Virginia advocate. [volume] (Charlottesville, Va.) 1827-1860, 1830-02-19
From THE PEopLE's Press.
THE ANCMORET.
A LEGANp OF THE OLD FRENCH W.

! 'uified the transparent waters Of Lake
George, on whose calm bosom the stars
flashed like ocean diamonds, when a small
sk't, guided by one man slowly approach
ed the rocky shore where the British ar
my lay ehcamped. The boat attracted
the attention oi two sentinels who were
stationed at short distance from the
beach, and they both simultaneously ex-
claimed lin a low tone "The Anchoret
the Man Of the Moun,ain? hist Z? there he
comes"
In minute the skiff wheeled about,
and sped from the shore with the velocity
of an arrow.
SPY the night cap of King George"
said one of The men, this is mysteiiou
affair. How could he have heard us %
Aye, "-retoried his companion, with
a significant shrug OF the shoulders--s:aud
then he IS seldom seen except i'll the
night"
Many we're the conjectures made by
them relative to this strange being. He
had been seen at different times by num-
bers of the soldiers, and his singular and
lonely appearance, excited their curiosity
to the highest pitch. Suspicion began at
length to be entertained that he was spy,
in'the employment of the French and
measures we're accordingly adopted for
1 his apprehension.
On the following morning the strange
man was again seen, by scout, while
mooring his skiff under projecting rock.
His motions were watched by the soldier
IN breathless silence. Clambering up the
crags with astonishing agility, he proceed.
ed at rapid pace along the bold shore of
the lake, followed at distance by his un-
seen spy, uhlil he reached a rude log cab.
III, situated upon the brink of a eatful
precipice, which commanded noble view
OF the water scenery beneath. Alter
pausing moment, he entered and closed
the bark door. The soldier closely scan.
ed IN the surrounding objects, and retraced
his steps.
He reported tho discovery 10 his Col
onel, who immediately ordered a small
Idetaohmsnt, consisting of a iientenanf and
seven or eight prlvates to repair forthwith
TO the cabin aud bring its inmate into the
| camp.
! sold Grey Bread had chosen a singu.
lar location Tor his palace, said the leu
| tehant-a mau who was loathed alike by
his equals and interiors, and over whose
early lille was drawn the dark veil Of mill
] g'ed crime and mystery-as they slowly
wound their way up the craggy height
but If he makes the least resistance, we
will tumble hun and his air castle into the
lake."
II would rather take loving hug with
some one else," replied the guide. for he
scaled those rocky battlements like tiger
seeking his lair.
The conversation was continued until
they arrived within a short distance ofthe
put. Silence was then commanded. and
they surrounded the humble abode with.
ont discovery or molestation. The lieu
tenant wrapped loudly upon the closed
entrance, and in az moment il was opened
by The object, of their search. Greif had
stamped lis signet upon his brow, and the
mildew wing of time, had done its work
oil woe though the unsubdued fire of bis
eye, formed singular contrast with has
bleached locks. Calmly surveying the
armed guard before him, with look of
defiance and sarcasm, his eye at length
rested on the lieutenant-and il seemed
as if the silent misery and sleeping yen-
geance of years flashed forth i'm that
glance. The whitening look was not
observed by the officer, and the party
Stood before the singular being with min I
gled -emouons Of curiosity and awe.
+" May Inquire your reasons for dis
intbin , q sad aud lonely being. said the
reclnse, "whose found his refuge in this
wilderness from the deception and folly of
world composed ofknaves and fools"
The iieuteRants stammered out few
words IN expIanatIon ofthe objects Of their
visit. A slight shade came over the coun-
tenance of the old man, " hen thew int-
mated that his cabin would be Searched
but it was only for moment. Here.
qnes'ed permission to finish bis coarse re-
past, before they disturbed his rude apart
ment, which was readily granted.
On being questioned as to the cause Of
his seclusion, he replied with little melaD-
choly "Ask yon lone and lightning scath-
ed oak, bearing its branches and barkless
trunk TO the fearful sweep Of the tempes,
for the cause Of its deso!ation ask The
wave that waDders from a far sea. and ;s
dashed upon the eternal shore, why it
PUSHES to destruction but ask mt the
agonIzIng spirit to mDroll the scroll of
the past, and trace The burning characters
which mar IT'S pages ask not the sonl of
wretchedness to send the thoughts over
the gloomy sea Of memory into the
shad"wy regions Of misery. 1t is enough
10 know that w0s happy, and am miser-
able. i once looked abroad upon the
sunny prospects before me, and fnistook ,
The gossamer-wehbed hopes Of Imagination