house, followed this time by the dog, who did not seem to relish the effect of being stoned, a circumstance for which Melville most earnestly thanked his good stars.

Melville now gained a position where he could command a view of both entrances to the house, being resolved to wait and watch. By this means he became a spectator of the admission of the two robbers. As soon as they had entered, he resolved to seek his horses, rightly judging that it would take some little time, as well as attention from all up in the house, to hear the story of the wounded man and perhaps to administer to his comfort. He gained the little shell of a barn, and, striking a light, which he kept burning long enough to see where the saddles, bridles, etc., were, soon had both horses in order for mounting. He then returned cautiously towards the house. Lights were moving about. He concluded, as everything was ready, to give Griswold the concerted signal. Before he could do so, however, he heard the whistle from the window. Running for the horses, he seized their halters, backed them out quickly, mounted his own, and leading Griswold's, rode to the window. Griswold was ready for him, and catching his own horse's bridle, mounted instantly. At this moment a light appeared in the room just vacated by Griswold.

"There they go, hosses and all," said the robber called Bob. "Hand me a shootin' iron !" added he with an oath.

But for this latter sentence no blood would have been spilled. Melville having heard it, considered that self-preservation demanded the death, or, at least, disabling of the robber, whose head and shoulders

were out of the window; and, upon which the light shone clearly, making him, to Melville's really practised hand, a fair mark. Drawing a pistol from his pocket, he shouted:

"In with your head, or you are a dead man!"

The robber having received a pistol, was in the act of cocking it, when a ball sent by Melville struck him in the left shoulder. He was so far out of the window, that, on being struck, he pitched forwards, and fell headlong to the ground, where he gave one heavy groan, and all was still.

"Now, George," said Griswold, "I suppose we might as well start."

"Yes," replied Melville. "It's too bad I had to shoot him; with the ball and the fall, he can't have much chance for life. One consolation I have. His death makes a rascal less in the world."

"Now, Griswold, for the shire town of this everto-be-remembered county. We must do our duty to society as good citizens, as well as fight bravely in self-defence. The lawyers must have a job.

It was the hour for sunset at Niagara. Earth was entwining around the most sublime scene upon her bosom, the folds of darkness. The busy hum of life ceased with the day. The voice of Niagara, hoarse by a practice of ages, was heard alone where silence may never hold her peaceful sceptre. From time immemorial, that voice has been faithful unto the nations. One truth is all it has been commanded to reveal, one sentence all it has learned to utter. Vying with the artillery of Heaven, it has forever proclaimed throughout the world,

Goat Island, as all the world know, is between the American and Horse Shoe Falls. It is a lovely spot of earth. Across the seemingly fragile bridge, which leads to the island from the American shore, at about four o'clock, P. M., James Mordaunt accompanied Miss Bell Mortimer for a stroll, and to view the Falls at sunset.

"At each recurring visit to this island, my thoughts become sad," remarked Mordaunt. "It was in the year 18— that I first visited this spot. I was then

one spectator among a hundred, of that unrelenting power with which the rapids shows man his weakness, even when excited almost to frenzy, on account of the peril of his kind."

"What was the circumstance, Mr. Mordaunt ?" asked Bell.

"A man in a small boat was drawn within their fascinating but terrible influence."

"I need not ask, I suppose," said Bell, "whether he was drowned ?"

"That boiling caldron yonder," said Mordaunt, pointing to the Horse-shoe Fall, now partly in sight, "has never revealed the fate it measured out to the poor fellow."

It does not suit the purpose of this story to describe, however tempting the subject, Niagara. We are not bold enough to enter the lists against the mighty geniuses who have been tilting over the pleasing task. As an American, we love Niagara; but, as an American, we frankly acknowledge that Niagara belongs to the world. So, too, thought Mordaunt.

"That is the English fall, Mr. Mordaunt; it is more extensive than the American," said Bell. "I don't like that."

"You will, I trust, Miss Mortimer, allow me to make a slight criticism upon that remark," said Mordaunt.

"Oh! most willingly," replied Bell.

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"With your permission, then, I will state, that in my judgment, American' and 'English' are merely appellations for a distinction in converse. Both of the falls bear one general name, 'Niagara.' By that title they are know to the world, and under that title they belong to the world. It is merely the 'ac

cident of birth' which has placed them under the jurisdiction of the American and English governments."

"I thank you for this chastisement, Mr. Mordaunt," replied Bell; "my remark was selfish."

"Please call it by a softer name, my friend; chastisement is not for gentleness, goodness and beauty," replied Mordaunt.

"That last remark, Mr. Mordaunt, has made the sugar predominant over the bitter; therefore, inasmuch as your criticism is just, I am forced to grant judgment in your favor."

"Thank you, most beautiful jurist. How well you adorn the bench! And à propos to this remark, here, under this beautiful foliage, is a bench which you can adorn without fear of a rival," replied Mordaunt.

"A very safe proposition, Mr. Mordaunt, for the simple reason that no suitors will bring their cases here, wherefore I shall not have an opportunity to display my legal attainments," playfully responded Bell.

"Your are mistaken, Miss Mortimer. There is one suitor who places his life and destiny in your hands. Yes, gentle being, one who has learned first to admire, then to esteem, now loves you-deeply, devotedly he loves you, and offers for your acceptance, his heart and hand, and is ready to seal the contract with his life's best energies devoted to your welfare. Upon your decision, Miss Mortimer, rests the happiness of a suitor who can never love again."

Bell was taken so suddenly and completely by surprise at this most unexpected declaration of his sentiments towards her, that for the moment she was