Bloomington Progress, Bloomington, Monroe County, 16 February 1900 — Page 3

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-A ROMANCE OF THE WAR OF 1812.-V

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CHAPTER XIV. (Continued.) "Look!" exclaimed Yarn-all, seizing Sutherland's arm. with one of those powerf ul grasps that an excited man is apt 'to use when directing the attention of -another to some object of more than ordinary interest. The latter was for an instant startled by so rude and unceremonious an appeal, but turning to the indicated direction he beheld the clouds lifting ijhemselves rapidly from the horizon j and exposing a sky of bright brazen tinge beyond; then a flood of sticky light poured in upon the waters, and the air became suddenly ass cold -as the atmosphere of a Mgh northern latitude. ""lis coming," said Sutherland; and he had scarcely time to seize hold of the mizzen rigging, 'before the hurricane, in all its wrath, was upon them. Instantly the Sparrow Hawk !ommeneed driving through the ocean with a velocity that piled the waters -about her bow like a bank of snow, and sent them roaring in foamy furrows astern; the wind howled through the rigging and spairs, and so deafening was the chaos that heaven's artillery would have been all unheard amid it. "The foresail and main-topsail cannot stand it much longer," shouted YarnaH. Sutherland acknowledged the truth of the remark with a mod, but he knew it would "be useless to attempt handling them, as the united force of the whole crew would be insufficient to clew up either of the -sails after the sheets had been started. In another moment the fears of the first lieutenant were all verified; the main-topsail was blown out of the bolt-rope, and whirled away by the force of the tempest, and the foresail burst from its confinement, and lashed and flapped itself to 'fragments immediately afterward. The hurricane was at the very height of its power, and when Sutherland again looked upon the ocean, he saw it covered with foam, so that it appeared more like a vast prairie, after the prevalence of a snowstorm, than the wild, unstable world of waters that it really was. At this moment an exclamation of surprise burst from his lips, for his gaze fell suddenly upon a ship, not more than half mile distant, driving like the Sparrow Hawk before the hurricane under bare poles. He needed not a second glance to assure him that it was the Sea King. "She shall not escape us this time, Yarmall," said Sutherland; but the lieutenant shook his head with a doubtful signification. "She has her three topsails in snug furls aloft, six; and we've none but the fore; and as soon as the wind abates a little she'll sheet home and be oftV' "But we can bend ours, Mr. YarnalL" "Not with the same breeze that she can spread hers." For two hours longer both ships continued dashing madly through the water, but it was now observed that the hurricane was gradually losing its power; the clouds overhead began to break and separate, and the clear blue of the firmament was in many places visible; the sea, too, commenced rising as the wind abated, and the Sparrow Hawk pitched and tossed with unwonted violence. Two hours more passed away, and the sun shone brilliantly from his high place In the heavens; the storm-spirit bad vanished, and peace again smiled upon a scene that but a little while before might have led one to imagine that she had quitted it forever. The Sparrow Hawk was now sweeping through the ocean under a broad spread of canvas, but a wide waste of water intervened between her and the Sea King, for the dim outline of the latter was just perceptible on the furthest verge of the horizon.

CHAPTER XV. It was evening in Tampico; the air was balmy as the breath of a cherub, for the richest and rarest and sweetest flowers of the earth were sending up their incense. The full moon looked down from the zenith in all the splendor of unsullied brightness, and the light she showered upon the scene was indeed the illumination of loveliness. And there were two beings who looked out upon ibs splendor with unusual rapture, for they were lovers, and to the imagination refined by that passion nature seems ever the most beautiful. None were there save themselves; her soft, fairy-like hand was clasped in his, her head reclined upon him with all the confidence of an artless Spanish girl, and his arm delicately encircled her sylphide form. Montgomery was then happy, happier than he had ever been, and the dreamer forgot his hatred to man, forgot his misfortunes, forgot the past entirely and thought the world a paradise. When Montgomery awoke on the following -morning he was informed by his servant that an American sloopof-war was at anchor off the mouth of the river. With a gloomy brow he received the information, for he had in his exile studiously avoided his own countrymen, and more than cmce, on the arrival of their ships, he was known to quit the seaboard for the interior until such time as they had departed. It was noon when a barge, gayly decorated, and bearing the flag of the United States at her stem, passed swiftly up the river and landed at the city of Tampico; and in less than an hour afterward Montgomery received a" note from the !orernor, sollciiing hi company at dialer, and informing him at xhe ame time that !

he would meet with Captain Sutherland of his country's naval service. At that name the cheek of the exile grew ashy pale, and he staggered to a seat, for an unconquerable weakness came over him. He summoned Antonio, and bade him saddle his horse Lmmediatdy; this done he wrote a reply to the Governor, stating that it would be impossible for him to accept his invitation, as business of importance called him at once into the interior. The note being sent, he mounted his steed, and was the next moment galloping over the plains like a madman. Sutherland and Yarnall were well received and hospitably entertained by the Governor; every attention was paid them, and every courtesy lavished upon them. The dinner, too, was excellent, and the company all in fine spirits. Dona Carlotta was at first a little saddened, perhaps, that Montgomery was absent; but that soon wore away, and her dark eyes sparkled with their usual luster, and the smiles of sweetness came again to her Hps. More than once she, encountered the gaze of Sutherland fixed admiringly upon her, for, with one exception, he thought her the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. After dinner the party adjourned to the piazza, and Carlotta there informed Sutherland that her mother had issued cards of invitation for a ball that evening, and that he would then have an opportunity of seeing all the beauty of Tampico; "and if the senor chooses," added she "he can select from among them a wife; the senor, I presume, is not marTied?" "No, thank heaven 1" replied Sutherland. "And why thank heaven?" continued the maiden; "the married state is surely the happiest!" "It may be, but indeed, were I now married I should regret it." "Why, senor?' "Because I have seen Dona Carlotta de Silva!"v "Senor, I am very sorry to believe you a flatterer." "Then banish your regret, for I assure you that you are in error," said Sutherland. "Then, senor, I must thank you for the compliment." The maiden courtesied gracefully, and Sutherland felt half inclined to love her. Evening came, and when Yarnall and Sutherland descended to the ball room they found the company had all assembled. "Heavens! how many beautiful women!" exclaimed the latter, paying a just tribute to the loveliness of the fairy-like creatures that crowded the apartment; "Yarnall, did you ever behold such an assemblage of enchantresses?" But that gentleman was not an admirer of the sex; and muttering a complimentary negative, he moved over and stationed his personage behind a large punch bowl that was reared on a pedestal in one of the ante-rooms. "So, Senor Captain, you have come at last," said Carlotta, playfully; "is it the custom in your country to delay your appearance until so late an hour?" "A hundred thousand apologies, my friend but really my time has passed so pleasantly since I have b-en here that I am at a loss to keep account of the hours." "A lame excuse, senor; but I suppose I must admit it; and now tell me what opinion you have formed of the ladies of Tampico?" "That they are the most beautiful, the most graceful and the most captivating creatures beneath the sun; and that they are better suited to the bowers of Paradise than the vales of Mexico." "Sonor, you are extravagant." "Then 'tis the witchery of your sex that has made me so." It was the gray dawn when the dancing ceased; the guests retired, and Sutherland slept a few hours away in dreams of .the beautiful Carlotta. When he awoke he heard the winds howling in their wrath, and through the casement he saw the sky black with heavy masses of dense clouds. On descending, he was informed by the Governor that the Sparrow Hawk had slipped and put to sea. One or two exclamations of regret escaped him, but smiling at length, he remarked that he supposed there was no alternative but to wait until she should return. "And so, Senor Captain, you do not leave us as early as you anticipated?" said Carlotta, when she again met with Sutherland. 'Senorita, no; the elements have conceded to me a pleasure that my duty would have prevented me from enjoying." ''Blessed be the norther!" playfully ejaculated the maiden. "Amen!" responded Sutherland. ' "You forgot to add, with all your heart, Senor Captain." "With all i VStop, senor," said Carlota, interrupting him with as sweet a smile as ever woke to light and love upon the Mps of woman, "you've already many peccadilloes for the next confessional don't, I pray you, increase them." "Nay, senorita, I must protest against your decision. You would make of me a mOst confirmed sinner." "Not at all, senor; on the other hand, if it were not beyond all human agency, i would create you a saint, and give you

a fitting place in the calendar." "Methinks, Carlotta, it were easier to transform you into an angel." "Or a mermaid!" continued the maiden, glancing at him archly through the long black silken fringes that shaded her beautiful eyes. When Sutherland learned that the lovely daughter of his host was betrothed, a pang of regret agitated him for a moment, although he had not previously wished for more than her friendship. But it is always thus with man; there is a selfishness in his composition that never fails to disturb him when any object of superior loveliness is bestowed upon another, even though his own hopes were centered in a different quarter. Now that an insuperable barrier was raised between their affections, he felt that he really loved her, and acknowledged with a sigh the necessity of conquering his feelings, and demeaning himself toward her with even more formality than he had hitherto used. The remembrance of Anna Hamilton, although his love for her was a passion all blasted in its hopes, had heretofore prevented him from cherishing the heart's, fondness for woman; but, in the present instance, the spell was broken; for what revolutions will not time, absence and man's waywardness create? Seven days passed away, the storm still raged, and the Sparrow Hawk was yet buffeting the angry billows of the Mexican gulf. At length the norther died away, and in a few days afterward the Sparrow Hawk was telegraphed off the mouth of the river. Carlotta's heart sank within her when she received the information, and the feelings of Sutherland were perhaps as agitating. The hour of separation came. Sutherland took leave of the Governor's wife and her lord with a calmness that was well affected; but when he pressed the small white hand of Carlotta, his voice trembled, and he could scarcely master the weakness that threatened to overpower him. She was as pale as death for one moment, but womanly pride and a sense of duty sustained her, and armed her with a firmness, the exercise of which blinded Sutherland to her love, but nearly broke her own heart. He entered his barge, and tirrew himself recklessly in the stern sheets; she was launched from the shore, and the next moment glided swiftly down the transparent river; once he looked back, a kerchief was waved from the casement of Carlotta's apartment; in agony he returned the salutation, and when a bend in the river shut out the city of Tampico, he folded his arms, and with contracted brows resigned himself to lonely imbittering reflections.

CHAPTER XVI. The night wore placidly on; the noises were hushed upon the forecastle, and no sound but the measured tread of the sentinel broke the stillness that prevailed throughout the decks of the Sparrow Hawk. Sutherland was yet awake; he seldom retired before one or two bells in the middle watch, and now he was not in a state of mind to obtain repose, how much soever he might covet it. After traversing his apartment until he had fatigued himself with the exercise, he threw himself upon the sofa, and was about to open the pages of a favorite author, wheal his attention was suddenly arrested by the quartermaster's hoarse summons of "Boat ahoy!" The response, whatever it might have been, was uttered too faintly to reach his ears; but the rattle of oars, in a moment or two afterward, convinced him that the boat had been permitted to come alongside. While he yet awaited the official report of the officer on deck, the door was opened, and he was informed by the quartermaster that two persons had come off from the shore, and that one of them desired to speak with him. "Show him in," returned Sutherland. The quartermaster withdrew, and the stranger entered the apartment, but paused, motionless', within a pace of the threshold. The light burned but dimly in the cabin lamp, and the features of the newcomer were besides so effectually screened by the broad brim of a Spanish hat that Sutherland obtained but an imperfect view of his countenance; but he was both youthful and beautiful. The commander of the Sparrow Hawk was still upon his feet, but the stranger had not yet put aside his sombrero; and, though he1 had been twice requested to seat himself, he returned not a syllable in reply, but stood with downcast eyes and clasped hands, in an. attitude that might be one of bashf ulness or supplication. The singularity of the stranger's conduct at first created no other sensation' in tile breast of Sutherland than that of surprise; but his continued silence, and apparent neglect of everything like courtesy, at length brought the angry spot to the commander's cheek. , "If you have business with me," said he, and his voice sufficiently indicated his displeasure, although he wished it otherwise, "I am awaiting your pleasure to make it known. The newcomer said not a word, but the vexation of Sutherland was changed to astonishment; for a sob that was heart-broken burst from the bosom of the addressed, and for the first time Sutherland observed that the youth had been weeping. "Nay, fear nothing," said Sutherland, in a voice that was mild as it was respectful; "whoever you may be, you are safe while here; and if it as your wish to remain unknown, I shall make no attempt to penetrate your disguise." But scarcely had he finished when the sombrero fell from the visitor's head and disclosed the beautiful features of Carlotta. The maiden's cheek burned with the glow of shame; and, screening her face with her small, white hands, she wept on, her bosom heaving with anguish, and the tears gushing through her alabaster fingers, like diamond dewdrops along the spotless stem of the snowy jasmine. "Dona Carloitta," exclaimed Sutherland, "has anything happened to your father?" There was a silence of a moanent !efore tlw madden implied.

"Senior, ao." "Your mother " exclaimed he, still mistaking the cause of her grief. "Is well, senor." "What then " but he stopped short, for the truth came upon him like a blessing from Paradise, and he felt ashamed of himself for not having discovered it at first. "Then, sweet Carlotta," resumed he, "dry up those tears! for I am sure you have no cause for this unhappiness. Nay, nay. why give yourself so much pain. Carlotta, when there exists not the shadow of a reason for it? Come, now, seat yourself here, and smile away those tears, whose source, my dear Carlotta, would be about as difficult to discover as the prime fountains of the Nile," But the madden, though she suffered herself to be conducted to the sofa, made not an effort to suppress her sorrow. "Carlotta, dearest Carlotta! Why do you indulge in this unwarrantable affliction?" "Senor, I have too much cause for it!" responded she. "I have deceived my father and mother I have performed that which every maiden should blush to think of, and have forfeited my own self-respect forever. And you, Senor Captain, how will you esteem the woman who forgets the delicacy of her sex, defies the opinions of those that have grown up with her, and throws aside the garb of modesty, in wild obedience to a passion which she is in honor and in duty bound to suppress?" "Carlotta," said Sutherland, and his voice was the voice of one who is about to utter a grave and impressive truthit was full of tenderness it was melodious with affection and there was in it a feature of deep-toned sincerity that caused the maiden to forget her grief that she might gather every word that fell from his lips "if for one moment you suppose that my esteem for you is lessened in the least, you must egregiousJy deceive yourself. But why should I designate my feelings toward you by the cold appellation of esteem, when that sentiment scarcely existed in my breast before it gave way to a far more endearing passion? Yes, Carlotta, I loved you! dearly, devotedly, madly loved you! but I was told you were the promised of anotherI was told your affection had been long bestowed upon him that your parents approved the union, that your relatives desired it; and under these circumstances I was bound to conceal a passion that I thought utterly hopeless. Nor, Carlotta, did I then presume to suppose that a being so surpassingly beautiful as yourself ever gave other than a thought of friendship to me. I dared not aspire to the bliss of being loved by such a one; but mow, Carlotta, I may hope that I was then in error; speak, dearest, may I not?" "Senor, you were!" "Sweet Carlotta! those words have made me happy beyond all the hopes I over yet indulged. Yes! were the wild and romantic fancies of my boyhood realized at this moment, or were the graver expectations of manhood all verified, I could not have been more blessed than I am now!" (To be continued.)

Impressive Sayings. Of all sayings probably the most lsapressive are those of great rulers who contrived to embody the profound confidence they felt that a lifetime of command was before them, in a few weighty words. Julius Caesar's "Veni, vidi, vici," aiid his question to the skipper who feared for the loss of his boat, "What dost thou fear, when Caesar is on board?" are likely to be In every one's mouth as long as the world lasts. And so, perhaps, is Napoleon's "I succeeded not Louis XIV., but Charlemagne," and the same great man's remark, "Imagination rules the world," and. "I ought to have died at Waterloo." Perhaps the finest thing ever said was Burke's answer to Pitt, who declared that England and the British constitution were safe to the day of judgment, "It is the day of no judgment I am afraid of;" but it is not certain that Burke really meant to convey all that the words do convey. Possibly he meant it chiefly as a sarcasm on Pitt's judgment; but the larger sense of the saying, in which it means that it is not the day of divine judgment that is to be feared, so much as the day when the reality of divine judgment is hidden from men, and human beings go on the frivolous, irresponsible pursuit of their own wishes, is quite worthy of Burke. Picturesque Time-Telling. Among the Malagasy, the inhabitants of Madagascar, the old pictorial quality of language still obtains. The days are marked, not by hours, but by habitual occurrences. For example, "The moment when the cock crows" corresponds to five o'clock a. in. "When the chickens go out to feed" means about six. "The moment when the cows go. forth" is sevec, "When the oxen leave" is eight, and "When the workmen leave" is nine, "When the first rice is eaten" is ten o'clock. In the afternoon the names of the procession of hours are reversed. "When the women return from the rice-field" means five o'clock, and if it is about six, the native simply oays, "The hens return." Change of Gang. A Manila correspondent, speaking of the departure of the Kansas Twentieth regiment, notes the curious thing that, when the men turned in their j arms, most of them turned in Mansers when they Avere charged with Springfield rifles on the book of the regiment. They had captured the Mausers from the Filipinos. Often when a woman tries to crush a man with a look she only succeeds in mashinx him.

"Why is Aguinaldo like a man who lives by his wits?" "I dunno." "He carries his capital AA ith him." Chicago Times-Herald. Young Physician When you have a case which baffles you, whom do yon call in? Old Doctor (gruffly) The undertaker. Life. Justifiable. She Don't you think it is better to marry for love than for money?" He Certainly if the contracting parties are both wealthy." Chicago News. Ned I wonder if it amazes a girl when a fellow catches her under the mistletoe. Ted It must; she always seems to be rooted to the spot. Town Topics. Maud Tell me all about it. MabelWell, when it began he was on his knees. Maud And how did it end? Mabel In the end er I was on his knees. Town Topics. "What is your occupation, my good woman?" said the examining attorney to the witness for the defendant. "Oi'm a washer-woman, sorr." "Where do you hang out?" Judge. Demonstrative time-piece: "What a beautiful hall clock!" exclaimed the visitor. "Yes," said Mrs. Gas well; "it cost us a pile of money. The penjulum osculates just once every second." Chicago Tribune. Her natural rights: Mamma I don't see where you get your red hair; you don't get it from your papa, and you certainly don't get it from me. Little

Dorothy Well, mamma, can't I start

something ? Puck. Ralph Suppose a fellow's best girl gets mad when he asks for a kiss? Curtis Take it without asking. Ralph Suppose she gets mad then?' Curtis Then he's got some other felloWa girl. Harlem Life. Country Doctor (catechising) Now, little boy, what must we all do in order

to enter heaven? Boy Die. Country Doctor Quite right but what must we all do before we die? Boy Get sick and send for you. Judge. The doctor prescribes: Jimson Doctor, I am getting too stout for comfort; and I want your advice. Doctor: Nothing reduces flesh like worry; spend two hours a day thinking of the unpaid bill you owe. me. Tit-BitSJ , Mrs. Lash What did you get baby for a birthday present? Mrs. Rash I took four dollars and ninety-nine cents out of the little darling's bank and bought him this lovely lamp for the drawing-room. Boston Beacon. Football Mrs. Newcome (her first game) Oh! isn't it awful? Horrible! Why, they will kill that man underneath! Her Daughter (an enthusiast) Oh! he doesn't mind it, mother; he's unconscious by this time! Puck. Mrs. Kelly (1 a. m.) How could yea get droonk widout a cint in your pocket? Mr. Kelly Whoi, Rooney was talkin' war, Casey was talkin' politics, and Hogan was talkin' baby! All I hod to do was to kape me mouth shut! Puck. "This is murder!" cried the enemy, as the captain of marines opened with the ship's machine guns from the top of the hill. "No, only a salt and battery!" we shouted back at them, thus deftly adding insult to injury. Detroit Journal. "Jaysmith fairly worships his wife," said Fosdick, "and yet he won't give her enough money to dress herself properly." "It isn't always the most devout worshiper that puts the most money on the collection-plate," replied Keedick. Town Topics. Inquiring Child Father, there's a lot in this book about Othello. Who was Othello? Father Othello! Why, bless me, my boy, do you mean to tell me you go to Sunday school, and don't know a simple thing like that? I'm ashamed of you! Tit-Bits. Parson New Yo' expects me to move heah an' preach foh yo' widout salary? How does I lib? Deacon Snow Wy,

yo' gits youah libbin' de same as de rest ob us; but bein' er preachah de fingah of suspishun doan nebbah point in youah direckshun. Judge. "Who is your favorite author?" inquired the young woman who is collecting autographs. "I don't know what his name is," replied Aguinaldo; "but the man who wrote 'He who fights and runs away may live to fight another day' certainly knew his business." Washington Srar. "Give me some familiar proverb about birds," said the teu?her. Tommy Tucker raised his hand. "The early bird " He paused a moment, and tried it again. "The early bird" "Yes," said the teacher, encouragingly;

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man. I'm hunting for money." "Let me get up and strike a light," said the minister, "and I'll hunt with you." Universaiist Leader.