that, by some form of woman smagic, she will conjure this dark stuff into a tasteful dress.. Perhaps I may do better another time m tne stores up the river." He also purchased an ^h!It^f^ln-'^ r K -i-iacu ,111 aDunaan<.e of ammunition, GUI. A ni'.Ah'S A VnRlT. '\ni.F. VOICE. 295 a.Isnd, provisions as th. plan: n.mislu,!. M,,,,,,. --.'i.iyai..v..,iu:r>,,. „..,,,,, ,„„ ,,,,•• ^ folloui:.! |,y niii.Mis vyvs. " No^v, X, lake llu'l.oat I, nk ,,.,1 . . asp.ssihc. II .,„y ni,,„„v ui„,,,. f ;un, sav tl.-it f am .shooiin-aiiioM^rij,,. hills.- '"' '^•'y Hut I ;>; spc-ciily n-joincd his ,„aslc-r. at svhosc \M\nss ^ tool, u ,,, ,,,,j^^ ,^,,,^,,^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ u^^ , out. jot of uuu.st. apparently, as to their dcsthu;. b al Ic o serve me best by servi„. others I I vc ^-ulsbacl. i.Mhenun.ntai„s.vWthuho,n ; sne rT;'' '"'' "'■''' >""■ I''^-^'-- but never ^P- k of what you see and hear to any one. If '1 do I have t e n.eans of n.akin, you' wish you h bitten your tonj^r^.^ off first " "Ma.sVSavi;ie'Jl find out by-and-by dat Tse no' A^l^d at knouin-numndat. nobody-;;'^ r: Yes lau^^hed Savilie; "you have mven me a sumnW^"^ '''''"'^ ''^" " ^"^'^^^ beacon-fire on the summit of a western mountain, as they reached ;i^e!eny:. ' '"' '"^" ''''' "°' ^ ^-- of their " They liave not arrived yr^t " thon-r'-f q •,, " but it is time they were ne^r T • i ."^ '"^' icy were near. I will give our old 'I- :• \ i Iti 296 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. V ft' |: i signal, and Vera mav answer ; " and he played the familiar air. Almost immediately a powerful yet bird-like voice answered, from a neighboring thicket, " I know a bank -vhereon the wild thyme blows." " Gosh ! what's dat ? " said X, starting up in great alarm. ^ " That is your future mistress, X ; don't run away till you see her." As Vera stepped forth with her father, her strange appearance and remarkable beauty so impressed poor X that he muttered, " I knowed any critter wid a voice like dat mus' be a speret from one place or t'oder. Tink she ain't from t'oder, dough ; for dat ar singin' was hebbenly, sure 'nuff. But I doesn't like de looks ob de ole man." X soon gained his stolid composure, however, and was able to pull his little woolly horn with his wonted nonchalance, when introduced with his big bundle. Saville greeted his friends with the utmost cor- diality, and sought by his manner to banish their timidity. Hope and happiness had already wrought a marvelous change in Vera, and Saville, as of old, found himself wondering at her beauty. "What have you here?" she asked, with childlike curiosity and vivacity. '' V/ell, in the first place, this is X Y Z. If you can find out any more about him, you will accom. plish more than I have done. As for these bundles, we will open them at the cabin. If you will spread ■ \ layed the ike voice > in great 'un away r strange Tipressed dat mus' she ain't ebbenly, b de ole ivev, and > wonted bundle. ;Ost cor- ish their wrought s of old, childlike If you accom-. bundles, 1 spread ab I shall need ^^^^ 7IBAJ?S A VERITABLE '0/CE. :T'' f^"- '"^ 'Saln to-night. 297 I have notl no urging to partake of you will find that un^°"'" "^-^'"e ? " she asked "De name Mas'r Saville guv me is Fl- X mechanically. "" ' Ekswyze," said " No! no! no '" n-.Vr? r i cited tl,an ever ' ''wJ ' T" ''"■'" ^'"^ «- boreiS:::;,,:^.?e:!r.':-t™--"^''.e your m udder! I se called m IF I m IS 1 J ■ im^ 1 1 298 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. you Tascar when you was a baby, artcr one I lubbed in dc warm sun-land. Oh ! my po', ole, dead heart jes* seem as if it had x'vi ri^^lit up out ob de grave." All gathered round Gula, overflowing with sym- pathy and congratulations, and the moon, rising above the eastern Highlands, enabled the mother to see the features of her long-lost son. Every moment or two she would cry out, " Yeh, yeh, it is my little Tascar, sure 'nuff." " I knowed I'd find you, mudder," said the boy delightedly. " Dey couldn't keep me long down dar when dey sole me 'way from you. I came back to whar you used to be, and foun' you had run up dis way (lame Tom tole me). De world is po'ful big place, but I knowed I'd find you if I only looked long 'nuff." " You are now no longer an unknown quantity, so we will call you Tascar after this," said Saville, laughing. " And now, Gula," added Vera, " you have at last heard a real voice, and I hope it will satisfy you, so that you will not listen any more for those strange, unearthly voices that you thought were calling you away from us. I suppose Tascar is hungry, like the rest of us; so you may take him into your rocky kit- chen, and let him help you get our supper. Mr. Sa- ville has generously brough; us a great many things. "See, Mr. Saville," she continued, taking his arm, and leading him a little apart ; " see what a differ- ence your coming has made to us all. Old Gula has found her son ; and father has changed so much for the better, I scarcely know him." ■;s GULA HEARS A VERITABLE VOICE. things. I 299 " And you ? " he asked gently. "Ah ! Mr. Saville, you have never known what it was to have but one friend, one hope, in the world. When I first heard your steps, I was lying on mother's grave, and praying that I might speedily sleep beside her. Surely God sent you to us." " Think so, little one, if it does you any good." " But do you not think so.? " '* All T know is that I have come, and very glad I am that it was not too late." " I wish you could explain to me about God, and make Him seem near to me acrain." "I cannot, Vera; let us change the subject," Saville replied, a little abruptly. She sighed, but soon gave herself up to thorough enjoyment of the happiest hour that had ever yet come into her brief and shadowed life. . : !i \ , 1 i 1 ' 'i \ ■ ! n. \\ ifii *■ jOO NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. CHAPTER XXI. s \m CAMP FIRMS AX]) SUHrLIOR FLAMES. NOT very long after their bountiful supper, Sa- ville said, "I had but little sleep last night, and have taken many steps to-day ; so, with your permission, I will seek a resting-place." " I am sorry that we have scarcely anything better than the cabin floor to offer you," said Vera rue- fully. " You forget that I am a soldier, and that at this time of the year I ask no better bed than the tireen- d»» ^ Tlie cabin, like the larger one near West Point, had been constructed with a small ioft. Into this Vera crept, but for a long time was too happy for sleep, Savillc took the blanket that Tascar had brought at his bidding, and, throwing himself under a wide- spreading hemlock, slept as only the strong and weary can sleep. Gula and her son dozed and crooned in their rocky recess, till the dawn aroused them to preparations for breakfast. Even the poor, remorseful exile rested with an unwonted sense of security, CAMP I' IRKS AXD SUBTLllR FLAMES. ^Ol B The next morning, Savillc tried to induce Mr. rown to pcmiit him to find tliem a better li omc f nearer the fort, but found that any proposition o the kind would not bo entertained. " I have a feeh'nc,' that I am safe here, and nowhere else," he said. "If you think best, Vera and Gula can go, but I shall remain." " I shall not leave you, father," said Vera, quietly. " Well," said Saville, cheerily but firmly, "then we must make you all as comfortable here as we can. A new cabin, as large as the old one that was burned, must be built." " V>w\. that will attract attention," remonstrated Mr. I^rown. " Suppose it does. I iiave satisfied General Clin- ton that you are loyal to our cause, and. he has prom- ised you and your family full protection." " Does General Clinton know anything of me and my whereabouts?" cried the man, starting up in great alarm. "Yes, sir ; and if he had only known before what I told him yesterday, you would not have been mo- lested in your old home. Can you not see, Mr. Brown, that nothing so draws attention and suspi- cion as your effort to hide from every one? At the time I was so hastily ordered away from this region, I yielded to your judgment, and did not say much concerning you, not having your permission. But now, for Vera's sake, as well as your own, I can allow no doubt to exist as to the fact of your being heart- ily on our side. In respect to anything else, no one u \\ \v t > il \i ■ m 30: a:^:.ia: to xature's heart. oil all perfect seeks to know aught. I can promise y safety, if you will do just what I ask." The exile's brow contracted darkly, but he would not meet Savillc's eye. " M -. Brown," said Savillc, in a low, meaning tone. The man now gave him a startled, apprehensive look. " I can promise you perfect safety, if j-ou do just what I ask," Saville continued, in tiie same low, sig- nificant voice. " I will, I will," was the eager reply. "There's my hand in ])ledge." Mr. Brown seized it like a drowning man, and from that hour became Sa\ ille's slave. Vera watched this strange interview with a beat- ing heart, and, at its close, felt as never before, even that her destiny also was controlled by the youni,' stranger, whom Providence had sent, as she believed'^ to rescue both herself and her father from the hope- less and helpless condition into which they had drifted. With characteristic energy and promptness, Saville set about the tasks made necessary by the decision to remain in the secluded glen. He decided that the little hut already built should be preserved for Gula and her son ; and the plan of a much larger cabin, for the use of Vera and her father, was marked out adjoining it. "I also mean to have a little nook myself," he said, " It will all be >ours," Vera added promptly. '% C.IMP /■//:/■: S AXD SUBTLER FF.A. Mi:s. 503 ill perfect he would meaning relicnsive 1 do just low, sig- nan, and li a bcat- 3re, even c youHLj aelieved, he hope- hey Iiad i, Saville decision ed that rved for li lartrer o marked elf," he ly. He lool.-cd at her so carnestlv that tlic blood cam a into her f ice, tliou';!) win-, A It, 1 ic (lid not know. After a moment, he said, hall to her, ;iiul half i "I cannot tell why it is. hut this p! n so lil oquy dy place alrea seems to me mure like a home than any I have ye't known ' " I do not understand how jvw can feel so," said Vera, looking; frankly into his face. " It will, in truth, be home to me; because containing;, when you arc lierc, all whom I love." Again he gave her an earnest look, as he said, "Nature is a rare teacher, my little friend; and she has taught you a truth which we sometimes for- get, to our sorrov.'. Only the places which contain those whom we love can be homes." "And it is your love for us," e.xclaimcd Vera, openly and joyousl\-, as if she had solved the mys- tery, "that makes this forbidding place seem home- like." "That is not bad logic," he replied, laughine ; "though your pronoun is r.ithcr too general." " How strange it is," said Vera musingly, "that we should have met as we did, and that you should have become my brother in very truth I Do such things often happen in the world .^" " I am afraid not," he replied, shaking his head. "Then 1 h;v. e been specially favored, when I have been almost repining at my lot." " I certainly have been very fortunate in finding such a sweet, wild flower in this wilderness of a world. But come; this is not preparing for the cold storms of winter, which, unfortunately, are near. \\ , i ^n. HIi 304 NEAR TO X A TURK'S HEAR r. ic era inc. You must ply the needle, and brinj^r j,onic tl liile your father and Tascar do' the heavy woik e gods! how I would like to stay here arul heli u you ! I have brought plenty c;f powder and .sh<;t f. or >'our gun. lUit will it be safe to have tl le report of fire-arms heard here ? " " Certainly; the old policy of hiding and conceal- ment is past ; and as soon as I can, I 'shall find you a home where you can have good, kind neighbors. Bring your gun, and let me see if you can hit that gray squirrel in yonder tall tree." She complied, with the joyousness of a child, and was soon within range with her light fowlin5 in her mind and body. She was like a sunny bank, that a (c^v warm •sprmcr days change from wintry bareness to fragrant bloom. '^ Her feeling for Saville was the frank, undisguised affection of a sister; or, perhaps more truly, the strong, .nnocent love of a child, that gives its heart wholly for the time to those who win it. The woman in Vera was still unawakened, thou^rh at times, there was an intensity in Saville's gaze that quickened 'ut pulse a little, and mantled her cheek with a richer hue than even restored vigor was giv- ing It again. ^ ^ As for Saville, he was self-deceived. We have already seen that he had a faculty for illusion, and this was especially true in the line of his favorite theories As he had once imagined his transient passion for a most unworthy object to be the pre- cursor of lasting and conjugal affection, so now he regarded the pure flame of love, which was kindlin- in his he.u-t for Vera, as a lofty kind of friendshiu^ resulting from the peculiar accord of their two na- tures. He felt that he was in all respects ennobled and made better by her society. Unconsciously she stimulated every good quality he possessed into greater vigor. She was so pure and innocent her- self tli;if ii"t: ,,.,c-, .;,,., ,1 • , self that his passion si eot in hv presence, while h 13 v ■ J 3o(1 i^7•;.//>• 7-0 A'.lTr/!E'S HEART. hij^licr faculties of mind and heart were awakened into aspirations that were as thrillin;.;!)- deliL,ditful as the\- were foieiun to all his fi 1)1 M nier e\[)erience. on-over, liis conscience commended the part he was actniiT toward her Th c circumstances o f th eir acquaintance had been sucli, that every [^^encrous, sympathetic trait lie possessed wa< enlisted in her behalf. He regarded himself as a disciple of nature ami an apostle of humanit)'. In his view, nature had been her teacher, and had formed her character ; and the result confirmed his theory that all sliould be guided by nature's teachings. In their warm and growing friendship, were not they both following the strong and natural impulses of their hearts? As one devoted to the interests of humanity, he would consider himself most false, did he leave this innocent maiden to the perils of her peculiar iso- lated condition, and he honestly desired to obtain for her a safe and recognized position in society, as soon as possible. But the spell of her beauty grew dail}' upon him ; the touch of her hand was acquiring subtle power to thrill every nerve and fiber of his body; the tones of her voice kept repeating themselves for long hours in his heart ; and before his visit was over, even the man of theories and illusions was perplexed at certain peculiarities in his platonic friendship. But the woman in Vera still slumbered, and she returned his affection with the same frank innocence as at first. After his visit to the romantic glen, life at the fort was to Saville very " weary, staU., flat, and unprofit- c.i.'irp /■7/c/-:s ./.\' awakened licfhtful as nee. le part he .'s of their L^cncrous, cd in her of nature \v, nature :haracter ; all should warm and following earts ? lanity, he leave this Hiliar iso- to obtain ociety, as ipon him ; tie power the tones for long ,vas over, perplexed Iship. , and she innocence It the fort unprofit- y> .vr/,"/7,/.7>' f'f.AMKS. able." Not Z^7 make a demonstrat even the fact that ti divert his thoughts at fi '^"1 up the river, le enemy might sooi couki ;rea from th c armies, under both W^ash rst, and only as the tid lly inn> the n ^dunng the Sabbath. T^^ tlic day ucie over, he was on his way to the seclude,! exiles uh J iiad found a refu-e there IT.s coming was a ghuf surprise to Vera and there were evidences of deeper feelin.. in h ' '.1 come than she had ever yet manifested. "^'" don -^1^' T\ '"'"^^ '"'^'^ ''^'' ^---^^ this re- gion . she asked eagerh-. " Not soon, that I am aware. Why = ■' viu, Vera, tins is unlike you : are you well? " ^^ 1 cH me It, and I will explain it away." I dreamed that there had been a battle and tha* prospect of a battle ? " ^ i r j . 1 , ^ ... !■ ■ ;■ ) ' i i \A (SB t 3oS .\ /:. I A' / \-,i TU/CE 'S HEAR T. " No special prospcct-no more than there ha, been for several days past ; but a soldier cannot look for anythinc^ else. *' I wisli i did not feel so," said Vera. "Come, cheer up, my little friend. Dreams go by contraries. Never shed tears over troubles that may not come ; and he exerted hin.self to his utmost to Danisli her gloomy fears. The neu' log cabin, at which he also had labored clurmg h.s v.s.t was now nearly complete, and he i^nulied a gemal fire in its ample chimney-place. _ Ic took a ge,u,ine interest 'm all that had been done labor But Vera noted with pleasure that he lin- pred longest over her handiwork. Never before had be been so kmd or so thoughtful of her. His mere tones and glances were like caresses. But all this only made her heart more full, for she could not cast offthe miserable presentiment with which she bad nsen that morning. For his sake, however she disguised her feelings. After dinner, the following day, they took a long walk together, and she accompanied him v .11 on his way back to the fort. " A^ they were parting, she said, as shcu. t. his hand, •=" " Promise me onething-if there is a battle-that you w. not needlessly or recklessly expose your- •^nlf What would become of us if you werLif > ^' ..'ere -oh ! my heart almost breaks even at the 'to." f ask." m^ CAMP r/A'/'S A.\ n SUBTLER FLAMES. «i < If I have any love for you,' Vera are trust my heart to an I 309 lardly S!-.lr'|-, honor. I will be as prudent as a sold I must say good-by at tempted not to ^o at stoo SI go at all , " and for the (1 pcd dcu'n and kissed her forehead swer. Well, well, IJttl icr can be with CO, or I may be rst time ho visih . ' '"'"'''"^ ^^^^^"-^^ «''^ '«"S as it was viMb le, and then returned to the cabin, ^Wth an In crcasmn. ^-ei-^dit upon her heart. By the time he reached the vicinity of the fort t^'c camp fires were lighted, and around the e the n^en were gathered, cookin,. the evenin, meal To ticrc, uatch.n^r the stranj^e effects of li-vht ,„,! sHjuIow amon. the rocks and evergreens f, ' P.cturesqueness of the bearded menl^s they pas ed to and fro betu'een the fires. Even the co ' rations of the soldiery ,ave forth a Lory ^ of^l.^ ohter, or the notes of a rollickin^r , ment than the stern aspect of war," he thouHu "I he mad. h,s way to a large fire, around u-hich num- bers were mcreasing continually." r .".^f ' u ' ''' f ''^^'^"-^ "^^'^^•"g- There is Parson Gano!^ How dearly Vera would love to hear hi^ pious jargon, and would swallow it all, poor chid as undoubted truth ' ^^,•ll t . , ' i'"°' ^""o, .h..r...J^l !.: ^^'3.^ '^"^ S'^^d to note that Bh e speaks less and less i M ,1 I r >' ^'-'iesetnings, and think she 310 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. lias a native strrngth of mind which will enable h to outgrow her superstitious trammels. Well G ano emn non- is a good, brave fellow, if he is teaching sol sense; and out of curiosity I'll stay, and hear what own under the shadow e scene, as one might look hejias to say." And he sat d of a tree, and watciie on some heathenish incantation The throng around the fire grew large, for the preacher was a popular speaker. Officers mingled with the men, as they would do in the plain meeting- houses in their distant village homes ; and Saviltc could not help noting that the serious faces lighted up by the glare of the central fire, were, in the main, manly, self-respectiig and intelligent. "How is it," he asked himself, "that sane and even very clever people can keep up with so much pams this old-fashioned mummery of religion ? Cui bono? What is the good of it all? Here we are living in a world of inexorable law and destiny, and yet multitudes are praying to an old Hebrew divmity, that never had any existence, as if they expected practical help ! Could anything be more absurd ? The idea of my getting down on mv knees, and praying to one of Homer's demi-gods! What is it in men that makes them so credulous? " Here he suspended his soliloquy to listen to the hymn which the chaplain gave out before his sermon. The voices that sang it were untrained and rough] and the harmony not very smooth, and yet the cdt- ical listener admitted to himself thrt there was a certain element in the music which made it differ from a mere performance. -— -i enable her Veil, Gano lemn non- hcar what he shadow night look e, for the s mingled I meeting- iid Savillc .'s lighted the main, sane and so much on? Cut e we are destiny, Hebrew s if they be more ly knees, ;! What n to the sermon, i rough, the crit- e was a it differ CA.up F/i^Ks jxn srnru""'°"dl«''. and there arc tlie stars look.ng do«-„ as steadily as tlie eves r^nesh" ,?'"'" "'"""^ "^- '^'- Sabbath I iu rne tat ot heaven, thouo-h rihnl,! words and laughter tnake h.,rsher iiscord t ha^ ^ ' V Ides d,n of battle, where freemen are warri,,. for hel l^s ab"';"'"" '^ "°"""S -parent to Tnl: 13ut what shall be on the morrow? Such i, our ncertatn tenure of earthly life, we could Ini h.quest,on in our peaceful homes without ^t^it n,?f' km"' '"'"'' " "'•■^'"^ '<> ">e soldiery. put tliLii feet again upon our necks M-,n,, ^r no .1 ■• , ^ ' ^''''■'' P"''^^''^P'^ b^'t '-^ few days-do not thuik I am talking wildly when I say, but a fZ hours-may elapse before these warm, 1,V ,^ V dLT A T T^-' '■'" ^^" ^'°^'^ beneath our fc^et ' A foreboding recollection of Vera's dro.m'. into Saville's mind. ''"' "^^'"^ "Young man," continued the chaplain more ear ncstly, leveling his Ion- fin-er ',^ . .. i f«n^ 1 ^^ linger at a careless vojncr you are a brave soldie,' Ah - "° ''""'" "■■■" that vo„ .„ .,u,: '''"■'■. ^'=■•1' y"" ^ccms-obold -1 , -^ >.ia.-v . yuii seem sx ">'" you are willing ,o defy God as well as man v.*|l ■e peaceful, , and tliere IS the eyes in the dark e Sabbath n the pro- isturb our ?h, ribald than the arring for t to man, the emo- •ful. ich is our not ask t misgiv- soldiery ! ! hope to ny of us can tri- lays — do ut a few ? bodies :et." ni came ore ear- ycjng on the bt that sb bold s man ! CAA/r FIRES AA^D SUBTLER FLAMES 313 When the foe attacks these forts, you will try to do your duty. But do you not realixe that this very cluy may cause your vigorous young body to be racked w.th dying pains? If I could ^tell you that .o-morrow evenmg you would be lying dead some- nou? What ought you-and you-and you-to o he asked solemnly, sweeping his finger around the eiit.re cnxle. " What ought we all to do ' rr. ^ ^' V, ^^""'^ ^'""'"^ ^^^" privilege, rather, of c ea ures hke ourselves-weak and ready to perish '^t an times, now hourly exposed to peril-how great is the privilege of heeding the Divine Saviour as He cries, ' I am the resurrection and the life ' If we trust and fear the One who spake these words we have naught else to fear. The bullet that pierces us may be but God's swift messenger to summon us home Suppose our mangled bodies do strew these rugged hill-sides and rocky forts ! The cruel foe cannot so trample them out of shape, nor time so destroy them, nor the winds so scatter and dissipate hem, but that He, who declared, ' I am the resurrec tion, can raise them up, no longer dead and defaced but fashioned like unto His glorious body; and so shall we be ever with the Lord. Then why live another hour, why go into desperate battle, without this precious Friend } " Comrades in peril ! I have not sought to work upon your fears to-night, but rather to^lcad you to accept a faith which makes even cowards brave, and s rong men lions for the right. We have reason to thmk that we shall soon meet the enemy ; but there 14 • ■ I- }!■ ■: Hy t 1.1 "1^ W^^^ '! L ■ m 3H jVEAR to NATURE'S HEART. ?.. ,! is no foe on earth, or in hell beneath, that can strike a fatal blow at the honest Christ-believer and foil ower. To Saville's surprise, the preacher had kept 1 ■ ener until the close of his exhortation. a list with a shrujT, he strode pt him Th len. sayin< H< I away into the darkness. 'PPOse. is the secret of it all. Men know they must die ; these poor fellows are aware that they may be knocked on the head within a few days. They all want to live after they are dead (as if the very idea were not absurd), and they give a ready hearing to anybody who holcfs out the hope th,-t they may. Well, I wouldn't mind an eternal Elysium myself, if I could have the fashion- ing of It. One thing is certain— Vera would share it with me." As he was threading his way among the camp- fires, toward his quarters, he heard his own name mentioned, and naturally paused to learn in what connection it was used. The voice came from be- yond a clump of cedars to his right, and, looking through it, he saw, just below a ledge of rock, a circle of visages, differing widely in character fro'm those gathered round the chaplain's fire. The physiognomy of Larry, his old servant, was the type of the majority on which the flames were flickering, although the expression of many was still more un- promising. But the bold, handsome face of his wife, '' Captain Molly," would have received the first aU tention, even if she had not been speaking. *' Is it where yer ould masther, Saville, does be goin' out in the woods that ye're askin', Larrv? " "Yees." ^' CAMP r/A'j.s A. YD SUBTLE/^ FLAMES. "Well, Vm a-t!iinkin', should yc ye'd foind the White Witch o' the M 115 follow his trail. It \'j on. a long day since she's been sec liland> n or lieard He's found her, I warrant yc; an' moighty glad am wo had nothin' to do wid the diviltry wh irney was shot. He questioned me close' I d been a-lyin', I fear he'd a-cotched me. Wl I3a this P-al o' h IS n IS, foil. broke ud better let her al :s a; don't ose, an' if lerevcr want their heads one. But what would his wife say to liis o-a] off in the mount \W mgs } " asked L 1 van tin' by should li arry. <( If what ye tell m e care sai c is thrue, li wife, and may well look for a bctther o d Molly carelessly, e's got a divil for a shud 'Cordin' to that. ne. cr galivantin' off in tl snickered Larry, " it's mc that A loud laugh followed this sallv le mountings too. Th ry it once," cried Mollv che divil will be arth an'ye'll foind that Now Molly, me darlint, yc 1 er ye m a way y^W not foriiit. a-£i ivin' ye a poke in the ribs in sport guv me any in good earnest. M ye knows I was only so ye needn't y ould masther and can have the White Witch o' the Highland the Black Witch, too, for all Saville stayed to Ii o me. but hastened on, his cheeks tinglincr th had been coupled with that of tl " such circumstances. ear no more of their low talk, at his name 10 maiden under He sat down in his tent m no enviable mood, and, ime, permitted his mind to dwell on the for the first t consequences of his growing int imacy with Vera. i'l! 'ilill , I 3i6 A- EAR TO .YATURF/S HEART. After all, would his brothc worki, take a more charitabl r officers, would tlie e view than that which he had just heard expressed ? He might assert that his love for Vera was friendship, brotherly affection ; but he plainly foresaw society's shrug of incredulity. From the depths of his heart, al beginning to arise, so, a question was I s your love for Vera fraternal or platon only.'"' And he found that he could not give a prompt and positive answer. Then the pledge he had made on the memorable Sabbath evening, when he sacrificed all tics to his patriotism, rose up before liim like a spectre. " I shall be loyal to the name of wife, though the reality I never had," "Curses on the priest-ridden, law-marred world!" he muttered, "wherein every natural impulse is thwarted. If I continue to act the part of a brother toward Vera, society will point its finger toward us both in scoffing unbelief, and imagine the worst. If, because she is so truly lovable, I come to love her more warmly, and seek for some honorable solution of the problem, society will heartlessly tell me that there is none, in this prudish land, save open shame. I shall be informed that the combination of woman,* devil, and bigot, in New York, is my wife ; that the mummery in the church made us one, when we have nothing in common except our hate ; and that it is fcul sin for me to think of another. Where is men's reason ? Why, even the instinct of this coarse, un- tutored Irish woman hit upon a better philosophy. And yet so it is, and so it will be until the broad k'ould the hat which isscrt that affection ; icrcdulity. .\stion was • platonic )t give a pledge he ing, when up before lough the world ! " ipulse is a brother oward us orst. If, love her solution me that n shame, woman, that the we have hat it is is men's irse, un- losophy, le broad C^MJ- m-E.S- AA-D SUB TLEK- FLAMBS. 3 , 7 enPobhng affection for Vera, a„d her '.no v „i ,"e ove for me, uiU be jumbled in the same catego ! as the ,,, ehty of this ..oman, Molly, to her hns'ba^ " I urther b.tter musings were interrupted by the appearance of an orderly, with the mes'.ge that h s presence was required at once at headquarters i il. : ■ \W'v K !: is. ■ ( . h 1: ;, 'V 1 i i 3i8 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. CHAPTER XXII. THE STORMING OF THE FORTS. QN rcacliing the tent of General James CI Savillc found all the lead rison ah-eady assembled, and enemy were adx'aneini; landed larg^e forces at Point. He also found just arrived, witl e r up th Tarryt inton, ing officers of the ^■^r- was informed that the •iver, and had already n and Verplanck's that Governor Clinton had militia. Aft 1 a considerable rein fore eroivin>ave a foot of '.ZllZ .X^Z'^' """= '^" must be i,cre .o^n. R^ewell.' """^ '™" '■"'"^'" "Savillc," continued the e-oveiTi,ir .. "o command, you can serve™ be, h ^°" '"'"^ an aMe. Colonel, H, , ' ''y '"^'"ig as on the 0..tTvJ::r ";' "'C'-^S'-y .-.re out Colonel L,v,-,:;^.to: rde™ Z'^'^'^ "'^■"- ^=" ''"Pliort. Tak th^f I, 'y "'"'■'= 'o their --youcan^;nr,'::,:;:::j::;;it,-v.'-™ point of eonmct'^he V "" ''" '■^'•"•■"'='' ""= Bmall Ameri „ force .dbr'"?-'"™''^'"-'^^ "^ "- c^pbeii. .ith thi^sli'i • ;"ct;:::„'";r ^°'°.-' on as ranidlv n<= fh^ <-oiumn, was press n^r r-!;^:^- --;;;-:? -"^-^-o ness of trained sold.er L off o"^'/"' ■'''''"- fire of small-arm<; Ti,^- , °' '^ ^''''^'^ tlie road so rou"h ^''f " ^''™"« ™^ ^o rapid, and found in^possib "to ;\tri:rtr:h'rfi',H' '"■^' ■' ™' was there^re spiked a'd'rndtd '"-""-""' ^"'' " W.th these tidings, Saville returned to the for. !'!> i: \ v. ... — 322 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. i^ut, while present at the affray over the ficld-pirco, his attention had been caught by the occasional report of a sinj^Ic rifle from a shac^gy hill-sidc, along which he knew the enemy must be advancing, and he correctly surmised that it was the exile, striking at the power he so greatly dreaded. Vera's dream and presentiment flashed into his mind, and he mut- tered, " Poor child ! this firing no doubt causes her to imagine that all her forebodings of evil will come true. I hope I shall live to laugh her out of such fancies for the future." On his way back to the fort, he had observed that Colonel Lamb had posted himself in a commanding position, with a twelve-pounder; and the veteran had grimly remarked that they would hear from him soon. " Return, and request Colonel Lamb to hold the enemy in check as long as possible. Then cross to Fort Clinton, and bring me word how things are going there. Good God ! Why doesn't Putnam send me help ? " said Governor Clinton, who was chafing like a lion in the toils. Saville made the fire fly along the flinty road, and soon regained the crest of the hill upon which Col- onel Lamb had posted himself with his formidable twelve-pounder. The advance party, under Colonel Bruyn, were marching around to the rear of the gun, within supporting distance. As soon as the head of the English column showed itself, Lamb opened with the precision of aim for which he was famous, and his quick firing, with the havoc which it made, once "^'•'liii, and m advance. r///: sro/?.w.vc or thf. for ficcidcdiy, checked tl 333 »c Iiostilt T] seek Jie sharp-sliooters under Colonel *^ stations among the t B ruyn were t^'liich to gall the cne maintainincT tl rces and rocks, fro m '<-;my with small-arms, and aid ". ii'ifortunately, the was doing so much g tile position, whe cannon „.itl, which Colonel Umb „.. execution burst. The Rritlcl, t '".-a, rushed for«.ad,„d' A '"''•'' " '°"'' fi^l'ting, to the for; Americans retreated, 'i^rende.aTh'^di^.^tr.n^^rirird"^-''' ^^c::^i;^S't:n"""-7^"-^-^ bullets air. I'tvll-'^ '■''"■■' °' ""= '"°«' "'"' "'= f-n. of a li 'r" "» ™7'f '"•■". wa.s the tall whom u- re ; "" :"" r ">= -•■■■"••''. most o? cd Hesshns wh' ' "■■" '""■=• '° f^" 'he dread- tics of tl ""• '° "'■^">' °f "■= ■'""Plc ru,. •stori : ee nTt'ir" "'"" "■»" ™™- ^ear/ul which bd g t, \ ';r;7" "''• "■= ""'^^■■^' "^ tl>e English ,„'" ,7 '""., ""^<^q"^intcd with ..ceded Offers':? s:;end^ o":" :;:3 rr" '^ r ,^a.oneted indiscriminate,, allX^SS';^ -II' th" ;;,r tlit";f'" " "'^ ^^--^ ''™"^'^' vast numbers, at vTiel, "^1"" """ ''"^""'"^ ■'" he could ,searceI^, „rl., ^ ^'^ '° 'i"^^"'^ 'hat wished the 2 L"" t. F""'.-'" -t ••' few other. icmselves safe in their h umble homes. But v« '.! m 324 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART " II I I "Captain Molly " rallied the spirits and courage of those near her, by springing on the rampart, and calling, in her shrillest tones, " Come on, Hessians or Red-coats ; we'll trate ye all the same, and'll put more bullets an' balls intil yees than ye'il loike for supper." < " Och ! Molly, me darlint, get down," cried Larry. Whatwudwealldoan'yeshud sthop a Hessian bulht?" But Molly recklessly kept her exposed position, gesticulating and firing volleys of epithets toward the advancing foe, until ordered down by one of the officers. She then descended, amid the loud huzzas and laughter of scores of poor fellows whose voices would soon be hushed. Having received such message as General James Clinton desired to send to his brother, Saville cral- loped back to Fort Montgomery, and barely escaped being intercepted by the environing forces. It was now four o'clock, and both the forts were fairly invested. The two brave men who command- ed them were still hoping for aid from Putnam and determined to make as obstinate a resistance as their inadequate forces permitted. The enemy gave but brief respite, and, after a rapid disposition of the assaulting columns, ou^hed for- ward to the attack. By the aid of his glass, Saville could see his old acquaintance. Colonel Beverly Robmson, leading forward many neighbors and fel- low townsmen whom he knew. It was evident that the enemy did not calculate upon a very stubborn resistance, and hoped to carry T^E STORMWG OF THE FORTS. tlie works by a s.■m„l^o ^"^ they advanced confide ;""r? ■ ""''='• ^'^^^f"™ ^'m; expecting to awl ^J '"■ """"^''"S "'■"'''•'.•y -■diery opposed to th ^ ^"1^^^''% '"= -^"' directed fire, both of c^in ■'■= '""fie and well, circled around .1. raL "" r?', ''"'''"-»™=' "'-' taught the™ their er;o?and' 1 °" ""= f""^' =°o>> theHigh,a„dscou,rh::ro/xryarrrr' Agam and arain t],P„ ,i ^^'"''°°dy battle, but only to be Vpul e7 ^"r"'' '" ""= charge, the broken and roc t 1 "'" ''^'^' ^'^'="'"8 wounded. ^ '"S-"" w,th their dead an3 «g^"n.';°:: st^i;:";, °i ^'°-'>'. ^^--nate with wrath, mad w h e~ " ,! "f '"'•'">' -'"^. hot the scene of conflict ■^""''"="'' P^==cd away from fa--l"orrs:ri:u?n,i;frt?;r"; "t '°=' °^-" -- ^ '■■e enemy. The h":! ' f. ^ m'"" '^"•^''"■'-f extensive, and but oirtiill,, fi , ,°'"go"iery were Clinton was able to re'u "^ "''"''■ '■'"'' Governor by good genera ship antthi^n"'^ ""^ ''^^ °"'^ his men. ^ " ""= "'dom.table spirit of ga^^d';:l;:\r-^j;:7-. had by this time and were satisfied hat L''^ ?^'^°""^ '° "'c™, the works by the me e 1X7" '1"'"""^ "->- to save himself furtlJr tl^'slvT"' '" °''"' ordered a brief cessation „f i' I """''>' Clinton a flag of truce, wirt, " ir^eVh:: tr' "f ^^"' '" the garrisons surrendered with? « ' ""'"'^^ '"'"' would put all to the sworl ' """'""' '« ■il 111, 326 NEAR TO jYATURF/S HEART. Lieutenant -Colonel Livingston was ordered to receive the Hag, and instructed to inform Sir Henry Clinton that the Americans would defend the forts to the very last extremity. "This putting everybody to the sword is a game tliat two can play at," remarked the governor grimly. He still had hopes that a reinforcement from Peekskill might arrive at any moment, and felt sure that if he could maintain the position until the following day, he would certainly receive relief. Having defiantly refused to capitulate, nothing now remained for the garrisons but the most dest perate resistance. As the men m Fort Clinton saw the flag retire from the open space where the parley had been held, they set their teeth, and many faces grew white and stern with the determination to sell life dearly. The October day was drawing to a close The sky was overcast with clouds, as if heaven, offended at the rude clamor of earthly passion, were frowninsr upon the scene. As the flag disappeared within the hostile ranks, there was, for a {c\w moments, an awful lull and sus- pense. The echoes of the preceding strife had died away, and there was now an ominous and oppressive silence, broken only by the groans of the wounded and dying. Then, from the environing foe, came a hoarse and increasing murmur of rage. Commands and orders were given rapidly, and the storm of war broke lorth more vehemently than before. The British ships, under Admiral Hotham, had now come up within range, and commenced bom. f TffE sroj,Mr.vc of the fokts. barding the forts and tl,^ A • ^"^ were anci.ored abo«t„c ti^r^r '^^^^'^ "■•■>' -'■-'. I.ad been ..r.tc d' „^r ;f ■'"'■■•-t-^-'-- ^-^ t'H,s ragln. „p„„ ",„ »; '° • '.0 conflict sliore, the heavy rr^ns „f ,, " ""■" =« on the to the fearful upro " "oun' r P''"'^' ■'"'''"'S Sreatiy tains. ' '^'^''ound.ng among the moun- in T.,: r,;Tnrd^;^i'r!r-"t»- ^■-■''■'. -d. the firelocks and caTn„T° ® "' "'= "'''^'"■■' f™™ ':-, .-..creasing [^^.^1^::::' ^^ "^^ nson of Fan Mr.,.^ ■''Ccne. The crar- -1..-C1. had already ofc rr d , I " '''' "'= ="-"''-- fend works far too e "e ,Ve' "'"'"-'"•-''' '° <^'^- "ing its scantj. number as «'•""';"'''="■ ™"»''<'- h.-.d thus far enusedh ","= ''"°'"">' •••"'' B..t the governor" fte '""" ^'''''""-^'d assaults. broken region i t'he 1 ^ '"tS; "f''^"'' '" ">= menacingly near the AmeWcan ,1";: '' ''''' ^^'^^^ -s:-i°n:„t%er:tT^,fis-;::^r'r"^ massmg of British -reindierc , f ' " '"^''^^y governors attention^Th.^lhr' '7 rd^R L"^' "■'^ Prcpar„,g for his memorable chart" tl,tr';, T supporting attacks all alo„. ,' :-7. "'"^''. '"'h the fateofthed.iy. As a hK° 3 , ' ''""^"'^ "'« was his friend, the Coucr'i '""■"' '' ''" ''"" de-camp of Sir Henry Oh,^;;''™'*'- " P°'-" --de. '■^ i ;:/li , 1 ill ^ 328 XEAR TO NATURE'S HEART sustain, and then made such disposition to receive It as was possible in the brief time allowed him. " If u-e do not repulse this attack, and the worst comes to the worst." he said to Saville, " cross to Port Chnton, by the foot-path, and tell my brother not to surrender, but cut his way out among the hills. The darkness will favor this." Slowly and steadily at first, bui with increasing speed, the assaulting column advanced throu-h the gloom, becoming every second more distinct and terrible. Cannon and musket balls made gaps but the ranks closed up, leaving no more trace than the smooth surface of a smitten lake. The foremost IclJ. Ihe point of this humsn entering wed-e ap- peared to crumble, as it reached the fort. The tall Polish count seemed at one moment a Homeric demi-god, as he was about to spring across the fosse upon the rampart. A second later, he was a weak, dying man, with only strength to gasp, to the grenadier who bent over him, ''Take this sword to Lord Rawdon, and tell him the owner died like a soldier." The American resistance was as vain as it was heroic. The assaulting column, like a black river flowed steadily on, and by its enormous weight alone pressed everything back. "To my brother, quick, with my message," cried the governor to Saville ; and by the time Saville extricated himself from the fort, a hand-to-hand ffU'h'e had commenced. In his swift transit across the deep ravine Vera's dream again occurred to him, with an ominous sig- ^//^ STOJ^Mim OF THE FORTS. ./. "■' "• 329 -, in this momen of S: f" "^ --'t- But and therefore her" i' !' -"^ '^^''^'^ ''is danger, ened. ' '" ''" «olat,on, iiis heart sfck. -^e'rerutrittd'^r' ^''■"^°"' "■= ^'-'-'-n was "■e rnLent oVhis^de ^rtu" ^°1, ^""'""-"^^ - In the increasing darlnr 1 ' '"'■'" <^°nr"'ion. General Clintonr At !' ,.? """ ""' I'— -en^ed pouri,,,, over the ral-.rt°'"'%"", '^"'^"'^ ■curses, groans, the elan-or of u '"■ ^''^^'' ■nusl;ctry deafened an I'l ^/'-■'P°"». ■•'"d crash of ■"otecl.asprooflatUeen'" "' '"■'"• "= «'» t'>.-.t all fi'ring of can on r"? '"'"" ''^''"" "'"^ f°^t. "- ^-rican\ s:,d .^^.t 1^^' T ""' '^•^^' "^ ro.", a slirill voice whirl, 1,, ' "''°''° ""= "P- Mollys," crying ' "'""■ '" ''•""' '0 be "Captafn ;;j^ack, ye spalpeen! Fire the gun " ""■• troops to f;r;; aV , ;?° '• '.' """ ''^ ^"°"S'' of ^ord, he rushed towariCr'"'/' '""""'■"»' '"-^ the voice. Fugitives ruslH '^ ""^ "''"^"''-' '^^e '■^ter he saw Larry fee-, 'f "fr' '"'" ' ^ -""d 7'-edMo..rsit^g;';iLr,-!'""-.-.«^ *he enemy, who we e ^1- '"''; '" ""= <"=•«» of touched off the last "^hmbn^g the rampart, she Fort Clinton! ""°" "'^' "^^ discharged in A" 'his passed in a very fe„. seconds. With a V kfl u\ '1' 330 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. Wild Irish u-hoop of exultation. Molly turned to escape, when a Hessian lieutenant laid his iron grasp upon her, and raised his heavy saber to strike. VV retch . would you kill a woman P" cried Saville and he ran the man through the body. /'The Holy Vargin bless ye! Misther Saville " ejaculated Molly, springing away like a deer the moment the grasp on her arm relaxed. But, lookinsi back as she ran, she saw Saville fall, from a savage bayonet thrust in his breast. Then, the human wave tliat was surging into the fort swept over him. Under th.e cover of darkness, she leaped the parapet on the opposite side, scrambled down the steep bank into the ravine of Poplopen Creek, and escaped with many other fugitives, among whom was General James Chnton, wounded, but indomitable in his purpose not to fall into the enemy's hands Governor Clinton was also amo'ng the last to leave Fort Montgomery. On reaching the shore of the nyer, he saw a boat pushing away, and hailed it. The officer m charge knew his voice, and caused the boat to retur,). But it was found to be already loaded to the gunwale, and the governor would not endanger the safety of its occupants by entering it. The loyal oliicer generously offered to give up his place but the governor, equally generous, would not hsten to tins. The enemy were pressing closely and It was agreed to try the experiment of adding the weight of one more, and, to the joy of all the boat was still above the water's ^^e.^^. The perilous -rans.t was mad<. in safety, and on the further shore were found five hundred men, whom the bewildered --i iWfcBto ■J-HE STORMIXG OF THE EOA'rs. IVna. „a, ,, ,,3, .^nt, but too ,ate to be of Z departure, and on he ?oV"- T°'"'^ '''''>'^'' >>- enemy. • """^ '^°"™'"S day. deserted to the verse, and their aeu.rtn """' '^'^^ ■•>''- fi-. and abando : ■';, r°T,r'"rn'"' '""" ™' "'at uere weird and a" M'n tC" ?"'"'' ''"""=' «n appropriate elo.se to e Wood d ""'' '■''™"'S By reason of the clouds i ,1"°"^'"™" "' '''^ ^'"V- and ,vas very dark. VVl en ' ,„ T'^" °" '"'"'"'y- t° the ships, ever,- Z '^'"'' "''='■'-' •■'PP'''"! loaded, and' here L'nr T "" """°" -- in the m.agazines 7n '"'"'""''•'">" °f ammunition pyramids of fire as the fl? "'7™'^- 'hey became leaped from decklo mai hT:d tT"' '^ ""^ ^ale, itous shores were lioT,?!, ' ^'■.""»"S'=d. precip. noon, and the naV rho ^' "" ""'' '"'^ Slare of - ffroup of gia" f ta "r^ """"'•"■'" ^^'-™^<' I'l^e camp-fires. "^ aiound their mighty discha:^:, "rt^asT.t'ut,";""^'^ '""'' "->' -- - If some capr^^i^st; 'o trS'' ''T'- accordance with its mad i„,pu,;r '"^ '" '" ™ ?amr f::':: tr:r '! - -■•^^<" i^^s eve. be clamor of the strife had' b mented, until oes and, from tJie first, the cen r ■cpeated and 't might have seemed that th au$ l::n I ! :■ 1 i -■ . t* com bat* I S: M; %.('"■■ T~ Zi2 NEAR TO NATURE'S IL-ART. ants were innumerable. But when the fire reached Wedir";"i°' '''' f'''' ^^^^^-^"'^ explosions fot owed at which even the granite hills appeared to remble, and it seemed as if the deep revebe/attn^ never would potcp. ni.i n i . '-innuns niche, muttered ^"''' '^"'""^ '" ^^--'^>' the^t tr'ir tn T " ''•' '""r'-' ''^'-^'^ lonc^ distn h n ; . J P'''''°"' °^ "^en cannot and nt 1 ,;" ^''P ^^P^-'^e, and soon silence and mght held undisputed sway on the river and among the mountains. ' """"^ r se TJfE WIPE'S QUEST AMONG THE DEAD. 333 CHAPTER XXIII. THE WIFE'S QUEST AMONG THE DEAD. and, to one .^^^::^, 1^:^':^ '-'^ = mcnts had seemed as erratic an7rV''°^"- thegh-mmeroffirefliesin Jun^ %,^'^'''''^'''^ ^^ their assistants were .Jlu , surgeons, with an occaln^ en nd ::;:h'""'r '^ ^" -«"' its walls were very qu'iet ' "''° ^"" '^^ «"">'■" J-or the sake of his wife" "Nonsense! His wife will shed no te,r, ,T find 1,™ with a bullet through his head If r" ■Var'ire^th'""'' ''' '^'^ ^'--"'^ ^"•' '' -■-ace, revealed the t^clflf-lCetstl 3l m ■'■ 1 11 :; aJL, r. if 'ili f^ 'Mja I' ! :* 334 J\r£A/i TO NATURE'S HEART. dissipation in his own. " Indeed, I scarcely think she hates sin at all. You are rij^ht, however, in one respect. No tears will be shed, if I can fiiu! him in the condition of this carrion here, unless they are tears of joy. Still, for her sake, I am looking for her husband ; and, I may add, for my own. Know- ing how glad she would be to find him here, snooz- ing quietly in the eternal sleep of which he prates, I, as her proxy, am looking for him, n.s I promised. He is not among the wounded or prisoners, as far as I can learn ; if I cannot find him among the dead, he must have escaped, and we shall have reason to curse our luck." "Well, if you find him her >, and food for the crows, what then?" " Then I invite you to my wedding." " Wedding, indeed ! I doubt that ! You arj not one to trammel yourself with a wife." " I confess I have had prejudices against the holy state of matrimony, but any other relation with my present lovely charmer would involve half a dozen duels, and with good shots. I wouldn't have a ghost of a chance in running the gauntlet, and so I must emulate the example of the good King David, and get her husband out of the way. I snatched a musket and fired at him twice to-day, but for once the devil did not help his own." "By St. George! Vennam, I should think the devil would be afraid of you," " Ha ! ha ! ha ! " was the reckless response. " Julie Saville Ashburton is not, and she 's the most mag, nificent creature I've ever seen, and I've been some- THE IVirr.'S QUEST AMOyC THE DEAD. 335 tiling of a connoisseur in she's an heiress, which, to no small consideration." several lands. Besides, a man of my tastes, is \^y St. George! Vennam, this turn "ig up of dead men's faces is grim business. I'm getting' sick of it." "Well, well! you arc not playing for the stake that I an., so I don't wonder. Perhaps I may find him in the morning. Hold ! who is that lying be- hind y.mder big Hessian? That's an officer's uni- form. O ye Plutonian gods ! here he is! dead, too, as the immortal Csesar. That bayonet-thrust would have killed an ox. Here's to thee, Julie, and our wedding-bells ; " and, drawing a flask of wine from his pocket, he drank deeply, and then passed it to his companion. " And will the bells be rung soon ? " '• Ay, that much wc shall make her proud rela- tions yield. Up to a certain point, she always has her own way. A soldier's life is too uncertain to wait upon the slow forms of decorous custom. Be- sides, in this case, there will be no ' funeral baked meats' to grow cold. There, I'll take his sword, if I can withdraw it from this beastly Hessian, and that will be proof positive that I saw him dead. Farewell, now, most accommodating of husbands ! your sleep may be as ' eternal ' as you like ; " and the human ghoul, who had been feasting his eyes on the dead, disappeared, in the darkness, toward Fort Montgomery. % i.'f I i V r ^ r ' '-. <•«•:'- p ■ ^ 33<5 A'^/Ti? 7-0 NATURE'S HEART. CHAPTER XXIV. vera's search among the dead. 'T^IIE Sunday evening following the departure of -I- Saville iiad been to Vera one of peculiar sad- ness and depression. " If I only had my dear old Bible," she thought, "and could turn to some of God's promises, perhaps they would comfort and re- assure me ; but, in a way that I cannot understand, they have grown vague, and lie seems far off." Still, she again and again tried to lift her heart to heaven in prayer ; but the image of Saville would enter, and absorb every thought, and the presenL- iment of some rvil or danger weighed down her spirits with increasi" ; despondency. The night passed mainly in sleepless imaginings of what might happen ; but, with the light of Mon- day morning, she tried to throw off the incubus, and busy herself with the tasks which she knew were pleasing to him. She noted that her father appeared restless, and that he at last took his rifle, and disappeared among the hills. About the middle of the forenoon she thought she heard, faint and far away, the report of fire- arms, jut tried to ascribe the impression to her yeHA'S SF.AKCr AMOKC TtlE DEAD. 337 over.>„o„i.,,t and anxiou,, state. Hut when the skir But her native vijjor and her stron- affection for Savdie soon banished all .veakness. ?f her , e"ent hand cou d reach and minister to him. While Vera r re" di:;::' '" r"'^''-^ •^-'"-'«- »■- "'"old -accompa„;hert^'':;:'^P^:::t:t~-°"" Hndhtalr-'LlLir^^"""'-'"^"-"-^'-- a"fs'aflas'"'n ""7 "," '^^"'^ '°'"^' ^""^ b'-""'- a„es a fla.s. , .f brandy that Saville had brought and she also concealed, in the folds of her dress, a keen bladcd hunting-knife. si.he''d°'.?bur/,™'\'''''= "" "'"= f°^ "■'-"■»''« 3U.ed . but I have been taught what some men By the time that the first report of the field-niece was^ech.,„g through the mountains, they ^tfon Jelow her hidden outlook. Her tlilated with horror, as she watched eyes 1=; the bloody con- f| ii 338 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. flict that was taking place almost at her feet. Her keen eyesight enabled her to see men falling within the fort, as the strong north wind swept aside the smoke. At times she could scarcely resist the wild impulse to rush through the ranks of the interven- ing enemy, and assure herself that Saville was not among those who lay motionless within the ram- parts, or who were being carried to a more shel- tered position. Soon all became dusky and obscure in the early descending night. The lurid flashes grew more distinct, and these indicated that the be- siegers were drawing continually nearer the besieged. As the lines of fire drew nearer and nearer, she pressed her hands upon her throbbing heart. Then there came a great shout. With lips parted, and eyes wild with terror, she sprang to the edge of the cliff A dark mass was entering the fort. The flashes became intermingled, irregular; they receded toward the river and the northeast side of the fort, and at last ceased. She sat down, and covered her face with her hands, as she moaned shuddcringly, " He is lying yonder, bleeding or dying. I feel it— I know it ! O Tascar ! what shall we do ? " But the poor boy could give no advice in this emergency. Voices approached, and soon a stream of fugitives escaping to the mountains began to pass near where they had posted themselves. " Quick, Tascar ! " said Vera. " Let us go to the edge of the path. You ask for Mr. Saville, and say you are his servant. I will hide within hearing." y^^^'S SEA^Ca AMOXG T„E DEAD. 33, This plan was at once carried out. Have°su?.t;Fi't::,::v"^'^''^-^™-^''''""^*^ r^XTZ:T 77"'^ '''-" 1"-'-ns, several :rs--L:-J'--"-— --e1:: O Captain Molly!- began Tascar. ncrv°"is-air3hr,:''::;";.''°^"^=^'''-'«'-- «^ " But, hab you seen Mas'r Saville? " Veh ; and I wants to find him poTul bad." rest h"s::;^.'°'^-">-='''"^^-'>^-«'n't. God t:.e?o';n:„"s"atr' ""''' ''''"' -■'- ""^ s-^.-'^ -Speak ; what do you mean ?" she demanded. was"tt o f.'" ^"^P.«' M""^- " I thought yces cai;therhi;';;.it;rA"""^^- '^^ ^^ "-^ °- "-^ was my b,other-my only friend. Tell me hav! you seen him?" ^^'i me, nave K-in' f "tell TV^' P""' ^"""2 '^'■""'"■'^ '•■'''"■'. ^vhat •^in 1 tell iicr? o-i-onnprl M, 11,, «. • L. • . jaiuanea Molly, tuniino awnvnnri beginning to sob. ""i*, away and ■i! t- If •I .;,L. «iS 340 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. If " You have told me all," said Vera, feeling as if turning into stone. " He is dead." "rm afeard he is, unless the saints has kept him aloive for the good turn he did for sich a poor wicked divil as I be. He saved me life-he kilt the big Hessian as was killin' me-ochone, ochone ! " an5 Molly, in the exuberance of her feeling, sat down, and rocking herself back and forth, uttered a wild Irish wail of sorrow. Vera's face grew almost as rigid as the granite on which she stood. After a few moments, she said. You say he saved your life ? " " He did, ochone ! he did, God rest his sowl ' " ^ " If any one had saved my life," continued Vera in a tone that was almost taunting, " I would not 5it down and weakly whine about him " "Now what do ye mane by that ?" cried Molly starting up, and dashing away her tears " I mean that if he saved your life, you ought to be willing to try to save his. You are a stron^. woman, and have lived among soldiers ; but I will see If you are as brave as a timid young mrl Will you^go with me, and bring him away, dead or : ^^'^;'^»; I will," cried Molly sturdily. " I loikes this betther'n cryin' about him. Besides. I W J.st where to look for him. It was behint Larry'I gun he el , and I could go there wid me eyes blind- ed. What s more, no gal, nor man nayther dares do what Molly O'Flarharty darsent " But Captain Molly's heroic fire was suddenly quenched for a i^^, moments: for Vera threw her ng as if ^ept him )r wicked the big e ! " and It down, i a wild anite on 2 said, wl ! " ■d Vera, >uld not : Molly, light to strong It I will '.. Will lead or I loikes [ know Larry's ; blind- ', dares ddenly w her- •^^^^■s SEA.ar AMo.ro rnE nE..r,. 3^, " Ye poor little tZT I -convulsively. f o"y. cr^in. .-n^x -";":,-"-.•• -•<- I b'.- and I, like a pig-headed fno "^'■' "' ye was a witch ! Yees is^t 1, ! ' "'"' ^-'hinkin" dare-divil irrend as snatcWn' -, t . ^° °" "">- ^''^'^ or t.at„.. haste t,~\i:etiriri'i::^.''^^--^^ ho",e!tt''„rto il°"^' ;.7"' ^ ^'-S. ■• ■■'•= only di.i for ^Tt ;■„ :•: ;;f ..^°'- "■•-■ ^f"^- -'-t >,: Tai!r..'r„d rii™ w"d '° "^ "'^ "'"<'''-.•• -id poTul heavy, and'lftaTe/°"; r".' "'^'^'^ ^aville is " W„ „ . . '' '''S'" ob iiftin'." Bnwr;; r :ou 'd"d"'\'"°"^- -'■•" "^- what they are doin- no , ^^'^"'"^ '"' That's •round." " "°^' "''"■= ">•=•» lisi.ts is movin' "But they will carry him off f„ a- else,^ cried Vera, in great d" t^elf '^^ ^^"^^^^^'^-^ take c^'re o tinf 's7?"^j^''^ «^' ^^- ^octhers'll .-n, ye kin .or::^on^:^ ^^^^ '"f '^"^ b>^ ^he l^es doin' well so.e^vher:^7t '^ T'^^'V'^^ there now. before they all git aslal T ^° ^°^" us nioighty oncivil." ^ ' ^^'^^ '^'"^ ^reat "You are right." said Vera ; - but it f. ! . hard to wait." ^"'^ '^ is dosperate!> llH 343 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. Wc hamt ready to go yit," continued Molly. VVc must thry to rig up sunuhin' to carry Inm on. or else I 11 have to stale a stretcher down there, and that may be risky." " I know what you mean," said Vera, catchino- the thought qu.ck as light. " With Tascar's help. I c soon make one. Tascar, cut two long straight poles." _ While the boy was obeying, Vera drew her hunt- 'ng-kn,fe and feeling around among the copse- u'ood, se ected tough and very slender young sap. >"gs. Havmg secured a sufficient number, she wasted them back and forth across the poles, and secured them m their places with some fibrous bark ^vh.ch she was not long in discovering. Never d.d her thorough wood-craft serve a better^.urI ose than m this emergency. "'pose " \m.irA """'^'"^ ^'"^^ ^•"'" ^^""5-" «^'d Molly. When did ye learn all these thuvrg 5 - ^ th^tT^ ^'''7;;^°"^^ '^^-^^^^ ^y '^-^^I-^ to do anything that IS needful to-night. Can we not go no^ - \ " ^ot jist yet. Sit down and rest verself." "As If I could rest! Oh ! do let'us go. It will be a comfort to get a ^.^. inches nearer. What a abroad ' Tl''"'" '° • "^ • '"'""^'^ "°^ '- - --'y ab oad. They re gittin' quiet, an' I think we may stale up a bit toward the place now. We've got to t'k'r;r1fV""'''^"^"'"^^' ^°Sitaroun'd the creek, for they 11 have guards at the bridc^es I ■d Molly. r lu'm on, liere, and riling the -Ip, I can it poles." icr hunt- e copsc- Ling sap- bcr, she :)les, and ' fibrous . Never purpose d Molly. nything It will What a 'inds do o many vo may got to nd the jes. I we kin ^ERA 'S SEARCH AMONG THE DEAD ■•ear uith the rude S J '■"■ '""'»"'"S "P "'« had /mprovisc m: ; '°"S ^"•^''''" "'Wch Vera perfect,' fa„,-,L, ' f „rt,,f •'- '-" "'ade h.r "•rough which they m t "'""?'■"'" '■'■«'°" threaded her ^^J LT ^^ " P^"'' and she >.avedone,-:'h:,%r'ht,;;;"^'''^^^^--"''' to;L:::'::;;-:r;f,r--;''-e.oae„ enough as eager to serve Vera as Tl I f ^' '1" "'' "°'^ >>er into trouble, for b i't'^ '"" ?" "'^^ '° Set loike ; ■• and she w , , ?, '^'' "P ■•"'' °"eivil part)- to a nl eVher. H 1"!, '" '"'''■"^' '"-■'• "«'« easily erosseV: ''''''"°" ■■''™™ eould be by a s.i,:^,g'paS ,; Ti:,'r"'r,"-^' '"""^ ^■•>"■- " We must .If M "■■"■'' ^ "'■' Cli.iton. •■ for the -wo;; r' ,7, °". 'r" '■'■"■" ="'" M°"y. mounting side and tlwrV'"'' ''"'^■^"''y °" "- right by\ar y's ; , ""'o:L'"' T''""' '■"'" '"= f™'' I've been kind'o' n H, o^, "'' T''^'' '"•-' '^'■''■"' ' ^■'-i.sitthroughtin-s'::;; ,^r; :;-■;■ ;-;■ if - «^»°;:^?;^:.^t,:i'f'-^'"^''"^^- IVeheerd so,n ^'t, "J™'/"' "^ ^'-'P^ -v/ a.s on ivery oneivil tlu" y eT'sa'id '^'^^ ^^ T ''''■"'^• a" the saints te wid us' Z • T ''"'• ^^"^y be ! " she eonelude ti '.nS ^ ■■"' 1''°^' °"»'" '- «-e a-thryin' to do a lood tb '"f ■''">• " ■■^'"•' ,,,'V'''--T^'°">''-ree.;r;:r::::;orh'' '—ogy, and exhausted her sentim^tb: ; Ml 344 ^'J^-AR TO NATURE^ S HEART. placed "" '""'' '"' -"'■•-'» would bt rwJtL^Z:''°7- '""' '""'y''^ ^°"'" «°-ard the too f t ' iu T ftir"'" '' " •^"' '"■^''■^ Sood fo. us, on tI,P n ;1 "^ '■ "'■ "'■= ""=' c^ut "-oight back mouths shut for „.e',c ,,-tti„. tLw h' nTar " "'' '" upon so„'e o'ftor b re/'Ts'lr ™'"^'"'^"='^ quite near th- fort tl,„ i . "^^ ""=y ^PProached beat r, " / ' -^ '"'■"■'' ■■' ^^^''''''n^' "■■•'■king his then crouched !% ' ""''" ""= ?•■"•'•'?'='. ^"d breathe ''" "°"'="'^' ^"^"'^ daring .o "Give me yer knife," whispered Molly " IVe -ye "t2o?tf ■" "^'"^' "" '■" -•^-^- '"-'-a yes, two or three on em-afore they'll -rjt sich , Vera shuddered, but complied. cit'„,T'" ",""■""'='' Molly, slowly rising, .'let me g.t_^my bearmX so we kin climb in Jist bestie Lar.^^: he^'tw t Tro'"^'" "r "''""'^■■" =°°" -*-fied thiswayabit™ '•""' ^'" ^'''''' "^°"« --"d ^11 his Stumblino-, ^vith flu-Mio c > Molly whispered. ' "' '^"'"^'^''- Suddenly "Hist, down!" ^;"r:^:.Thir;;.^-;/-Tt,-fh- otXhd^i^t^t^teT'^^^'^-"^^ •em the last' ote d^;"';"'^ """^ ^ "^"^ ^e bite Vera was at h^r .u ■ ' ^'^ ^°°'^ ""'^^ ''^«e?" it here he feh h 'tidf r'^I r'rP"''"^' " *- ">|f suspense a mcncn't rot'^'e:'" ' ""■'°' ^"^''- nicloilb'ptWs'sWeo^r"'' 'P"" '■^"^""•"' yt- Le. the hhoy^ Jell; tftl]; ^I ^ ' "" l"^' lo.ke, now," she eautioned, as Vera w L ^''^ was up beside the cannon. ' Jru: Tl ' '"'""''• listen." ^^' "s look over and I ! ,,,l,M III I 1.! 346 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. Mf f ^^H^HBB- ^ CHAPTER XXV. THE WOMAN IN VERA AWAKES. TN falling, Saville was ncc so stunned but that he J- had sufficient presence of mind to make the hu^^e Hessian he had killed a sort of rampart against the thronging enemy, and the man who had bayoneted him was carried forward with the impetuous advance of the victors. He was well content to be somewhat trampled, instead of receiving another thrust which would pin him to the earth. Almost his first thought was, " Vera's dream comes true. I an desperately wounded, perhaps dying; and she, poor child, in sad truth, can never find me here." As the rush of battle swept away elsewhere, so that he could venture to move, he tried, by feelin- to learn the nature of his wound, and found, with a thrill of hope, that a thick memorandum-book in his breast-pocket had caused the bayonet to olance from his vitals into his shoulder, inflicting what seemed only a flesh wound. He soon became aware, however, that it was a deep one, and that he was losing blood rapidly His mam hope now was, that he might not become ; that he the huge inst the yoneted advance mewliat >t which dream perhaps n never here, so feehng, id, witli )ook in glance ? what was a ■apidly. become unconscious before- fl.o "■'-■o; r„r the bruh I "'='t«oulJ attmct no. =™und ,1,0 „,, oft ,?","' ■'"''"^■'•y »-o ra.i„^ -'■" beo.,,ed fo '."ea't '■; ,"'V' ''"•' "'"""''^■S f-c, and tin,., pa ^ , l', ! ' ''%'";•""' "-■■■ "Pon Lis bcca„,c cVdcnt to e ,.,",,"„« ""?"• ''■'■=" ^ =.>ce was over.thcyca led "off M ''''"'"" "''^^'■ -'> -on no„c\v.^ft^t°f "'•=,;• "o^- °^ ^™'" "^ helpless as iMmsdr I '"' "'^"P' "'o-^= ovc- a,.ai„, and th" Wed to ">" '"f"''"' '° """ >ielf too weak. " "' "P- l'"' found l,im. vious evenin... '"""'"'" ''^^ <^''o»en the pre! i-m.;"::tt~?,::" ^'"! "f "f^: hethatbe. " And ...o^oe::; ,■ , :;:,''^t' ^^^f^?^ -- '-e: never die." "'' believctli in me shall "I'oor fellow!" thouM.f c -.i ''^ can die easily, 7a Ir ^ " '''•''-™»" "■•■', "O disappoi„t„,en :Ver L , ""^ '° ^' "" "--■ "ated as we are one mlM . ' '^■"' >'<^'. »"- "11 true. Oh ' that, ' '"■'" "'■''■ "''" " "'ere The ' surgeon would come " strength I'ri'bw,?: ^:rt ^:'\ '"^ ^'-^ --i of the day. he h d e' ' " '^"■'^'■' '•'^it-ment ".is abstin'enee, ttetl .".rr"'^ ""^•""■"- ^'^ 'Oil and the los oftlood m , f'f"^ '"■»'" °' W3 vital powers. VVhe", a HtH \ "■"''"' ''"'" "P"" lantern was carelessly fe I '"""' ""= '''»"" "^ '-^ uessly flashed upon iiis pallid face m •'.■ ! ■■1.1 ■ '■■■ \'. \ ''■' \ '' ' '■■''.'■- 1 /:,, •■ '■ '1, 1 •' ; ' ' ' ( Ill 348 A'£^/! TO .NATURE'S IJEART, tlic man who held ft muttered, " He's don. for - and passed on to those ,ivin. signs of hfe '"' rhe deep swoon lasted while his wife's lover feasted Ins murderous eyes upon him. had h. ^^'""^r^y^'^ '•^■^^eiv'-^ci no answer? Why had he seemed hke the dead, when a man stood over lum who would have stamped out the L test apparent spark of life? Why does he rev ve a^a now that Vera is stealing toward the fort P ^ ' pened of h,s desperate situation. He felt that tlL deep s„hs that heaved his breast caused t.i'l remnar.t o his blood to ooze more rapidly. He tas now sure that he would die " Poor mother! " he groaned. "Dear, kind mo ther . you will have a dreary old a^^e " A hght step was gliding swiftly toward him. O Vera ! he murmured ; " my more than sister my heart's true mate ! How can I enter on my ng' dreamless sleep, and leave you waking and 'S She knelt beside him, sobbin.-. " Tlieron, I have found you ! Thank- God ' " ^_ s th,s real ? " he said, in a husky voice. ' t ,s-feel my warm hand; it's stronir as a mans to reseue you! There are others I^re .0 .':t d?eXV..°""-'^-- ''---'''■-. " " "'"'• "''^y ""<' warned Molly. " Kane all vee. perty sayins til. weVe out o" this Lil's ne^t o^'^t! :fd" the's'tCrr r™^ '''"''• '-'"' ' -" "- ^'-y was ,,, J"" "■''''-; you will not u.e, and Jak-,,;y "'.in my own From h ,'"°'''' '^"'^ >''""• '^^^ -"y pec'less Vera Ho ""h "^ '"' " '°"'^- h^eyou reached me >•' ''= """= °f wonder, ders, and Hf ^d 'ht o , 'Z "^ ' ""''" '^■■' ■'"-'• had twined for the pn'ose '"™ '°"°'" *^' ="» slain a contemnf.L ""f^'an whom Saville had giad ye ;?;^Xrt, ,r '>«■'■' her fo,,t. .-Im tH^ ™ iritrj;;-,:- r -^ -- started rapidly for the hil, When I hui:", ''"", the sentinel, Tasear stepped on ., , '^°"'' cracked sharply. ^^ " " ''''>' ="*, which ^^•' Who goes there? "challenged the sentinel i„. coZt'seeli;" «f i:::,"- "-r- ^ ■"-- If he few feet, and cron.hL -^ ' "'^ '''" ''""^ hack a the path ''" '"^'^ ^ P='""'" at the side of As there were no further sounds, the man cvi. ill L:i. 350 •^ V./^ -O JVATURE'S HEART. ^'^-•'^tly tI.o,,,l,t that it was some animal m th. "';?;rr7;'7:^'-'-i-ii.in, his beat. "''" With throbbnii,^ hearts a.ul stealthy tread fl, Kiiiie, as a sort of rear-'ruanl • -.n,f fi, i '^ freer uifl, . r- • ' they soon breathed I'^u uith .1 yrowin- sense of security *' Let me spell ye now," said Molly to Vera " T'.. They were not very long in reaching the place M.cre the ax. provision,,, and material for k!nd h" a fire had been left. Vera took up these ,„d Z an onr they toiled on. nith frequent re's s'.it •-d. «he„ he grc„. nu'nt, she put the flask to luj At last they found a secluded place auite „„f r iddr;:.:'-;r '-' °' "■= ^"»"'"--^ -i'Il: :; s A h" r """"''' '" "'^' '■""^ ''y ■■"'-vening "Ills. A brook ran near, a.,d Saville's tinrst wat growing very painful. Vera thought tl y mi"h vcn ure to rest here, and kindle a fire. T fey" ere a 1 desperately weary, and in need of food. Sav lie also, was growing so weak that he mi.ht ag i,' become unconscious. Vera asked Molly to°help Ta Mr. i,aville, for she esteemed this so great a orivi lege that she was unwilling to share it. ^ Jveyer was there such music, excepting vonr voice. Vera, as the babble of that bro k°' °-I Saville feebly. " I have heard of H^ t Wrst ' of thf -vounded, but did not know what it was b ore ' Takin- a cup from the bundle she h-xd r.r,- 1 iMy every breath i^ a - ay-r for vqm - d,. -j " If «nom . 4. , '^ - ' lor ),ou, slie said. It seems to me that you are ansuerinc. your own prayers, my sweet divinity I sii.I I," ? you^hile I have breath to prayer ;nS:V^'°^'''^^ Vour m.nd ,s wandering, Mr. Saville." Never from you." " Husli ! you must not talk." "Like all other devotees, I find it easier to wor ship than to obey " ^^^'^' your worlds plin me/ "'"^^ '''''' >'"^' ^'^^ ''And I am so grateful to you that I can scarcely find words that mean enough. May I hVo f. T ^ von hnvr T r I I T-. '^ y ^'^^ 1^0 show yo.n.ow I feel ! Do not call mo Mr. Saville any " Do you not think I had better try to dress vn„r wound by the light of the fire. Theron- ^ ' Vcs do; your very touch is hcaliii" " She took out her bandages, and bade Tascar hean J'ght wood on the fire. Tl,en, layin-. heT si ^r^ hL.nt,ng-knif6 within reach, she set aho„t ,, 17 cate and difficn.t task. Bu. herl^:?: ' .^ fj sh bon over h„n, revealed only the deepest so^'icT ulc or bun. and not a particle of embarrassin" conscousness. She first took fron, hispocto tie torn and deeply indented little mcn.orandumrbo fc !,./ I in. ' . 1- ; l;i' '! 1 .':)M • ii ■ |f ' ^'2 1' \l ' ; mi 1 !T! n 352 Ar^AJ? TO NATURE'S HEART. " Tlieron,"she exclaimed, " this saved your life ' ' "I think it did. It was fortunate that it was in that pocket instead of the other." "Fortunate! Oh ! why do you use such meaning, CSS words? It was so much more than fortunate! Will you give the book to me? " "Yes." She pressed her lips upon it, and hid it in her bosom. Then Molly and Tascar were surprised to hear Sa- uirf'^l' ^^"2:h, but tears were in Vera's eyes. Alack she sighed, dashing them away; " I am a foolish child, and not equal to this work. I must cut your coat, Theron." " Yes," said he; '' pass your knife up my sleeve • cut all away around my throat. It will not do for me to move much. I can direct ycu somewhat, for I know a httle of surgery. On entering the service I^ foresaw wounds, but no such blissful experience as '; Only speak in directing me," said Vera, deftly domg his bidding. - Oh ! what an awful gash ! " and for a moment she covered her face with her hands. " I tell you I arn going to live. Vera. I feel it in every nerve and fiber of my body. How does the cut run ? " Across the upper part of your breast, into your shoulder. ^ "You see it is a flesh wound merelv. Remove only the dots of blood that prevent you' from press, ing the sides of the cut together. Now bandage as tig.itly as you can around my shoulder. There our life ! ' it was in meaning'- ortunate! it in her hear Sa- l's eyes. ^; "I am I must '■ sleeve ; it do for vhat, for s service 'ience as a, deftly h. ! " and hands, eel it in oes the to your i.emove 1 press- dage as There, pose that in youT pL " = ' ■'"''S™" '' Sup- were bending over me h , '"™ "^"'^ler - hard as his'hel rTl^tlTd'^^;-'"''" '"^"^ "Pwell, so there may be n ^1 ' ^r '"''' ^'' cold, and then rest yolself " """ °' "^ ''^'"S --:"esre;r;„r..^^^°"'°^"--- vou ^.;_;Not rnueh. We,nustrunnor.-s.ori„n.™„,,. p4"h:trrdfb:r,':r??™°'--^'p- would a cln-Id. She sawth . ^ ,' '" ''™ '' ='>- comfortably, and so sh e i 1 ■ '" ''"'"^ '"" ""' "-"t But, as she di■=' '''P- l>er face than the r^dSv firer";! ' """"" 8'°" '^o " I will waken yo„,."3lt:i?"T"'''- resume our journey home " "" " "'^ *""= '° speak it"?"-' """ "^^^' '"'" "O'd sounds, as you " Hush ! hush ! " " Well, then, good-night. Vera TJ • • dreamless sleep that T u.. ^ , ^'^ '^ "^^ the And almost instant / ^e sa„k in^"' '"• ^°^^ ^'"''''"■" Molly and Tasc-; T '° ''"'^' slumber. tl.ey could do iotl ir r°" '' "'^y '■"""'1 "'« ?'.7-nthemseIv::tf„rthe"r:r/=-'''"^ • Jn deep obhvion. But tlJ , '"''^''^ "^^'^ as.dearandsteady!:M;rsf:r?4'h'n"f;^^' bngiuly, watched through the silent hours "" i:il ; ! I il t" il ■■^•Jh I ^i^m' It 354 //EAT? TO NATURES HEART. She had never had less inclination to sleep. There was a strange, delicious tumult in her heart She thought it was gladness and gratitude for Saville'3 escape. Slie thought it was hope for the future. She would understand, by-and-by, that it was far more. A hand was on the door of the inner cham- ber of her heart. Its silence was broken by a voice whose echoes would never cease. During the agony, the fear, the awful suspense, of that eventful day, Vera had ceased to be a child, and had become a woman—strong to act and to suffer. And now that the man, on whom she had leaned as might a younger sister, and whom she regarded as a supe- rior being, far beyond and above her, had become utterly helpless — dependent on her for existence— woman-like, she began to love him as only a woman could love, and with the same spirit of self-sacrifice and self-forgetfulness which had been the character- istic of her mother. Innocent love is happiness ; it brings its ov/n re- ward ; and the more unselfish it is, the more pro- foundly it satisfies. The worlu began to grow more beautiful to Vera, even on that chill autumn night, and the sounds of nature to make sweet chords with the new and mys- terious impulses of her heart. The brook sang to her as of old, when she was a child ; but now with richer, deeper meanings ; the chirp of the crickets seemed cheery and companionable ; the light of the stars grew kindly and sympathetic. A stag, at- tracted by the fire, came and stood in the outer circle of light, and gazed at her a moment with his H J rj^^ U'OAfAX m VERA A^VAKES. 355 large, wistful, questionin-r cve^ "i her old mirtl,fulness, .she sho^k Z \ '°'"'"''"S as if he were an unml,, i mj ? " ""S'^'' "t him, sleeper over whom shl^ ' "'" ""'s'" '^'^'^rb the creature bo^rdTaw:; "" "■"='""'^' ^"'^ '"^ «™W '4itird''^:sir,;t"'''^^'r^- ^^^^^ little understood as tl e mvlr^ ^ '" ''" ""'"''■ ='^ "laminating the norther-TSy™" """ ''^^ "^= thaTrhr:::;:\t'n:i,:r;rrt'7""'='' ^^"-^ f-t awakeniug with-soSnt ke sh™"' '°/""''='=^ rassment; lier heart fiuttered at tf' '""^ '""'"'- Heretofore, she had liftS her eyes and"f ""°"'^.''- With no more QPir.. • ^'^^>^-^ and face to hfs openin, tTJL tt ^'^.t'^^-^^"'- "^ "^ ^ flower :l':reSr=^ - °^-cip- trh\'-:- even, though feeble. '''^' ^^^^^^ and As dawn began to tinge the eastern i • seemed to grow uneisv R ! ^^onzon, he n.anabeL,-?she";:^:rrrr^-- Tt'arr^Xirrs'fac-r-^"^^''----" quiet for a while b1; „ " "?'"•■""<= '^=''"' and ijisturbed hi„, td L" roir: 7sr;:"' 'r-^ -er;^irSi*;rvrr^^^^ plainly, '"'°"- ^"^^^"^^ ^^e said, quite " ''"^' '"^ ^^^^^^'^ ^^- "^ate, how can I leave—' \m 35<3 A^EAR TO NATURE'S HEART. I and he started up, and looked wildly around for a moment. ''Theron," said Vera gently, "it's only a dream; and dreams, you told me, 'go by contraries.' " He looked at her earnestly a moment, and then asked, " What has happened ? " " I dreamt that you would be wounded, and, alas ' It came true. I also dreamt that I could not find you ; but, thank God ! the contrary was true." " Oh, yes ; it all comes back to me now. You found me dying in the fort." " But you promised to live," said Vera, with a sudden chill of fear. •' Did I ? My head i^; confused. Will you please give me a little water ? " Trembling with apprehension, she hastened to the stream, and returned with the cool and refresh- ing water. This awakening was so different from what she expected. After taking the water he seemed better, and his eyes sought hers wistfully and questioningly. "I am very weak," he said ; "you must be patient with me. ^ " O Theron ! live ! live ! that is all I ask ' " "I feel that I shall. Vera; but it may be lor^ before I am well. You were holding my head --he I awoke." "Let me support it again," she said blushing, i..id she lifted his head into her lap. " I want to see your face." "No, no," she answered hastily; "look at the beautiful dawn yonder." -;= -ell ? I ,,„, ,,,j „"- Ac you sure tl.at you '« n-e .ee you and reassuri f^ ■ "'"• ""'^^ one moved SO n« f^ ^ , he fixed hiseye, eal v"'"' 'T "" "''"'• ■''"d ^-^ -d a wa™e.^i;,. To ^- r-t ra'"''^';' '' ''™°P=''. eastern sky. '^ -^^^^ Showed in the " I t:o see the dawn \n your face " h. ■ , 't grows more lovely everv ' '^''^' " ^"^ been watching over me all ho T""- '' ^^^^ >^°" It has not seemed long " she iZ \ Vera ! " ^altered. ■•f you c'ar:";,e'eran7 *fXd "^^ '■"''''^- ''^ to get liome ? " ' '"'' *■= "ot better try "tItemeW"'''''"^™'^'=°f'^-P-nte„t; She was glad to '-scan^ a Molly, they ^-ere soon " LifwayTo^.^^^^- ™^ mountain gorge, in which was t ,e rL "''."^'"ded to Saville, promised to be a haven r' "'"'"'' ■ d never known before '"'' ="* ^' : i';! he !'-i; J.| 1 ,i' .tii 358 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. CHAPTER XXVI. VERA'S ONLY CRIME. A FTER a toilsome, difficult journey, during -^^ which Saville's wound became very painful, they reached the cabin. Old Gula met them with a scared expression on her wrinkled face, but was overjoyed at finding Tascar and Vera safe. " Fse had an orful time," she said. '' Strange, loud voices, speakin' among de hills, an' I didn't know what dey mean. Den Mas'r Brown come home wild and drefful, a-cryin' dat all was lost. Den he sat a long time like a stun. All on a sudden he ask, ' Whare's Vera ? ' I telled him dat you took Tascar, and went away yesterday mornin'. And he began to go on orfully agin, and took de big c^un and went arter you." " Well," said Vera, with a sigh, " if he does not come soon, I will try to find him. Mr. SavilV as been badly wounded, and we must all do ou ,.,t for him. Youg- is some breakfast. Tu car. lake a fire on the hea ■ in the cabin, and then ^ e'p your mother. Molly, will you help me carry Mr ^^ville in?" They laid him down on the cabin flo--'- -"-^ and ra I VEI^A'S ONLY CRIME. rewarded by „,,co„tcZ?j;r"' '•■""—■" pared for Savflle- but n.H " '°""'' ^'"'^ ?«" i>i.n thither, MrrBr ;„" „' eTedl:;:'""' '° ^'"■■^ "S^l'toerr"- ™-'d-'h.-smea„?" you b;:„7t,';:.r,,™„">' '•-'"f-..? wh^ have u T. '^^ Strange woman here "> " tone. ■ ■'"' ^"'"'^' '» !■« oW. significant The exile turned tremblingly to ),!„,. doeLai;rfSirrc/'tr"'^'"^^'™»" - y- all will be well." ^" ''°*" "'"'^ ""^ rest, and -'"rfitdSt:,::reer„f/- -'■ ^-•"«= required. Mollv „„;"^'?'''°f»^"''geon would be ™.'ht find Ier^l,rba:d""r4r 'V'T' ''' decided, without consulting itr fH " ""''^°"= car with her across fh„ ^ ""■' '° ■'="'' Tas. Molly thought that 'T"T'J '° ""'''■ ^^"'"'-. forts would probablL:, ■'"' "'"^P^"^ f™™ "« she knew the w'; '4? afe t "^'°"' ^"^ ''"^ ""« the river- so t „■„ ' «"' ''">"' "ear to early the ;e:tl:™Lr"^^'' '-^^^ ''->■*■-''' S» r , 36o NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. Sav. Ic slept a great deal of the time, and seemed strengthened by the nourishing broth which Gula made for him. His deep content, and the anticipa- tion of Vera s society and care, did more than any- tJimg else to forward recovery. The next morning, Molly and Tascar departed. Vera accompanied them, and directed the boy to blaze the trees until the path became plain. Molly did not tell Vera that she had learned from her hus- band a great deal about Savillc's previous life, nor did she hint that he had a wife living in New York The redoubtable "captain's" ideas concerning morals were rather confused, at best; but, in this case, she acted in accordance with such light as she had, and her reasonmg was simple, if not correct. Savillehad saved her life ; and, whether he was right or wroncr she was in honor bound not to put a straw in his way; and, from what Larry had told her about Saville's wife, she felt that no one had a truer ricrht than he to find a better one. ^ Toward the close of the following day Tascar returned and, to Vera's great joy, was accompanied by her old acquaintance. Surgeon Jasper. He pro- nounced Saville's wound severe, but not dangerous /f he had good care and nursing ; " and that, fknow' he will get." he added, with a glance that brought the rich color into Vera's face, which, for some reason that she could not understand, was now so ready to come and go. ^ "I am here, prepared to stay a few days," said the kindly surgeon ; "and when I leave, good living and sleep will be all that are needed, I think " (l his h How can I and. '•cpay you?" exclaimed Vera 36t N tals incr 1/ Til Kh o occasion for thanl. IS IS my b ,' ''''^ t'^e brusque reply •-■nc,,.s,,„d wc can't afford ose ^uch good soldiers as Saville." b"t the ,„a„ «^ fo „t ra^T;'';'''"'''''"^-'''-' 'hat !,c had been it "tl k , '^''■'"'^■> =""' '''^ fact partially rcconcHed th . u'rl °' ^"^'^ -°tl>ct ^"■•gcon, also, raised his 'll ,'"' P'''='''^"«- The cause was „ot hop L ly T T\ "" ^"'"'^an tl.e capture of the forts ^'^ '''^"'^^'=<' °" Under skilled treatment c;, -n ■ "Pidly, and he was soon M I ■' ""'""'' ''"''"■'^ fi^e on the ample hearth of H f "? ^^''^^ t''^" 3urgeo„ was tl,e hT:' tl e pLt"';"' ■ '''"' S^"'^" autumn eveninss, and to Vera t| f 1"""*^ "" '""^ ■•emembored as amon. the h ,n I-""" ^"""^ '•■^'^■■ Whenever it wis n Z '"''PP'^'t of her life. ^IWin, lie. j;nn^:^:f-faviHe's eyes ^'^'-y soul ; but she, n. her n, '•' ^'^''^^^^ ^^^'• •J^^s rapid recovery was thV'"'"' ""^''S'"'^^ that i^yvelling up in W hett '"" "' '''' ^^^^"^^^ °^ tressed he. She n o'^' T '^ P^'plexed and dis- on thesu,,eo^' ac asTo t- T''^' -P-^" " ;>^ Saville su,,ested % t :• t^^^^^^ ^^ ^^ the part than gratitude or friend^h.-i / '''"f '"''"^ ^varnier Jaspe-' k endship inspired. ^-^pe- knew that Saville had a wif , over, th- . she was i u-.T. T • ""' '^'^^' '^ore z6 ' '''^'^ ^^^^^ -" name. He foU I , i 362 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. > that Vera was too fine a gin to be trincd with ; but as she was situated, the man to whom she hud unconsciously given her heart might do more to make than to mar her happiness. At any rate, the surgeon, who was a man of the world, concluded that It was not his business to interfere, and so at last took his departure in his wonted jovial manner. " I suppose you won't thank me, Saville," he said, '' for taki;,g you away from this fairies' bower; but I shall report to the governor th^t you will be fit for duty in a month." "I shall not forget that I am a soldier," said the young man, flushing ; " and you may see me in less time." After the surgeon's departure, Saville's moody fits did not cease, but rath-r increased. While he was exceedingly kind and gentle, \'era saw that he was passing under some kf-id of n traint ; his eyes did not seek hers with the old, frank, ardent expression ; and, at times, she observed him regarding her furtively' and with such a sad, wistful look, that she began to shed tears in secret, though, with womanlv instinct she tried to appear cheerful, auu blind to allchan-es " m him. *=" But when his growing C re A mind begm to retard his recovery, she fel. that she could ensure It no longer. One day, when he scarcely tasted some delicate birds which she had shot for him she burst into tears, and said, "Theron, what is the matter? I can shut my eyes to the truth no longer. Something is preyin- upon your n.ind. You liave a deeper wound than I * 1 ye/tyfs ONly CRIME. 363 that wlWch Surgeon Jasper healed. For the last few a„"er.' ""' '"'^' ■^"^ "''' "»' ""-^^-'^'y " I do not ask to kn, the cause of your trouble ■ she cont.nued , " for you would tefi me i you hou,d,t best; but I cannot endure to see you suffer If there ,s nuytl,i„gtl,at a poor, friendless youn,- 1 i ke ,nysel can do, I pray you, speak plainly. " Be heve me, I would think any self-sacrifice that would serve you a privilege." " Any sacrifice, Vera ? " "Any, any that you can ask," she replied ea,-erly. But, look.ng n,to her pure, innocent face, and re -c, Senn, how totally ignorant she was of the tode,eni';:':^"'»""""'''"'^°™"->'-'^--p ..e,nlv'°° I b"r' °' '" '"'''•' '■" ''''• -'d said, very gently, I beheve )-ou, my dearest sister ; you are- unselfishness .tself. But no cruel self-sa , .e c your part would help me. Some day I will tell V ,' what .s troubling me. I cannot now. The mi er" mtfe 'oft '"'^""^•""^'^ "-^■'i. °f -'"-ch you know so httle, often brn,gs to those who must be out in it n.a,j hard problems to solve. Rest assured, if I need y ,,,, i ^^.j„ ^^.^ .^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^ .t than that of any other living being. Now take your gun and get me ,ome more birds, and at sup- per I will try to do better." ^ She saw that he wished to be alone, and so sore y perplexed and heavy-hearted, she c;mplied /ii.er she was gone, Saviile grappled with the V* IS i, .1 i- H^ i It II 3^4 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. Strongest temptation which life had yet brought him. In the eye of the law, he had a wife, and could not marry Vera, and yet he loved her with the whole intensity of his nature. From the hour, also, when she blushed under his searching glance in the early dawn, at the time of their bivouac in the moun- tains, he lutd thought she was learning to give him a warmer affection than that o{ a sister. In his weakness and inability to think connectedly, this hope had filled him with a sort of delirium of happi- ness ; but he had soon commenced asking himself how this mutual regard must end. With his French education, and as an honest adherent to the creed that the impulses of nature should be man's only law, he required no priestly sanction to his love; but could have said to Vera, in all sincerity, " My heart claims you; my reason approves the choice. I cannot help my past folly, but know that I am acting wisely now. I will ever be your true lover. I will be such a husband as love can make me, and such as mere form and law can- not." While all tdiis was true, he also clearly saw that Vera, in remembrance of her mother's teachincr and example, and with her faith in the Bible, and in the Being whose will she believed that book revealed, would not look upon any such relation in the light in which it appeared to him. Although the young girl had proved her readiness to sacrifice her life for him, there had always been somethin in her words and manner which led him to doubt greatly whether he could induce her to violate her conscience, even VERA'S ONLY CRIME, I 365 though that which he asked seemed perfectly nVht to him. ' ** In justice to Saville, it should be said, that thou-h he regarded her faith as an utter deh.sion, he would not wish her to do anything which she thou-ht wrong; and, although he could honestly declare his love, he felt that it would be a base thing to ask her to reward it, since she could not do so without great moral wrong to herself. There were, besides, other very important consid- erations. He had always promised Vera, and had sin- cerely proposed to secure for her, a recognized and respected place in society. If she listened to his suit, this would be impossible. She was defenseless, friendless, more than or- phaned. She trusted him implicitly, and, as a man of honor, he found that he could come to but one conclusion. He must be true to her interests, at any and every cost to himself. "Am I equal to this?" he groaned, and bestrode up and down the little cabin in such agony, that great beaded drops came out upon his forehead. At last he sat down, and covered his face with his hands, while his mind went rapidly over the past. In imagination, he saw ihe timid maiden venturing down into the dark fort, where on every side a fate worse than death threatened, that she might rescue him. '' I am a base wretch to hesitate," he cried ; "but would that I had died there, rather than have lived to suffer this ! She shall not surpass me in self-sacri- fice, however. I will pl.^c her as high in society as a M< \\\ i.f 366 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. i brother's love can raise her, and then, if the burden grows too heavy, I can soon enter on the dreamless sleep from which she recalled me. O hating and hateful wife ! even your malignity would be satisfied if you could see me now." Vera returned empty-handed. " My hand trembled so that I could not shoot," she said. " I am very sorry." " Never mind, little sister ; I am better now, and do not need anything," he said soothingly, for he saw that her heart was full. "Better!" she cried, with tears starting to her eyes. "You are but the ghost of your old self. I never saw you so pale, and you look years older than when I left you an hour ago." _ "You are tired and depressed. Vera. Come and sit down by me on your low bench, and see if I can- not cheer you." She gave him a wistful, questioning look, which he found it hard to meet. ^Making a strong effort at self-control, she complied with his wish, and for a few moments neither spoke. Again and again she would look a1: him, with the same childlike, questioning manner. " What is it, little sister ? " he at last asked. For seme reason, this term, which had once seemed so sweet and endearing, but which of late he had seldom employed, now chilled her heart with fear His nice, though very kind, had a strong, resolved expression. She felt as if a viewless but impassable barrier were growing up between them. While at her side, and holding her hand, he still seemed far J i VEJ^A'S ONLY CRIME. 367 offand receding. He called her his "dear little sister,' and yet she would rather that he should say simply, Vera, in the tone in which he had spoken her namei when, after her night's watch, she had raised hef downcast eyes to his. She neither understood her, self nor him, but her heart craved for more than mere brotherly affection ; and now that he sought to manifest only this, he rudely jarred the deepest and most sensitive chord of her being. When he again asked, in a gentle, soothing tone, as he might speak t^o a child, " Tell me what troubles you, sister Vera. Speak as frankly as if I were indeed your brother "' she bowed her head upon his knee, and sobbed as if her heart would break. ^^ " I don't know what is the matter," she faltered. "It seems as if you were miles away from me, and that something dreadful is going to happen." A spasm of pain crossed his face, for he inter- preted her feelings far better than she could herself- and he learned, as never before, how penetrating a lovmg woman's intuitions often are. Suddenly she asked, " Are you going to leave me, T heron?" He had about decided to tell her the whole truth and show the necessity of his course, when her father entered the cabin. Before doing so, he had marked his daughter's attitude and distress, also Saville's caresses as he stroked her bowed head. He said nothing, however, but sat down in his accustomed place, with the deepest gloom lowering upon hi.s haggard face. Vera was about to move hastily away, but Saville retained her at his side, saying, I, !ii: W 368 AT.. IN TO XATL'A'E'S HEART. " No, Vera ; no one has a better right here than you." For a little time they all remained silent. Vera made desperate efforts to gain the mastery of her feelings, though with but partial success ; for she felt that some blow was impending, which she could not avoid, and yet from which she shrank in sicken^ ing dread. At last Saville began, in a quiet, steady voice, " Mr. Brown, I have so far recovered from my wound that I ought soon to report for duty again. I feel that it would be very wrong to leave you here in this remote and lonely place. I tremble as I think of what might happen in case of sickness or accident. Moreover, the country is filled with law- less, reckless men, as you have learned, to your sor- row." The exile sprang up, and commenced pacing the room in great excitement, but Saville continued firmly, "You owe it to Vera to place her in a more secure position. This wild mountain-gorge is no place for her. She is fitted to shine among the highest and best, and I think I can say, without boasting, that f have the influence to place her there. All that ' A harsh, bitter laugh interrupted him, and her father said, " Mr. Saville, you are unequaled at sarcasm." The young man rose and faced the speaker, and Vera, also, stood tremblingly at his side. " I mean every word I say. I can " he began earnestly. "Mr. Saville," again interrupted the exile, "your ( I-' VERA'S OXLY CRIME. 369 words are worse than useless. It is time you learned the truth. For the sake of the past, in memory of what my daughter braved in your behalf, you will at least leave us unmolested, after you learn who and what we are. Blinded as I am by remorse and fear, I have still marked your growing affection for Vera ; and though I am but a wreck— a miserable fragment of a man— I have still some sense of honor and justice left. You are a gentleman, sir. I knew that from the first ; and it is not right that you should associate with such as we are any longer." " You are talking wildly, sir. You are no't your. self," Saville answered soothingly. " I am speaking terrible ti^uth," continued the unhappy man. " Whatever else has failed in me, memory has not, and it is my hourly and relentless scourge. But enough of this. It is sufficient to say that we are outcasts. A curse is resting on us which must die with us. This is no place for you • and you will bear me witness, that I never sought to draw you within the deadly shade of my destiny I have but one favor to ask-that you leave us to perish as remote from human knowledge as pos- sible." " I cannot do this," cried Savillc, quite off his guard. ^ "Why are you outcasts.? What crime has this innocent maiden committed, that I should heartlessly leave her to so horrible a fate?" "What crime has she committed? The same as that of her poor, fond mother, the crime of belong- ing to me, and of being a part of me. Would yo^u ally yourself— would )'ou even associate— with the i6* il^ hi ■ I r i, {' tl 1 :^H.,f, 3;o NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. N' daughter of one of the worst criminals on the face of the earth ? With a faint cry, Vera fell to the floor, as if struck down by a resistless blow. Saville instantly lifted ner up, saying, ^ "Don't grieve so, darh-ng. Ho charges you with no fault, only misfortune." Her father looked at him in great surprise for a moment, and then said, ''Well, si^^ice you dilTer so greatly from the rest of the world, you may take her away, where her re- lat.on to me may never be known. If she could escape from under the curse which crushed her mother, I would esteem it a boundless favor For me there is no hope." "Will you go with me, Vera?" asked Saville gently, pressmg her closer to his heart. ;• Go, Vera, go, since he is willing to take you," said her father earnestly. <• The thought that you were safe and happy would render the miserable remnant of my life more endurable." Vera's sobs ceased speedily, and she became very quiet. Af^ter a moment or two, she raised her head from Sav.Ile's shoulder, and said distinctly "No, I will not leave you. You are my father '"or J';;? ''^"'^'"' commended you to my care." U God ! exclaimed her father, "that I should have brought down the curse on two such hear!s ! ^^Y punishment is greater than I can bear " "rheron/'continued Vera, drawing away from m. and trying to steady herself in her weakness and strong emotion, " the blow has fallen ; I have I VEJ^A 'S ONL Y CRIME eave us to our fate ; for, as father says, you cam^ continue to associate .vith such as we are^° his sidr'T,'",'^ '*"' ''^■•""'"S ''"'closely to h... side, and lookmg doun into her pale face with an honest, manly flush of indignation o' hil.^ 'aj every plague in nature fail on my disi,o„ored ^Z heart than ""■ '■'^''"^' ^""=^ ' V"'-"- f- - f"er heart than yours never beat; and I am not such a ool as to lose it. I shall not ask her to leav you M', he sa,d, addressing her father. " Hut I JZ'c you, by the men,ory of your dead wife aid 1 value your safety, to place no obstacle in my u " as I 3eeL;to ma,.e her happy i„ this, her mountain itrme" -"'""n. sa.d Vera, in a low, thrilli,,. tone tint he never forgot, ■■ 1 did not know that tltere wa o noble a man m all the world." " Give me no credit," he replied. " To verv few does there come such a chance for ha, pin^s^ , I st^Lrf iV°"- ^°''^'="'"> meout'und:, h sta l.ght, for I have much ^o s.iy to you." he r r 7"'^ "" "'''"■ ''°"'^^<='-' l'<^ '""led to her fat^r, who sat with his face buried in his hands, have' done' "°^' ;'f ,"'■" "'"" ^"^ '° '^•"°-' -'«' you than 1 ' ^f''"'= "'=" >"""■ ■•'™°'»e !•> greater han your cr.me , but, as the father of this dear and innocent maiden I sh^ll ,i . uiisacarand ■re^nect V„ 7 "■">'' '"'" yo" W'lh re.,pect. You have acted honorably to-nic.ht a„d I honor you for it I t ,L.,. ,„ "'o'l'. ana 1 er-,.v.|,/ , , "'y l'"'"*''"' '-■"urse delib. eiately, and vvilli my eves fully open." i? r' I 372 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. J " I fear that you will have cause for regret ; and yet, for Vera's sake, I hope it may be for the best." " I will never leave you, father," said his daughter, tciiderly putting her arms around his neck, and kiss- ing him. Tears came into the poor man's eyes, and he said huskily, ** I am not worthy of this. Go, go ; it pains me! " Saville, in the impulse of his strong love and ex- citement, had decided to tell Vera just how he was situated, believing that, in view of the circumstances, she would accept of his life-long devotion, though unsanctioned by any formal rites ; but her first glad and natural utterance, as they stepped out into the quiet night, checked the words upon his lips. " Thank God ! " she cried ; " thank God ! " How good my Heavenly Father has been tome! Oh! that I could tell mother how happy I am ! " Saville was silent. It was his turn to experience a prophetic chill of dread. What had that old He- brew divinity, at whom he had scoffed so many years, to do with his happiness or hers? But now He rose up before him like a grim, remorseless idol, to which the maiden at his side, so gentle and loving, and yet so strong, might sacrifice both herself and him. Prudence whispered, "You had better not tell her to-night, you have too much at stake ; wait." And so, instead of telling her the sad story of his past blindness and folly, with their consequences, he led her thoughts away from every painful theme, resolving that they both should have one hap[)y VERA'S ONLY CRIME. 373 hour, whatever might be on the morrow. And yet, remembering the only relation he could offer, he did not dare speak frankly of his love, and could only comfort her with the general assuiiance that he would nevet leave her to the desolation which her father's language had so awfully described. He spoke of their old, happy trysts, and promised that they should be continued as often as his duties per- mitted. Thus, while he did not openly and for- mally declare his love, it so pervaded his tone and manner as to abundantly satisfy Vera, whose quick intuitions scarcely needed v/ords. !)!,!n How Oh! n m ' 1 I It u i.|: If 374 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. CHAPTER XXVII. \\ 3 ''^>*W'C«i M|i VERA MUST BECOME AN ATHEIST. 'T^HAT nijrht Saville slept but little. Me had i th tliought that he had settled, in the aft e question of his future relation to Vc ernoon, ra ; but the strange, unexpected events of the eve father's return, had given the problem, in his view, an entirely new aspect. The future he had pro- posed for the maiden— the chance for a happy life under its ordinary and normal conditions in society- seemed utterly blotted out and rendered impossible, and through no fault or weakness of his. Saville was full of generous and noble impulses, and Vera's fidelity to her father excited his bound- less admiration and respect, and greatly increased his affection for her. In contrasting the faithful girl with his sclfisn and malicious wife, lie could scarcely believe that they both belonged to the same race. But, as he saw that Vera's beauty of character equaled that of her form and features, the more un- speakable became his reluctance to attempt any such self-sacrifice as he had resolved upon in the after- noon. Nor did it now seem necessary, or even right, that he should. Every avenue into the Av.,ild w.is VERA MUST BECOME AiY ATHEIST. 375 closed against her, and she looked to him alone for happiness. The fact of her love was most apparent; and she, no more than himself, could be satisfied with the fie tion of fraternal affection. But one thing now stood in the way of their hap- piness, and that was what he regarded as her super- stitious faith. Holding her present belief, what he must propose would seem wrong, and only by teach- ing her his own philosophy could he make it appear otherwise. But even if this were possible, he had promised, at her mother's grave, on the day of burial, that he would riever do aught to shake the child's confidence in that mother's teachings, or lead from the course which the parent would approve. Did not that pledge prove as insuperable a bar as his wretched marriage ? And he cursed his destiny as the most cruel that had ever fallen to the lot of man. But as, in the long, wakeful hours, he sought some solution of the problem, this thought occurred : When he made that promise, he had foreseen no such emergency as this Shoul.l he be more loyal to his own hasty pledge than to her whose welfare now wholly depended upon him ? In breaking the prom- ise, he would only be more true to he-. He believed that her mother was only a memory. She was dead ; she had ceased to exist. He was a strong, living friend. As long as the religious delusion which the mother had taught her child had been a comfort and a sup- port, it was right and kind not to ^'^turl) it. But should he permit this delusion— tl's old, antiquated i •/ -^;4sJ. 3;6 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. 11, superstition, from which the advanced thinkers of he world u-crc fast freein^r themselves-to stand in he way of actual and priceless advantages ? ]3oth Vera and himself would soon cease to exist, and the opportunity for enjoyment would pass away for- ever. Why, then. let an imaginary spectre in the path, that a bold approach and scrutiny would dissi- pate, prevent a lifetime of happiness? ' Was he not even under sacred obligations to take the trammels from her mind, when they would cause such rcmedi- The honest theorist believed that duty coincided with mcl.ua.on. and starting with this premise, there was no o-.!;<,.r conclusion possible. BuL ti., question which troubled him most was Could hem. this? He had been shown how much the word duty meant to Vera. ITer faith was sim- ple and absolute, and having been taught by her that the task would be exceedingly difficult, and yet there seemed no other course. He resolved to attempt it as the only way out of his cruel dilemma; and ic was a habit of his mind. when he had reasoned a thing out to his satisfac^ ion, to rest firmly in the conclusion. It was not in his nature to be ever looking back with doubts and misgivings. He had no fears but that he could make a home in that secluded mountain region after the war was over, which would contain more of the elements of happiness than he could find else- where And if she were willing, he was perfectly ready to proclaim to the world that the impulses of ^M^:\ VERA MUST BECOME AX ATTTETST 377 nature arc the only true and binding laws, and to support h.s creed by his open examplo. He kne^v that h.s proud, conservative mother u never ap prove of his course ; but tliis was too near and per- sona a q,:estion to be decided by her prejudices. He therefore decided to conceal the fact of his mar riage from the maiden, as much for her sake as his own. _ For, if she learned of it prematurely, before rece.ymg the enlightenment of mind which he hoped to brmg by his teaching, she. in her strong supersti- t.on, might destroy, not only his happiness, but her Having settled upon his course, he fell into a re- freshmg slumber, which lasted till late in the follow ing morning, when he was awakened by the report of Vera s gun. On going out, she met him joyously exclaunin^ <^ !V \ ^-L^; ^1.^ 3/8 XEAR TO .NATURE'S HEART. '\ I- ^can to pain your dear, credulous heart. Vo^x must e„,e„ber, ,,, eharity to me, ,.o„. these ..orjr.ord to a nan. I ho,,c you feel as well and h:,ppv as I do th,s m„r,„na. But I nee.l not ash, ul.a 'l se= the ,„ts of these October leaves fn your cheeks." Merc ,s one that is brown, and here another yellow and green," replied Vera, in like playfuj »p;«. penn.ttin. the cloud to pass fro.n her IZ I saw'ren ? f °'" '' ''"'"""■"' =" "''^' ''""" which I .saw rcnected ,„ your face after the niyht y„u 50 pa .en ly watched over n,e. Was that rich color only the reflection of the sky. Vera ' " •• You h,ad just waked up, and could not see anv h.ns P landy. ]iut a busy housekeeper must Z stand. d.,,,, here. Come and see whaS Gula h,";: \^^t^\ P''=-'ed like a luappy dream to them both. With a shy, ma.denly reserve. Vera checked any open expression or manifestation of the love e was content to see in his face and catch in his tones n-^nlc the garish light of day lasted. „ut when they a,g.n walked out in the starlight, Saville would be put off no longer, and he asked, n.:t!Te:;'e;r:v>'"^^^ '-''^ ^^ ^^-^ -P-^-^ie for de:^:;^:;:^;i::^:t:?^r^---- ^'- ^ -^ your ^^JJhat is an endearing term ; but did it satisfy his^arm''"' ''''"^' ''"'^ ^'' ^'^^ ^'"" '^""'^ '''''^^^' "" " I do not think it did. Your wistful eyes, uncon- t. You must stories sound d happy as I , when I see I- cheeks." ere another, h'ke playful I her brow, ciawu which ight you so : rich color not sec any- »■ must not Jiila has for them both. Iiecked any ic love she II his tones, when they - would be •ossible for was your it satisfy remble on ■es, uncon- VERA MUST BECOAfE AX ATIIEIST. sciously to yourself, pleaded fo some dearer term. Am I 379 I" somethinir more- •■^""- iww 1 not ri^ht ^ " I fl'^",^"" '?'"'■•""''•■'• «''»t yuu ucrc .saving when I^found you .nKort Clinton?', she a.sk..i, ■,;,,;:: "Tell me what I said." '^' 1 would rather that you remembered " was thinking of you. Vera. I supposed thev more than s.ster, my heart's true mate.' We e nol those my words ? " ^^ .''Yes; and they have made sweet echoes in my ca ever sn.ce, though I did not till last ni.ht under- stand all they meant." "i'ue.- " Have they not made echoes \n vour heart also> Have yo, not found your own true mate?" on ,. r' r-'^' ^"^^'■°"' ' '^'^ '"^^'^'^ of nic^ht is on my face : else would a maide. blush ' tell you al I cannot add, with Juliet, ^ Ifthouthink'stlamtooquicklvwon, 1 11 frown, and be perverse, and say thee nay ; • for you know well, already, that I am wholly your. Indeed ,f my heart had been as cold toward you yes Cday as ,t was tender, I could not fail of bd " to" rd'mr"', '""''"""^ ^^^^^^"'^' >-- course owed liTh ; r 'Z T ^°"^' ^--'J-.and shad, ,^:;Utu:e." "^ ^"' ^'^'^•^^' °^^^^^^-^-^ - with ediiet"'' No" "7" "°"^' '"'"^ "^^ ^'^^^-'-^^- --tch. eaness. Now what cause hnvo v.^,. r, _.■ M ore cause, since what you give se have you for gratitude ? %f\ m IS not an alms ■« ii 'in m ■ 38o XE.iR TO XA TUBE'S HEART. Il J 5 li^ for though I should perish without your love I could n(;t take it as a charity. But are you sure you will never regret your action ? My heart mis. gives me when I think of it ; the world can off.-r you so much ! You might easily win one who is dowered with wealth, rank, and beauty, instead of poor me, who am heiress only of a curse." Savillc thought, with a mental oath of execration, how he had won such a one as she described ; but,' with the purpose of banishing all such misgivings on her part, he said, " If I were an ambitious boy who had never seen the world, there might, possibly, be some ground for your fears; but from my youth I have been out in the world, and know much about it; and never, in my happiest moments there, did I experience half the content I found in your companionship, even when I was first learning to know your worth, as we talked together on the height back of your old home near West Point. Now that I have come to love >^u, now that I justly honor j-ou above all other women, can you imagine I could ever think of an- other.? It is because I have seen the world, and know what it contains, and how little it c?n do for me, that I prize you far beyond it all ; and it is because you are so innocent and unworldly that you do not know your own value. If I had met you in society, I should have had scores of rivals." "Now I fear you are flattering me," she said laughing ; " but you would have had no cause for fear. I shall come to believe in my value only as I can make you happy." ur love, I you sure icart mis. can off^r ne who is instead of xecration, bed ; but, givings on ever seen ;round for XMl out I.'l never, in ence half ihip, even "th, as we )ld home, e to love all oi-her ik of an- orld, and Ml do for and it is that you et you in she said rause for only as I ^'^AV/ JfC'ST BECO.VE A.V ATnp.rsT. ^^, spect •• ^ ^°"'" '-^ unbounded in this re- faith'' Hit • "' ' ^°"^' '"^"- y- to -cept of my 'aith, what you say would eventuallv be true I cannot help telling you now it thn . orour „e. and .t/.y n?e:TL" l' a^rv^rr ncitherletitbcafra, ■ ^'T """ l'" "-""Wed, to I,cr and do ,o e T'""' ^°" "''"' "''>' '"'' seemed afar of .d, T'"" '■""°"' '~""' '''•«' J'.ir oir, and 1 was losinr; mv faith ! i i7,« goodness and mercy but frnmil.t,- , '^ mn to fi„^ ,' "^' '""" "'e time Me cnablet: me to find you ,n the fort, I have felt differentlv and now I cannot thank and love Him enoug '• '' Sayllc was dismayed. This was reversing matters and the one he proposed to win over to " e,^' wa^ u^ y bent on leading him to h.-come a ChH .r much. Won t you get me another, Theron = •■ I- cannot,- he said, a little abruptly; and then contmued, very gently, " We must agree to d, mis "■hat ,t ,s to you, and it never can be. Grea as m v faults^are, I try to be honest : and with yo V n o help bemg sincere. If you regarded the Rible a result of human genius, like the plays of Shakspeare I would get you one ; but I cannot aid vou in makmg .ts unnatural teaching and stories the'law of your conscience." !i ^Theron ! " exclaimed Vera, bursting into iii and hiding her fac e upon his should tears, |!i. »'!*' m ::i '% ' I "^i er. I m ■ •r ; ^ li '. J Ill i 3S: A'/:.l/C TO NATURE'S HEART. m M ! I ld the same views that I do. As the subject has come up between us, I could not helo bcincj honest ^v.th you, as I ever shall be ; but do not let^us dwell on It any lon<,^er now." Vera sighJd deeply, but said only, "I cannot understand how any one can be so good and noble as you arc and not believe in the Bible. I never even dreamed that it could be otherwise than true and to doubt it seems impossible. And yet I know' you are as sincere as I am." "And thus you prove that you are no bigot, c arlmg ; for, as a general thing, the devotees of all the various religions of the world are prone to re- gard those who cannot think just as they do as w.llful, wicked wretches, who ought to be knocked promptly on the head. If you can't convert me I am ^sure you will not put me to torture, will you. "If I did, I should torture myself most. But Theron, this is too sad a subject for mc to jest darllnL,^ but me act tlie cere us you faith, and I ^ible, I be. u her most id nature," contrary," , the great I thinking, ubject has ng honest ;t us dwell ' I cannot md noble I never :han true, et I know no bigot, ecs of all ne to re- 2y do as knocked ert me, I will you, St. But, - to jest VERA MUST BECOME AX ATIIEI. ST. never cease to hope that you will cm iiich'ne )-our about. I shall some (lay ihiii]. ■ -'H-t touard Ilim as easily as He bends Ti as I tl Gr,(l yondet trees N bend tl le ow, Vera, darling, that is t! •ny the treetops. Let us dn le tops uf le wind which is o itl present. We have both been 1 )p this subject for ler, and we could not be otl lonest with each lerwise. There i much on which we lovingly and heartib^ s sr> dwell on tl lit: .St til ic one thing ulicrcin •'iLTcc, win I'ovc, with .-il! i, I wc differ?" A„J oughts. She loved him t uvers ze.ll, to b.uiish I ler s.i( 00 well to permit him to no t fill. T scc.hathon„led. Indeed he, lid ,„,,„„ of lK,ppme,s whieh !.e pl.,ced to her lips filed -.th ,, str„,,e delight, even while she rem: i e:^^ conscous th.t it cont..ined one bitter dre,.. lhe> folh»vin„ dr.ys passed all too qnicklv for hem both. It „.as part of Savilles sch m o so e icham her alTections that she conid not take a, y o her conrso, when the test came, than that vl i h he proposed ; and it would seem that he was sue ceedn,g beyond his hope.,. Her capability of loving was large, and she had but few other ties and interest" o draw her thoughts from him. His mind was cul- ivated, versatile, ever full of bright, fresh thou^its- and thus h,s .society was to her like a sweet, ^-^^ ara mg w,„e. lint that which ueighed more with her than al el.se was the ever-present memory of hi, devoted loyalty f. her, when she knew fhat the great majority of the world would have .shrunk le dread, and the remembrance of tl K ■ it i J le con- vt~ 384 ^^"^^ TO NATURE^ S HEART. .^' sub .'-;:;,;"■ r- ";"'" '° ^'■'' ■■'■■" ■■" ^--'j- cm, r ""■ '^"'' » '""•■'^=. '>vo or three cous, and some poultrv n„ n • perd:„T ""' ''"■"= °"^ ""^ ">' "- =PWt of inde. ".Z^rrLrJ.^^"'''-"^'---^." without swer^r "' ' ''■"• '"" ' ^"^ ^"P'y ^^P'^d," he an- " I am in earnest," she continued. " Is there not some way in which I can earn money?" rZ • ":r" ''"" ""'y *° ^^ ^^ I "sk, and you shall receive the greater part of my pay " ^ Th:r/a:t:no;t^r''-«"----ot right. ma"r!ed.""But 'tit Tt". "" T ''"' ""^ ^uu, reeling that he could never have a lie must be icrncss, wJiich in uncertain aville wasted in every pos- and comfort ascar rcpeat- ings as were •nstructing a wn into the >im in build- wo or three fiargin of a whicli might intended to spring again ^irit of inde- ^, " without I'd," he an- s there not J you shall not right, they were er have a VEHy, MUST BECOME AK A THEIST. 385 be«cr rfght than now, he tried .„ satisfy her by say. homelike tTaVTca^'" "^ '"'"« '"°^= '° ™"<= " ■•Oh dear ! " she cried, half pouting, half laushin. • do men always have their own way ? " ' ^ ' slave •■' "^ '"^^ '^'"='="- ' "■■•" °-' "^y be your " Why not add that you will take the oartnf r,i; ban and that I will call 'What, ho ste'cal ba ' ^ make our fire- {otch ,'n ^ ^'ave. i^aiiban ! wm be .a bra^^^rL;:,. Tlir; •• °" •' ""' ^°" •-^tte'.-bltll'/''^''"^''""-"^^- dom'' ^™'' b"tl>v.llnevergivctheethyfree. car must be your Ariel, and I will be " " My heart's true mate. Come, ^here is Gula sum the confidmg girl more assurance than could anv vv^.stgi-ngar.r-:;--^^^ The partmg which soon came was a sore tdalto 386 HEAR TO NATUSE'S HEART. Vera, though, woman-like, slie sought to hide from her,i'ir''-„°r- ''P'^^'^^'^^P^''"'^''- Shecomfortcd herself w.th h,s assurance, however, that in allproba. bd.ty he would not be far away, and that he could Often visit her. ■■ o hide from le comforted in all proba- at he could A HASTY MARRIAGE. 387 CHAPTER XXVIII. A HASTY MARRIAGE. QN reaching the headquarters of the force extent of a bloody quarrel, anything which he r, wmmi thing that is not designed for ^ 2s?'' "^ '°"" You are right, Saville. I am not capable of regard for you. Come to my quarter.." ^ d ■ i* :! iiil 1 ! s I Ul^l ;»i ''I : 38S ^'F.^iR TO NATURF/S HEART. anc?t 'T^?' 'Ir^ *''' ""'^'^°" ^-^-^-1 the door and t(jok out a Now Y.,rk paper " Kcad that," he said. "Mother?" asked Saville. turning pale. No, no ! Read ! " *" ^ With a froun black as night, Savillc road : Captain SaJ^Xw ^.^^ :^:'''"^'r Savil,.. .,,,. ..rthelatc •^i' • '''^''"y--^"y '""« a^o l.d to with which ho ha?honlr I ' T\ "7T' '"^ """' ■^^■'^■-"'^ '^-'^ o«icer Who this day iX,;;; T:^?' ''^'' -^ -•-"pH^i-'i With a deep imprecation, Savillc cn..Iinrl fi out of some uncx-pcctcd emc-gcncy "''"^ sai/tir °"' °' "'" "P'"' '"''° '■'•'^ ^'"^ come fn " What little life 3'ou had left " ^ ''"' Savillc abstractedly. '^^' '""'^ ^^.'Jhat's a harsh accusation to bring against your "Curse her .'"cried Savillc startfno- nr. • agination. ..That, the mos^lrfpTrt'-oAMs' il the door, A //AS TV A/ A Rf^ I ACE. f Venmm, of ow of tiie late 'f the forts in ; Mrs. Saville lellion against "R ago lod to .feming haste accomplished ishcc! the less, with t his way ;ome in," dditional imself in proof of > let out vith her -^e, said 1st your n great of this 389 / "iccr u.is only an empty form * Will .1, , :. , '',' y°" •■"''•■ ••>''"■ l^y '!"■< time." ncc. before i:ta,'/4 ,:;;:;!•'. °"'^ '^^-'^ -^^ " Well, Saviile. pardon me for saying if but f tliink vou will finj K ^1 r '^ • "■ ^ >ou\viii find both comfort and rcv.Mirr,. ;„ yonder mountains." rc\cnge m "Jasper," said Saviilo {iravelv "von . he hw calls m '' t'-' "^ "'^ "''"' '"■-" "'•= ""-"ff nowl.;'^ k". "'■■" r" """"' '^^ally marry your wild newer : but you know what men do every day and \V thoiif- T t fV. ^r «-v<-i_y uay, ana the d.lh^. r ^"^"^ ''^'"^'^- ^he is evidently any be te 7 ' 7"^"'^' ''^"' "" "---•• hope for any better future than you can offer." ^:^ you suppose that I c£>uld ask that true. r i' i j hi 11 Ji^ 390 A'£.IM TO NATURE'S HEART tnat 1 reo-arf oH ac Knc.^ » ^ ° regarded as base , or even wrong? That she cr, wlio shoulT 1 T "' ^^^^-^-^-^; that her father, wno should be her natural protector, has only darkened her hfe by some evil deed, ail mak ative that I, a to her interests. I d e it more imper- have a right to offer h a man of honor, should be faithful most sincerely believe that I faith and tr.^ er my love ; but, with h ining, I fear that I can er never make it at appear so to her, when she comes to know of th woman m New York." J^^^^'nr '"'"^ '^'^ '"'"-eon, with a shrug, « I am wo H '. ^r?'-" "°^ P^'^osopher. I tike th" tr .s T ''' "^' ''^ '' ^^^^^ - comfortable a time as I can every day, hoping that the good luck wh,ch I have always had here will follow me no the next life, if there is any " is 'Z1' If '''" "P^"^ ^''''''' ^'"'^'^y ' " ' if there what^h. "^r "''^ '^'''' '■'^^^°"' ^"d believed what they saw, they would know there is not Thi, I.fe would be abundantly sufficient, and in the n.ain happy, d,d not superstition and the monstroushws It has spawned curse and thwart us on every side But farewell, my friend; I have much to thfnk of and I wd inflict my ilLstarred affairs on you no longer. Let all that has passed between'^us be buried where no gossip-monger can ever rake it After carefully considering the act of his wife in all ,ts aspects, Saville concluded that it would be to his advantag-e. Thp liacf^ ^.r r, • she had inf.nT^ ^^"'^'"'."'^of her marriage, which She had intended .as an indignity to his memory, A I/A STY MARRIAGE. 391 vould react against herself, and involve more shame to her than to him. Hi. hate was gratified at th t^iough of her.ntense mortification and disappoint- ment when learning that he was still livinc. She whl'l "iT"^^ "^'-^"^^^ ''^^ ^'- -- for canable f ^ P--on-of love she was not capable-or else be disgraced for life. At best even her own party would be far more inclined toward censure than to entertain charity or sym- He also felt utterly absolved from what he re- nal o^ t' '"'^ P'^"^"" '° ^^ ^"^y^^ ^° tl^- "^ere name o\ wife. But the consideration which weighed most with him was the belief that Vera, in view of her act, tha" si ' T:1"1''' ^'^^ '''''^'''y ^^ "^-^ - wife that she had forfeited every claim, and so migh be more surely led to accept of Saville as her lover smce he could not be her husband The fact that a certain amount of the odium of his wife s course would cling to him in the world's estimation and that he would always be known as the husband of the woman who was in such haste to ma.y anot er that she could not wait till assured of his burial made a secluded mountain home, with Vera, seem all the more truly a refu-e Thus, every hope for the future came to rest, more completely than before, on the success of his sdieme tTTTl " '^''' "^'" ''-'' ' '^^^ ""to l^""self, and that here was no external power that had a right to set in judgment on his actions A day or two thereafter, a paper came through 1 1 (4 li H n i!!' I ml I ' ! r|j Plil ir 392 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. thejme., from New York, containing the following 7^tr^r::^ "r. "■".° --" "--""».: days." '■ ^ '• "■'"°'""' " '"«)' P">". bofo™ ".any SaviUe smiled grimly as he read it, and then tossed - "-"en of that Zllwed^'W™^ '""" °" ""= "-^'^y- ''■^y^ among rtiil, ^7, T'' ":' ■■'""''''•■'' '"Sother o tnc mils that love made beautiful even in bleak November; and when the storm of e J" cab.n, the roar of the crackling flames up the wide chimney was louder, and the sound of L r me rv voices often louder still. Their mirth uLsTt xTe^ndT '"" "" S'°°"^>' f-= "f "- PO pomim-:; :!;;rs':,- it t:''L"cr °^ '- "- "ivo Vf^r:, . u , ^ ' ^ commencing to ^.ve Vera a culture which would make her more companionable in future years H. NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. lie succeeded in obtaining quite a library for her. Learn in<,r that among the effects of a wealthy Tory, whose property had been confiscated, there was a' large number of books, he went to see them, and found that he could buy them all for a small sum. Iledid not wish them all, but only such as would serve his purpose, and give Vera general culture and knowledge, without strengthening her faith. To his joy, he found that the library was quite rich, for that day, in history, travels, biography, and even philos- ophy. It also contained some of the Latin classics, a translation of Homer, and the " Plays of WiHiani Shakspeare," wliich he knew to be so dear to Vera's heart. He and Tascar, who accompanied him, were quite well laden on their return ; and Vera, at first, was wild with delight over these treasures. She looked hastily and eagerly through the collection, and then sighed deeply. " What does that mean?" asked Saville. "There is no Bible here," she replied in a low tone. "No, Vera," he said gravely, and almost sternly; for he was beginning to regard this book with bitter hostility, as the possible cause, in his view, of wretch- edness to them both. Tears came into the sensitive girl's eyes ; but he kissed them away, and sought, with his usual success, to divert her thoughts from the subject he most dreaded. He believed that he could educate her mind above and beyond her superstition, and thus enable her gradually and naturally to outgrow it, as he supposed that he had. In this effort, he made try foV her. Ithy Tory, ere was a tliem, and mall suin. as would ulturc and h. To his :h, for that en philos- in classics, f William * to Vera's him, were a, at first, ires. She collection, in a low t sternly ; ath bitter )f wretch- s ; but he U success^ he most -icate her and thus row it. as he made SEEMTXG SUCCF.S!^, 397 childlike '01,::^; ut°, % =™'*'y -<» ri"ora:r„:::;t7:t '°;:i^ r^p" opposition .he absurd, cruel, an^d n^o, Xou, a 'o tl ose who had professed to be Christians. He sun ?hrorG:^et'idi^"''''^"'''"-^''«"^''- ac^iin nn^ u i^omans were made to live wTieh lasted ; "" ^'"^" ''''' '''''' ->'^^-Jogy wh ch lasted for centuries, was now in truth onlv -. S;„^t^';:;,r''---'---wse.:;L°;!Lt -r^pou-: s::^o^xsi:--irbutt .seemed so dreadful to question her n,other'; faith ectt ;. f""1 T"'' "" unbelief earnest.; ho g h ;^;. ia.in, discord Inri^rw^^'on^-TL: effect than h,s suggestion if abstract thought and of acts adverse to her faith He one day obtained qu.te a clear glimpse of the silent working" of 'er m nd ; f i„^„ in unexpectedly, he found her M tear.^^ To h.s gentle but eager questioning, she " O Theron ! you are push to Him, out of ingGod, and all relat I ;, r i| 1'! < i h m JiH •?: H my heart and thoughts, and m I S am 398 A-EAX TO XATURB'S HEART beg,nn,„g o worship only you. My conscience tella • VVe I V "°';'«,''' """ ""' ^"'-"' come"f ^ •• more th'nT""' '"'-'•" "= ''''^' " ""■' '= ="^"ly more than fair, smce you fill every nook and corner She Tl T^l '"^^ '°"S ^™''='''P=J you on ; •• She shook her head with a new r.sh of tears- but sne loved him too well to be willing to cloud hi, face with her trouble. Her conscious effort to res h.s personal influence grew less and less and h= seemingly took sole possession of her heart As she was situated, she was scarcely to be blamed tll^lr^'t "■:'' ' ''■■'' »d helpfuif™'; he had made such an infinite difference in her life respe«: ZT^" "™-; ^ ^V-P^^hetic in a i respects save the one on which they differed that her own humanity found in him everylhin.Tt craved Even m his skepticism, she was compelled^o esp c^ him for his evident sincerity. ^ Still, she did not lose her faith in God, nor did she often neglect the form of devotion ; but she permit ed L^::':i:d™ho\x°""''"'^'"°^'"^°">^^™™''" inqt-rv'to°s""°'""f ''"' "^"'"^ "'■«' " "='- of mquiry to Surgeon Jasper, and thus kept himself posted ,n regard to public affairs. During the Ta t r part of January, he was ordered to report to L eu tenant-Colonel Radiire, and found, to his g eat West Point from which place he could ride " home " n ""P^^^.'r'y ''™f 'tae. The winter and spd',,, passed rap,d|y away. His hopes continually g v nsciencc tells ' come of it." s is scarcely k and corner you only." )f tears; but 1 words, and :o cloud his rort to resist ess, and he art. ^ be blamed, Ipfui Triend ; in her life, hetic in all ffered, that ig it craved. d to respect nor did she 2 permitted ly from her SEEMING SUCCESS. 399 »cci ana tnmk as he dJr? wnnU u . success, and he was ev™' Z 3';^."?,' T'!? rnade himself so necessary to her v^ ^ ex „ e .''at ^e could never give him up, even though hr In K.ence at first might be arrayed against him! ii t i t ri a note of pt himself \ the latter t to Lieu- his great squired at e"home" and spring lally grew W 4^ NEAR TO NATURE'S FIEART. n CHAPTER XXX. A MASTER MIND AND WILL pARLY in the summer, Saville received instruc. rTtv ■"' '° '" '° ""^ ""'■" •■"»y ""'I" Gene, ral Was,„ngton, and thenec to I>l,iladclpl,ia (which had recently been evacuated by the IJritish troo ^ u,.on busmess connected with the Engineer Depirt- return it '°"""'>';^"' '•'-"'•'=<' l>er of his speedy return Slie grew pale at the thought of the possU ble per.Is winch he might encounter, but he promil more caution than it was in his nature ~u^ and also sa d, with a signi/lcant glance, that 1' tint h' ^"^'°f >'.-''->' '- would not ;he„ ,^^ that^ he would bnng her something from Philadd-' He reachc-d General Washington's headquarters on he eve of the memorable battle of Monmo Though jaded and -worn by his ride, he readily c cepted La ayette's invitation to act as his aid hij services bemg specially valuable at this time rom his^am.har.ty with both French and En-Iish The command of the extreme advance' uoon wh.eh would devolve the important task ;, fi" ^ AfASTER MIND AND WILL. .qI attacking the enemy preliminary to a general en- gagement, would properly fall to General Lee. who was second to Washington in rank. Uut Lafayette ever coveting the post of danger, eagerly sought to be intrusted with this duty. As General Lee had been from the first strenuously opposed to the battle and, UKleed, to any interference with the British line of march through New Jersey, Washinotun was more than ready to comply, if that officer would waive his right to lead in person. This General Lee did unhesitatingly, saying to the Marquis, that he was only too glad to be relieved from all responsi- bility in carrying out measures which were destined to fail. Lafayette, therefore, early on the morning of the 2;th of June, advanced with a large force'toward the enemy. The British troops were commanded by Sir Henry Clinton, who, perceiving that a battle must be fought, made his dispositions accordingly moving his baggage forward on his line of march' but retaining the flower of his army in the rear to repel the approaching Americans. In the mean time General Lee changed his mind, and requested Washington to give him the leadership of the ad- vance which he had just relinquished. Indeed, as a matter of military etiquette, he almost claimed it as his right. Although Lee had been bitterly opposed to Washington's plan of battle, the latter still be- heved the crotchety general would do his duty as an officer, but did not know how to satisfy his punc- tilious claims without wounding Lafayette. Learn- mg, however, that the British forces immediately H If !*' 9 1* li: I . 402 ^EAR TO NATURi-^ ITEART. \ i --■- .„. c„,i:;: ' 'l e":;fi;f ! •" '.^= --^-^ on the field, ,vo„l,l •,,.;.', '™'°'' "'■l^':'-'' »" other.. J ; V, , " °f course, outrank encumbered with nn on^ " general was w.-.sh,-„sto„ „:!' ':b::r":,:r:r°H-'".^^'^«=- troops, whom Lee Slid i^, *•■ ^'■•'<^'P""od '■•cir present Tore: rst'r'o:™;™:;^"^"-'^^ ■•" .-.nd ^cVsiw^r^itr h r' """ -^^^'-^^ ^'opt, by the thou, t nt , .'■''"'r'"'" ''-=Pta«-ke enter on .,,e%;e:::t:\-;^,;''°-^ was too f.r. 4 t/stull-^tr "'="'"■ ^- ort:r';^:^:-::-:--^''^eheav. tread as over-cautious ZZ' ^ '"'^" ^'-aracterized Clinton, tha^h d's "trjet '; '™,' °" '^""""•"^ ment to move un riol f ^, '^'' " '■■"■£'= ''etach- hold the Brifeh Cnem, n c, T''^'^'^ """' -'' '" to decamp in the^darTness *' ^'"'^ '''= ''«'="?' w".S^!^:;thr^ --r t^: ^- -^ - moving. ■. ,r)..-.f„„°/, ^ "'" "'e enemy were instantly, a- . :.,:.■;";: T? T" ''"'° '"°"°" throw aside ^'^^i. k.ls and ■ M'.h"''" ''.™'"^ - -i^ impeding weight. »*-:W.*>„-^.,.^,^^_^ increased, lie o the front, senior officer "*se, outrank Iiip for La- ■ of explana- fie of deep general was of barrgrajre. disciplined •o attack in ^•lity slept, ^'cpt awake s he might love r.ow hould des- field. Vera avy tread racterized ■1 fighting e detach- s, and to ' attempt J and to niy were ' motion should weight. // AfASTF/^ Afr.VD AXP WILL. 403 Lee remainal inert until positive orders spurred him into action, lie then advanced, it is true, but languidly, very cautiously, without definite pur- pose, and without concert with his supporting gen- tr;i By his direction, General Wayne gained a position where he was certain he could deal the enemy a tremendous blow ; but was checked in the very act of striking, that Lee himself might carry out a bril- hant piece of strategy, which ended, however, in a feeble and purposeless demonstration. Lafayette saw an opportunity to gain the rear of a body of ;he enemy marching a;^,iinst them, and spurred to Lee, that he might obtain permission to make the attempt. "Sir,- was the reply, "^ou do not know British soldiers; we cannot stand against them; we shall certainly be driven back at first, and we must be cautious." " It may be so, General," Lafayette replied ; "but British soldiers have been beaten, and they may be again ; at any rate, I am disposed to mak^ the trial." Lee then gave Lafayette permission to cany out his plan in part. A little later, one of Washing- ton's aids arrived upon the field in quest of infor- mation, and the marquis sent back emphatic word to his chief that his presence w is needed. Before the halfway measure which Lee proposed could be carried out, the permission was recalled, and the gallant Frenchman was ordered to fall back[ though why he could not tell. He chafed like a 404 .^ /7.7 A' TO A' I Tr '/> r- . r. ' ;» 1 ; chained Iion, and now fel th^f n must obey was either a tr.f, """" "'''°"' ''= Saville was dr.nr , "^ ^ '■"=°"-"d. outspoU. step tSr ,:f '"='' ^ f- '--• <■«"> h,-s «^oneofhisLroe" '""°vati„. tendene/es, "■™nd :;:•!:':• reeir t'""^ t' "-'---ch. O'-nton j„st the time ,1 " ^ ™;"' !^-- Si,- ITenry "f baggage was well out of ^e ' """"-""'= '"''" strong force under GcnenlK ?^'' '^ "'■"■'''-' 'I ''>' '•• d«idedly took the W hH ^"":''^"'»=". - he now '"■^ -"y. under Lo^ r ^^'L "'"''''^ '''' '"''' °^ 'ory Amerieans, who Ind he ' '■■'■"'"" ""> '"'■•>- ^"h::r^V"--'"'^™^"'"""^ ^"•thout, and it was fo't T T ' °'''"'^ ^'"^ »ome movement developed ■ 1 !•''''"= "'= ^'''-grade '"e enen,y presseS 1. e, l'^^^?"'" "'^="^- ^^ "P°n the Continental forees "nd Tr/""''^ ''"'^ -equenees followed inevi ably The J ""''"' """ tensely hot, and tbe unrin , :, '^''^ '"' '"" poor folio,, t„ ,|,e , ""f ""''^d --^"n ».note many a ""•ckly-flying bullets T,;: T' ,""''"' '"'" ""> sank ankle-deep into the Itn ^^^^ '''""'""^ ""^ ^-■'■°. "■'•ough feeblene r ;,"^ "''"''• ^"<^ f'>°- -^^.;.retran,pirb;rt;:y:^--^ •"= front. To all the e ^hed h,"^. "^'"'"^ ''•• --".U.eaddedthe„,ost::Xdt:btwhL;t' man whom he 3 ward. Lee, from hfg ig" tendencies, -ountermarch- 'c Sir Henry mmense train guarded by a ", so he now ? the bulk of nst the dila- eir time A MASTER MIND A. YD WILL. 405 ? th V under Lee ■s and some '■ retrograde ctreat. As anic seized awful con- ^y was in- 5te many a than the aried men and those :ue, fell in heir reck- "all this. jhting in ^ of that when he failed to inform his chief that he was falh'ng back; for he thereby endangered the entire army. The first intimation that Washington received of what had occurred was the appearance of breath- less, terror-stricken fugitives. With rare presence of mind, lie ordered them under arrest, lest they should communicate their tidings to the main body of the army, which was advancing to Lee's support ; for there is no contagion so mysterious and awfully rapid in its transmission as that of a panic. Still hoping that the report was unfounded, he sprang upon his horse, and spurred toward the front ; but the increasing stream of fugitives, and then the' heads of the retreating columns, soon convinced him that the disaster which he believed impossible had taken place. He asked several officers in the retreating column what it all meant. No one knew. One smiled significantly, another was angry, while a third declared, with an oath, that " they were flyin-^ from a shadow." '^ Washington was ever slow to suspect others of evil, but the thought now flashed into his mind that Lee was making good his predictions of defeat, by his ow^n cowardly or treacherous action. He stopped tD ask no more questions, but, ordering the com- mander of the first division to form his men on the first rising ground, he, with his staff, swept across the causeway, past the disorderly fugitives, his anger kindling as he rode. The frown upon his brow grew black as night, and by the time he reached Lee, who was leading the retreat of the second division, hia appearance was terrible. Savillc, who rode near, with t ■\ i i 406 ^vr.,,^ ra a-^tcav^s „j;j„r. Lafayette, was deeply aiverf a„,i before him, could nof Zl' Tr ""' "°' "'= P^of face could become oVte.furtr- 'r^' ^ ''"'"" "What i, the n,,., . '' indignation. ■■"ffton dem n d ZTtZ"^ \" ""■'• =-'•' Wash, fierceness. "= "'^' ""= "tern eve,, to by wi';;:- ;C:;:rr, '"' " "^^' °™"''--d greater vehemence ' "^'--led, and with still " You know that the att^rl- , ady.ce and opinio„_"\::'ttr '""''"' '° "^ V-ou sliould not have und°crtal-^n h un^s you intended to ca^o^ if ^^^ f ""'"'-''' '.et^dVran'^;^:*^^^^^^^^^^^ - "»-■ »d 'on -11 sharpe/e:;ts f ' l^T/"" ^^'-^""'S- ■neensed generals confronted each o, ,?'' ""= tluindc-rclonds that ar^ n . • "'"• ''''= '■™ ^^«k and forth, as If u "u.hf '^ :"=„t;;, j'^'"'"<- tlure was a vindictive will ''^ °'^ ^^ch end";: :wuf ;;rart,ii:tr tr-^'''""^''-°"' "■'■'^" favorable, and that he w ,s not H ^''°""' "'^"^ ""' ^vhole liritish army „Tth " '^ '° '"="'■''">= tion. ^""'' "-oops n. sifch a situa. '-!'"l^t^■t"tme:i™''f "•'■ "J""'^'' Washing. ' That may b b„f it' ™"^ '°^"'"»" P^^^'.- "nd I did not think on,, T' '"""^" ''''" ■"''ne. "lao, very:;,rrr"'"I.'°™"--''ar;sk." sorry > was thi '■eply, -that you fEART. ere not the proof •^_ tliat a liuman s indignation. Iiis, sir?" Wash. IS stern even to •St overwhelmed of this disorder -d, and with still contrary to my 1 the command > ^o rag-c, and from VV^asliing- moment, the 'ther, like two -'"'' lis:htnings folds of each nation, which 3und was un- to beard the ^<-"Ji a situa- -d Washing- ng" party." than mine, • risk." "that you A MASTER MLVD A.VD WILL. 407 undertook the command, unless you meant to fight the enemy." " I did not think it prudent to bring on a general engagement. " Whatever your opinion may have been," an- swered Washington disdainfully, " I expected my orders would have been obeyed," All this had passed with inconceivable rapidity, ami, as it were, in flashes, and yet too much lime had been wasted, for the enemy were but a few minutes' march away from them. Casting Lee aside, as he might a broken reed, Washington ordered that the head of the second divi?-on, instead of continu- ing its retreat, should form instantly in line of battle. Then, wheeling his horse, he dashed to the rear of the American column, and toward the advancing enemy, who were now close upon the confused and disordered remnant of Lee's troops. Until Washington appeared, the poor fellows were in sore straits. Their retreat had been checked ; they were standing helplessly in the road, artillery and infantry huddled together. No one knew what to do, or how the miserable blundering of the day would end. Only one thing was definite and cer- tain — the solid columns of their pursuers were now almost upon them. They were on the eve of headlong and disastrous flight, when Washing- ton ^ with his staff, galloped up, and his presence and inspiring mien sent an electric thrill of hope and courage to every fainting heart. The great master mind, aroused to its highest degree of power, seemed to lay a resistless grasp upon the whole •I- H 408 ^^^^ TO „^ruj>^.^ ^^^^^^ c'laotic mass Tf . C«;oneIOsu-aId's„;r:^'^' '"' ••■ """"^"^ before 'cs gaJ/opcd off to the Ip^^ I ^'"'^ other ^-giments of CoJonels St '^'^ ^^"''^^ ^on^cd tl 1" -^ enabled then, to .ep ^^rt^, ^"^ ^-^-y in li r they were recefvfng Ho destructive voIJovs' charmed J/fe fhnf i , ^ 'teemed to beir fi, "^ dr^r f , "'^t had excfterl fi, ^"e same before, were bent onJy on .f ' ' ^^^^ "^o^^ents '° L=e, i„ „,„,„ moZlT ,"'''"'• R'd'-ng back Will you retain fl '■"'"=''' It « equal to me wi.e 1? L«j ' ' command," replied J' our orders c-h^ii , «>'-*-^"- ** "'^ «-'o leave tVo::^^'-''"''^^'-'' not be ^-^t*4^ ;'' "foment before ' °" ^ "efgliborfng ■ere pouring wdl. joe. Two other d taking position adding tlicir tre- Jproar of battle, -ct storm of bul- -Jiief formed the Ramsay i„ Ji„e^ tructive volleys bear the same 'erstitious won- astrous field in •Iiin a space of '^e ^lad rallied ^ew moments ■^e iinpetiious -■^ within his ^ tlid a still ^\d\x\^ back Ill's height or in body, and oi checking IiaH not be ^ ^^^r^^ MmD AA^D WILL. 409 Av.illing himself of the resnit.^ ..A.' i t,- .ittack. Hi, chnnn , '",- '^"""ff t'le enemy s above tl,e d„ ;, Vn ?• •"'""" '""^ '•«™"dcd the grand etltcre, U r;''' !" ''"'" '''''''• '"^ on the further side „fri'°T^"'''"^'='""S=d ■^luc ui i:ne woods f-nn-it-rl TX^ 1 • pis ~;;r. -sj—i-rt' acquaintance, Captain Md" coTin^to" :;-\°^' ^v.•th a bucket of water. " ^''^''^ ^""^ cri'J'' "?![ '^"^"■" '^^-^^ >'^"' ^'-^^her Saville ! " she replied. What are you doing here ? " -t^aix, sur, while Larry is rrivin' th^ p ^ fire, I'm givin" him wather" ^ ' ^ed-coats 18 , ■* 1; i- i ! 1'' i! If-* 410 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART "Can you spare me a drop? for I'm ivilf ,.. • u , -;■" tl;.>st ■„ .his i„fen,an,L .:d d" '; • ' "'^'°' f-v. dhraps of „.athcr, ,v„e„ ,e .,„•, ycr bloodfo: ■•Molly, you are a jewel ! What did you do for mc ? Larry may well be proud of you." Och ! poor man ! r„, better to hhn now " seconder L^" "" ~^'"^^'"S toward tlm ; a second later, Larry was a bleeding eorpse beside his :rt:To':rr;:-r;?ir-"'^^^°™'---- Ihe officer in charo-e of fVi^ k^*.^- do meYrr leTrr L 'd't'*' '"'"''' P'^^' ^^ ^' coats, arsied 1' : he^diw'-r; r """ '^«'- than a woman. When Saville left the JJ^A charges of the gun told ho^v ea<.e Iv she v!f to avenge the death of her hustand "" ""'^"^^ The 1 ntish cavalry, and a heavy body of infantry ranks. Lee ordered instant retreat, and. with ' HEAjRT. r I'm half perished :id dust." ome. What are a 'pilt ycr blood for lat did you do for f you." to him now " toward them ; a \ corpse beside his led. With a wild d to his side, and I <"orm, gave utter- tery was about to 10 one competent another impulse, :ht and left, cried, K's place, and it'll )me o' thim Red- ind she seized the t she had nerve •rk, piercing eyes 'eled hair flying ed a fury rather t, the rapid dis- she was seeking I. body of infantry broke the Am er- Jtreat, and. with A MASTER Mixn AND WILL running, kept near to the retirinVh.,V """V '"' ^^ ■^ -n^pletc victory, and th bit L id", v^""^' could trust implic tlv Th ^ ''''"' '" ^^'^^"'^ J'^' c..piod an advanced position in' , o aTV.^ ^..tiMi center. He repeatedly repulsed tlic Rovil Grenad.ers, who sought to dislodge I>im It soo began o appear that the succes^ of tTe e„e " attack depended on driving him fron, hi po fo,^ '^ Saville uas directed bv Lafavelte to ZT f^ \\J „ • , •' ^-"""^ l-lLL to 1 luC ovr^i* M.e.s, uas deploying them in the open field ao for a qu,et evening parade. It .,s evident at I e «a. preparing for the stern and silent use of the H ■■ 4i; NEAR TO jVA TUBE'S IFEAKT. ' ? bayonet, on which the British troops justly prided Uiemselvcs. - ^ i When his men were in line, he made them a brief stirnng address, in wiiich ],e appealed to every mot.v-e which could inspire an English soldie^ with unninchnig courage. His voice was distinctly heard by those awaiting the assault, nn.i at times even his words were intelligible. He next placed him- self at their head, and led them in solid column against the Americans. They presented a truly magnificent sight in the warm, mellow light of the declining day. With the same firmness a^id steadi- ness that they would pass in review on some -ala occasion, the poor fellows advanced toward "tlic point where very many would meet wounds and death. So even and perfect was their step, as they marched shoulder to shoulder, that a cannon bail from an American battery enfiladed a whole pla toon, knocking the muskets out of each man's hand • but, with scarce a change in muscle, the obscure heroes strode on with their comrades, althouo-h unarmed. Moncton walked at their head ere?t stately, resolute, and his bearing was emulated bv every officer in the column. Their silent progress was more impressive than if every step was accom- panied by shouts and volleys. Their march was the very sublimity of courage, the perfect flower of discipline, and it seemed as if it must be resistless They are now within a few rods of their equally silent, waiting foe ; and yet there is no hesitation no change in the time of their strong, steady tramp' They are now so near that the opposing ranks can HEART. oops justly prided made them a brief, ppealed to every iiglish soldie- witli as distinctly heard "■•d at times even next placed him- : \\\ solid column aresented a truly ellow light of the mness and stead i- iew on some gala need toward the leet wounds and heir step, as they at a cannon ball icd a whole pla- cach man's hand ; scle, the obscure nrades, although bcir head, erect, vas emulated by r silent progress step was accom- ^heir march was perfect flower of St be resistless, of their equally s no hesitation, g, steady tramp, osing ranks can A MASTER mxD AXD ]vrr r Ihe American firelocks are leveled, not evenlv ovenng the whole advancing column bu cone : yards away. Suddenly Moncton steps to the ri-ht waves h,s sword aloft, and shouts ^ ' "Charge!" ing their empty piece, hi, „, ""•'»<:", lower- meet H„. .„ • , • '"'^" "'''' forward to mea^the commg shock witlx answering bayonet. offil^b™ !:''• •-'^.■^'»,^'-'t every other British omcer, but his heroic column, stunned but for t mo hand-.o-hand conflict over the prostrate commwlr less form of t n '^°""""'*^>'> secured the life, the rear ^ -colonel, and carried it to In "tte ff"fh''V°"'>"' ™' '''""y -" ""fl'-"ch- Ks'te r '!"^"'""'"' -=>= reck-less and enthu. SU-. t,c Gradually they pushed back the strucrfina and almost unofficered grenadiers „nt;i "^ "? tl.at their assault had faifed Ih y gave [.aT™^^ practically decided the fate of the d y The , n »assefng,and the British forces soo'^, ret red to 'he height whereon Washington had raliie Lee" I 4 l'^ 414 NEAH TO KATCHr.-!; IIF.ART. disordered troop, in tl,e morni,,,,, Tl,rougl,a„t the settled down on a region that had, thmnghoL,t the day resounded with the horrid din of war. The batt e fi.,d, and the whole line of Lee's disastrous ret.ea , presented one strange feature. There were ™.n,ded and .nangled bodies in abundanee. but ev rywhere were found men dead or helpless, vith- ou a seratch upon their persons. The torr d sun lud s,note both parties as with the wrath of heaven oa' wither" Tf'f^ '"^ ''''"■" """i- =• broad oak, w h the dead all around them, intending to renew the confliet with the light of the following mornmg; but, while the Americans, from .;,e Z fgues of the day, were sunk in oblivion almo't as deep as hat oftho.se whom the morning revile could not awaken, Clinton .tole away witlf his baf! fl d army, leav.ng his severely wounded to the mercy of h,s foes When, at daybreak, the advance was sounded, the Americans found only the deserted campaign ground. '-■■'i.ritc It was a drawn battle; but, if Lafayette had com manded the advance instead of Lee. and had Mor. gan, w,th h,s brave riflemen-who, but three miles distant chafed all day without ord-irs-attlcked he Throughout the bbath's stillticss throughout the n of war. The Lee's disastrous ■c. There were abundance, but " helpless, with- Tlic torrid sun rath of licaven. 1 under a broad '1, intending to r tlie foliowinsr 5, from ti;e fa- vion almost as orning reveille ' with his baf- -d to the mercy - advance was ' the deserted /ettc had com- and had Mor- Jt three miles -attacked the -n a different THE REVELATION 4IS CHAPTER XXXI. THE REVELATION. OAVILLE was naturally brave, but no man ever ^ had a greater sense of gladness than he at hav- ing passed unscathed through the manifold perils of he day. Though wearied to the point of exhaus- tion, at the close of the battle, he sought Molly, as soon as his duties permitted, and tried to comfort the poor creature. He found her crooning and ^^t'll^V:^?^' ^^ ''^" ''^^ °f ^^' husband's body. Ah ! Misther Saville," she said, " it's now I think on ivery oncivil word iver I spake to him If I could only have him aloive once more, I'd be swater than honey all the toime. Faix, sur, Larry was a kmd dacent man, an' I'll niver git his loikes agin " The story of Molly's action on the death of her husband had spread like wildfire through the army and on the following morning General Greene pre! sented her, all begrimed with powder and blood, to Washmgton, who, with words of praise and sym- pathy, conferred on her the commission of ser-canf while he afterward caused her name to be placed upon the list of half-pay officers for life. Saville saw that Larry had a soldier's burial, and w 5 4i6 KEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. then gave Molly the means of defraying her ex- pcnses back to her home In the Ilfghlancis, to which she soon returned. Immediately after her arrival thither, she went out to see Vera, to whom she n-- lated, with all the vividness of her demonstrative style the events of the battle, enlari,M-ng upon her own loss, the dang, rs to which Saville had been ex- posed, and his kindness to her. ^ Her tidings, while in part reassuring, threw Vera iiito an agony of anxiety for the safety of her lover Now, m his absence, she realized, as never before how necessary he was to her very existence; and again, with her old importunity, she besought Heaven in his behalf, though not with her old and simple faith ; and she watched for his return with almost sleepless vigilance. In the mean time, Saville, finding that there was no further prospect of fighting, proceeded on his journey to Philadelphia, and, after attending to his official busmess, purchased a beautiful ring for Vera Returning, he taxed his poor horse heavily, in his impatience to see again the one who grew dearer every day. The dangers he had passed through, and the uncertainty of life in that stormy period, made nm feel that he could delay the consummation of his love no longer, and he half resolved to put his hopes to the test on his return. By rapid riding he gained sufficient time to enable him to spend a day or^two at the cabin, and still report as early as he was expected. When he met Vera, he found that the knowledge of what he had passed through had preceded him. ^frnylng her ex- lilands, to wliich iftcr her arrival to whom she ro- r rlemonstrative \x'^\\\^ upon her lie had been cx- ing, threw Vera :ty of her lover. IS never before, existence; and -she besought it!) her old and his return with that there was Dcecdcd on his :tending to his 1 1 ring for Vera, heavily, in his lo grew dearer :d through, and y period, made summation of /ed to put his ipid riding, he o spend a day as early as he :he knowledge preceded him. TflE l^EV ELATION. % Never before had he 417 a cl "Sh "Uring tcndern r reception been so marked by c-'^s, and he thought exultantly. Jilt she soon cloiu lie cannot give me up. his face and hopes by saying, " O Theron ! God does imswcr nrivr,- Tf ■II) troub.fil drcNims, as well as in cvcrv u il„,.. ninmcnt, and II. /,.. ,p„ecl you ,0 n,c." "^ ' I.e sadly asKcd l„msdf. •■ Will it ever be otl,er>vi.,e ' " After an e:,rly supper, he led her out ,„ „„e of he.rfavonte haunt, upon the hill-side. and gave he c ru,jj he had brought. He was pleaded .0 ^ le unbounded dehght and gratitude, 'and he said, » I'cn you no longer wish my love vou ,mv return this ring to me." "ve, jou may j; ou will never rom'wre^ jf „^ • »> ^ -.1 . ^"-'^ receive it again, she answerpH w,th ears in her eyes ■ -. for if I were dyin ' T eron' I could not give it back on that condition " ' AlrZ^'^t " '•""' '°° '"■S'^' l^"' ^l«^ °bviated this defe t by drawn,g off the ring given by her mothe and then putt„,g Saville's gift in its place, she kept fo long. ' ■ '" ^°" '"" """''^"^ '""' "-" " That is the way it should be," she said ; " for I have felt from the first that I had mother's ipprova of my love." Then she added musingly, .. H^H,! I remember her words when she gave^,'; this rig " VV hat were they, Vera ? " She blushed deeply, for she had spoken half un- consciously, not rc.dizing the tion that must foil ow. nature of the explana- ' ^ I , \ iS^ r Jim- 418 NEAJR TO NATURE'S HEART 11 !l f !- "Tell me her words," Saville again gently asked. " They remind me that I have, in part, di.-3obeyed them, Theron ; but I trusted you so completely, and all has happened so strangely and differently from what any one could have anticipated, that I could not do otherwise." His curiosity and hope were now both aroused. Was the way opening for explanations that, in any event, must soon come? So he said, " I know you have acted right, darling. Wert your mother living, she could have found no foult ; but what did she say when she gave the ring?" " I cannot hide anything from you, Theron," she said, turning away her face. "You must remember the circumstances. Mother was leaving me alone and friendless. She feared I would be peculiarly unshielded. I would have been but for you. Think of what I passed through in your long year of ab- sence ! think of the condition in which you found me ! O Theron ! how much I owe to you. Well, mother evidently feared I might meet with some one not so honorable as you are, and she made me prom- ise that I would not permit caresses, even from one I loved, until he should wed me before God's minis- ter with this ring. I readily gave the promisr^ for I did not then know what love was. But I could not keep it. When you raised me from the floor, the night father spoke those dreadful words, I knew I ■ could trust you. I turned to you as instinctively as that climbing vine to yonder oak. I could not help it, and I knew that all would be as mother wished in your own good time." R7. gently asked, art, disobeyed )mpletcly, and ffcrcntly from that I could both aroused, that, in any irh'ng. Wert und no foult ; le ring?" Theron," she ust remember ng me alone be peculiarly r you. Think g year of ab- :h you found you. Well, /ith some one ide me prom- /en from one God's minis- promise, for I t I could not ;he floor, the •ds, I knew I ■ stinctively as >uld not help other wished THE REVELATION. As she spol- vv r;,l'rs^"r.^">'P-'e.and,afh, 419 ;ords, buried his face in his hands It seemed, for the er last stood between h moment, as with a deep groan Theron ! " she said He did not answer. 'm and her child if the dead mother 1" gi-eat alarm. " Theron, are you ill ? " qu'e^yTt.''"' "■'' " '"^'•' ■■ "'y -" destiny will con. hisV^'-:^^'"''' '■•»"•"? '.er hand on dread no evi,'.„aUearaC'-'™""^- ^°""-<' ■II tliat were onlv fmo " i,« I>" with a face so f ,11 rt T"'"'' '°°'=''"? "' started in sy,n;;h; ' °' '^""""^ "'"' '-^ 'ears ".ink n,: so u ; lu^ ' ,:;; T t'" "*=^" y°^ sacrifice for you ? " '"" "°' "ake any I.ave'had;th!,s"ftr"no' ""^"'^'"'' ^=-' -^ XO" I •;- : hut i'ktv^u r.ri':,: rf -^^ '^- will not-I fear you cannof <.• ' ° "°^ -'^^ t.-on-your faith in what ° ' "^ ^'"^ '"^''■'''- ^or my sake; an y " , f"/"^''^ 'V'^" '^^"■^'«"- forahappinessgreat rtha Tr^''^ '"' '''"'^^ away from both '' ^^^°"S^^t possible passes ca:y?;m:;n'r~ - - ^-^ - -'.hf What •n great distress. ^ ^°" '^ ^^^^ " " '^'^^^ Vera " I mciy as well tell vnu now "I- -i r moment, "whit T Ii-„,« k ' "^ ^'''''^' ^'^^^r a v^hat I have been on the point of telling I- ! i ■ i- 'jM' 420 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. you before ; but I hesitated, as much for your sake as my own. I could no more endure the thought of your losing this happy future than of losing it my- self; and I hoped that in time, and under greater enlightenment of mind, you would oiitgrow the imaginary obstacles in the way. I too have broken the letter of a promise that I made you at your mother's grave. I said, in effect, that I would not try to lead you to forget or depart from her teach- ings ; nor would I, save in one respect, for her in- fluence and that of nature have made you the sweetest, purest woman that ever breathed. But I could not be loyal to you and to your happiness and still keep that hasty pledge, for since that day our mutual love has grown till it absorbs us both, and in the wretched past an event occurred which would render the consummation of our love impossible, did I leave your baseless faith undisturbed. While it comforted you after your mother's death, I kept the promise. When, ere we were aware, we both began to love each other in such a way that the terms brother and sister no longer meant the truth ; when your father's words taught me that this wilder- ness must continue to be your home, and that the position in society, which I that day had resolved you should have, became impossible, then I commenced trying to teach you what I firmly believe myself. I could sacrifice my own happiness ; I had decided to do so, and your quick intuition read my decision in my face. And yet how glad I was that I saw, as I believed, a way in which we both could be happy by becoming one for life ! I then tried to undermine ^k for your sake the thought of losing it my- under greater on.itgro\v the D have broken : you at your t I would not om her teach- ■ct, for her in- lade you the lathed. But I happiness and that day our us both, and in [ which would ve impossible, urbed. While death, I kept ware, we both way that the :ant the truth ; hat this wilder- :, and that the id resolved you I commenced ieve myself. I had decided to ny decision hi at I saw, as I Id be happy by to undermine r//£ REVELATIOX. -yi^T;ott;a'' °^^'" J ^y yoursal-P ,>/; priestly sanction-for > our sake, it cuts me to the lle^r^ tr^c •♦. t befl°e.-"'"°"' '''"™"' ' ^''°"''l '■--= known tins " Hear me, hear the whole wretched ,for„ h e you condemn me ! " he cried pass onateir " I co M have brought a minister hither, a"d Tt mi^ht l?-! -e,^^c\f:vr:"-'^/;^,"otte,i',onorm; <:ven to my motl"er r ^^- '° '''"y °"=' ""' hateful exfste c WI en vouTf ■>" \° '"'"^^^ ''- your decision to remain w^h," "■°^''' ^"'' v.U,t.:Z. ' '"=' "" '""''■ ^''°" her ho,v based on fllreh^od/^ "" "" "'^"""'^^ -'"'* «- Ji, 1 t !'■: i" ■ III .ii'^ J- Hip'' 422 NliAJ^ TO NATURE'S HEART. fl I " But they are right and true to me," said Vera sobbing. " They cannot continue to be so, darling, after you have cahnly considered the proof to the con- trary ; and when you come to know how cruelly I am placed, how utterly I am absolved from every bond save that which is purely legal, you will have pity ; you will see that I have a right to seek your love." And he told her the whole story of his mar- riage, softening no part that was to his own dis- advantage; he spoke with intense bitterness of his wife's recent and shameful marriage at the very time when he owed his life to Vera's tireless care ; " and this marriage," he said, " was solemnized with all the forms that are called sacred." " And now. Vera," he concluded, " how could I have acted otherwise ? I believe that this life is all. It is all," he said earnestly ; " everythmg in nature proves it. We have before us but this brief life. Alas ! in my calling, how uncertain it is ! Since our short day must pass swiftly at best, shall we waste our waking moments over delusions? Shall we let what men imagined in the ignorant past stand in the way of real and practical happiness? Only ob- stacles created by the untaught minds of the super- stitious are standing in our way. Shall these un- substantial spectres frighten us from a lifetime of deep content ? In a little while we shall cease to be, and the chance for happiness is gone." But Vera drew another inference than that which he intended, and in a tone that pierced his heart she cried, I ;a)d Vera ing, after the con- crucUy I om every will have seek your f his m;ir- own dis- ess of his very time are ; " and d with all w could I 5 life is all. in nature brief life. Since our we waste lall wc let ,t stand in Only ob- the super- these un- lifetime of lU cease to that which is heart she r//E REVELATION. 423 " Then where is mother ? " He was silent, for her distress was so great that it seemed a cruel thing to say that all that remained of one so dear was corrupting in a distant grave. He never realized before how harsh and abrupt an end his creed gave to human life. He tried to com- fort himself with the thought that her intense grief would gradually pass away, and that realizing that she had in sad truth lost her mother, she would cling all the more closely to him as her only certain post session. He endeavored to soothe her, but for a long time his efforts se-med utterly vain. At last she" grew calm enough to falter, " I am in the dark, Theron. It seems as if the mountain had opened at my feet. I dare not move lest I fall into the gulf. I don't know what's right, I don't know what's true ; my mind is con- fused, and my heart aches as if it would break. O mother ! are you indeed lost to me forever .' If you should die, Theron, would I never see you again ? This is terrible, terrible. Please take me home. I cannot think. Perhaps to-mr'— ow some light will come. I am in thick darkness now." He could only comply with her request, and hope that time and thought would become his allies. She told her flither that she was not well, and shut herself up in her own little room ; but for hours her mind was so stunned and bewildered ths.t it could not act coherently. i4 ! f 424 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. CHAPTER XXXII. t GROPING HER WAY. THE night to Saville was one of sleepless anx- iety. He felt that he was at the crisis of his life. Indeed, if Vera gave him back his ring, saying that, under the circumstances, she could not accept of his love, what would life be but a painful burden? The result of the council which he knew her to be holding with her own heart, and the mysterious faith which he had found so hard to overcome, might blast the hope upon which he built all his future. When she appeared, the following morning, he scarcely dared lift his eyes to her pale face, lest he should there see the impress of a determiuution which he might not be able to overcome. Bur, in- stead of a strong resolve, he saw only irresolution and trouble, her mobile features revealing the deep disquietude and uncertainty of her mind. He also saw, from her greeting and wistful eyes, how tena- ciously her heart clung to him. His manner was gen- tleness and sympathy itself, and while she evidently longed to receive it in her old, frank manner, as her right, she hesitated, as if it were forbidden and fraught with danger. Her restraint did not dishearten him, and he thought exultantly, GROPIXG HER WAY. 425 ess anx- iis of his ?, saying )t accept burden? er to be ^sterious /ercome, t all his norning, face, lest ninution Bur, in- isoluUon the deep He also 5w tena- was gen- ividently nncr, as jrbidden did not She IS mine. Her love will not permit her to g-ve me up; her old beliefs are shaken. Time ^en- leness, and the truth shall be my strong allie.'and to them she will surely yield." '.^ZJf'" '"""' '°" P'-'^^ccupied to notice that anytlnng was am.ss, and soon after the mornin.. a^to^heTr:::: ''''''''' °" ^"^ °^^^^^ lonely tramp^ on^the^^ ^f -T''^ '^''" '" '^'''' °^^' '''^^^'^ haunt m.ght satisfy her mind sufficiently to secure an ac quiescence in his plans, which, if at first hesitating andj-ull of fear, would soon become hearty and de^ ;'I learn by your face and manner, dearest" he said, " that you will not send me away a despairing and reckless man." l ^'""& She shivered at these words, for they opened a new vista of difficulty and dan-er. She sat down on a mossy rock and put her hands to her head, saying, in pathetic, childlike sim,)licity I can t seem to think any more. I can only feel and suff^^-r. My head is still all confused, and my heart is like lead.' ^ "Let me think for you, Vera," he said, taking one of her cold, passive hands. " Let me assure you also, that I do not consider my cause so desperate and my views so unsound that I must take advan- tage of your weakness, and urge you to a hasty decision. I wish to carry your reason and all pure womanly feelings with me at every step." ' " O Theron ' would to God I knew what is right ■ '1 pi 1 'i !' '-i i? '! ..i . . ■ ii i 1 1 :. [i 1. .) i ) > •If . I ■ ' j i i ! . 426 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. what is true ! And you say there is no God. I a bewildered and lost." le impulses of nature are ri^lit. Vera. Tl m Tl u nerring instincts of our own heart each s are true, if in Tl case our reason approves. le impulses of nature arc right," she repeated slowly after him. "Yes," he replied eagerly : "and you, as nature's nearest and most perfect child, will soon see that I am correct. What we feel— what we think within our own breasts— that we know. What we sec and experience in nature without wc also know; but what else are we sure of? I am not asking you to peril your happiness on what some old, bigoted Jews wrote a millennium or two ago ; but to build it surely on what your own eyes, your own heart and reason, assure you of to-day. I :.m here at your side ; I am loyal to you to my heart's core. To the utmost extent of my ability you can depend upon me ; while I live " " Ah ! Theron, there is the terrible part of your belief—' While you live.' Do you not sec that you are standing on a little point, with a black, rayless gulf all around you ? What if you should fall ? What if you should die? Where could I find you." " Dismiss these morbid fancies, dearest. There is no need of supposing that I shall fall or die. I have the presentiment of a long and happy life with you, if I can only dissipate the clouds of superstition from your mind, and, after life is over, we shall sleep and not be conscious of our loss. But now, long GROPIXG HER WA Y. 42; before that deep oblivi yond that of your fancied h on comes, to see a bh'ss be- grasp, and yet to be denied— th eaven, almost witliin our fortitude can end from ure. Let is is more than iuiman me teacli you the truth egotism of your own experience, and pardon the seem my argument, for it is all for y as truly as my own. The ev in< our sake eninjT you buried your mi mother )-ou said I saved your heart from breaku,^^ 1 lie voice of living sympathy brought relief. Your mother did not help you, simply because she could not She was sleeping, and even the voice of her child could not awaken her. If you will calmly think of It, .she has been lost to you from the moment she breathed her last, and all that she has been to you since has been due to your vivid memory and strong imagination. At no time can you prove her presence or show that she gave you any practical help. " O Theron ! I never felt so orphaned before," she sobbed. " I know my words hurt you cruelly, darlino- but they are necessary to your final health and happiness When even your light touch bound up my wound It caused me agony for the moment ; but I am here to-day because of that suffering. Go back with me to the time when I found you near your old desolated home. You were embracing the unresponsive mound beneath which your mother was sleeping, and the cold, unanswering silence was breaking your heart. You had become timidity itself, feeling iimt ^7 flmf ,,.^„ i,„,i __ protector. As soon as I appeared, you had a stron' arm to lean upon. Has 'I lii' n 428 A'E'IA! TO NATURE'S HEAJrr. not your life improved ince that day ? Has it not grown fuller, more complete and satisfy " I should have been dead but foi in ' Kindly nature held out a shrub here and there, and tne granite rock, more merciful than your imagined deity, gave you a {t. And yet, if you are not mistaken in what you have told me, why need I care.? You are here I am sure of to-day. That is all." He was appalled at the reckless and unnatural expression of her face. Instead of the pure ..entle light which usually beamed from her deep' blue eyes It almost seemed as if a lurid flame were burn- hi Vera? But he only said, gently and sooth- "The truth involves such great and radical han. belief that you are confused, dar- vt u 7!^ '""^ everything calmly in its proper hght by and-by; and, that you may, I will give you an abundance of time." b ^ you "'Time!'" she repeated, with a bitter laugh- that IS the only thing in which we need to practice economy In a fe.v hours you will mount your horse and vanish like my other delusions. What is sure save this fleeting moment ? " Then, in strong revulsion of feeling, she com, menced weeping bitterly. he sobbed. "I am frightened. I tremble at my- self, and am sore perplexed. It seems as if I were falling down some black chasm, and even your hand could no reach me. The impulses of nature, as you call them, and CO- ■-- " t iq lence are all at war. J don't ■°-*"'-*"'-" 'tri wn 434 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. understand myself at all. I only know that some- thing is wrong, and that there must be a dreadful mistake somewhere. Have pity on me and take me home." The man of theories was almost as greatly per- plexed as herself, but he took comfort in the thought that she was unstrung by her strong emo- tions; that her trust in her old beliefs had given way so suddenly that she was too bewildered to see the solid ground where he stood. With soothing, gen- tle words he led her to the cabin. " I will go now," he said; "but shall return in a day or two, and then you will be able to see every- thing clearer, and you will be your old happy self." ''Theron, do not go," she said, with such sudden and passionate earnestness that he was surprised. Then she added, almost instantly, in a tone of the deepest sadness, " Yes, you must go, you must go. Good-by," and she hastened to the seclusion of her own room. He went away, feeling that all was still in doubt. J STRONG TEMPTATION. V that some- e a dreadful ne and take greatly pcr- ifort in the strong emo- id given way ^d to see the othing, gen- \ return in a :o see every- happy self." such sudden LS surprised, tone of the 5u must go. eclusion of ill in doubt. 435 CHAPTER XXXIII. STRONG TEMPTATION. OEVERAL d , passed before Saville's duties y permitted m- to be absent again. To him they were desperately Ion- but to Vera they were interminable. And ycc she almost dreaded to see h.m for she con.Id not solve the questions of riHit and duty. Her heart sided with him and his ar^u. ments with pleadings so strong that it seemed tlfcy would not be denied. The doubts he had raised in her mmd grew stronger as she dwelt upon them " If this life is all," she sighed again and again, how unspeakably dreadful to lose this one chance of happiness! But, even if I yield, will! be happy ' " "he asked herself in prophetic dread. " I have such a strange, guilty fear in giving up all mv old belief and doing what mother forbade. If I could only become his wife, as mother said, I should be the happiest, proudest woman that ever lived But now, although he is so true, I dare not trust him I dare not trust myself. I feel that it is a leap into the dark. Oh ! that I knew what was ri^ht ; oh ! that I knew what was true ! " And yet T cannot give him up. It would now be a million-fold worse than death. Can there be I i^ 1 ^*;. 1 ► ' I' I m 436 NEAR TO A' A TURK'S I/FART. .il ;!'• I anytliingmore dreadful in all the future even if the Bible is true ? How much easier it would be to give hnn every drop of my heart's blood than to give him back this ring ! How strange it feels upon my fingerl It burns like a circlet of fire. It can't be right. Oh ? is it very wrong?" Thus, by turns, doubt, passion, fear, and love surged over her mind till she thought she would lose her reason. Her old playmates, the flowers, began to look at her reproachfully, the notes of the birds to grow strancre- ]y plaintive, and the breathings of the winds amono the trees were long-drawn sighs, responsive to herown! " It IS just as mother said it would be," she moaned; "nature frowns upon me. It must be wrong. Rut if I am mistaken, if she were mis- taken, if this is only a sick fancy of my disquieted mxnd—oh ! that I knczv rvhat zuns true and ric^htr One lovely afternoon, weary and torn by conflict- mg emotions, she went out to the old haunt on the hill-5ide. In her distress she threw herself upon the ground, and buried her burning face in the cool grass. How long, in her deep preoccupation, she lay tliere' she did not know, but at last a kind voice said " Vera." "O Theron ! have you come once more?" "Yes, darling ; I could not come before." Then she became silent, and seemed under the most painful restraint. She was so unlike her former self that he sighed deeply. She burst into tears as she said, " That is the way It IS all ending : sighs, sighs, only sighs." I 'ART. ure even if the vould be to give ban to give him upon my fingerl t be right. Oh ! fear, and love : she would lose in to look at her 3 grow strange- e winds amonc si veto her own. :ouId be," she • It must be she were mis- my disquieted ' and right." rn by conflict- haunt on the rself upon the the cool grass, she lay there, oice said, lore?" fore." ed under the ike her former hat is the way STUOA'G TEMPTATION. i Icar that ,t will anyw.-iy. Tlieron, I ^et no bod ; cviu"r,'f ^\r" "■'; """ >"='■">' -■"' ^- Dooes evil t.ll I tremble with dread " " You are not well, Vera. Your hands are feverish and your pulse rapid and uneven " ' " ''but faintly cehoes the unrest of my heart I have thought and thought till „y head sw n iu ' dizzy whirl. My love has been your ever-pres^m and eloquent advocate. At times, I have been on the po.n of recl y° een ,' rr ""■'P'^"'^-'^''^ kindness to me make it ^eem so. I dare not think of your mother, much less PoZr™- ."•'"^ P°o.-. dying moth;r have a prophetie insight into the future when she charged me. Be true to your God and your faith : be true to my poor teachings and your own pure, womar.ly "^-.ture. Let the Bible guide you in ill tl in-^s and '■en you will always have peace in vour he't and find sympathy in nature without. But rest assured. k I •ii V m Iff: f. 1 \ . I -■ ■ i . \ 1 m 438 A^£A/^ TO NATURE'S HEART. however wise and greatly to your advantage any. hnig may seen., if your Bible is against it, do not hesitate; turn away, for it will not end well. Keep thy heart with all diligence. When it troubles you and your old playmates, the innocent flowers, look at you reproachfully, something will be wron-'^ Theron, they do look at me reproachfully, and my heart is full of strange disquietude and fear. Mother said, 'Keep true, and our separation will be brief My feelings of late seem to rob me of the ri-ht of even remembering her. Half-forgotten seiUonces from her burned Bible come . .to my mind like lightning flashes. One of these is ever ringing in my ears. I don't remember its connection, but^he words are dreadful, and they too often express my condition. They are, < A fearful looking for of judg- ment.' Then again I almost see the Saviour lookiir^ at me so reproachfully-just as He must have looked on Peter when he denied his Lord. And Shak- speare, too, which you say is one of the greatest books of the world, seems to echo the Bible. The writer must have understood the human heart for he describes mine. He gives the experience of those who did wrong, and he portrays myself. But when I think of you and your devoted loyalty to me when any one else would have cast me off, I have not the heart to deny you anything. As for myself, I would rather die a thousand deaths than be separated from you. If I were only sure what was right- that IS the only ground on which I can end this cruel conflict." " And that is the only ground on which I wish "LART. advantage any- gainst it, do not end well. Keep I it troubles you, lit flowers, look vill be wroncr '? chfully, and my nd fear. Mother n will be brief.' of the right of otten sentences my mind like ever ringing in lection, but the ften express my cing for of judg- Saviour lookine ust have looked I. And Shak- of the greatest the Bible. The uman lieart, for erience of those elf. But when ilty to me when I have not the myself, I would n be separated at was right— n end this cruc] which I wish STRONG TEMPTATION. 439 you to end it." he said gently and soothingly, taking her hand. ^ But he was surprised at the intensity and far- reach.ng character of her thoughts and emotions. Were it not for the external sliadows which liad fallen so darkly on her life, she had seemed to him almost an emanation of the sunshine, a being akin to her companions, the flowers, and with no capabil- ities for the dark, passionate thoughts which were surging up in her mind. Was nature failing him who had been her disciple and votary? Her im pulses in this, her child, were far from being satis- factory. In his strong delusion he then could not understand that it was Vera's very nearness to nature s heart that caused the deep unrest and dread as he sought to lead her into violation of the subtle laws vvhich the Divine Author had caused to perme- ate all His work. The eating of the forbidden fruit appeared a sim- ple, harmless act in the mellow light of Eden ; but It broke the safe, harmonious control of God's will and there has been jarring, deadly discord, ever since. But assured in his own theories, he reasoned with Vera long and earnestly. He showed her how the mastery of a strong superstition is slow to yield to the hght of truth. He explained how hard and L^radual was the death of ancient faiths, which now have no credence wl^atever. He tried to make it clear that the transition from the habitual thought and belief of years must be stormy and full of mis. givings. w N, 'il I il 1 440 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. She listened intently, honestly scckin- nVht; but wlicn he was tlirou-h, she shook her head sadly saying, " What you say seems true, i cannot answer you, I cannot refute your argument ; like a weak vonian, I can only feel. You men think with your heads, Theron ; but I imagine that women think with their hearts." "Well. Vera, both your head and heart will be satisfied in time. I feel sur- that when I come agam the clouds and mists will have disappeared And It may be quite a long time before you see me for this is a sort of farewell visit. The French fleet has arrived upon our coast, and officers are needed who are thoroughly conversant with both the French and English languages. I have been assigned to duty on General Sullivan's staff, and start for the East to-morrow." Vera became very pale, and murmured, " Is God seeing my weakness, .nding you away, and into new and greater danger.? This is the worst of it an,^ for, however I decide, you must suffer." " No, Vera, only txs you send me away shall I suffer and you only have the power to blight my life' Without your love it would be an unendurable burden," "You will never cease to have my love; but, Theron, I have the dreadful presentiment that if I do v.Tong, I shall bring evil upon you, and that would , be worse than anything that could happen to me." " Well, darling, only time can cure you of these strange, wild fancies. I will fortify my heart with ) HEART. scck'ing li{][ht; but : her head sadly, mnot answer you, Ice a weak vonian, with your lieads, 1 think with their nd heart will be at when I come lavc disappeared, sfore you see me, The French fleet icers are needed both the French •een assigned to nd start for the mured, " Is God, away, and into 1 the worst of it suffer." /ay shall I suffer, blight my life. an unendurable STROXG TEMPTATION. hope that when I com 441 old e a joyous and confident wel gain, you will give me your " Must less light come. you go she asked passionately, a leck- ler eyes. less light coming inl "Yes." She swayed for a moment like a reed shaken by the wmd. She seemed about to throw herself into his arms, but turned away instead, and cowerin- ^o the earth, murmured, " May God have pity on us both." He lifted her up with a manner that was at once gentle, strong, and protecting, and, placing her hand on his arm, led her home. " Good-by, Vera," he said, pressing her hand only to his hps, in a way that was full of respect as well as of tenderness; "your healthful mind will soon recover, and be clear and strong when I come again. ' She did not trust herself to speak, but he never forgot the expression of her face i: [• my love; but, timent that if I , and that would appen to me." ■e you of these my heart with ■f ,:-! ii 442 JVEAH TO NATURE'S HEART. CHAPTER XXXIV. A stranger's counsel. F*OR several days thereafter Vera's distress was so great that even the self-absorbed inmates of the cabin noticed it ; but she satisfied them fully by saying that Mr. Saville had been ordered away, and it might be a long time before he returned. But her spiritual conflict went on with increasing bitterness, until she grew almost desperate, and feel- ing that she must decide the question one way or the other, the thought occurred to her that perhaps at her mother's grave duty and truth might become clearer. Something might there make it known whether she was restrained, as Saville said, by the strong though shattered powers of an old super- stition, or by the voices oi truth and nature within her heart. So, one beautiful afternoon about the middle of July, she started, as some remorseful pil- grim might seek a shrine famous for its sacred powers. But when she drew near the familiar place, un- wonted sounds filled her with apprehension, and soon from a sheltered height she saw that the rocky hill back of the site of the old cabin was thronged with soldiers, under whose labors were rising the walls of a work afterward known as Fort Putnam. She 'IE ART. A ST/fANGER'S COUXSEL. IV. ISEL. ra's distress was so orbed inmates of fied them fully by )rdercd away, and returned. )n with increasing esperate, and feel- :stion one way or 1 her that perhaps th might become make it known alle said, by the of an old super- nd nature within ^rnoon about the le remorseful pil- is for its sacred imiliar place, un- jprehension, and .w that the rocky in was thronged re rising the walls rt Putnam. She 443 could not descend into the valley without taking thi risk of being seen by many cy fro es, and meeting those )m whom she shrank with icartul memories. She hastily retraced her steps, weeping as she went, and feelmg more tlran ever before that Savillc's words were true-that she had indeed lost her mother, and that not even her grave would be left. " Theron is right ; there I , no hope, no protection for me but in hin.," she had almost concluded, when the sound of a horse's feet caused hertospring from the path and conceal herself in a thicket. A tall, grave-looking officer soon appeared riding- leisurely toward her. His face was so open and kindly in its expression, that Vera felt that she would have had no cause to fear him, even if he had discovered her. A few steps beyond where she was hiding, a little stream fell into a rocky basin, sparkled a moment in the sunlight, and then stole on into the deep shade of the forest. The stranger seemed pleased with the spot, for he reined up his horse, and, removing his hat, wiped his brow, and then looked around as if to assure himself that he was alone. Having dismounted, he drew a small silver cup from his pocket and drank from the rill. He then suffered his eager horse to dip his nose deeply into the water of the little pool. "Ha! Lion, that tastes good to us both, doesn't it? "he said, stroking the mane of the beautiful animal. Then he slipped off the bridle, and per- mitted the horse to crop the grass that grew green and rank in the cool, moist spot. i ^i 444 NEAR TO NATURE'S Jii^ART. L.iyinn; his hat on a rock near, the stran<^'cr sat down and took a small book from his pocket, which he quietly read for some little time, often nicivin!' his lips, and shaking his head with a slow, njentlo emphasis, as if the words before him were full of deep, grave import. Vera's tears dried upon her face as she watched him with increasing interest. " I wonder what he is reading," she thought. "It must be a good book, for it gives such a sweet, noble expression to his face. I could trust that man. Oh! that I dared askcoun- sel of him. Perhaps God has given me the chance. Be still, poor, foolish heart," she whispered, putting her hand to her side in her old, characteristic way. " Why am I so timid ? " But when, to her great surprise, the stranger laid the book down, and, kneeling beside it, commenced praying audibly to God, her hesitation vanished. Crossing the intervening space with silent tread, she knelt near, and her tears fell fast as his voice grew earnest and importunate. The burden upon his heart appeared to be his country's weal ; and in his earnest desire that all the blessings of liberty and good government might be secured, he quite forgot himself. As she listened to his strong pleadings, her own wavering faith began to revive, and she felt that a great living Presence was near to them both. When the stranger rose, and saw the kneeling form of Vera, his surprise was very great, and he was almost resentful, at first, that his privacy had been intruded upon ; but a second's scrutiny of the bowed head and tearful face quite disarmed him. EART. the stranj^'cr sat lis pocket, which 10, often nioviiiy; h a slow, j^cntlc lim were full of as she watched ondcr what he is a good book, for sion to his face, dared ask coiin- me the chance, lispered, puttinj^ aracteristic way. he stranger laid : it, commenced :ation vanished, silent tread, she his voice grew urden upon his /eal ; and in his > of liberty and he quite forgot rong pleadings, ive, and she felt r to them both, w the kneelinsr y great, and he Ills privacy had scrutiny of the sarmcd him. til A STRANGER'S COUNSEL. 445 VVhat do you wish, my child ? - ho asked, a lit- le coldly, however. "Pardon me," faltered Vera, risin;,. > .] put^'ng her hand o her s.de. ' I-will yo . pica., forgiv^ a poor child that would fain learn t ; ^ay a! ,V^ _ "Surely I will," said the stranger V-n.ilv. bccom. ing at once interested in one who ap, -licd. by her modesty and unconscious grace, to both his taste and sympathy. " Do not be so frightened, and tell me how you came here." "I heard your horse's steps, and I was afraid and h.d myself But I was in sore trouble, sir ; and when I saw you kneel in prayer, I thought you might be willing to counsel one of the 'little ones' of\vhom th.; Bible speaks." " I shall be glad to advise you if I can ; but why not take counsel of the Bible itself? That is the best and surest guide." " I have not any, sir ; it was burned." she said, her tears falling fast. Then she added eagerly. " Is the Bible a sure guide?" -"^ tnc _^ _;; Certainly, my child. How came you to doubt " I have been told that a great many people are losing faith m it." •' ^ i "I have not lost faith in it," said the stranger, with quiet emphasis. And he took up the little vol' ume reverently, adding, " This book commends it- eve ^°^^^,J"^-"'-^"' ^"^ conscience mere and more '' Is that a Bible ? " asked Vera ea-erly and he marked her wistful gaze. "Oh .'"''she' added, h- F^f 446 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. again putting her hand to her side, *' how long it la since I have seen one ! " "This is all very strange," said the stranger musingly. " Who are you, my child, and how came you to doubt the Bible?" " My name is Vera Brown, sir. We are poor peo- pie, and live back among these mountains. My mother, who is dead, taught me to believe the Bible ; but it was burned in our old home by some bad men. I have not been able to get one since, and I am forgetting its teachings. And yet I have great reason now to remember them. I don't know what is right and true, but I must decide. When I saw you kneeling, I thought perhaps God had given me a chance to ask." " Perhaps He did, my child. ' God is faithful ; He will not suffer you to be tempted above that ve are able.'" ^ " Oh ! I have been so tempted," said Vera, burst- ing into tears ; " and it seemed as if God had left me to struggle alone. I was told the Bible was not true." "^ Who told you this ? " asked the stranger, a flush of indignation rising to his face. In painful embarrassment she faltered, " Father does not believe as mother did." " Then remain true to your mother's teaching," was the decided response; "and rest assured that anything whi. h the Bible condemns will end only in wretchedness." " That is what mother told me." "Are you willing to be guided by the Bible?' asked the stranger very gravely. RT. how long It is the stranger nd how came are poor peo- in tains. My believe the ome by some ;et one since, id yet I have I don't know Je. When I od had given 1 is faithful; 3ove that ye Vera, burst- 1 had left me 'as not true." nger, a flush ed, " Father 's teaching," issured that end only in :he Bible?' A STRANGER'S COUXSEL. 447 "1 " I will try to be," faltered Vera. " as far as I can remember it." " I will take away all excuse for failure. You shall have mine ; " and he placed the little book in her hands. " May God bless you, sir, for this gift. I did not expect so much. Never did one need it more." " Repay me by doing just as it bids you," said the stranger, with kindly interest kindling in his eyes. " God help me to do so ! " she replied in a low tone, but growing almost faint as she thought of all that obedience involved. " I have one question more," che began, but stopped in deep embarrassment. "Well, my child, do not be afraid ; you may trust me." "I was sure of that when I first saw you, sir." "You were .? Well, that pleases me more than all the fine things I ever had said to me. But you arc not making good your trust, and seem afraid to speak your mind." " I have been told," continued Vera, " that the wise and great are the ones who doubt the Bible- people who are able to think for themselves— and that those who believe it do not or cannot think for themselves." " That is always the arrogant way of these skep- tics," he replied indignantly. " Those who do not at once accept their ever-shifting vagaries, are set down as fools or bigots." Then, looking at the timid maiden standing before him in almost trembling expectancy, his face relaxed, and he added smilingly, if \':^ i II 11 ) i 1 f J 44S JV£.4Ji^ TO NATURE'S HEART. " I will try to satisfy your mind on this point also, and will be a trifle more confidential than I imagine you have been with me. / think for myself, and have to think for a great many others ; and though I may be neither ' wise ' nor 'great,' I am General Washington." Vera stepped back and bowed reverently. " No, my child, no need of that," said Washington ; " bow only to the Being to whom we have both knelt, and on whom we are both alike dependent. Trust and obey Him, and all will be well. And now, good-by. If we ever meet again, I shall ask you if you have been true to the Book in which your mother taught you to believe." A sudden change came over the shrinking maiden, and, springing forward with the freedom and im- petuosity of a child, she took his hand, saying, " The God of the orphan bless your Excellency. You will lead our armies to victory. I know it. God will answer, through you, your own prayer." As Washington looked down into the beautiful, eager face turned to him, his eyes moistened, and he said, after a moment, " Thank you, my child. Your words and manner strengthen me. i'ou have helped me as I hope I have aided you. You have your burden to bear here in these lonely mountains, as truly as I have mine out in the troubled world. For aught I know yours may be the heavier. But God will sustain us both if we ask Him. Good-by," and he rode away toward West Point. Vera afterward learned that his visit there was a I' '11 is point alsO; lan I imagine r myself, and ; and though [ am General :ntly. Washington ; ve both knelt, ident. Trust 1. And now, ill ask you if I which your iking maiden, lorn and im- saying, r Excellency. I know it. n prayer." :he beautiful, :ened, and he and manner as I hope I ■den to bear ly as I have ught I know ill sustain us e rode away there was a A STRANGERS S COUNSEL 449 ImWr'trT,"''",'""'"'""- '" accordance with a till -l 't' f ""P''' ""= P™f°"n Jest pl,ilosophy w,II ascnbe ho final success of the American arms he had sought retirement in the forest that he migh entreat the Almighty in behalf of the cause to which he was devoted. «^"»tn 450 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART, CHAPTER XXXV. f i THE PARTING. \ /"ERA sat down on the rock which he had oc- V cupied, and, turning to the chapters that her mother's teachings had made most familiar, she read until the deepening twih'ght blurred the page. As she rose she exclaimed, " It is true ; it proves itself. It meets my need as the light does my eye. My conscience echoes every word. O Theron, Theron ! we must indeed part!" and she bowed her head upon the little book, and wept until she was almost too exhausted to reach her home. For several days following she did little else save read the Bible, and think long and deeply over its teachings. Every day deepened the conviction that its words were those of One who had the right to say to His earthly children. My will is your only true, safe law of action. The Bible's teachings and prin- ciples so commended themselves to her conscience and unperverted nature that she felt that she m'v: doubt her own existence — doubt everything — c/ else take her old faith back into her heart witA more than her old childlike trust ; with the strong and assured confidence, rather, of one who has pr. :h he had oc- ters that her iliar, she read lie page. As :ets my need ience echoes must indeed >n the little to exhausted ttle else save eply over its eviction that the right to >ur only true, gs and prin- :r conscience lat she m'' c ^rything — c, heart witA 1 the strong le who has THE PARTING. 451 put off L t T^ '■ ,":= ''""'"■°" ''■''■•'=■• ^he trie/to wholly "Ifcf •;"""?'/="'-"="' ""t" she had were LSf: '" """' "'^' "" '-"'^ views -.nd'vot"7 ''"' P'*-""^ '"'■'= ""'^ he was wrong; .^nd ,et , was asjony to co.,,e to the irrevocable de c.-s,o„ wl„ch would doom herself to the old 16^et and unprotected st.te, and, what was stm wo e' to darken h,s life with grief and perhaps decpdr' What m.ght he not do in his recl; 3 Cr^/t r him h-,nn,, K A ^' ^ ^^" "^^^r makc mm Jiappy by doing wrong." She went out to their trysting-place on the hill side where she had been so sorely tempted, reso v- Zteven ^^^"^' '''''' ''' "^^^'-^ ^'^^ -- Laying Washington's Bible on a rock beside her she leaned her head upon it, and sighed, It s earth or heaven : It's God or Tl..... . ;.^- a snatch It: something forbidden, or a long, dark v^. ♦52 JVEAJ? TO NATURE'S HEART. 'f {■ 'i. % journey to my rest ; for, in giving hirn up, I banish the possibility of the faintest ray of 1 sppiness in thia world. O God ! help me, like a kind, strong Father ; direct and sustain thy helpless chihL If i must decide against Theron, let no harm come to him." Was it c I riu'ilble voice that answered ? The suggestion of insp:red words that had helped her once before was = strong and vivid that they seemed as if- spoken. " Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also in Him ; and He shall bring it to pass." As if directly addressed, she replied, with passion- ate earnestness, " I will obey Thee ; I will trust Thee ; there is no other right or safe course for either Theron or myself." In the solemn hush that followed, she felt as if a kind hand rested on her head in blessing. The guilty fear and disquietude fled from her heart like ill-omened shadows, and in their place came a deeper peace, a stronger sense of security than she had ever known before. Her mother's face, which had so long appeared averted in reproachful sorrow, was now beaming upon her in approving love. " O God ! I thank Thee," she cried, lifting her tearful face to heaven. " I will never doubt Thee again. Mother, dear mother, you are not lost to me. I am as sure you live as that I live." If Saville had then come, her strong feeling a? revived faith would V. ve made the ordeal o^ 'irti % less hard to endure ; t week after week pas:- : i iui J Btill she did not hear from him. At last lascar 4 rust also in THE PARTIh^G. brought a letter, given h 453 West'Poinf Vf ' "'""', ,'"'" ^^ Surgeon Jasper at At last one September afternoon Saville came of the deepest affection ; then they fell on the o "« ^he was reading, and he saw that^he ^>oT:XZ a.^t'^aTcXuPir • ^l-n^ror ""'^ ™"™'' P-ence in so.e pia/f, rn'nt' rsVeld^Sfde ' 17* feeling that he must ■ lii f 454 A'EAR TO NATURE'S HEART. !i * \:\ face a dreadful crisis, will do it at once ; but she, in the strong, sudden impulse of her heart, sprang into his arms, as if it had been her right. " I thank you, my true, loyal Vera; I was dread- ing a different reception," he said, as if an infinite burden were lifted from his mind. But ner fast-falling tears, and the manner in which she extricated herself from his embrace, disappointed the hope which her impulsive reception had raised, and he almost despaired, as she said, '* Come with me, Thcron ; let our farewell be where no eye can see us save that of our pitying God." " Do not say ' our,' '" he replied harshly. " Yes, Thcron, our God, though you may not be- lieve Him now. I have found light that is unmis- takable." " Where have you found it?" " In this Bible." " Curses " She put her hand to his lips. " O Vera ! this is worse than the bitterness of death. Why did you not let me die in Fort Clinton ?" " Theron, don't break my heart." " Is it nothing that you are breaking mine?" " God pity us both," she sobbed, burying her face in her hands. They had now reached the spot on the hill-side which had been their favorite trysting-place and the scene of strong temptation, conflict, and victory. He seated her on a rock ; but, instead of being his old, gentle self, he seemed to have become a man ! )ut she, in prang into vas drcad- an infinite r in which appointed ad raised, [ be where God." ly not be- is unmis- erness of : in Fort iner g her face 2 hill-side place and d victory, being his me a man T///^ PARTTh^G. of stone. For some little time her cmot th 455 ion was so peat that she could not speak; he would not. At last, she asked brokenly, " riieron, do you doubt my love?" *| You listen to old bigots rather than to me." " Is General Washington a bigot ? " He was silent a moment, then^said, " He has not thought on these things. He simply accepts what he IS too indifferent to question." " But he told me that he thought very deeply on these subjects." " He told you ! Vera, you are talking wildly. Can It be that you have brooded so long over these wretched superstitions that your mind is bccomino- unsettled?" ^ " No, Theron ; my mind never was so clear before. Only my heart is faint and pierced with sorrow be- cause ^we must part. Look at the fly-leaf of this He read, in the clear, unmistakable hand that he well knew, the name " George Washingionr " He gave it to me himself," continued Vera. " Am I dreaming? " muttered Saville, in a low, troubled tone. " Theron," said Vera, laying her hand appealingly on his shoulder, "have pity ! be patient with me, and I will tell you all. You can never know what this efifart is costing me. Going aftei you to Fort Clin, ton was nothing in comparison. You caused my faith to waver by your strong argument that all the practical help I ever had was human help— human only. I have had human help again ; but I have ^"^'.^ 45<5 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. come to see that God helps us and speaks to us through creatures like ourselves. Even you will be inclined to admit that the fact th:. i. wave received personal counsel from General Washington is so strange as to be more than chance, and yet it is true." And she told him how it happened. "In asidng h's counsel I do not seek to know whether you mentioned my name," said Saville gloomily; " for I have not sought to tempt you to evil." " Believe me.Theron, I never gave him— nor shall I ever give any one— a hint or clue of that which is between ourselves and our Gud. The truth of the Bible was the only question on which I needed hght. That settles all the others. Theron, it is true I I know it, as I know I exist I I am not wise enough to answer your arguments ; but I have come to that point in which I am not so sure of anything as that the Bible is true." He buried his face in his hnnds, an . fairly groaned in the agony of his d.. ippointment. "Theron," said Vera, with a burning blush, "you could not love such a won- m as you have described your — your wife to be.'' "Why stab me with that word?" he cried pas- sionately. " Suppose I should become lil. 'ler " " Impossible." " You do not understand a woman's heart. You h;r,'c learned to love me as a simple, childlike girl, innocent if ignorant, gentle and loving, if not strong and wise. Could you love m.e if I became a reck- THE rAR.IXG. less, plainly, and, in th 457 passionate woman ^ Pardon me that I spcak ly, and, m this at txod in ■ :ercy has removed this temptation, and I event. ^T" ''' "^ ''"'' "'"'^"^^ °" '">' ^^^ --'^ eventually m. wretchedness on yours. There, rhcron, I have shown you all my heart, and I ap- peal to your own noble manhood to protect me " "My manhood is gone. I am utterly crushed and broken. Smce to you it is a crime to keep my rin- give It to me and let me go. I can endure the to" ment of my loss no longer." " O Theron, Theron T" Vera sobbed. " If there is no help for it, give me the ring, and let me go before I become mad." Slowly and reluctantly she drew off the two rings, as ,f the effort were almost beyond her power He snatched his from her, and grou d it into the earth under his heel. Sh. saw with terror that h 20 c was taking counsel of vfi- 458 A'EA/i TO yATUKE'S HEART. 11^ despair. Acting on an impulse to save him from him- self, she attain drew off her mother's riIl^L,^ and seizin;^ his hand, she pressed it, with difficulty, on ln\ little fin^^cr. "Theron," she said pleadingly, " if it is wrong, I cannot help it ; but I love you with my whole heart. Wear this priceless relic— my dead mother's wed- ding-ring — as token of my pledge that, since I cannot marry you, I will never marry any one else. Let its faint gleam ever remind you that if you raise this hand against yourself, you strike me a more fatal blow." In answer to this appeal, his dry, darkly sugges- tive eyes for the first time moistened, and grew somewhat gentle in their expression. " Vera," he .said, pressing the ring to his lips, " you are stronger and braver than I ; you have more than human fortitude. Though I scarcely know whether to thank you or not, I believe your words and gift have again saved my life. Yout promise, of which this ring is the token, holds out a glimmer of hope, and without hope who can live? I can trust myself here no longer." He took her in his arms one brief moment, then dashed away. A little later the sound of his horse's feet echoed from the opposite hill-side, but died quickly in tho distance. • It was well for both that he did not see her wealc- ness, her grief that was almost as despairing as his own, which followed his departure. At last she crept home in the dusk, repeating over and over again, as her only comfort, " Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord piticth them that fear Mini." \ SEEA'IXG DEATH. 4S9 11 froin him- (lst'i/.in;_;lu'3 little fitigcr. is uronj:^, I I'liole heart, thcr's wcd- icc I cannot se. Let its sc this hand tal blow." kly sugi^cs- , and grow io lii.s lips, you liavc I scarcely clicvc your life. You I I, liolds out .0 can live.^ inent, then his horse's , but died « ; her weak- iring as his , repeating o the Lord CHAPTER XXXVL SEEKING DEATH. A YEAR had almost passed since the parting* -TV described in the previous chapter— a yea'r of patient fidelity to duty on the part of Vera, a year that was clouded by the deepest melancholy and almost despair in the case of Saville. For a long time he had cherished faint hopes that her for- titude might fiil ; that his arguments, from being more fully dud t upon, would have their weight ; and. chief of all, that her loneliness and love might overcome her resolution. While recognizing the truth that she was acting conscientiously and he- roically, he still believed that the only obstacle in the way of their happiuess was the tenacious hold of her old superstitions upon her mind. The, fact that their mutual suffering seemed so unnecessary made him chafe all the more, and his mind and body were giving evidences of the bitterness of the long-continued ordeal. Perpetual gloom lowered upon his brow ; at times, fits of abstraction almost unfitted him for his duties, and again he would be reckless and inclined to dissipation. To his old acquaintances, 1 lis wife's conduct ac- ■ f -|W- r IP \i 460 ;V^^^i? T-C? NATURE'S HEART. counted for hfs manner and actions; but Surgeon Jasper knew of the deeper wound, and was often tempted to mform Vera of the disastrous results of ^avdle s disappointment. Indeed, he would have done so had not the young man charged him, almost harshly, « not to meddle." At first Saville had found some solace in sendin- Vera, by the hand of Tascar. such things as he thought m.ght add to her comfort; but she soon, in a bnef letter, gently but firmly declined to receive his gifts, and entreated him to remember that thev must accept their whole duty, and school their hearts into submission. But there was this radical difference between them: while her suffering was the keener, because 01 die sensitiveness and delicacy of her nature, she was fiiiding increasing strength and calmness from the^Divme help that is ever given in answer to He was unaided in his struggle, and, if he still believed that man was a law unto himself, he was learning by bitter experience that he is not sufficient in himsel for life's emergencies. He had at la reached that desperate condition in which, thouo^] still restrained by Vera's words and the dng she had given him from any directly suicidal act, he was only too ready to throw away his life by reckless exposure in the first battle that occurred Vera learned of his growing despair and conse- quen dangerous moods in a rather peculiar way. In introducing : .scar to the secluded cabin, Saville had virtually provided for the honschold/ for t I I|; SEEK-LVG DEATH. but Surgeon id was often us results of would have liim, almost e in scndincf iiings as he she soon, '\\\ 1 to receive ;r that they their liearts ;e be tween ler, because nature, she niness from answer to if he still -'If, he was )t sufficient ad at last ch, thougli 2 ring she ict, he was )y reckless nd conse- uliar way. in, Gaville :1, for the 461 boy proved the most ubiquitous, industrious per- sonahty that ever taxed earth, air, and water for the means of livelihood. He soon became as accurate a shot as Vera herself, and she had no more occasion to range the hills with her gun save as a pastime. His knowledge of the instincts and habits of game naade escape from his cunningly prepared traps and snares very improbable. His good luck as a fisher- man became almost unvarying, because he knew just when and where to go. He enlarged the gar- den which he had made the preceding year, and kept it green and flourishing by turning through it a brook that had its unfailing source deep in the moun- tains. He scoured the hills and valleys for wild fruits in their season, and these, with the surplus of game, found a ready sale at the garrison of West Point. Vera had thoroughly adopted Saville's plan of perfect openness, and would permit nothing that looked like guilty fear or desire for concealment. Thus, through her management and Tascar's able seconding, the little cabin was becoming a recognized base of supplies for several officers' messe.^; and Saville had always been ready to buy everything that his quondam servant brought, whether he wanted it or not. In answer to her father's questions concerning Saville's long- continued absence, Vera had said briefly, " Circumstances are such that Mr. Saville cannot marry me, and since he cannot, it is best for us b that his visits should oth cease. Ask me no furlner. Let 462 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART, \ it satisfy you that he has acted toward mc like an honorable man, as he is, and that he is still a true friend on whom I can call should I need him." The exile turned gloomily away, satisfied that Saville at last realized the folly of allying himself to^ the daughter of one whom he knew'' to be a criminal ; but from that time his remorseful pity and tenderness for Vera increased. Tascar's success as a huckster finally led to his acquaintance with a redoubtable negro by the name of Pompey, for whom the boy soon conceived a strong friendship, and a boundless admiration. Pom- pey was ostensibly following a like calling ; but, in supplying the British garrison at Stony' Point,' he brought away shining coin for his fruits and vege- tables, instead of the depreciated Continental monV which was paid chiefly at West Point. This fact alone gave the elder sable trader a marked pre-emi- nence. But one day Pompey took Tascar into the depth of the forest, and, with great mystery and solemnity informed him, " You'se a peart, likely boy, and I'se 'bout to put you up a peg higher. I'se a-gwine to let you inter a deep 'spiracy." " Where is dis deep hole, an' how deep'II I hab ter go in ?" asked Tascar, in some trepidation from Pompey 's words and manner. ^"What a chile you is!" said Pompey loftily. •^ Tain't a hole ; it's a 'spiracy agin de Red-coats. Does you tink I goes down to dc Britishers at Stony P'int to hawk berries ? My mas'r, Captin'ay his muskit nildn't git no )}• de kaseway ic de strogedy 1 de kasewMy couldn't help tide lowered. i was a-gw^'ne /lien degin'ral , dat Capting SEEKIiYG DEATH. 471 'At last we all got obcr, sabe a big lot ob men dat was to stay on dis side for a resarve, dev said. Do gm'ral tole me dat I needn't go no furdc.-; but I tclled him dat I'd do.ie my part, ai, 'bout de same , guv hmi de fort, and now I'se was a-gwine alon- wid hnii and see how he did his part. He larfed and'^^says, • lompey, p'raps you is de biggest gen'ralob de two.' " VVell, he d'widcs de sogers into two big parties and he tucks one and Kunnel De I'lcurv'de ..der' and he sent ahead ob each part)- an ossifcr wicl tu Mity men, who was to cut away what dey call de batis, ..r a strong, scragly fence ob tree-tops, all sharpened and stuck in front ob de fort. Dare was two thick rows ob dese, an' I pitied dem po' fellers who had ter go terwood-choppin', while de Red-cnats Avas a-cuttin dem up. Dey called dcse twentv men ahead ob each party de 'lorn hope.' Who should jme one ob dcse 'lorn hopes but Capting Saville. 'Come back,' says Kunnel De Fleury ; 'Come back, saysGi.i'ral Wayne; 'you'se no bi/.ness dar.' Til 'bey de lieutenant in command, and will disconsort no un,' says Saville, an' away he goes up de steep hill wid de 'lorn liope. " I wanted ter see it out ; but I wasn't 'scsscd, like Capting Saville, ter get knocked on de liead ; so I crep' around one side, away from bof de parties, kase 1 knowcd de Red-coats wouldn't fire wliar no one in "tickler was comin' agin' 'em, an' I cf>uld see by de flashes how tings was goin*. Gittin' 'round in a safe place, while oders was bein' cracked on c head, was de difference between havin' strogedy an' not havin strogedy." ^^ e>. v^. w .9^.VtA^> IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V. A :/ 5r /^v/. 1.0 I.I 11.25 ■- ilM M 2.0 llitt i4_ IIIIII.6 V <^ /a % > %. ^ Jh c Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 iV :\ \ ^*' ^ # .^\ %^ ..^ "«* ,..v ^^/'^ m>. C/a ^ 472 A-EAR TO NATURE'S HEART. % arm^"' f?l"'" ^'"■"'•" ^^'^^ ^-''^' -'-'"S ^f. arm , what became of him ? " The sharp interruption, and Vera's bloodless aero- nued face, checked Pompey's historic Ho. of thou^t --^^ suggested a new and quite distinct idea^ to "Law sakes, missy," he began, "I didn't know you cared in 'tickler 'bout him^ Tascar, you ot-" Speak, ..an!" she said, with an kportunity that was a most fierce " H'., ^ . „ ' wounded ? was he- O r„. ) , '' "" ^""'"^ word!" O God! I cannot utter tliat Po'i'nf "T r?', "^•■"P"'""" ^■"■'"^■■■^ =•"■•= -' West dougl, ,t pears I,ke as if l,e tried to be," said Tis car liastily. ' " ''"■" •■Ah! thanlcGod! another awful danger is past Hcase hasten your story, for I cannot bear to ^t of these awful scenes." arter'':4rr'l''.er ™t'";; """''' '"' '''''' '-PP™=d Our fl "=™'-''' '° '"-' i" ••> minute Ou, folks-^went up de hill as still like as if dey wa t'hos s. On a sudden dey come on de Red-coats ,' siz "fz z ■?■;■ f "' "° "'-'^^ ^■•'- f™-'- n ong de Afer.cans, an' I tinks it was so; for dcv - pu dere bay'nets in front an' run for'ud h ke mad In j^ .,^,.,^ ^^^, 1 e ''" -'"•■'y '''= ba"'. or big, ugly fence. De phcc ful T, Z f " "' "" "^'^ ^™^ ^" ='«Pin' bee n full of drefful sounds, De drums beat Se long roll dc ossifers was a-shoutin' ■ To arms! to arm, • d= EART. Vera, seizing his I'.s bloodless, ago- c flow of thought, distinct idea to " I didn't know car, you ortcr — " an importunity Captain Saville ■nnot utter that safe at West fe wasn't hurt, > be," said Tas- danger is past. 't bear to hear 'hat happened c in a minute, e as if dey was Red-coats, an' came from our oaded musket as so ; for dey ■un for'ud Hke :' me was cut- :e. De place -epin' became t de long roll, to arms ! ' de SEEKING DEATH. 473 cannons began to bcllcr, and dey filled dem wid grape-shot, an' ail de Britishers was a-firin' dare mus- kets fas' as dey could load. It 'peared to me dat ebcry un ob our folks would be killed twice ober A minute later I seed Capting Saville, by de light ob a big flash, jump on an' ober de 'batis, a-cuttin' an' a-slashin' wid his sword. Awa)' went a crowd ob our sogers arter him. In less time dan I kin tell you our two parties come togedder, kerslap, right in de middle ob de fort. Dey hauled down de flag; dey stuck ebery 'un dat was oncivil— Well, Mas^'r Brown, ter make a long story short, dey jes' picked up, on de p'ints ob dare bay'nets, de fort dat I had already got for 'em by my strogedy. But, Missy Vera, if Capting Saville is a friend ob your'n, you orter look arter him, kase he can't do what he did dat ar night twice, strogedy or no strogedy." Vera fled to her room. Her f^ither looked after her with an expression of deep commiseration, and having dismissed Pompey with a few words of thanks, turned on his heel, and strode away into the forest, muttering, " The curse resting on me will crush her also, and seems to be falling on Saville. His pride will not permit him to marry the daughter of such a wretch as I am, and yet his thwarted love makes life a bur- den that he would gladly be rid of. Oh ! the malign power of one evil deed ! Who can tell when and where i^s deadly infli-ence will cease? I have de- stroyed myself; I am destroying Vera and Saville ; rny crime dug poor Esther's early grave. How 474 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART m 1 lip i| 1 |S;M,L] ' 1 ■■**( i * many others shall I blight before the curse die^ out ? Wouid to God I had never been born ! " NOTE.-A shrewd negro slave, by the name ol Ponipcy. obtained he countersign, and guided the American forces to the causeway leading to Stony Point, in the manner described in the foregoing chapter. lie belonged to Captain Lamb, a staui.ch Whig who re- sided in the neighhorhood. 'EART. t the curse dies 3ccn born ! " SEEKING LIFE. 475 ! 01 Pompcy, obtained )rces to the causeway ■ilied in the foregoing tauiich Whig who re- CHAPTER XXXVII. SEEKING LIFE. /^\N reaching the seclusion of her own h'ttle closet, V-/ Vera did not 'gwc way to helpless crief. She recognized the necessity of prompt action. Saville must again feel her strong yet gentle grasp, or he might be lost to her and to himself. Aiiother battle would soon occur, and an .ther opportunity for the carrying out of his dreadful purpose. He must be shown at once that such reckless exposure was a virtual violation of his promise of which her mother's ring was the token. She resolved to write to him and appeal to all the noble, generous traits which she knew he possessed, and to chide him for the un- manly weakness which he was now displaying. She even determined to risk tiic loss of her "dearest treasure, Washington's Bible, in the hope that he would read it, and be led by its teachings to doubt the skepticism which had so little power to sustain and comfort- Thus, she was a sleepless watcher through the night, often writing earnestly and rapidly, and again thinking long and deeply between the sentences of the following letter: ' Thcron, my more than brother, have I lost my ■|fw|^ 4-6 A'EAR TO NATURE'S HEART. innucnce over you? The fear that I have adds tn-catly to a burden that is ah'cady too heavy. Your influence over mc loses none of its power. It would be hard for me to say when th^ thou-ht of you is absent from my mind. The -rcatest sacrifice you could ask would be a joy did not conscience forbid. Thcron, I am trying very hard to do right. There are many days in which I can only cling desperately to God's hand; but He has sustained me in a manner so wonderful that my confidence in Ilim, not myself IS continually increasing. He is very gentle and patient with me also, for He knows I am a ' bruised reed.' " But, Theron, you arc making my burden heavier than I can bear, even with (iod's compassionate help \oxx know well that in my shadowed life I have be- come acquainted with suffering, and yet never before have I endured such agony as pierced my heart to- day. You are the cause. Theron, in every unordered uncalled-for, reckless step you took, in the attack on btony Pomt, you trod upon my heart. When you are called upon to face danger by just authority, do your duty, and your whole duty, as I am asking God to help me do mine, in the face of a temptation that assails me relentlessly and almost continuously I say this much, though well aware that if you receive wounds, I shall be more sorely wounded, and that If you are killed, it will be worse than death to me But, did duty compel you to take part in that des- perate midnight assault? Was it love of country that thrust you forward beyond the bravest who U-ere acting under orders? When I pained and ■:art. at I have adds oo heavy. Your ower. It would out;ht of you is .'St sacrifice you mscience forbid. right. There ling desperately '' me in a manner lim, not myself, 'Qxy gentle and 1 am a ' bruised burden heavier Passionate help. life I have be- K'et never before i my heart to- t'cry unordered, 1 the attack on i"t. When you t authority, do am asking God r a temptation t continuously, ■t if you receive ded, and that death to me. t in that des- ve of country bravest who I pained and SEEKING LIFE. A77 disappointed you, I did so under a compulsion the strongest and most sacred that the human soul can recognize Was your motive in seeking death, that aw ul night noble and sacred? Theron, it was the first cowardly act I ev-^ knew you to commit, and it was an act so cruel as to be utterly unlike you It was an unmanly effort to escape from a burden which 1, in case you had accomplished your purpose, would i^ave had to bear alone, and which was made infinitely greater by your act. Granting that your belief is true, and that death is dreamless sleep, can you Ion- for a rest which means unspeakable agony for me"' I do not say it boastingly, but from the depths of rriy heart, I could welcome pain, loss, disaster, any- thing save sin, which would bring you rest. You should be stronger and braver than I. Why arc you not.? Theron, there must be something wron•„>„• ,,,,t c„.p„iencc. You once -ortl.y of your affcctiun. V„u assunu-d t he vas, and acted honestly and naturally ,n viel ot A^K r'."^;"" '"" ^"""■^■" '-• --'haracter are fflly and patently, you would have found that yo', butlcanuot hel,, thniking that any vieu- creed or I . -o„„y which can pennit you L n,a k^ ct aKilyll.ghtfron, life's burden, frou, the duties jTu worn " ■?" ■"""■ •■""' ""'"'"■>■■ ''^ "l"''"y un. uouly of resp.ect. We arc now, as it „-cre mee ...S the same cruel n.isfor.une side by side W I you run away and leave me to suffer it all alone? 1 have .-, favor to ask. Your response will show -.c her I ha^-e still any inHuence over you. L -hcthcr you will do a comparatively little .hi .^^ r; Tha" : cf°- '°' '"" "•^'^^■'■■■■"»" ■•■' '- p- „n \\rong, i li,stencd pat ciU v to them Oh how I wished that I couhl think .as vou |1.J; but I had known and seen the power ofGod .v.ns truth, and it was impossible. Will you ,, ^..rness honestly consider the grounds of m/n u As a proof of n,y all-absorbing interest in vou I end t ,e dearest thing I have, Washington's Bible «i 1. the one request that you read it through' Pafently and thoughtfully, and that you d ^,1 especally on the New Testament. I suppose ha t ere are w,se men who could argue witfyou ad tell you somethn,g .about the Bible, how it was » ntten, and w hy people think it is God's Word -ncc. You once >'our wife was suincd that siie ally in view of r character care- round tliat you •ing it, Theron ; ■ view, creed, or ^ make a cow- tlie duties you IS equally un- it were, meet- by side. Will it all alone? •onsc will show n-er you, and Jittle thing for in her power d patiently to ard to believe 1 think as you ower of God's Will you in ' of my faith ? 'est in you, I ngton's Bible, J it through, t you dwell suppose that with you and how it was jod's Word; SEEKIXG LIFE. 479 but I do not ask you to seek them. I only ask that you sit down by yourself, and, putting aside all prejudice, that you read this Bible witli the candor and smcerity which have always been amon- your noblest traits. I feel sure the book will make its ovn nnpression, and contain all the arguments that are needed. I leave the issue with God, to wlu;m I pray in your behalf more often than in my own I hope my pencilings here and there will nut mar the pages for you. "Theron, is my mother's ring still on your finger? It means now all that it did when I placed it tfrere. But you made a promise then as truly as I did. Do not keep its letter but break its spirit. Farewell. "Vj:ra." Early the next morning she summoned Tascar and giving him the letter and package containing the book, said, with a decision which he could no^t fail to understand, " Find Mr. Saville, and give him these as soon as possible. Mark my words, Tascar,/;/./ /,/;;,. Goto him wherever he is, and give this letter and book into his own hands ; remember, his ozvn hands. There is money. If need be, travel days and weeks till you find him. I must take no risks in this matter. Wait for his answer." Having done her part, Vera was able, more calmly and trustingly, to leave the result in God's hands. Tascar reached West Point at about noon, and found Saville in his quarters. His gloomy face lighted up as he saw the boy. A ,.,-*. 48o NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. " Missy Vera tolc mc to give you dese, an' wait for an ans-.vcr." Savillc ca-crly took the missive and package, and shutting hunself up in a small room back of the mam one, opened the letter with a hand that now trembled as it never had in the shock of battle He soon reappeared with a note in his hand, and said to lascar, who had zealously complied with the re- quest that he should eat the untasted dinner on the table, ^ "Take this to your mistress, and come to me again in a week, for I shall have something to send to ht>r - "Did you find him? -asked Vera, surprised at his speedy return. ''Yes, Missy Vera, an' here is what he guv me " Vera hastened to her room, tore open the note and, with tears of joy, read as follows : " My loyal Vera, I have read your letter, and am overwhelmed with shame and self-contempt How strong you are ! How weak I have been • If I am not a man after this, let even my memory perish I now promise you to keep the spirit of my pledcre If anything happens to me, it will be in the perform^ ance of what you even would esteem— duty. And Vera, I will even read the book which has broken my heart and blighted my life, in separating you from me. I cannot now trust myself to say any, thing more. You are as much above and beyond me as your fancied heaven is above the earth. " Yours, to command henceforth, " Saville." sE/-:h'/.\G i.n-ii. dSi Tlic long, dark n.v^ht was i)assin- and Vera saw in these few words the faint dawnin- of hope. 1,,, r' ^'f l^';"^'!'".^^^ "lar the pa.L^cs of the little i^ible? Sav.llcun his return to In's quarters that even.nj,r turned at first only to such pa^^es, and to the words indicated, which were thus made to seem as 11 spoken directly to him by the maiden />ne text struck him witli peeuhar force, in the cucumstances. It was lieaviiy marked, and Vera iind written under it, " May not this be true 5 " It Avas, -There is a way which seemeth ri^ht unto a man, but the end thereof are tlie ways of death." 'Is It possible that I am mistaken?" he asked Inmse f for the first time. "At any rate, I shall be more b,<;oted than the bigots themselves if I do not accede to Vera's request, and give her side a careful unprejudiced hearing." _ Saville was too honest a man to bestow on Wash- ington s IJible a careless, hasty perusal ; and he was too arge-natured and fair to read it with his mind steeled against its truth by u:./.ke. contempt, or the pride of preconceived opinion. It was his sincere intention to be receptive, judicial, and let the book speak for itself, according to its capability. Some things in Vera's letter strongly tended to pro- mote a condition of mind favorable to the reception of the truth. Her reference to the blindness which he had shown, at first, to the character of his wife made h.m wince, but the effect was wholesome. He certainly had been mistaken then in a matter of vital importance, and how disastrous had been the consequences ! ai m i i " 482 NE.L'C TO A'ATL'/^E'S HE.1RT. " If Vera is n'^^ht, ;uul this book is true ; if I am mistaken again," lie thuiight, " the evil will be with- out remedy. If death is not a dreamless sleep, but rutiier an eternal, w.ddng consciousness of all that one has lost ; if there is the faintest possibility of this, I had better consider it at once." He moreover felt that he had justified Vera's con- tempt fur his philosophy. What had it done for him, save to prompt to unmanly, cowardly action ? Her faith, in contrast, had sustained her in patient, heroic endurance. lie was humbled, and truth is ever ready to be the guest of humility. It does not come within the scope of this story to follow closely his mental changes during the days and weeks that followed. It is sufficient to say that the grasp of the Divine mind upon his grew contin- ually more masterful and firm. The 15ible, as Vera said, did prove itself, as it ever does to tlio candid reader ; as it ever does to those who are not absorbed in their own little 'isms, or befogged by their own pet theories, or intrenched in opinions already formed. Few of the Bible's opponents have ever followed the example of Saville, for he permitted the book to do all it could with him. " j\Iy reason," he often resolved, " shall be like a judge upon the bench, and neither pride, prejudice, my wishes, nor an unfair hearing, shall bribe or dis- pose it to a false decision." As he read and carefully re-read the book, and at last was able to grasp, to some extent, its scope and meaning ; as he discovered its wonderful unity in the seeming diversity ; as he saw that the verbal AT. true ; if I am 1 will be with- Ics.s slct:!), but ss of all that possibility of .'(1 Vira's con- 1 it tlotic for ardly action ? IT in patient, , and truth is r this story to •ing the days nt to say that ^rcw contin- liblc, as Vera tl)c candid not absorbed by their own ions already its have ever he permitted hall be like a de, prejudice, 1 bribe or dis- book, and at its scope and irful unity in It the verbal S££Ay.VG LIFE. 483 h sk n he early parts of the Old Testament had a Kunel of nch sp.ntual meanings and that the New 10 a mere y luunan on^^rin. l,c gradually became ^Man of Sorrows fascinated him with irresistible power, and he followed Hin> in all Hispatien Vu :^^T.n,' through Palestine, wondering, earin^ 1 op i"g. but unhealed. "' ^' With the conviction of the Bible's truth, a dis- tress o nnnd, such as he had never known Lefc b..an o devel,,, itseir How must the all-powe^ i-ul and holy Cod regard him. Mho had so arro- tCn'i 'u ", " ''"''^ P'-oof-d reason assumed atllKs Word was a myth, and Himself a fiction of had^r^'dT' ^^-' -^- '- thought how he had t n.pted Vera, and caused her to waver in her laith. he was ready to despair. '; What have I learned from the Bible?" he cx chumed one day, in .gony, '< save that I am justly and n-retnevably lost. I „ow know what poor tempted Vera meant when she trembled at the ment;'' '"'"'" ^"'^"^ ^°°'^''"S ^^'^ «^ i"^^- As early as possible, after receiving the Bible Vera had sent him, Saville had procured another c,d Whde Vera welcomed this gift as a proof hat he was relenting in his bitter hostility to the book, she was left in ignorance of the radical changes takmg place in his mind. Saville did not r. 484 \'EAR TO NATURE'S HEART. wish to CDmmit himself until fully convinced. Rut when, after intellectual conviction, he commenced drawing practical inferences from its truth, and saw the fate which threatened him ; when his awakened and instructed conscience revealed to him that the penalty of sin is not arbitrary and externally im- pv^sed, but inevitable and natural, in the one sinning, from the very law and principle of creation ; the man was overwhelmed with rational fear. The dark question, which all the penances of the Romish Church, and the cruelties of superstition, have vainly tried to answer, rose for his personal solution. How shall I be rid of my sin ? Only the flippant and shallow-minded make light of this question, aid they but for a brief time. The student of history and humanity knows that it has been the burden of the heart among all races and in every age; and that to-day men are inflicting upon themselves inconceivable suffering in the vain hope of answering it. Saville had learned from the Bible only part of the truth. He saw what evil was and what it involved ; but he had not yet discovered the remedy, which is usually overlooked at first from its very simpli- city. His despairing self-condemnation became so great that he determined to write to Vera, and see if she could not give him some clue of hope. So, one day, several weeks after the time he had com menced reading the Bible, at her request, he wrote the following brief letter, knowing that he would soon have an opportunity of sending it out to the :t. vinced. But commenced nth, and saw lis awakened him that the eternally im- one sinninij, reation ; the ar. The dark the Romish , have vainly lution, How 1 make light "time. The 3 that it has races and in icting upon e vain hope y part of the it involved ; iicdy, which very simpli- ,me so great :1 see if she e. So, one had com St, he wrote t he would ; out to the SEEKING LIFE. 485 cabin^ by Tasca, .,,0 was often down to the "My faithful Vera, I fear the c;ift of the Bible wh.ch cost you so much to send, but whi 11 tried n,aIvl,en you re member the doom u-hich this Bible prono „fce on" me who so long scoffed at it, and (wl'at is f r ™ ™ to me) who tempted you? I am no longer i,le darkness of unbelief, but stand in the search "con! um.ng l.ght of God's truth, trembling at the th;"* h I l,,ave lost myself-that I have lost you-for. ever. Is there no remedy? In my despair I turn to you, the one I have wronged most. " Saville." " Mas'r Saville looked sick," said Tascar as I,p gave the letter to Vera, one evenin.. ' " Jl'Inl '"""""'^l"' "™^' '"°"'= -bin doo, agan, and summoned Tascar. The boy thouM.t the expression of her face indicated that sometldng un! r rc^st' '' '''"'''• '"' '^ -^ ■'-p'-'-^ f- " Tascar, will you cro to Wr«f Vr.;^^*- r to-ni-ht ?•• ' "^^ ''Sain " ^es, Missy Vera, if it's anyting 'tickler " " Give that letter to Mr. Saville, and y'ou won't W Si'-l \ i I it |p III 486 iVi?.-fA' TO XATL'RE'S HEART. Late in the evening, Savillc received a missive which contained only these words: " Theron, I wish to see you. Come to the place where we parted on the hill-side, the first evening your duties will permit. Vera." lie briefly wrote in reply, " I will come to-mor- row evening. How faithful you are ! " He put a broad piece of gold in the wearied mes- senger's hand, and said, " Keep that yourself, Tascar." It was with feelings difficult to be described that Saville looked down into the wild, secluded glen once more. Over a year had passed since he had seen it, or its inmates. The mellow autumn sunlight shim- mered through the trees and upon the rocks, soft- ening the rugged wildness of the scene. But in its dreariest wintry garb it would be the one attrac- tive spot of earth to him. "Will Vera be much changed?" he had asked himself again and again. Ages seemed to have passed since he had seen her. He could not surprise her now. She was waiting for him, with her hand upon her side, as was her custvjm when deep feeling caused her heart to flut- ter too strongly. To one watching them from a little distance their meeting would have appeared very quiet and undemonstrative ; but to each other, trembling hands and moistened eyes revealed the depths of feeling in reserve. " You are pale and thin, Theron," said Vera, her tears gathering visibly. ■4 SEEKIXG LIFE. 48; :d a missive to tlie place first evening Vera." Dme to-mor- vearicd mes- scribed that ed glen once had seen it, nlight shim- rocks, soft- ie. But in 1 one attrac- : had asked led to have was waiting as was her leart to flut- hem from a /e appeared 1 each other, evealed the id Vera, her These are the least of niy troubles," he replied, alf sm:hng ^< I dreaded lest you had bea.u hadouy and spn-,t-like under the discipline of sorrow. S.nce I have con.e to believe there is a Heaven, I have been constantly wondering why you ZT^"" "^T ^ '"''''■ ^^^'tIami;cline-dto huik that you have become womanly durin^^ this long year, rather than angelic." ';l am glad to hear you say so," she ansu-ered, tr>mg to smde also; " for the reason that I am a ^^oman, ,f for no other. I have no desire to be anything else at present." 1-n" ^T''^ '!-'• T^^ """^ ^^'^"''^'' ^''^>''"S, " I did not know that fa.th and sorrow could make a human face so beautiful." Slje could not have been a woman did not a smile of pleasure dluniine her face nou-. Almost instantly was followed by an expression of deep pain, and she turned away for a moment. He understood her; she could not drink at the ever-full fountam of his love and admiration, thou^^h tlie waters were so sweet. ^ But when she turned \o him again, there was no prudish restramt in her manner. She took his hand as a sister might do, and said, "Theron, I wvant to help you. You as yet only bd.eve the poorest and most meagre part of God's He looked at her with some surprise, and said, Why, Vera, I now believe the Bible as it roads substartially. I admit that there is much that I do not understand, and cannot reconcile. It .n-ows ¥* NEAR TO NATURE'S IJEART. clearer, however, as I study it. The difficulty in understanding it all is an argument in its favor. It's a revelation of an infinite mind; mine is finite, If I could grasp the whole book, I should say at once, ' It is the work of human intellects like my own. "The simple parts are those which you do not believe. You do not understand the parts that mother taught me when I was a little child." " Then teach me as if I were a child." "How strange that you should say that! It's a good omen. Read those words." And she pointed out the following text in the Bible he had given her: '* Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." " We must come to the point, Theron, of believ- ing what our Fleavenly Father says, with the trust of a little child." " But v/hat does the Bible say of those who offend, or cause one of God's little ones to offend? How sorely I tempted you. Vera," and he covered his face with his hands. "But you have no wish to make me offend now?" " No. Whatever becomes of me, I shall thank God that He preserved you." " Can you not see what a difference this fact makes? Besides, you did not deliberately and con- sciously tempt me to evil." "But that made the temptation tenfold harder for you to resist." " You vvcrc not to blame for that. But why dwell fficulty in its favor, ic is finite, aid say at s like my )u do not tarts that at! It's a le pointed ^iven her: shall not Id shall in of believ- the trust ho offend, d? How vercd his nd now?" lall thank this fact 'and con» harder for vhy dwell SEEKLYG LIFE. 489 on the unhap^ y past ? I said truly that you, as yet be heve and understand but the poorest part of the Bible. If the Bible is t " Certainly. rue, is not God true ? Must He not keep His word ? es. " Then listen and the unri"ht Let the wicked forsake 1 lis w cous man his thoughts, and let return unto the Lord, and He will 1 him him ; and to our God, for H c'on. Y ou ave mercy upon e will abundantly par- all the evil that are willintv to forsake your unbelief, and H ^rew naturally out of it. ow sweetly iliose words them," said Saville s sound as you read sistently with just musm<'l\' but ice and His threat can God, c :on- evil, forgive my years of blasph " O Th teach Hi atenmgs against cron ! surely He will and phemy, and mv- ■iciples to forgive each oth can. Did He not times seven ? Will He do less ^ er seventy Hel tl ookcd at her ve le e ry earnestly, and she saw from «< V xpression of his face that the Ijo-ht era, my good :ingel, lead m ther," he said. " Even if I was coming, e on a little fur- to me the meinory of what I have b have done will were forgiven, it see ms een and what I 'ppress me with gloom forever. Read those words, Theron. He took her Bible and read, " Tl seeth Jesus coming unto 1 the Lamb of God, which taketh wcjrid. le next day John lim, and saith. Behold away the sin of the The Bible also says." she added, -'The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us fr 21* ■om all sin. 1:. 490 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. " Where is that ? " Slie showed him. " Theron," she said tearfully, " can you remember scenes of Calvary and doubt God's love? That is the part of the Bible you don't understand and bcl the leve. : o u never can understand God, or th His book, until you make tl 13. God is love.' I shall test lese words the key to all, believe the Bible or not," and sh these words : you now whether you repeated earnestly If to fo we confess our sins, He is faithful and iust rt,nve us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unriijhteousness. Th ei e IS no escape here, Theron. It God is true, or He is not t s ei thei word. You have acknowledged rue, and will not keep Hi^ and sorrow, and you have no wish to cont your sin with firief nuie \\\ It. lis clear promise before you, what must b With tl your inevitable conclusion .> Ah, Theron ! I your answer in your face. You take God at H e ou believe. Can any happiness of 1 word. Y surpass this moment.^ " O God ! " he said. Thee for mercy which is as bound! " Did I not tell you once, Th read IS leaven in a low, deep t ep tone, " I thank ess as Thyself! " eron, that Shak. speare echoed the Bible? He writes thus of you remember: mei ■cy 'It is t s twice bless a blc It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: 'Tis miglitiest in tlie niiglitiest.' *' I believe that God 'i\\\([i^ more joy in showing you mercy, than you in receivinir it." SEEKIXG LIFE. I can almost believe it " 1 491 I dreaded inexpressibly an ho le said ; " for the Bei PL* atjo now seerrr^ tlio source and fountain of tenderne.4 O V .^ " e added, with an expression which wanned h hear ' bete ; ^ "" Slad to owe heaven to you. This is better tlmn savnv^ ,„e from death in Fort Clinton I can wait patiently now." An hour flew by and another like brief momcn's The full moon fdlcd the wild gorge with beautiful' l.^dUs and shadows ; but they were too deeply ab- sorbed to heed the witehery of nature. At last Saville reluctantly rose to go. " No • I u-iH not go to the cabin," he said. -^ AftL^ these word"! you I w:sh to speak to no other human being to- He then commenced looking for something on the ground, and said, " trod\?r- ''"' '"' l^'"' ^' ^" "^>' ""^'^'^ P-^-o"> trod that nng into the earth? " '' Here, Theron." said Vera promptly. " I have watched the place ever since as if it were a little grave. He soon recovered it, and taking her hand, said hesitatingly, " Vera, can you not wear this ring as a token of ■ my boundless gratitude tc you ? " " Yes, Theron." " It is tarnished and warped like myself." ; But it's made of gold, Theron, gold that has been tried m the fire." " This is a very different parting from our last," he 'm 492 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART, said, after a moment ; " and we now have the earnest in our hearts that the time will come when these sad farewells shall cease. Good-by. Good-by once more, my true, loyal Vera. I will watch till I see you enter the cabin door.*' " Thcron, you never made me so happy before. Good-by." He watched her as she passed through the alter- nate light and shadow that fell upon the path. He saw the flutter of her handkerchief as she waved him a farewell at the cabin door, but still he did not go. The dawn was tinging th'^ sky before he could bring himself to leave the place where heaven had opened to him in the stony desert of his de- spair. A MYSTERY SOLVED. 493 CHAPTER XXXVIII. A MYSTERY SOLVED— GREAT CHANGES. QN the day following his visit to the mountain valley, Savillc received orders which occa- sioned one of those sudden changes that are charac- teristic of military life ; for he was directed to re- port as soon as possible at Charleston, South Caro- lina. He wrote quite a long letter to Vera, in which he recognized the kind Providence which had brought about his new and haj^py belief and feelings before this wide separation tof)k place. " I must go this very day," he wrote, "for my or- ders are urgent. Your promptness gave me our in- terview last evening, and the peace, hope, and faith u-hich grew out of it. I now feel that my feet are on the rock, Vera, and no distance, time, or disaster can finally separate me from you. \U\\: much I owe to you ! " The winter of 1 779-80 was one of unprecedented severity. Even the great bay of New York was frozen over, and the British ships were ice-bound at their anchorage. If Washington's army had been strong and thoroughly equipped, he could have attacked the men-of-war as if they were inland fortresses. New York city was no longer on an island, and ;' 1 4 1^ 4$H -A'AJA' TO NATURE'S HEART. the heaviest artillery could approach it on every side. General Knyphausen, in command, was -,cat- ly alarmed, apprehending that Washin-ton would attempt a coup dc main, and he made, extraordinary efforts to secure himself against a sudden attack from the Continentals. But Washington's troops were half naked, shivering, and starving among the snow-clad hills of Morristown. For weeks at acinic the whole army was on half allowance, and this at a period when the intense cold made generous diet iHost necessary. *' For a fortnight past," Washington wrote on the 8th of January, " the troops, both officers and men, have been almost perishing with want. Yet," adds he, feelingly, "they have borne their sufferings with a patience that merits the approbation, and ought to excite the sympathies, of their country- men." ^ ^ In addition to all other horrors, the loathsome disease of small-pox became epidemic, and often there was not even a blanket with which to cover a sick and dying man. Thus the Continental army could scarcely keep soul and body together, much less strike vigorous blows at their ice-bound enemies, who were at least comfortably housed and well fed! In this dark hour Washington entreated Heaven continually in behalf of his country.* He was often seen bowing in prayer in some retired place of the * A soldier in tl,e regiment of which the writer was chaplain during the late war, stated that his grandfather had seen Washington at prayer, in the woods near liis quarters at Moriistown, more than once. it f)ii every d, was groat- iLjtoii would s:traordinary ddcn attacl< ton's troops anK)ii_L( the ks at a time lid this at a ;ncrous diet .'rote on the rs and men, mt. Yet," ir sufferinoL\-Ei\ 501 '3 he said brassily. " I hope you are now prepared to make amends for your coyness then. If so, I will forego the grudge I might naturally hold against you. Vera gave him no other answer than a look of aversion and contempt, which her expressive fea- tures made very unmistakable, and hastening to her father, she induced him to follow the people who were streaming across the plain to the northern side, asjf something of interest were taking pkice there. They had not gone very far before the fellow, captivated by Vcra's beauty, determined to make another attempt to break down her reserve. She started violently as she found him walking coolly at her side. " Upon a gala occasion like this," he said, " a fair lady needs a gallant. I am an officer and a gentle- man, and I can make the day pass more pleasantly." " You are not a gentleman, sir, or you would not thrust yourself upon those to whom your S(;ciety is evidently unwelcome." " Nay, my lovely charmer; your frowns and coy- ness only stimulate my desire to win your favor." Almost before the words were spoken a blow laid him prostrate on the plain, and the enraged father stood over him and said, with significant emphasis, "As you value your life, do not approach my daughter again to-day." The scene was drawing a curious crowd, and Vera, taking her fither's arm, hastened to escape, leaving her insulter to explain his plight as he pleased. The scene explained itself, however, and the prostrate li m mx' N*ii-'l li 502 -Wf./A' 7\) .v.iyL-AV:-'sy/A\i/r/\ officer picked himself up and skulked off amid jeers .'ind shouts of hiu^i^hter. But among those who had witnessed the incident was no other than tlie redoubtable Captain Molly herself, who, with quite a following of " swatehearts " was about as jolly a widow as one could ima-ine. bhe hastened after Vera, and soon overtook her^crv- ing volubly, ' "^ "The top o' the mornin' to ye, Misthress Vera and the same to yerself, sur. It did me heart good' •sur, to see how ye gave that capting a lesson in manners. That clip at the side o' hi^ head is the fust wound he's got in the war, for they say he's mo.ghty d.scrate wid men, though bould as a lion or some wusser baste wid women. Faix, and I'm hon- est glad to see ye agin, an' a-lookin' as perty as a wild rose, too. I don't wonder the fellers is all a-starm at ye." Vera's greeting was cordial though quiet For some reason she felt safer since Molly was within call; but she shrank sensitively from the attention she drew, for the " captain," in her blue petticoat, cocked hat, and the scarlet coat of an artilleryman was the cynosure of all eyes, being followed by a crowd of gaping country people wherever she went. ;' This festival is not in honor of peace after all," said Vera. ' " Did ye think that it was ? Well, yez live so far behomd the mountings that ye're a little behoind the timcs.^ Pace is comin' soon, but they call this a fate and It s to the honor of the Dolphin of Fr-mce " Ijfe 'JKT. J off amid jeers ed tlie incident Captain Molly " swatehearts," could imagine, ertook her, cr}-- Usthress Vera, me heait good, ng a lesson in is head is the they say he's uld as a lion or :, and I'm hon- as perty as a e fellers is all h quiet. For ly was within the attention >lue petticoat, artilleryman, followed by wherever she ice after all," /ez live so far e behoind the all this a fate Fnuice." A Mys7r:/n' solved. 503 " The Dolphin of France ? her father with a look of inquiry said Vera, turninir to Y )f F is, it's in honor of the birth of the Dolpl rancc. That's what ivery one s a-sa}'in' not meself that knows what kind of a crayther it It' that's been b IS ourn, but I m have a lot more, if we a-hopin' its mother'll are to have as bier a d ly as this ivery toime ! " " She means that \.\\q fete is in honor of the birth of the Dauphin of France, the child wl the French throne," said Vera's father, h relaxing at Molly's words and 10 IS heir to is grim face manner Now ye've got it straight, Misther Brown. It* nothin' but a babv w Eut e'rc makin' sich a fuss about. niver ye mould, since we're goin' to have the must go back t o me fuss and frolic. An' now I swatehearts. But belave me, Misthress Vera, none on 'em comes up to the fust 'un. I've thried many a one since poor Larry got his head shot off, but I shal' niver git his loikes agin," and with that she scampered off, to Vera's great relief. And yet t maiden had cause to bl ward. le ess the meeting ever after- Escaping from the staring, laucrh Molly ing crowd, which appearance and words drew around the they soon reached the northern edi m, f acme the e of the plain river, from which point they witnessed a beautiful spectacle. Approaching the sh parallel lines of ba ore were streamers, and the wat rges decorated with flan-s and cr aroun d tl icm was flashing and si)arkling under the strokes of multitudinous oars. These boats contained General and Lady Is: r I 504 ^^EAR TO XATi-RE\s HEAk'T. Washinj^ton and his suite. Governor Clinton and his ^nrc eminent generals with their staffs, and a laroc number of prominent citizens and ladies of rank an'd n slnon A band of music led the way, and accom- pamed the distinguished guests up the hill to Major- General McDougall's quarters, while the artil/ery thundered out its salvo of welcome. Vera watched everything with the wonder and dchght of a child, and it was a relief to her un espeadl.to her father, that the pageant absc'-rbcd all at ent.on, and that they, for a time, were utterlv unnoticed. It gave them a chance to recover fron' the nervousness and disquietude which their en' MX'lVf ' ''• "f" "''"^^•" ''"^^ ^'-^ -epressibl'c Molly h.d occasioned. As Washington approached, ^^cra recognized him with a strong tlirill of pride and gratitude. ^ ^^ " He has the same quiet, noble face," she thought • ^^ncMs too great to be elated by all this pomp and After his Excellency, his u-ife, and suite had dis appeared, Vera was annoyed at finding so muu- glances turning toward her again. Unlike, perha,,.' ^ m:,onty of her foir sisters who have since visitld West 1 oint, she did not realize that her own lovelv face wvus the chief cause. In fact, both father and daughter appeared as if they might have stepped out of some old story or book of fairy tales .p Tascar, as he followed them, would have answered very well as a hobgoblin page. Many young office -3 .ngored near, and .astwistad glances ^thc^^aiden. but their manner was rest " ■ -;pectfu! and unobt rusive. nr.AkT. or Clinton and hfg staffs, and a laroe ladies of rank and : way, and accoin- the hill to Major- hile the artillery the wonder and ■clief to her, and )ageant absorbed inie, were utterly - to recover fron: whicli their en- the irrepressible Iton approached, c,^ thrill of pride e," she thought ; this pomp and tcrested in the brav ich was decid- reassuring, and even the p,)or exile became in- e scenes before hi as they gave evidence that the Ame ning rather than losing the power t their most formidable enemy At two o'clock in the after lly ere o cope with n, especia ricans noon, it seemed to them that an innumerable host appeared. The h the eastern side of tl Ills on troops, while from every side of tl the circling heights le river were covered with le plain, and on around, bayonets be, the scene with cflcction of the 1, tlircc cannons ops around tiio -"ously in grand )rief (h'splay, in c permitted to Ldvcs upon the of their posi- officer to each each regiment, 2y had been in- red the pleasure every part of 'cr, the gallant athering to the e to them. y moment bc- thc shadow of -^rc wondering, diifting scenes, cr plots. The lished, in part, As far as he ^ MYSTEA'Y SOLVED. 507 could learn, Vera was friendless, and her fithcr und a cloud of some kind, so that there would b er to resent any indignity h knew Weil where to find men of' the basest c might olTer the c no one III m. Iiimself, and, as liquor fiowed like water that d evil-disposed were rcadv fi sort like ly, the resolved that if Vera stayed until the dusk of evening, he would r any reckless deed. He the carrv her o tl ff t 10 river. Ih o his quarters uj) secreth', taki u(l Ins plans cunningly, rapidly, and \yg into his ])ldt only a sufficient num.1 to carry it out. It was briefiy this .scured everything, he and his party crowd up and around his vict )er Aft cr night Ol)- would suddenly Jicr that fitl ler, tie a handkerchief over h im, separate her fro m er mouth, so sue couhl make no outcry, and spirit her off to the shore, where I5ut it so 1 a boat would be in wait ins )n happened that a bad fell ow of this ollicer s company was one of Captain :MolIy's satel- lites ; for she still was not pany. She saw this m over choice in h er com- ;in summoned away for a few moments by his captain, and the wh fercnce that followed ispered c 011- foll foot and the quick-witted camp- owcr surmised that a plot against V era was on 'What did that spalpeen say to yc?" she asked th< man on his return to her sid( II e was a-tellin' me what a handsom c woman ye IS. If ye don't tell mc v^diat h Verself off. e said, ye may take " Now, Molly, me darlint, why should what he said .^ " ve care ,: ill 5o8 XEAR TO X.tTURE"; HEART. " f tlon't circ ; I've only took a notion to sec how good ;i friend ye'rc to mo." " Well, ye won't tell, thin, nor do anythin* to sthop the fun th.-it's up ? " Of coorsc not." " Well, tlie capting, who is moirrhty swatc on rhc women, is a-L,r\vinc to carry off a perty little f^al! to- night, and I'm to help him,' he whispered in her car. " Is that all ? " she said carelessly. "I tould ye it was somcthin' ye wouldn't care nothin' about." ^lolly made no further reference to the subject, but not lunij after she casually, an^ with no appa- rent motive, took a position where ,-!ie could keep Vera and her father constantly under her eye, and she continued to maintain such a position. As the sun declined Inward the western hl;,ddands. General and Lady Washin-ton, his suite, and the most distinguished guests moved from General IVIcDougall's quarters, through lines of saluting sol- diers, to the arbor, where was spread as elegant a din- ner as the times and circumstances permitted. Fi\e hundred guests, ladies and gentlemen, sat down to the dinner, and the thousands who looked on, kept by the guards at a respectful distance, regarded these favored ones as among the immortals. Vera saw Washington at the head of the table, and she wondered how one so exalted in station could have been so simple and kind in his manner toward her. t^he found herself watching him, and thinking about his interview with her, during the time he was pre. Bidmg over the banquet. F.ART. otion to sec how iiiytliin' tosthop ity swate on rhc -ty little g:\\\ to. )crccl in her oar. e wouldn't care to the suliject, ' uith no appa- .shc could keep er her eye, and )sition. stern hii^hlands, suite, and tlie from General of saluting soi- ls elegant adiii- M-mittcd. Fi\e n, sat down to ooked on, kept ance, re^jarded mortals. Vera table, and she ion could have ler toward her. thinking about ne he was pre. A MYSTERY SOLVED. 509 Put there was another, seated toward the furtluT end of the table, who would have absorljed her thoughts completely had she known of his presence. Pale, thin from much suffering, and with the sleeve of his left arm hanging empty at his side, Saville sat quietly among the guests, equally in ignorance that the one never far from his thoughts was but a few rods away. He had heard of the proposed fete in honor of the Dauphin, had hastened his journey, and arrived just in time to sit down with his brother officers beneath the rustic arbor. The insignia upon his uniform showed that he had been promoted to the rank of coli^ncl ; but the expression of his face revealed that he had achieved a charac- ter which is above all earthly rank and distinction. He had not written to Vera of the serious nature of his wound, and of the irreparable loss it had oc- casioned, knowing that it would pain her to no jnir- pose. She would grieve over it continually; birt, when she came to see him, he could, in a measure, make light of it. Saville found himself seated next to an officer possessing the same rank as himself, and of a very noble .iiien, and distinguished bearing. There was a peculiar gravity in his manner and expression, and he seemed to have no disposition to become convivial, as was the case with the majority. This made him. all the more a congenial companion to Saville, and they both speedily became interested in each other. Saville thought he had never met a man of more wide and varied information, or one better able to express himself with elegance and force. He ■Ik.. I 510 A/'.IK TO NATUKF/S HF.Airr. ■A als.. n-.tcd that lie was treated with (lefcre:u-e hv th..sc who knew hi,n. The stranj,^er soon i.Urocluced nmseir as Colonel Wellingly. achh-n.t,r. uith Hnecour- tcsy. " I have Ion- known yon, Colonel Saville, by reputation as an accomplished en-ineer officer, and I have heard of your -allantry at Vcrktown." '•I feel Ip-hly honored," Saville replied, "that n'v name has ever had fav,.ral,le mention to you • but I confess that I am thoroui^hh- tired ..f'war' and would be nl,,d to devote what there is left of me to the arts of peace." "Well," said Colonel Wellin-lv niusin-rK- "I •suppose the war is practically over, and I am glad on account of tVe evils and sufferin- it ever occa' sions. l]ut I am at a loss to know to what I shall devote myself, unless it be to the erection of a h.mt- in^-lod-c amon- these ma-nificent mountains. I h.-ue never seen a better place in which to while away the usciess remnant of a life." From the first Saville had detected a low under- tone of sorrow and disappointment in the man's ^yords and accent. Colonel Wellinoly evidentiv knew that he had suffered deeply in the past, for he saio as the cloth was being removed, preparatory to the drinkmg of the toasts, " We have both seen trouble in our dav, Colonel Saville; but I envy you the hopeful spirit' vou pos- sess and the purpose still to accomplish something in life. I am growing listless and tired." "^ Thirteen toasts, appropriate to the occasion, were announced successively, and each one was followed by the discharge of artillery and joyous music, and .t/rr. I (K'f(-'i-LMlce by oon inti-odiiced with fine coiir- ncl S.ivillc, by :er officer, ami •ktown." replied, "that LMltinji to voii ; tired of war, there is left of nui.sin[j[ly, " I nd I am glad, : it ever occa- ) what I shall ion of a hunt- nountains. I liich to while a low under- ill the man's /idently knew t, for he saiu, iratory to the day. Colonel irit you pos- ii something rcasion, were vas followed i music, and, A ArVSTKNY soia'/:d. 5M by not a feu-, with Ion- deep potations, which made their march to their .piarters anythin- but steady. After the thirteenth toast was drank, the cruesta rose from the tables, which were rapidly cleared away in preparation for the dancin- of the evenin- and the re-imental officers joined their respective commands. As the twih-oht deepened, the /.7.-./.->/V which Had been ordered commenced with the thunder of thirteen cannon, followed by volleys of musketry alon.c; the whole line of the army on the surrounding li'lls. Ihree times the circlin- lines of fire Hashed out, and the hills and mountains were kept resound- ing with the mighty echoes, until they gave way to another and more awe-inspiring sound-the th'rice- repeated shout of acclamation and benediction for the Dauphin, by the united voices of the entire army, on every side. The poor boy was destined to soon hear, and from his own people, volleyed curses inst(Md of benedictions, and a pitiless cry for Ids blood, instead of loyal acclamations. As the last vehement shout died awav. the ni-ht was illuminated by a brilliant display of firewoH woman on of his life." ssible burst 3ined for a gravity, he e the truth ink that he liliated al- occasion," )st terrible tain Molly, husband's th?" ghty swate eant." It, but he ;he craven Will you insignia of e presence off him as li, and her indeed be him from 519 Now, Antmued Washington to an officer, take him to the guard-house, and to-morrow i uish hur> drummed out of camp with the Rogue's March ; and the culprit was led away. J Come my dear niece, my heart is too full to Welli^gl^^ '"^"^ -'' '-^-' --^^ Colonel to Captam Molly, she took her hand in both o? ners, saymg, " I thank you from the depths of my heart If you ever need a friend, come to me." " Have ye become a great leddy ^ " " I should not be a lady at all did I fail to remem- ber, with grateful affection, all who were kind to me 17- "'. r "^""^-'^ '°^ ''" P'-''^-"^' '^y brave, true fnend. I owe you more than words can express " An ye pay me in the coin I loikes best. Faiv thers nothin' that goes furder wid man nor baste than lo ke, I d ruther have ye spake to me as ye does than a hatful of crowns." " The money shall not be lacking either " said Colonel Wellingly, offering her his purse. "Not a penny will I iver take for anythin' I've done for Misthress Vera," and she darted away ^ With a low courtesy to General and Lady Wash- ington and a swift glance to Saville, Vera permitted herself to be led away with her flither ; and the won- dering guests were boundless in their admiration and almost equally so in queries that could not as yet be answered. 520 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. Tascar, who had been watching all^n a state of excitement that made him almost as explosive as one of the cartridges of the feu dc j'oic, was sent to inform old Gula that her master and mistress would not return that night ; and the tale he told his mother, and acted out in pantomime that night, was more marvelous than any of her weird imaginings. A few hours later the beautiful colonnade or arbor was darkened, and echoed only to a lonely sen- tinel's tread. a state of :plo.sive as as sent to ress would c told his night, was aginings. jnnade or onely scn- SXPLANA TIONS. 521 CHAPTER XXXIX. EXPLANATIONS. VEN the rude te nel Wcllingly occupied, at West I evidence that h inporary quarters which Colo- *oint, eave e was a man of wealth and culture ; for, as far as possible, he had surrounded himself With objects that ministered to refined and luxurious tastes. He had been the more inclined to carry out his bent, from the fact that his duties would, in all probability, keep him at his present location for a long time. In the fullness of his heart it seemed as if he could not do enough for his brother and niece • and for one naturally stately and reserved, his manner was affectionate in the extreme. He embraced Vera again and again, and his eyes rested on her with an expression of wistful tenderness, which proved that she was the embodiment of a very dear memory. When he heard that they had not partaken of any refreshment since their frugal lunch early in the day he brought out a bottle of rich old madeira, and ordered his servant to ijrepare a- per as could be in-ovided promptly imptuous a sup- ■ ,1 f,> \ i- I' 522 NEAR TO NA TUNE'S HEART. PI' ! " I cannot realize it all," said Vera again and again ; and her father ejaculated, more than once, " Thank God ! your blood, Arthur, is not on my soul. It is now possible that I may again become a man." After a few moments he asked hesitatingly, " Shall we tell Vera ? She does not know." " Yes, Guy ; it's right she should know. I will tell her, for I feel that I am as much, if not more, to blame than you." " No, A.rthur ; no. There is no excuse for the murderous blow I struck you, and the remorse and fear, that have followed me throuidi dl these years, have nearly destroj-ed my reason. I sank lower than the beasts ; for they, at least, provide for their own. I wonder that you can forgive me. I can never forgive myself." " I do forgive, and in the same brcth ash forgive- ness. Henceforth we must be to each othe/ all that she who is dead would have wished. I shall seek to make reparation to you and Vera to the extent of my ability, and you shall share in all I possess. It is best that Vera should know everything, for with those who are as closely united as we shall be, there should be no mysteries. Vera, the highest praise I can give you is, that you closely resemble your mother when she was of your age. Never did a maiden live who had greater power to win and keep affection than Esther Ainsley. She was of humble station, being the daughter of a curate, who had a small charge near to our estate; but she was dowered with a beauty of person and character which I have never seen equaled. Our mother died F.xrr.i.v.i T/o.Ys. acrain and an once, not on my I become a :sitatingly, ow." v. I will t more, to sc for the : remorse ill these 1. I sank irovide for vc me. I ;k forgive- c: all that shall seek he extent I possess, thing, for ) shall be, e highest resemble Never did win and e was of rate, who t she was character >ther died .'^3 v-hen Guy and mj-sclf were children, and our fithcr d.cd before I was through with my studies, so that J, as eldest son, became heir to a large property, at a tmie when I needed restraint, guidance, and coun- scl, more than wealth and independence. The Ics sons of self-control and patience, which should luive been taught us in childhood and youth, were left to the schooling of bitter experience; and bitter, in truth, It has Keen to us both. I valued my untram- melcd position chiefly because there was no one to prevent me from marrying the daughter of this obscure and penniless curate. Oidy her own will which was as strong as she was gentle, did prevent the marriage, for I sought in every possible way to shake her resolution. There was not a trace of gratified vanity in her refusal, but only the keenest distress. At last she told me that she loved some one else, and I think siie was about to inform me who It was, but my darkly vindictive face prevented her Egotistic and passionate fool that I was, I felt that no one had a right to thu-art me, and I determined to discover the one, whom I at once regarded as a personal enemy. To be brief, I was not Ion- in learning that it was Guy, my younger and only brother: but. in the infatuation of my passion, this fact made no difference, and, as the eldest, I would brook no rivalry. I confronted him one evenino- as he. was returning from a tryst with Esther ''and arrogantly informed him that he could not cross my path m this matter. I first made him a large offer If he would quit the country and leave the field clear for me. Ik.t he said, and with good reason. I I' f !i« Am 524 .\7:./A' yO XA TURK'S IIEAKT. that he would not relinquish lilsther Ainsley for the wealth of En^t^land, much less for the pitiful sum 1 offered. One word led to another. We both be- came enraged, and at last I spranuntry, and ^rning any >tion. But inexpected ^ and dis- oppressed ig heavily ; have this to provide her arms ng. I can rt already, le, uncle," 527 Then going to her father's side, she added, with rcas- sunng caresses. After this night, do not good, father. The again doubt that God IS 'Ugh I never before k the deed was that led to your flight from End I have been sure that Mr. SaviUe's word.^ new what and. s were true. and that your ' remorse was greater than your crime. " No, Vera," replied her fatl " If I had in fact slain tl brother, I should never have known peace or any oth ler, m strong emotion, lis generous and forgiving in this world. miserable wreck of a man, warped, by base fear and years of brooding remorse, from all good and noble uses. There is nothing that makes such awful havoc in the soul as a constant sense of guilt. The knowledge that you are living has brought me mexpressible relief, and I ask nothing more, and no- thing better than this fact. J^ut Vera still has life be- fore her. I have at times meditated self-destruction, in the hope that she might thus escape the curse which I felt resting on me ; but something held me back." " Thank God ! " murmured Vera shuddering. " Now she can be very happy," continued her father. " Since I am not the foul criminal that, in justice to Mr. Saville, I told him that I was, his pride will no longer be an obstacle in the way of their marriage. "Vera marry Colonel Saville!" exclaimed her uncle. " He is married already." " Saville married ! " ejaculated her father, in un» bounded surprise and rising anger. " Then I have 528 XKAR TO XATCRE'S HRART. i \M an account to settle with h towered up instinct witli passion. At the mention of Saxill im; " and his tall form came scarlet ; then, at her fat) was equally marked. ■' Vera," said 1 '■' what trouble h But the maiden, st rallied promptly, and e's name Vcra's fixcc be- ler s woi ■ds, h. -r pallor ler uncle, \\\ a tone of deep distress, ave we here ? " ronc,^ in her conscious rectitude, in a firm, quiet tone, said, We have no trouble whatev it. Uncle, Mr. Savill e is a true, h er, except we make he has never asl«"d me to do a th onorable man, and ought or aski'd me to do a tJmig that itc wrong. Both father and m>-self would have been dead years ago were it not for his unspeakable kind- ness, father, be calm. You cannot strike Thcron Saville without striking me. He is my brother, my more^than brother, and I love him better than life." " But, Vera," remonstrated her uncle, with a gravity, almost approaching to sternness ;" in your secluded life you have not learned how rigid the proprieties of life are in these matters. You bear the proud name of Wellingly, and " " Uncle," interrupted Vera, with a dignity and firmness of which her gentle mother had never been capable, " I bear a prouder name than that of Wellmgly. I am a Christian, and, in the light of God s truth, and not the fashion of this world I have thought this matter out to its right issue, and I shall stand by xxxy decision. Rather than permit my one to come between me and Mr. Saville, I will g" back to the poverty and obscurity of our moun- i;uii .abin fur the rest of life I d o not speak these F-XPLAA-A TIONS. words as a willful, ignorant child, b who has b 529 ut as a woman bitter notlii I ^^'" ^;;i;'^tured and sobered by years of e is my dearest friend- sorrow. Mr. Savill "t^Z iiiorc; and he never can be anvt have known for years that 1 me himself, and h thoujiht t e never cherished IiinL( more, ic is married. He told oward me. I declare to there is noUiing in our relationshi sainted motl d one dishonorable you both that p to which my perish by slow torture th treat him coMly r would object. Jkit I would rati ler an stand aloof from hi m or 'T Hs ..: . M-y extraordinary," said her uncK added her fath reconcile his conduct witl The strain of th er, in deep agitatio 1 your ivord- n. too eventful day had at last b (( great tor Vera, and she felt herself P. e p.'iticnt," she said all. As unci I can ber what I lu c said, we shall h ecome ^-owing faint. eanly; -you shall know ave no mysteries. ]^ut For and b say no more to-night. In pity, uncle, remem- ive passed through to-day." fully, you, ■give me, my child," h c sai( remorse ^nvg ner a glass of wine. - I will ti'ust rmirm Vera," he added ; " for your words am those of truth and purity. My only fe should be misled throu^^h your words and manner are ar is lest you ance of the world. g)\ your mnocence and ignor- She looked him steadily in the fac ' e innocent could do, and then only th Unci Mr. S, Christ c, my honor and good e a moment, as replied, iville name are as safe i n lan sense of th i.uids as \x\ yours or father's. IT e IS a ■ciUieman, in the truest and strongest e word f'l 530 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. \\ !:|' ^^■.fi \- " There, my dear, I am satisfied, and your father must be, too, until he can have fuller explanation. Calm yourself now, and let me show you to the best resting-place which a soldier can provide for a guest who is as loved and welcome as she was unex- pected; " and, without listening to her remonstrances, he gave her his own room, and kissed her tenderly as he said good-night. Vera was too exhausted to think; but she was dimly conscious that, after all, it would be difficult to make her father and uncle understand the honest skepticism from which Seville's course was the natural outgrowth. What was so clear to her mind might seem dubious, or worse, to theirs. She was not so weary, however, but that she thanked God, with a boundless gratitude, that He had led her safely through that season of doubt and strong temptation. If she had yielded, she saw plainly that her proud and stately uncle would have cast her away in bitter contempt; or, what was far worse, her father might have killed her lover. Early the next morning Saville sought an inter- view with Colonel VVcllingly, and, to secure privacy, took him to Jasper's quarters, which he was occu- pying, in the surgeon's absence. Vera's words and manner had convinced her uncle that she had not consciously erred from the path of rectitude, but he was not so sure of Saville ; and it must be confessed that he was not a little anxious, for he saw that Vera was a girl of unusual force and decision, and he feared that if Saville chose to take advantage of the strong hold he had upon her affec^ i your father explanation. )u to the best ie for a guest e was unex- ;monstrances, her tenderly but she was i be difficult id the honest rse was the " to her mind rs. She was hanked God, had led her and strong / plainly that ave cast her Ls far worse, ght an inter- cure privacy, he was occu- :ed her uncle the path of I'ille ; and it ttle anxious, jal force and hose to take on her affec- EXPLANA TIONS. hr'tS'h """ ""'^ "'=™ '™"We indeed. AIti,„u,l tl.e young man had come to him .so nrommh I ■ng .i.t it might give him a chance to^pSt'^'m: '^^^^rt::f^^i^- 1- "-^^ --- i-V,.,f T • I ■^^L'^'it tiie first opportunity possible ini.;:c,f;:t;^'r.""'°"^"''''^''-^--^- burrassment to "l IXTL T"' T'" """ """ name uould suffir thr T """ "'^ 8°°'' ; ■^""'•'^ througli any words of liers • n„ life, and much more th-,n 1,T. , .- ^ r:rt"i^::i^ri---"^- thit lv,= J . "" ''°"<=''' statement of all that lias occurred between us ? " tlnt^vt"f "^"f"'" ""^ '"= ^^P'y- " I ""i g-tified t nd^o :" "" -;'y -"ght this interview, for you as a Chustian gentleman i.s not misnheed I adm,t that, fron, her fathers words and m nncr s m:,:Tf:'", :r 't'^' '"=" y- "■-"-- you. 1 he Welhngly blood has ever been over hot upon eerta.n kinds of provocation, and on no no n more .sensitive than that of our women's lienor ' Vou may still think that vou have cause t,. qu-relw,thme;but,l,ethata.;itma;,Vsi;X,:: 532 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. gloss the truth. You cannot condemn ine more bit- terly than I do myself. Nor shall I shrink from any punishment or course which you may impose." And he gave a faithful history of his acquaintance with Vera from the first. While, in justice to himself, he showed how his wrong conduct was the natural fruit of his erratic views, he did not in the least ex- tenuate it ; but, on the contrar)', spoke of it with a censure so strong as to be almost fieice. It was evi- dently the one thing for which he could never forgive himself. Indeed, in his boundless admiration for Vera, he forgot himself, and became her advocate rather than his own. He argued that she had been tempted as no woman ever /as before— tempted by one to whom she was profou'ully grateful, not only for much kindness, but for the fact that he had stood by her after her f^ither's statement that he was a criminal. She had been tempted by one upon whom she was almost utterly dependent for existence and the necessities of life. And, what made resistance tenfold more difficult, he had not sought to bciruile her as a villain might have done, but he had been open and honest in his error, full of plausible argu- iTients ; and he had, for long months, and with all the skill he possessed, sought to undermine what he regarded as her baseless faith. " Moreover," Saville concluded, "there was much in my own unhappy relations and in the conduct of my wife which excited her womanly sympathies in my behalf; but, in the face of all, she was loyal to truth and duty. I have now been through a long war; but I liavc seen iiu heroism, no fidelity, and all- I inc more bit- irink from any mpose." And -laintance with to himself, he s the natural II the least ex- :e of it with a L\ It was evi- I never forgive .dmiration for her advocate ; she had been — tempted by :eful, not only t he had stood that he was a le upon whom existence and ide resistance ^ht to beguile t he had been )lausible argu- , and with all mine what he ere was much he conduct of sympathies in ■ was loyal to h rough a long ielity, and all- ^CXPLAXAT/OXS. 533 en Qunng fortitude equal to that which she has dis played through long, weary years, and honor her next to Gud in whom she led I am through, si gn long, weary years, and I love and me to trust. As Saville had r, and I have told you the truth. spoke v.ith graphic earncstn Wellingly walked tlie H.-or in d warmed with his narrat ive, and ess and power, Colonel strong and var\-i cep excitement, with n-^l emcjtions contcndin-T face. When Saville concluded. 1 on his Th !ie said. s IS a most extraordinarx- stat I cannot doubt its truth. I ] turns to embrace you in the profoundcst and to shoot }'o child! What a St have had! II fro ement, and yet lave been inclined by •atitud( u on tlie spot. Poor child, i)oor i-angc, sad lot she and her mother eaven grant that I may shield V m any more of such dark and terribh riences. era expe- " I shall ever echo that pr earnestly. lycr, sir," Saville added Colonel Saville," continued Colonel Wellingly after a f ew moments of deep thouMit, " I doubt, after hearing all that V eni 1 :ntl s correct in believing )-ou ;u- cannot you have said, that e uozj a gentleman ; but you were once a vei sincere as you evidently were in \ CI iristian matter of curiosity, I have read some of tl of your old masters, and, thougl French people, I predict for tl ■y dangerous man, our errors. As a le writings 1 very friendly to the the result of this destructive and d lusopl ly." can believe v'ou, cm terrible evils, as isorganizing phj. SH", W ere it not for a fi rm., rent I liaiK that sta\- eu ■ u\d rc.-c ucd me, it would 534 A'EAR TO iVATURE'S HEART. have broui,rht evils into two lives that would have been irreparable." " Your own strong self-condemnation," sr>.id Colo- nel Wcllingly, "has disarmed me of censur.;. Your feelings and motives are now evidently honorable, and it would be wretched folly to drag forvvard the evils of the past to mar the present. But, Colonel Saville, you know the way of the work', a.id how rea dy it is to suspect of evil. Even now 1 fear that rumor may couple )'our name with that of my nii-ce in a sense that neither of us can wish." " I recognize and respect your wish. I will not even sec Miss Wcllingly aj, lin, if you think such a course wise." '•No," Colonel Wcllingly replied, after a little thought. " I do not think such a course would be wise," for he remembered Vera's decisive words. " I think it would be better for you to see her occa- sionally. But a gentleman of your tact could easily give the impression that your relation to my niece was only that of frank, cordial friendship. At the same time, it miglit be well to apply for duty else- where." "I look upon you," Saville answered, "as Miss Wcllingly 's guardian, and shall be guided strictly by your judgment. Believe me, sir, I should regard it as the greatest misfortune that I could suffer, if any act of mine should cast a shadow on her fair name. You are at liberty to state to her father all that I have told you ; and.I sincerely hope that his m.iud will now rapidly recover a serene and health- ful tone." s-*sy would have '■■■\'P LA NATIONS. I u-ill satisfy him," was the reply satisfied me. PI ns at six this eve ease do us tlie favor of d 535 as you liave \\\\\M. iniiitf with When Vera awoke, late in the day, h again reverted to th er thou'dits posed she must mak c explanation which sh e su{)- unspeakably. But when sh( room, her uncle took her in 1 :e, and slie dreaded the ordeal .., -V,. un^ic LOOK ner m Ins arms, an Vera, Mr. Savilie has told me all merged from her arms, and said. proud of you, as the best and ever breathed." That's like Mr. Savill and I am noblest little girl that deeply. " lie has b e," said Vera, colo rmo' himself almost a vill een maknig me out an angel, and \w\. ' Well. said Colonel Wellingly, lau^rj ling, '' th( — ""-'""giy, iaugnmg, " t he more he ca led himself a villain, the mort^ su?; I be- came that he was an honorable man. At any rate I have invited the villain to dine with us this evenin^^' She rewarded him so promptly and heartily that the wary colonel was filled with alarm. VShc is too demonstrative," he thought, "and will show all the world that Savilie has her heart •" in Mr. Savilie s presence, I hope you will " ^^ She put her hand over his lips, and said smilingly. Don t fear, uncle ; a sensitive woman's nature is a better guide in these matters than the soundest ad- vice. During the hour of dinner Colonel Wellingly was abundantly satisfied that he had nothing to fear, for the most i-v\\.,\\^,^,-.....A „r .. • most evil-disposed of seen anything in Savill each other to which gossips uould not have e s or Vera' s manner toward exception could have been 536 A'EAN TO NATURE'S HEART. \ ■ \\ < ^ ■ : ■ ■ I: ' * Pii ' % t -■ taken. Btit, as he -avc her his hand, in takin- leave she touched her nu.ther's rin^^^ upon his Hntjcr sc s'Un.ficantly that he went away with his 'heart warmed and comforted by the thought, <' She will Ue unchangeable amid all chan<,res." Immediately after Captain Alolly left the arbor he evenmg before, Saville joined her, and said, in a low tone, "Molly, my brave jvi,i, will you do for me one more good deed to-night ?" " Faix, an' I will ; a dozen on "em, if I've toime " " 1 romise me, by all that took place in FortClinton tliat you wdl never mention my acquaintance with IMiss \ era to any one. It's not the world's business, and the world suspects evil where there is no evil " "Mistherbaville," was her reply, " may that bi.. Hess.an that ye killed cotch me agin if I iver say a Tascar had often been warned, but the boy was perfectly safe, for he had a habit of dense ignorance on any subject concerning which he did not choose to speak. Only enough of Vera's romantic story got abroad to lend an mcrexsed charm and huorest to her beautiful person. If at first there had been some disposition to ask what had been her relations with Savdle, their frank, unaffected manners in society banished the thought of evil from all save those who being wholly bad themselves, have no faith in an-.-' thing good. In spite of herself, Vera speedily became a belle, and, instead of being a hunted, nightcned animui of fA'7'. ill takincf leave 1 his fint^cr sc vitii his heart '^ht, " She will eft th.c arbor, , and sai'l, in a for me one if I've toime." 1 Fort Clinton, laintance with •rld's business, e is no evil." may that big f I iver say a the boy was nse ignorance iti not choose y got abroad :Grest to her d been some elations with rs in society ^e those who, faith in any- canie a belle, ed animal of fSXPLAA'^l no. VS. ^le mountains, as she once described h tl ville. sh e was now ersclf to Sa. position, and soon b established in the highest social •"cral and Lady Washin-ton. I ecanie a special favorite with n addition to 1 beauty, she possessed unusual solid attract Iien-ess of her uncle's 1 er an t( o gather from f. n-ge wealth, and 11 'MS, as suitors ite comedy, they had beset the door of lielmont; and, like Portia, she ,.( u- and near, as, in her favor- I'ortia, in my troth, Ncrissa, my little body ^Hs great world." But the casket which ten sighed, " \\y th V eras image was Saville's heart. closed to all tl le world. SI IS a- weary of contained and that was e nistructed her fatl ler nn refusal to all and uncle to give a courteous but f..,.. ,..,..,, ,,, ,,,, who asked of them permission to pay their addresses, and those who sought to lay siege without such formahty were speedily taught that any attentions that were not merely friendl.v were most unwelcome. CobneMVelhngly had been much pleased with the situation of the mountain cabin, and at once commenced enlarging it as a hunting-hxP^e He saw that his brother, from long h.bit. wo'uld be much happier there than anywhere else, and it was a place m which he felt that he could while away permit 1 he incubus, in a very great measure, lifted f.om Guy Wellingly's mind, and he was no ion..^- subject to his old fits of gloom, which bordered "on horror and despair ; but it was evident that he would always be a grave, silent man. finding the shadows of the forest more congenial haunts of men. m 53» NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. CHAPTER XL. s HUSBAND AND WIFE. AVILLE, at Colonel VVollinf];ly's 'quest, did lot apply to be sent from West Point ; but, be- fore many weeks elapsed, lie was summoned away for the most unexpected and painful reasons. F'apcrs came through the lines, from New York, containing the following statement : "A Double Crime in High Life.— Mrs. Julia Savillc, the wife of Colonel Saville, of the American Army, has eloped with Captain Vennam, the officer whom she married with such indecent haste, on receiv- ing from him the report of her husband's death. Cap- tain Vennam had obtained leave of absence, on the pretext of visiting some friends in Nova Scotia, whither the guilty pair have sailed. This was bad enough ; but, on the night before their departure, an event occurred which seems to give proof of a malice and vindictive hate, of which it is difficult to believe a woman capable, save on the theory that when she does fall, she surpasses man in wickedness. In the middle of the night, (lames broke out in Colonel Saville's mansion, which has been occupied by hi,j mother during the war. Mrs. Saville barely escaped with her life, and found refuge in a small cottage on IWSRAXD AXD inPE. tlie estate, and sh I'xpo.siirc. Hut til L" IS now finite ill fr, a sliort time bcfurc the fl th '• worst part ..f the st 5.39 "11 Hi-Jit anil '>r\' is, that re manifested itself, si sure flnf cl, J , "..u.uestea itseit,she was M .c that she heard the vcice of her son's recreant «zcd voice of some man. She also asserts that tire house d.d not tale fire from u hi..., but fron t e !^r^:r;;r"''^^^^-^^^^^''^''^-='^---tairu-a; h ad the servants escaped by a rear staircase .md entrance. The ni-^ht was ' ui: and windv and r.vo.befbr the fiendish deed. ..verythi:;: wJ^ ^ The authont.es should thoroughly investigate," etc. Colonel Wellingly, as he read it. unconsciously exchumed, " Shameful ! Poor Saville ' " In a moment Vera was at his side. and. before he could prevent ,t. also read the paragraph. Uncle, I wish to see Mr. Saville " "O uncle! if Mr. Saville has friends, should they not show themselves such now?" ^ " I will go to him with all my heart. There are -a.^' thmgs which a man can do which are " P.oper for a young lady. The very thought of tha v.le creature, his wife, is soiling to you " chams. she rcphed. weeping bitterly. " Never was there a more hideous bondage than his " But her uncle was relieved of all perplexity, for his servant brought him a note from siville to Vera containing a copy of the paper, but in Ids care. , . 540 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. " I am so overwhelmed with shame and sorrow," Saville Iiad written, " tliat I cannot trust myself to sec you. Were it not for the faith which you tauijht me, I could not hav e survived this last blow and disi,n-ace. % the time this reaches you, I shall be on my way to New York, and shall make every effort to induce the British authorities to permit me to visit my mother, and provide for her comfort. I have not seen her now for years, and, if necessary, I will thr^ id become row up my commission order to reach her side at once." The English commander, after a little delay for explanations, courteously acceded to Saville's re- quest, on condition that he would not do anything during his residence prejudicial to his majesty's service. Peace was nov/ almost assured, and there was a disposition to relax the rigid military rule of the city. The son found that he had not reached his mother a day too soon, for she was sinking under the ef- fects of her fright, loss, and loneliness. His presence revived her, however ; but she rallied slowly, and was a feeble invalid for the remainder of the summer and autumn. He hoped to move her to West Point ; but she was not equal to the journey, and most reluctant to leave the spot whce she had spent so many years. He made the gardener's cottage, which she occupied, as comfortable as he could with his limited means ; for his property, lying chiefly in the city, had melted away during the war, and the money he had deposited in Pan., was now inaccessible. He denied himself everything that he might make his mother com- T. 11(1 sorrow'," ^t myself to li you taught 5t blow and [ shall be on every effort ;rmit me to ifort. I have jsary, I will a citizen in le delay for Saville's re- Jo anything s majesty's 1, and there tary rule of i his mother ider the ef- lis presence vly, and was summer and : Point ; but St reluctant many years, le occupied, ted means ; had melted d deposited led himself other com- nusBAxn Axn w/i-k. 541 Portable, and devoted himself to her, trying to make amends for his long absence, and she slowly regained health and strength under his care. And yet those long months of watching and poverty taxed Saville's faith and fortitude to the utmost. The open shame of his wife did not m;-; e her less his wife m the legal sense. Her offense gave no cause for divorce before the laws as then existmg. In his intense desire to escape his chains he liar' the legal archives searched for some prece- dent ; but found that for over a hundred years no divorce had been granted, in the province of New York, on the ground of his wife's crime. The future grew darker and more uncertain than ever. His wife had disappeared utterly from his knowledge. There was a rumor that Captain Ven- nam had gone to England. But Saville knew that It was ever the custom of satiated lust to cast away Its victims, and Vennam, of all men, was the one to coolly abandon a woman of whom he had wearied Therefore Saville's wife would probably become a wanderer on the foce of the earth, and micdit perish in some miserable place and way, and stilUie remain in ignorance of the event. If she filled a nameless grave in a foreign land, so long as the fact could not be proved. Saville would still remain bound and the chances were now that lie would wear out his life m this slow torture of uncertainty. Ho could never approach the proud Colonel Wellin-ly and ask for his niece while such a doubt hung over him, even if his own jealous regard for Vera's^onor would permit. 542 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. \ \ As tlic dreary winds of November becjnn to blow he became deeply depressed. Captain Vennam's regiment had been ordered to England, and there was not the slightest chance for his return. Saville did not know to what part of Nova Scotia he had taken his wife. He had lost all clues. In frequent and paniful reveries he saw himself growing old in doubt and uncertainty, ever chained to a possible supposititious woman, who might be living a vile life of crime in some of earth's slums. He saw Vera's bright youth, and beauty fading into dim and prem- ature age under the blight of hope deferred. Then after life had nearly passed, and the chance for hap' p.ness was gone, he pictured to himself the return of his wife as a hideous, shrunken hag, as loath- some in appearance as in character. And He shud dered at the thought that he could neither refute nor escape her claim— "J/,/ husband! " A letter from Surgeon Jasper, that came in with a flag of truce, greatly increased his despondency, for It contained the incidental statement that "'the young officers were half wild over Miss VVellingly and that she might take her pick from the army." One dreary day, when even the wild storm with- out was a cheerful contrast to his thoughts and feelings, he came to the deliberate conclusion that Vera s futu, should not be destroyed with his own and, knowing that a flag of truce would go out the following morning, he sat down and wrote, telling her just how he was situated. He told her that he was a cripple, that the war had consumed his property, and that the sum de- )egnn to blow, iin Vennam's nd, and there turn. Saville Scotia he had In frequent rowing old in :o a possible, •ing a vile life e saw Vera's im and prem- :rred. Then, ance for hap- If the return 'ig, as loath- ind he shud- cither refute mc in with a ondency, for : that "the ■s Wellingly, he army." storm with- loughts and elusion that 'ith his own, go out the rote, telling hat the war he sum dc- /^rUSBAArD AND WIFE. 543 posited in Paris, even if he should be able to get mother. These facts m themselves formed -i crorrl reason why she should be released from he promise of wh.ch her mother's ring was the token. I^ hen stated pla>nly the uncertainty he would always pro ad he earnestly urged Vera not to lose her ehanc^ o h ppmess. " I .vill wear your mother's r " henceforth as your friend and brother, hopin<. a 3 askmg for nothing more." ^ "^ He inclosed this letter to the care of her uncle and^ nn.mated that she had better show hinT^ut He went out in the storm, and made it certain hat the letter would go the next morning, and th ^etun.ed to h,s humble home, chilled, colS. and e a-lt b ^. ' T^ "''' ' ^""^ self-sacrifice, and he felt better. He now b.licved that Vera would fonn new ties and interests, and eventually become h" py m them For himself he must look b yond X" shadows of time. ^yu"u tiio He did his best to make his mother pass a cheer- ful evemng. and st.eceeded. She dii not dream ha he had g,ve„ up the dearest hope of life Ind I.at h,s genial manner was like sunhVht pLI"^ upon a grave. She had been ill and weak, and h= had not burdened her with his sorrow Tl,ey were just about retiring, when a light, uncer. tan, step was heard upon the little poreh. There ™s a low, hollow cough, and then came a hesitating 544 NEAR TO NATURE'S HE A NT. Siivillc took a candle and went to the door, and the form of a woman stood in the drivin<; sleet. The candle flared in the wind, and nearly went out. "Who are you, madam, and what do you wish?* lie asked " I am your wife," said the woman, in a low, des- perate tone. He knew from her voice that she was ; but, in his surprise and strong feeling, he could not immediately speak, and she continued, " I suppose you will thrust me out to die also, as I have been turned from the door of my own home, and by my own father, this bitter night. I deserve nothing better at your hands. I said I would never cross your threshold again, but I ir^ust or perish, and I dare not die. If you will only give me shelter in some out ," but here a paroxysm of coughing interrupted her. "I cannot turn you away in such a night," said Saville, in an agitated tone. " Indeed, I pity you from the depths of my heart. I will give you food and shelter here for to-night, and in the morning will try to find a refuge for you." " No, Theron," said his mother, who had drawn near to the door and overheard all ; " if that woman comes in, I will go out." "O mother! you women have no mercy on each other." " I will not pass the night under the same re f with that creature," said his mother sternb- " As I am a Christian man, she shall have sh i. .r somewhere," he said ; and throwing a large cloak nuSBAXD AXD WIFE. ■ door, and sicet. The t out. ■'ou wish?' a low, dos- but, in his nmcdiatcly Jie also, as 3wn home, I deserve ould never or perish, me shelter couglnng ight," said . pity you you food 2 morinng lad drawn .at woman :y on each lame re f vt- sb i^.,r rc-c cloak 545 over her shoulders, he took her to the cottage of . poor man hving near, who was under great oblila tions to baville, and, with much diffieuhv. secu d a" roon. for her there. He then took her food .and wme with his own hands. " Why do you do this ? " she asked. "Julia," he said kindly. " if I had been a Chris- tian mstead of an unbeliever when we were married you might never have con.e to this wretched state."' Will you forgive the past, and take .ne back as your wife again .^" ..he asked, her old trait of self^ seeking promptly showing itself " I ;vill and do forgive you," he said gravelv and 1 will do all for your comf .rt that I can in mV poverty; but you can never be my wife again save only in name."' ^ " Well," she muttered, " that's more than I could expect; and it's a great deal better than dyino- in the street like a dog." "^ The next day she was ^ry ill and feverish, and bavillc summoned a physician. After a brief exam- ination, he told Saville that she could live but aihort trnie under any circumstances, since she was in the last stages of hasty consumption. Her wretched history after leaving New York was soon told. Vennam ..ft her penniless in a north rn city, and, after a brief life of crime, she became^ill Irom exposure in the rigorous climate. A EriMsh officer who had known her in New York secur-d lier a steerage passage thither. She arrived in the storm, but did not dare go to her father's house till after dark. He had sent her fr om his door with NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART, curses, and \\\qx\ sli-; came to the one whcia she had wronged most. She was in great terror when the physician told her that she could not !ive, and ihe scenes at her bedside were harrowing in the extreme. Saviile patiently and gently tried to lead her tc the Merciful One who received and forgave outcasts like herself; but her niind was too clouded by terror an i too isv- fceblc'.' by disease to understand anytliing clearly save the oise dreadful truth that she must die. Her delirious u '.ids wire even worse than her partially sane cries aiid moans ; but Saville, with palicnt en- durance, remained at her bedside almost continually, and minisiered to her with his own hand to the last. All that medical skill and faithful care could accomplish was done to alleviate her suffcrin.^ and add to the number of her days. With earnest words and prayer he sought to instill into her guilty and despairinghcart something like faith. But that had happened toherwhich may happen to any whopersist in the ways of evil : she had passed so far down into the dark shadow of moral and physical death that no light could reach her. Her end was so inex- pressibly sad, that, although by it Saville was re- lieved from his cruel bondage, he yet sat down by her lifeless body and wept as only a strong man can weep. IVEDDED IVITH HER MOTHER'S RING. 547 CHAPTER XLI. WEDDED WITH HER MOTHER'S RING. yERA was alone with her uncle when she re, V ceived Saville's letter. She read it with a l-oloiiol WelliHgly, saying, more fully than ever vvl.at kind of a man he is " Her uncle read the contents uith great interest and then said, " This letter does Mr.'savil, mu' ,' and sensible view of things. Your promise l"sl «sh one, at best, and it was extorted from you i a n,oment of dire en.ergency. Moreover vhat he s..ys .s true and it is probable he will never ear a cmno r ""■'' "="'"■ ^"'' -^•^■' ^-^ We ■ I„y cannot marry a man whose wife »„^ appear a^y " I do not expect to marry him, uncle." Now that is sensible, too. You must be quite we convmced by this time that you can t^^e yo pick, and make a very brilliant match " "Where is your wife, uncle ?- said Vera with tears n, her eyes. " You are the kind of nu' who can always take his pick." 548 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. fill Sii u It I He was silent, for she had touched a very tender chord in him, as he had in her heart. " It may be that some can manage these things in a sensible, thrifty way," she continued ; " but it does not seem to run in our blood to do so. Forgive me, uncle, for touching a sensitive chord ; but I wish you to learn to interpret my heart by your own ; then this question will be finally settled, and you can shield me from many unwelcome attentions." " Well," said her uncle, trying to give a lighter tun"! to the conversation, " somebody's loss is mine and your father's q;rcat uviin." "Yes," said Vera; "I intend to make myself so necessary to you both, tliat you will be like two drag- ons toward everyone with suspicious designs. I am satisfied that it is money that most of them are seek- ing, at best ; and Theron loved me and was kind when I was hungry and in rags. Foolish fellow! I suppose he was in a state of high tragedy when he wrote this letter, and thought that I would t;V,-:e him at his word. He will never make such a blunder again after receiving my answer." But one day, before she found a chance of sending her reply to New York, her uncle entered his quar- ters in a state of great excitement, and said, pro- ducing a city paper, " Vera, it is due to you that you should see this at once." And he pointed out the following para** graph: " Rare Magnanimity.— The Saville tragedy has at length ended, and ended strangely. As might have been expected, Captahi Ven- nam soon abandoned the wretched woman who eloped with him, and WEDDED WITH HER MO TIIER 'S RING. j^q she returned to this city in a sick and dying condition. In the pitiless ktorm of ,he n.ght of the 25th ult., she w.. repulsed from her parents' door. and. m her despair, souj;lu help from her most deeply wronged husband Stran^re to say. he has treated her with wonderful kindness. He could not g.ve her a refuge under ti,e same roof with hi« mother ; but he procured fur her a comfortable room, and was untirin.r i„ h,s attenuons. dnin;; everything in his power to alleviate h.r Jfcr- •ngs during the few days she survived. We have tl,e.e ftets from the cui.en at whose house she died, and can vouch for their correctness " Vera dropped the paper and fled to ] several hours elap.sed before si icr room, and le reappeared. When Kit many tears liad she did, her eyes gave evidence tl mino-Ied with her joy. In curious and feminine con- tradietion to lier phtinly expressed purpose, she did not write to Saville by the next fla- of truce. •' Me is now at liberty to write to me another and a very different letter," she .said to herself; <' and I shall wait till he does." I3ut when Saville'.s letter came, as it did in time It breathed only a quiet and friendly spirit, such as he would naturally write on the supposition that she had accepted his last letter as the basis of their fu- ture relations. It was not in Vera's nature to write and inform him that he was all at fault, and that she was like a rose waiting to be pluclced. " He will have to find out all for himself," she thought; "but I fear he will be ridiculously blind, and con- tinue his high tragedy until some unforseen circum- stance opens his eyes." Early in the spring Mrs. Saville so fVir regained her health that her son was able to return to the army, a step rendered specially necessary by hi.s pecuniary circumstaucco. He called promptly on 550 ^/£AA TO NATURE'S HEART. Vera after his return to West Point; but it so happened that there were several stranc^ers calling at her uncle's quarters at the time 'uid his manner was somewhat formal and d: .taiu. ohe was provoked at herself that she permitted her bcarin' P'-^^^rcd fur the It "•as a nia-nificent affair fo \var-deplctcd t •laughter l'],a-| un r those primitive and t-^'J. Sam Frauiices and 1 tert a-l)e presided over th ^'"•"^^nt, and the best mil ^''^■^ buxom c cuisine and cn- tl th for seoursed o;ay music. M 1^" country, State, and citv 't'l'T band of tl I'lyof the lead le army ''1.^^ in(;n of ^m, It nnVht almost be' said ^\-L'rc present, and iniou' slie artill persisted in w Has Captain M,,|| eryman ■s coat. S an lionorable master of " Jasper Annul himself urcrei^ charged witl ccremoni Jast was satisfied that 1 -. ^^'cmonies, and Tascar >;:0 many important duties that h ;iscar was friend, P om ic utterly eclipsed 1 e at P^T. His mother, old Gul '■ed turban, looked as if si truth an Afri Mrs. Savill lean dow le^ niight have b ^^-^ old ill her lofty ager (iiieen. cen in ver ^\-as so happy that si .'"'" >;"^!^^>' '-'"d would have b to admit that 1 tlian she had thriftil supposed. V eaven had mad le quite renewed perfectly ready e^ a better match cen had eras wnti y comi)assed, as she had won her heart ind affectionate time, compl brich 't once, while si once manner 'mplacently rciiiembered ic, at the s, mie the ducats of tlu 'Pile tall, bent form of even thouiil the father was conspicuous, ,7" tnougn, m accordai.ce with h;- m iiabit,he ever so,,,,!,. .,/ , '''^^' '^''^ «^^ ^^^nnk h'ant scene, p ver sought the bacL mg gloom had h that th ee sat screnelv on his b. "'ei-ed lor so many years. Pf l-'ground in the bril. !'o\r, wliere ^ curse had passed away from h e believed im and his. iiM'i ,. i llfM 554 ^r£A/^ TO NATURE'S HEART. and he was daily becoming more grateful for recog- nized blessings. But Colonel Wellingly was the genius of the occasion, and, witli a genial, high-bred courtesy, he moved among the guests, bestowing words of wel- come and graceful attentions, with the tact of one whose thoroucfh knowledtre of men enabled him to make every utterance and act timely and appropriate. To each one he gave the sense of being recognized and cared for; and his fine breeding made him at ease in addressing Governor Clinton, or the Commander- in-chief, and no less so in speaking to some subaltern, or Captain Molly herself. Soon a breezy and expectant rustle and hum of voices announced that the bride and groom were descending the grand stairway. As Vera entered, leaning upon the arm of her father, there was a deep murmur of admiration. Her heart was filled with unspeakable gratitude, for God's minister was before her, and in his hand God's Holy Word. And when Saville spoke the words, " With this ring I thee wed," and put upon her finger the plain gold band with which her father had espoused her mother, she thought she felt that mother's hands resting upon her head in bless- ing. Even in that supreme moment, her mind flashed back to the hour of her strong temptation, when her mother's charge that she should be wedded with this ring came to her help like an angel's hand. While the clergyman was offering the concluding prayer, iter mind wandered a little, and harbored the Uiouffht, WEDDED ^VITIl HER MOTHER'S Rf^vc. en;b„ide..d velvet! iay ^ Htuf Ck"'"' "'''"""''' Uocs your Excellency reco-mize fl„-= ? •• , . Vera, pointin, to it ™»'>'^e tins ? asked .e^S--''-.».-..on.e,ll. many : to'ti:'' ''"^■' ''"''''' ' '"^ ""-'' "-ough yo>.^,ft,ca..Hed.etln.ou,d..,.eo.;:t::Vjror . "^"^^ this happy weddin-to-nHit"nddo.1<; -n in a tone of H,v.,^ r i- "'t^"!^' added baville, one ot deep fcchng, "at vvhieh I feel the Son of God ,s present, as truly as He was at C due to your rrfft of th;. n-u, ^ ^^^"^'^' '» counsel Li^r^^^^lJ^fl ""' .■'" ^"*"='" liever, and wa, temn ?, !,! , '"" "" ""'"• cease." ""'''' ^' «™""J-' that shall never carj fjathered thickly in Was! iin.c^toirs eye.' and ( !■• 556 NEAR TO NATURE'S HEART. taking Vera in his arms, he kissed her tenderly, saying, " The words which you and your husband have spoken form one of those memories which grow dearer to the hist hour of Hfe." One quiet summer evening, Arthur and Guy Wel- lingly issued from the door of the rustic hunting- Iodide into which tlie mountain cabin had been de- veloped, and, following a path, they came to a lovely and secluded spot, embowered in the primeval trees of the forest. From a pedestal arose a light sha^t of white marble, around which was entwined the cling- ing ivy. It bore no name. That was engraved on the hearts of the brothers. Was she a weak woman who had thus enchained two such men ? Is not that faith rational which affirms that love so faithful must have a spiritual and eternal fruition ? THE END. iM i r tenderly, band have 'hich grow 1 Guy Wel- c liunting- 1 been de- to a lovely neval trees ht sha^t of I the cUng- igraved on enchained )nal which )iritual and