Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 4, Number 50, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 13 June 1874 — Page 2

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a i,H«

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From Uu: the ism*.

And Al And, »tO 8be»

ami fchout

i- fctt-'•'•'» jg town ibe roal, .« a»i w»ve* «d root*. ,i the d/om TO .JOOSS. -Mf

Otv

A o«

He tumiv tbcwv"1" Amid ttw whcwJwsi! at school, TIM boy to boom *-J Km*.

Whore fcho ch «n -1 to play I 0, the *Henc~ -5 en.,. Uousje, knoetlMt weniawajrl AndU this

J-VUr^~

ML_

The memo-r tfi#h-:i:' doth^oMlT--"To bear, aou wve, n^U nfe." Till *11 the sweet, tale is told Inartnaletr^n"

A flower ted" All Jaded "till »i» fit Of one who tell m- p.

A Life in the Balance.

BY CltABXJaS MORRtS,

Author of the "tHiwnond Kleeve Button." CHAPTER XXIII. [COJfTtNtfKP.)

Laura, young *he was fn experience, understood 1^, and was the first to break the silence. "Com% .sin Robert," she raid, "have you a word, or a touch of the hand, for Mtea Reynolds, the good fhiry who has come here to break your bonds, and release you from this dismal habitation?" ••What do yon mean?" he asked, glancing nervously front one to tho other.

She means to indulge in a little extravagance," feplled Miss Reynolds, rising, with some effort, and grandly offering him her hand.

He grasped it with eagerness, and with a pressure so strong as to cause her some little pain in retaining it aa he led her again to her seat.

A thousand thanks for this kind visit," he said. "It has done me good, and •will do more good, to find that my friends have not all Mien from me, and that you have remembered me in my extremity."

You need it," she replied, looking earnestly in his fltce, and suppressing the feeling that sought to break from her lips. "You have let confinement bear upod you till you are no longer yourself." "Disgrace, not confinement," ho replied bitterly.

Disgrace cannot soil the innocent," die gently answered.

The innocent!" There was a harsh intonation in his voice. "Society and the Law have adjudged me guilty. Who is to establish my Innocence, and preserve my good name from the opprobrium which has fallen upon it?" «I am, (God aiding)," was her firm re-

He dropped her hand, look

ed at her with distended eyes. "Do you know of what you speak? Circumstances are black against me. The law h« condemned me. I am sentenced to death. How——eon your weak hand break these strong chains*"

As yours might have done, had yon borne up more bravely against your position, and have done your duty to yourself and friends by fighting *°r your life, instead of yielding supinely to despair." "There Is contempt in your words, Clara Reynolds," he replied, "yet, believe roe, I do not deserve it. I do not fear death, not even the death of the scaffold, for itself. It is not this that has ucanned n:• but that I, who have Sir i\ to mv part honestly and truly to the won 1-who have been proud, even to tineas, of my good name and that my aiKiestors—should haveliiwi the .a of a disgrace the der*- Into ivliitli man can descend, for I to stand before the world a felon, convicted of th,-' v,\\rvt and most abhorred of of a deliberate ^ohwn«r-~oh, it is too hard! too hard to

Have you not considered, then, that you owe in re to tin- good name than to yield sut. *dy to Timstanccs? Is it not your duty to do alitor.: a- a to your po to def rar chmraufcer against •O f" .-4 rvi..nr»

It hurt her to speak to him m, hot she ww that hte mind needed severe medicine.

What eo^.l ft-"

piiftrt. "I, ^i uha%" -»lw wi liberty, to be Ux ^TST -f*hesu»:,ir| :i! Wf •I .'l-f

A mil of what nr f.H'tM l«d* il Vfl--J-It' 5'"

O a O i«u- 4 l-'Mnwa wrW* 4m". 1 Jou-'A- tl yo« are inno« or i.ierime, I kow that *!-*Ckw. don did» di* of 1 rm. With jrflfcir kl-.'-w of a-' ii. n».

1 an

my i«Mit

\i»

tod

Shohud

mhe

ihis, nutsin Rol» ». said, "whstever have l»en made in u| in&erui

the MM*. -I the hiu»

tt-* the fctait rtA%t'.:.-. Missis^ isold^ h«a»at-•b-i S me that the symptoms o. ue death were H«Jt those of poison, and wtwetoiai we Int.-n.1 to the wwrld. l..:i ail !th.-r bei-ar.i..tiwl eiritf iM havt I new trial, ami we i.iresrty «nWN

en playsd,

Mr. Craw I l, no of the best hi yew in tho town to do And

't. 4 lu«.- l*a«i jbf*n gtuntf^ i»u«, -"uld ji n»t Imw* i.Mni m..n» c4»i«.-red than by these ^iv w' ls. A

8KunjUt

ro«pect wlii 'h In had clu^il i'iir\i-r, sudd* n'.y Jar o}-"v bi'l'or-" his :q\, gl inn the Muf.'^ht of anew hf-i- '. "Thank tharV you!" he Mid, warmly untsplug

Hi tl hands, "i know tL-: I I.a/© been poorly (lefended and nnjnstly comict od, but I saw no avenue escape. Dear friends, the world is brightening again before me. \Vhat am I tol do? Can I aid yowr eflfort«in any way?"

YW," replied Miss Reynolds. "The great ^iflicuUy Is that few lawyers know anything about medicine, and more men than one have suffered simply because the jury was allowed to remain In Ignorance or tho truth. Mr. Crawford will consult vot), and it must depend upon yourself to show him what witnesses to obtain, what questions to ask, and what defence to make. If we can but procure anew trial, I have do doubt of the verdict."

And what do you design doing?" he asked, anxiously. Miss Reynolds proceeded to describe her plan of operations, to which he listened with the most eager interest. He was evidently becoming infected with their hopefulness, and" his fkee lighted up with an expression that banished all its gloom, and half concealed tho ravages made by despair and imprison-

You have given mo both hope and desire," he said. "I thank you for this kind visit. Life is growing sweet to me again, seen through the medium of your

fresenoe

romiseyou give me now is but half a The false charge brought in regard to mv marriage

Dr. Wilmer, let that subject rest between us," she replied, in cold, stern voice. "I have not acted without full and just cause. Oome, Laura, this interview has been too long."

You are cruel, Clara Reynolds, and unjust," he replied. "But let that pass. I will not break tho silence which you have imposed upon me. Time shall vindicate me against all aspersions upon ray character."

There was a dignity in his last words that touched her deeply, despite herself. For the first time, a doubt crossed her mind in regard to this marriage. She tamed to him, as the door opened, and took his hand, bidding him farewell in a tone in which emotion mastered her every effort to suppress it. With a sudden impulse, he carried tho slender fingers to his lips and imprinted a warm kiss upoft them. As the door closed heavily behind them, he flnng himself again into his seat, and buried his faco in his folded arms upon the table, the helpless prey of many conflicting emotions.

CHAPTER XXIV.

MA51FUI.ATINO THE FtTnLir. n» newspapers were filled with the Wiimer poison trial. Well-written arUappeared in all the leading journal detailing the flicts of the case, and tlie utter lack of medical ability mown by court and counsel. These articles all had the stamp of one hand, but they manifested as well tho action of a keen. critical mind, and «*ie thoroughly at home In medical jurisprudence. The

lady-writer—for

I ft

toll*, cap«t .:

flrvt t'i.itecn-

sod had no be**

*$W, ris 1 NV

left uj "K rt h®r Iteet, ewriMMt poMth* 11 Mn „. your knowlwhce of my «l»nrij* tw,Mhew^4i«d|*,«*,o' tfkhrne which you bu hirh 1 now SMUT

gay mm tm ytmr limo-

Ah.'-1 look tn,- into i.-T ye*

tlmtivtiMlu iiivu rrta'f He had tombed wronx chord iy nlIwt*: -2 a wfc*-tii ^1* Wii-v-•d- !i«d 4 betrayed, what tro** eonld mwtia!

1^.

the unmistakable mark

of sex was upon them—bad evidently made every ehbrt to perfect her knowledge in this respect, and great public attention was excited by the marked .wer of her articles.

?. re- Ibe journals naturally followed »p the »dthe|eue thus given them, aiid niany string-, 4 HP in tWai Ht edit*'n da pu?-u bed on the r? 4iie free ooted uujstloa of thi nfflHency of ea, aa HIS teata fcr poiaon to poat-mortem ex--growing 1 ami nation*. Tt pro nml oon was dei.i&tence?I bated at ooi^-v rable ngth some par I me to tlwte I i*mi declaring manv innocent 1 -.-r.v:-

r«-1aonahad bwu l.-ing thio igh the lisufficiency of who read in the vi^n* m-u WldWOHOfi pos--n mddein-xf that many pois.»n« .-fuM *Hh OliqU'v-tf't:i.-ilili1' r' None. 1,:.h..I to A. i.i'i- ih«i In iiiiv the

I.*i,--t. .-i !'--d been pt \»n beyond a ford wi^! m-.m!.!. f-.i the the erosa^x-1 Dead

iHS tllf-

vpei:

J»y Hn ispwtr u»ei

th-

he*

1HIC of ai ti.tint's left *'!•, j-i: *, ..f the

1 h" t»

•-11

lil-'-l1 II' 1 'a jiU

ItoOktM'

!den:.-i sv itfci?.

'-..enthiu- ^»nrnals and :ni-[We*ed .'1 an. theasf" ..--•I «j--::dente »ijny. Yet, th.»v ti./. tlir in

Itiv

nvicti

thara

"WITH A SUNNS* IMPURE, HB c*A*I»

lem.

and your words. Relieve mo,

will do my utjnost to aid your efforts, and will, whatever tho result, feel the deepest gratitude for your disinterested resistance, and your trust in my innocence. And, oh! could I but convince you upon another point, upon which your mind has been noisoued bv the shine foul-tongued viuian to whom I owe all my misfortunes, then life would indeed be again bright before. The

gope.

One

What

And what is more, my doar friend," sb* wrote, "I don't intend t« let you beard the lion in his don alone. I want to go with you to the Governor, and if he can hold out against the persuasive tongues and char mi ug smiles of two apod'looking damsels like us, then I will hristen hima veritable dragon,and send the finrt St. (iteorge I can find to tilt again him with upeer and shield. in I am ii an re of a ug no hand in this business. I have me soma llttgood, I suppose, In ti md piaguh' Robert, and keepin 11 wp to the ua woudcrful pitch .! it/..1 temper, eottttM*!intj the drcumvi,• Yon «n*t conceive what good v.. -itdid him. lie has been quite »n.t her w,m since, and is ftiliof that U- ti of hope which consists iu

\v!* se have I done? Notlilng, i.oe»t to wrong and torment he imvrv. verii heueve Mr. Crawme in the bottom of the

hi**

Si:- jtut-iii'. ArSia- I

Y-i

as. Mi

s^1

Wfi

11.

-ctT.-i had she a«e laid tMh-

in, v. it t* rm tl d'"-!r' to U-j---the 11 Hi ir verdict

IIXO-a- IW fltt a- kn-.im, «n

3 O

TTCRBE HAUTfi §AfaRD'AY EVEKING MAIL. ...

gave unquestionable .strength to the chargo of poisoning, and that, in all probability, Dr. Wilmer was getting no more than his deserts in this conviction. But few journals, however, spoko in this tone, and that immediately alter the trial, and before the strong effort mentioned had l)oen made to manufacture a new public opinion.

It was alKHit the first of December that Mm Reynolds, quietly engaged during this .interval in this practice of her profession, received 1 otters

from

ford, and read as follows: "DRAK MISS RKYNOI.TJS: I

8on,

of these was from Mr. Craw

am highly

gratified with tho result of your labors. You have indeed succeeded in turning the tide of public opinion in our favor. The infiuenco exerted abroad is beginning to produce reaction oven in Salem. A number of influential citizens have confessed to me that they doubt the sufficiency of the ovidenee presented by tho prosecution, and believe that the cause of justice demands anew trial. And. what, is of yet more importance, our newspapers here are beginning to change their tone. Tho voico of their exchanges is so decidedly of one opinion that oven their dull eyes have been opened, and the Salem Herald has just published an editorial article (which

enclose) highly

favorable to our cause.

am in hopes

that this article will have a good influence upon public opinion. So much for favorable aspects.

XNOW

for the reverse. The court here has refused to grant my application for anew trial, and my only hope now is to take the application to a higher tribunal. But, unless we can oli:ain a reprieve, there is insufficient time for this. It is very important also to allow opportunity for the influences now at work to produce their full effect. An application in the present state of public feeling would in all probability lie useless, while ih a few weeks hence it might have a very different fate. The tide is turning, but its movement is slow.

wish, then, is an effort to ob

tain a reprieve from the Governor. 1 think it can be had without much difficulty. I have drawn upthe proper form of application, which

enclose, for

tend to call upon you to mak« this effort. I know well the superior influence of a female voice upon tho gubernatorial mind, and have every hope of your suc-

cess. The remainder of tho letter was filled with directions, of no special importance here. The second lettor proved to bo from Laura McBride. She seemed to be in full knowledge of Mr. Crawford's purpose, and expressed a strong hope fftnt Miss Reynolds would consent. Her cousin Robert was in good spirits, and had been of tho greatest assistance to Mr. Crawford in preparing his argument having put more ideas about medicine into his head than there seemed room for In a cranium frill ot the dry dust of

He don't sayaof he knows .ant, lie would tod it aseexpress such uuclmrtome. I ha ye given htm nd what is In me if I am not 1, and vou have no idea of ami ixriitetMss: and all out ar that—•. fhTt 1 aw

I- ti Iii.1l! I' in an

Will

c.r.rmg v-nao to theaaine K* ynnlda, there

1 ch aw iiow, 14 l:» tit to

I.. ..4,

In* thi* laaltcr. laangcme' to iv Harri- 'lift. ,,i) V- !iai fii'.v u,i!

I'V

•a-i aim

1,..

:v,

.!!

I, Arm yot •, of newspape ith Which to i»e Gowi 1 !l-. !, ik tin a

f,v, illll! I

Ti»l§

r- w,4 ,,f th- Of !•r' WV1 1-*!" aatviJ-1--' •n 1 .l tijffi 1l»e CkHNSfn'-r toi—i»«• a j-ar-I- J-* a»tp« tl thai he

dd i)Wt It at tlx- itter

XXri.

t# Ii

H. JkVrf ntrr, fffli t't® t-- '1 v- :•. my very fti, S, IHiwe me ever ifa*11'*

hara-?»

it a

I other -sur as-, TruM

:'|-ai

ri-tf

,tT' 1W!' tau,

if I he Anion Signal .. af tn Hantebu** «t thiw 1of fNiwuwibw fiUi.

I a had (ji-MtlK-t-1 TOf tficsr

\n1 «'»st tl,..-a met

of tht

ASJ

IMWUXTED

Ilarrisburg Laura having preceded her friend an hour or two, and having waited in tho ladies' room for the arnval of

the train. It will not lie necessary to describe to detail their onslaught upon the Governor. Ijturu luul not been wrong in declaring that good looks and musical Voices would aid their enterprise. They obtained the most favorable reception, and a promise to make immediate examination of tho papers and documents

resented. This immediate examinahowever, consumed two days. On presenting themselves again, they were assured othis belief that they were justified in their demand. But they must consider that he had a censorious public behind him, and before lie could venture to act, ho desired to have support from same influential members of this public. If they could get a petition signed by such names, or letters from persons of importance, asking for a reprieve, he would be nappy to grant it, otherwise his hands were tied by his dutv to his constituency.

Several days were now consumed in writing to members of medical societies, and other persons who had shown interest in this case, and in requesting Mr. Crawford to get a petition signed by some influential persons, in Salem. In most cases these letters brought prompt responses, and Mr. Crawford proved very successful in his efforts. But time was fiitally flying, and by the date the letters had been received and examined, it was late on the 13th of December. Finally, on the morning of the 14th, their long patience was rewarded with the important document required—a reprieve, duly signed by the Governor of the State.

CHAPTER XXY.

FKOM THK CAriTAL TO SAIKM. ija

On tho preceding evening, Miss Reynolds received a letter from Mr. Crawford. anxiously urging her to make all possible haste in procuring the reprieve. That it would be granted he had no doubt, from the statements in her previous letters: but the time was drawing fcarftilly near, and some untoward circumstance might delay the forwarding of the news of lier success. She must telegraph immediately upon receiving the desired document, and if there should be any detention, he could delay the execution upon the strength of the telegraphic dispatch.

Tho winter, so far, had been rather mild, with only one or two severe spells. But within the last few days it had been growing cold, and, ontheevening of the thirteenth, a Heavy snow commenced falling, with the cold wind from the north. Throughout the night the storm continued severe, the snow being min-

Sourteenthrain,

fled with and the morning of the dawned upon streets covered with six inches of snow and frozen rain, the air filled with white flukes, and a bitter northerly wind drifting the snow in blinding showers.

It was ten o'clock on the morning of tho fourteenth when thev turned from tho Governor's mansion, in glad possession of the coveted document and proceeded through the driving storm toward the telegraph office. I Jttlo dreamed they of thedftustrousnew# that awaited them. On presenting a dispatoh, to be forwardded Immediately to Salem, they were met by the disheartening rejoinder, from the clerk: It is impossible, miss the lines are all down beyond (hvlbu. Xo dispatch has gone through sine* twelve o'clock last night." "But this is exceedingly I mporUnt, Is there no route by which it can be ferwan!**}

There is none. We have but one line passing through Salem. Tho snow and rain have frosen on the wires until there have been serious breakage*. Man are being sent forward to repair the damages, but little cau he done while the storm

"What time does the next train go out asked Laura, pressing forward. "There is an exprena goes through at eleven."

And is there any danger of detention of the trains by the snow There i»as been no delay as vet. Of conme, if the storm continues, the roads may become block up for a time.' "In that case," aid Miss Reynolds, "we ist take the earliest train. I will icnvn. ti?is t^-pnfrh with yon, to lie forftn arded —n e» possible. You r.-a«fh" it* it at ehio-^ster, and that ii, u*v J"»*««».« atorui Jfi? or death." "IV-diali not d«laved an unneeeeiry moment.*'was tin «^lv. "Attlie -lune time. 1 do tt» tlilnk vou will fetv.- any tronid.' tn aehtu: Salem by eVflUttg. I'A li'J itiwH wMS iisd*1 prevent the tosdafrom 1 blot kI ''ii, Mtid the ~ti"v, !dii de» Himmhw

W» St, iM^tnt am mu ioiia oL-taid»-." (S- nr. dear] Than1Uur him for hi* inlbrmatlon, it aaNstt-m- ti»et inarte ImMt prepan*u«u to leave 1 uktiaA." :wn bv the ©xprwsa train mentioned, br^ a.ght Botl miflapprchension In nward to 'the time, they found, on ranching the 1 oteLtlwt thev «a t.«. late, the eo^di having started for the depot ten min-

UtM Thi* YU" a m-'-t •W»!oii»twrte ircnmIfance. iiieaw tluu lite attention »f 1 tolegnH#«

iuee Ht .ft

AT,

fvr.'^hun R»d!r .v\«t J«vl th ?Hadd-p-ndwii

!::»d kef fill of t! 1

HID',

uss

foithleNi Miall s«at«%that itvfiforeed ty of

The earliest through tndn was not due until three o'clock that 'afternoon, and thoV passed the Interval with an 'impatience that was native to the temperament of Laura, but which only the imminent danger of the condemned could have produced in the more equable nature of ber companion.

They ajgain visited the telegraph office as tho train approached. hut with no bettor result. The dispatch had been forwarded to the furthest point to whiuhthe lines continued open, with directions to use every effort to gef it onward, and to send it by hand, if any line-men were going out to stations beyond. why not have it directed to be handed to the conductor of the expreaa-train, to be left by ibirn at the Bronton telegraph office asked Laura, somewhat displeased.

I had no idea out that you were to that train. However, if you wish, I will pur'i sue that course with the

next train.*' Thank vou, sir," said Miss Reynolds, "but it wilf be unnecessary. We ahall most assuredly not be left again, and will reach Bronton as soon as the dispatch would. You have been very kind, and I feel obliged to you for your efforts to favor us."

I am only sorry that circumstances have proved so against us. I take a deep interest fn your success."

I hope, then, your interest may proven good omen,"said Laura. "Come, Miss Reynolds we were ten minutes late with the last train. Let us be thirty minutes early with this." "I have just heard that tho eleven o'clock train passed Galba on time. We have no word yet from points beyond. I do not doubt that you will get through without delay."

With renewed thanks, they proceeded to the hotel, and reached the depot, as advised by Laura, nearly a half hour in advance of train time.

Impatience has the singular property of delaying the moments which it burns to hasten, yet the sluggish half hour crept past, and lengthened into an hour ana yet no train. It was four o'clock before the shrill whistle announced its coming, and before It rolled, with rattle of wheel and clang of bell, into the depot.

There had been a deep drift at a point down the road, which liad caused the delay, but the ticket-agent had no doubt that they could regain this lost time, and reach the end of tho route as per time-table.

Tho approach of night had increased rather than assuaged the storm. The wind was blowing more fiercely than ever, with a keen, biting blast, that caused a rapid fell in the mercurial tube. It was prophesied that the thermometer would stand at zero by midnight. The snow, too, fell more thickly than before, and was hurled in white eddies before the wind, till every depression became filled to the smodth level of the snowplain.

The train made but a brief pause at Harrisburg. Despite the hopeflil assurances of officials, the conductor seemed to fully appreciate the proverb, that "delays are dangerous," and in a very few moments tho white line of the ears was gliding out again into the storm and the night for darkness was already gathering its sullen folds over the bleak winter afternoon.

The cars, however, were well warmed and lighted, and the only evidence of unpleasant weather without was the soft patter upon the panes, and the shrill whistle of the wind as a fiercer blast swept by. There were evidently pushing the train to its utmost speed, over the level and comparatively clear ground on which they now were, the wild scream of the steam-whistle sending its warning sound ahead at frequent intervals.

There is something exhilarating in the conscious of swift motion, and particularly 90 when, as in the case of our friends, the most vital interests depend on speed. Miss Reynolds, who haa felt very despondent at their delay, regained her usual chcerfttlness, and her more volatile companion became quite exultant.

I always thought I would enjoy flying," she said,

laughingly,

"We will do nothing •aid tho con^fcefpr, the oar, add«*«4|iig tioner. 'Ther*M» snow on the tratik. it in ten minua||."

..rauidl

speeding westward onfhmp Important and preesdng errand.

It waa not a question of time alopaJfrdam might have been ewdly reached that nif^ifc utwier ordinary circuma&kiicea. But the vexatious part of it was, that, while the storm continued unabated, every hour increased the chancea of detention on the road.

"and though

I suppose I shall have to wait for that till my angelic wings sprout, yet it is a foretaste of the future to fly behind the iron wings of tho locomotive. Xo danger but that we will get into Salem in good time. There is nothing like trusting your missions to good-looking representatives. Even the fetes grow merciful to beauty. You understand, of course, that tKis is one word for you and two for myself."

Yes, but is not your beauty failing in its effect The oars are slackening speed."

Not slackening only. The motion became rapidly slower, ami sooneudedin a mil stoppage.

Yet it was not like an ordinary stoppage. There was no action of tho orakea. A fierce, shrill sound of escaping steam eeme from the engine, as the invisible agent, which liad been expending its force upon the wheels,screamed through the open lids of the safety valve.

The passengers looked inquiringly at each oilier, and heads were protruded curiously from the ear windows.

There does not appear to lie any station here," remarked one. "What is wrong, conductorV* asked another, aa the latter personage passed a

The answer was flung baHr tn lamnilc tenns.aa the important i:h.-iai diwpiieared through the doori

Stopped by the «now." Well, we are in for it now, and no mistake," said a gray-haired, burly joking person, as he wraptXHUds greatcoat firmly round htm, and settled back vomfbrtablv in Ids seat. "For my part, I am for taking it easy."

Oar two lady-friends glanced at each other with rising alarm in their eyee. Detention!—with their errand! The most fetal result wight ensue. "Do yon think we are likely to l*c do* tiiined long?" asked Lata*, with a quivring voice, of the old gentleman who *at opposite tb ni. verv uncertain, yonr-rr I woul 1 dvi yon to take .aal ii:. We Mutf havi to 'ke a

ail)

irutMtngi^ *#u

£•&

Aa he spefie, backing. Ketirtog a short distance, they rushed forward again at great speed, charging upon the snow-bank, and

tossing

it* white wealth, in blind

ing olouds, to right and left, as the snowplow, to front, dug deep into its dense mass.

The initial speed became rapidly tea until itseemedasifthe powerful engine would again be bronght to nst by the silent rssist*nc%of he osmpaetedrsnAW* But wiBi ajlercf bound it bfokg tlnroujpi, the f-hjrltog wheel* resuintd IheirbiijtlIng grasp upon the rails,and with a wild scream from the steam-wliistlo, the victorious iron monster sprang onward upon its sw iff"flight'Into tho nightftnd the storm.

The conda Htfrfted roofed with a triumphant *'1 told you so," look in his eyes. "It is no li ,,i heap of snow that is going to stop 1 JUo Grande," lje said. "That hi theiauae we give our engine, and she to abouu, aa hard to #top as the river she is named after."

The engineer of the Rio Grande himself could not have had a more excellent idea of the prowess of his "iron horso" than had this chief official of tho train. ..

It is worth something to us to ride behind such an all-conquering dragon," said Laura, to her friend, as the conductor passed on. "What we havo done if we had bou. bto^cd there all night?"

I am afraid to tluuk of the consequences," replied I4.T companion, in a a "Talk is v- ,y cheap, growled (ho gray-haired nuui, addressing a general audience. "The Rio Grande may bo very grand in fair weather, but if sho gets through to-night then I'm no judge. Better take my advice, any of you who are for the through trip, and lay off for the night at Galba. It is pleasanter to sleep in a warm bed than doubled up, like a jack-knife, on a car-seat." 110 pulled his cap down savagely over bis eyes, as if vexed at the fevorabie expectation of the conductor.

Why, are there any worse places to pass?" asked a person opposite him, while our fair friends listened with anxious interest.

Worse 1 You may well call them worse. There's a deep cut ten miles the other side of Galba, which, with this norther, will make a first-rate snowtrap. I would bet a spare hat that there's five feet of, enow it this minute." "Is it long?"

About a hundred yartSs. Just multiply a hundred yards long by five feet deep, and see if you woiPt get a good reason for going to bed in a good hotel, instead of taking the word of a trainconductor."

There'slogic

Kfore

in thai, sure," replied

the other, and there was a general resigned settling of themselves into their seats by all the passengers in the car.

Our two friends wore too much alarmed at the prospect to speak. They sat gazing into each other's eyes, with more of affright in their looks than they could have expressed in words.

Onward! onward, roared the traiti. Still the wind whistled, still the snow

ttered on the car windows. The miles them were devoured by tho thundering engine, that ever and anon frirhtencd the storm into silence by one of its shrill yells. The miles behind them stretched back, a lengthening reach, buried under the white blanket, of the winter. Darkness lay without, like a sable pall. The bleak Iecemter chill frosted every pane with its strange deviccs. Within, the quivering lights Sent vague shadows through the cars, and the stoves at cach end enveloped the passengers in a great atmosphere, in defiance of the efforts tf the wintry blast.

Ill an hour or two nioro, tho train drew up at Galba, and the gray-haired gentleman, true to his word, made haste to leave the cars, followed In this movement by a considerable deputation of "^ha!in^%et out?" asked Laura. "The old gentleman appears to know the road. The train may have to return

"By no means," replied Miss Reynolds. "A confident tonguo is no proof of correct knowldge. We must go forward. If we gain but a mile of progress it is important. With our mission, no effort must be lost. Consider what depends on the word failure! We dare not fail." ,. "Nor shall wo. It it bo within tho power of man, that noble creature shall see what woman can do. Salem must and shall bo reached before neon tomorrow."

With gathering speed the train rolled out of tho station at Galba, and sped rapidly onward. ft seemed as if all their fears were unfounded. Mile after mile was gathered under the wheels of the fierce engine, and left behind. The passengers whb had remained disposed themselves for sleep, apparently satisfied that tho road was clear.

You were right in regard to the old gentleman's prognostic, said Laurc. "Another hour will land us safely in Bronton, and then good-bye to all oh-

I wish I were sure of that" replied her companion doubtfhlly. "In our situation we must

take

And do

advantage of every

chance. But he spoke confidently, and we have not yet reached the point he mentioned, At least I should judge wd nad not." .,

you

really think there is any

such danger?" I simply fear there may be. Ti et my thoughts upon it aro of no value. Tho event must decide." "And how am you keep so cool with such a fear?" cried Laura, excitedly. "It will be inipossible for as to arrive in time I" "I ani's&tftfcthifig of ar philosopher. Laura," replied Miss Reynolds, in uuiwv tones. "I never borrow trouble from the fttture."

I never saw yon fret In any case." "There is no occasion to cfo so when tho worst is realised. Then it become* our duty to go earnestly to work to overcome it. Detention for tho night wonld lie vexations but we

cannot

now

be more than thirty or forty miles from Salem, and have until two o'clock tomorrow. I think we can ea^iiy reach there." ,„

I very much fear we cannot." If not, it vail t»o a fearftil calamity, and one that 1 would sooner die myselt •ban have occur.

But,

I*u^ hopo

vou will not let such a possibility depress yon. We have need of all our

Wh!

anked «en voices. "Oil iv a trifle of a *n the iiductor, ln»t .uOHTUI0*» 4,

I«m dn*I-

^^"wwfnternilrted liv a midden Tr, fthe cars, a shock that woke up all lwpy passengers in an instant. lit? What

lias

happenedrV

ow-1'-

!i®£