It was quite nine o’clock when the Señor Montefalderon and Spike returned from burying the dead. No sooner did the last put his foot on the deck of his own vessel, than he felt the fall of one of the purchases which had been employed in raising the schooner. It was so far slack as to satisfy him that the latter now floated by her own buoyancy, though it might be well to let all stand until morning, for the purposes of security. Thus apprised of the condition of the two vessels, he gave the welcome order to “knock-off for the night.” * * * * * THE LOVE DIAL. BY LIEUT. G. W. PATTON. A dial in the twilight lay, Reflecting back pale evening’s ray, When stealthily two lovers came And leaned beside its silent frame: “Mute marker of the moments’ flight, Oh! dial, tell us of the night!” —But who might trace time’s tangled way On dials dim with twilight gray? As brightly now the midnight moon Rode o’er the starry arch of noon, To learn the hour of eventide Again the youth and maiden sighed: “Mute marker of the moments’ flight, Oh! dial, tell us of the night!” —But ’neath the moon’s uncertain ray The shadow pointed still astray. Unconscious how the moments flew, (Bound by the spell which passion drew,) Unto the dial’s line of shade Once more approached the youth and maid: “Mute marker of the moments’ flight, Oh! dial, tell us of the night!” When (how could night so fast have worn?) The tell-tale shadow marked the morn. And as they watched the silv’ry face Where day his hours began to trace, In morning’s light, now stronger grown, This motto o’er the circle shown: “_When lovers meet at eventide,_ _Time marks not how the moments glide:_ _When lovers part at rosy light_ _Time counts the ling’ring hours till night._” * * * * * OLD MAIDS. OR KATE WILSON’S MORNING VISIT. BY ENNA DUVAL. And now I see with eye serene, The very pulse of the machine; A being breathing thoughtful breath, A traveler between life and death; The reason firm, the temperate will, Endurance, foresight, strength and skill; A perfect woman, nobly planned To warn, to comfort, and command; And yet a spirit still, and bright With something of an angel-light. WORDSWORTH.