Part 4 (2/2)
After hearing this intelligence froreed with hie some plan to assist his escape They then left the hall and ascended together a winding staircase, which led to the apart at the door, they found it firmly secured by an iron bar, which Alvin, after several attelancing into the roo a book in his hand as if engaged in reading On the entrance of Alvin, he fixed his gaze sternly upon hi Alvin informed him that they were friends, and had co round, he stepped back into the passage where he had left Fostina, when, to his great surprise, he beheld her lying senseless on the floor!
Another instant, the prisoner rushed to the spot, and clasping the apparently lifeless for this ti onder and surprise, utterly confounded by these mysterious circumstances In a fewher eyes, beheld the pale and emaciated countenance of Lewis Mortimer, who now clasped her to his bosom!
CHAPTER IX
_Discovery of the Plot--Escape froe--They meet the two Brothers--Conclusion_
Reader, behold now the plot of Rineldo Aubrey, who vainly sought to win the love of the beautiful Fostina, and finding that he had a successful rival, endeavored by his subtle plans to destroy his happiness To execute his designs more fully to his purpose, he had intercepted the letters belonging to his cousin, from which he learned that Lewis Mortie to California, and concluded to return to his native village as soon as he recovered
After receiving this intelligence, he hastened on his journey to the place where Leas then confined by sickness, thinking an opportunity had now offered itself for him to secure his victi arrived at the village, where, as it had been stated in the letter, Lewis had been left by his friends, he called on the attending physician, and offered hith of time; and in order to do this, he must be conveyed to soreed to the proposal, and gave orders to have his patient ree, and he thought he would be more likely to recover
Rineldo, in theto leave the impression upon the ly had his death inserted in the public prints, which soon conveyed the sad intelligence to Fostina, the result of which has already been made known to the reader
[Illustration: _Their escape to the Village_]
After a mutual explanation had taken place between Fostina and Lewis at the castle, they soon contrived plans to effect their escape, and wishi+ng to h the dense forest which surrounded them as soon as possible, they directed their steps to a strea the forest side Fortunately, they espied twoLewis, on seeing thenal for them to cross the water in the boat that lay anchored near them They cheerfully obeyed his call, and in a few moments Fostina and Leere safely landed upon the opposite shore They then ie inn, where, on the following , they entered the coach and started for their native village, Lewis being determined to seek out his enee
In a feeeks, they arrived at the village of S----, where, to their inexpressible joy, they learned that the brothers had returned home soon after the sudden disappearance of their sister, who, as it had been reported by Mr Aubrey, had fallen from the precipice in a fit of insanity, and been drowned
With hearts overfloith joy, Fostina and Lewis now hastened to the cottage, where theyfros and adventures, returned their grateful thanks to Heaven for the deliverance of their friends
They now infore, they fell victi that to continue their voyage would be a sacrifice of life, they gave up the pursuit of that which they must lose so much to obtain, and with happy hearts and contented minds they resolved to return to their Mountain ho with their friends, in health and safety
Fostina then learned froe, Mr Aubrey had returned to his native country
A feeeks after the lovers had returned to the village, Leas restored to his forers, now fulfilled her faithful promise to Lewis Mortimer, as indebted for his life and present happiness to the beautiful maiden in the Mountain Glen