New-York tribune., 1841-10-29
From The Gift tor l5i2.
THE RECLUsE OF THE BLUE
MGUNTAlN.s
October, ltll.
A SKETCH......BY MRS. ELLEr.
fCOnc!udc.

The brief negative with which he answered me,
and the cloud that came over his face, warned me
that nv curiosity disp pleasing ard not likely to
be gratifed. So after receiving his instructions a.
TO nv road, pared from him. brisk ride of
tire hours brought me TO small seitiement-it
clumo of loo hon.cs could be so called-at the
h. ad of Tuscarora Valley. | alighted at the ,av-
crn. a, the doc. of which hung most unhuman
portrait of General Washington; and while dis
cussing substantial breakfast OF veniSon steaks,
hot coffee, and buckwheat cakes, could not re-
train from relating my adventure OF tn night, and
asking if ausht known otthe solitary stranger
''Oh, my dear young sir cried the landlady,
who sat by the fire in her clean cap and chlniz
apron-for the rare occurrence OF gentleman
CUES, called for her special ATTENDANCE have
YOU never heard of our Blue Mountain Hermit T.
and quietly rcflling my cup of coffee, she com
menced story, which, emitting her somewhat &C.
dious rocapituIatlons will repeat as briefly Us pos
sible.
The hut had observed not far from the cave,
was once inhabited by an old man aud his daust-
ter Various stories had been IN circulation
specting him among the honest settlers, but /, va,
generally understood that he had been soldier OF
no mean reputc in the of the Americas Rcvo-
lution, and the Indian war that followed. Re-
wardcd by his country. like many others, with
poverty ard neglect, nc had withdrawn from the
world 10 this lonely spot. where he supported him
self by the labor of his hands. His leisure hours
were devoted to the instruction OF his daughter,
who grew up most lovely in person, and in mind
all that fond parent could wish.
At the time Of the Western or Nhiskey lnsu'
rection in the counties of Pennsylvania lying west
of the Alleghanes, it CHANGED that one of the OH
GERS in Macphcrson's troop Of Jersey Blues, dcs-
matched to attack the rioters, engaged in a
akiruish near this race He was severely wound
ed fell from his horse, and left by his men Tor
dead. He had but swoened from loss OF sliced
Ca his recovery he found himself bed in the
cottage He could scarce credit his when
he saws beautiful face, animated by an expression
OF pity and sympathy, bending over him. An aid
man came in from the spring with water. Tie
dressed the sufferers wounds with much skill, and
The young girl prepared and administered com
posing draaght.
The stranger owed his life 10 the care of the IA
Their and daughter. He slowly recovered; and it
was with perpetual establishment that he di,coN-
cred every dgy some new charm in his youthful
nurse A girl of sup. rior education in the heart
of such forest Was it surprising that he be-
came deeply ensmorod of her 1t would have
been strange if ne had not loved. or if she had not
returned his passion; ior he WAS the prlme OF
life, handsome pleasing in address, and soldier.
Weeks passed ana the stranger could re longer
even teisn illness an excuse for lingering. lie
SAID not word OF his intended departure but 1t
matter OF course He and his kind enter
tainer had long conversation the evening before
he purpo,ed to set out, bu, II ceneerRed the state
of the country. in which the old man felt Il deep
interest, though he had suffered neglect at IL,
hands. Ahce-that the maiden's name
Joined not in their discourse; and it was only bv
chance while busted shout her work. tina, the Off
Ger discovered tina, she WAS weeping bitterly.
He rose be,imss and went forth next morning.
On the brow of the hill above the cottage was a
rock covered with thick green moss and shaded
BY tall pines. 4 clear sSring gu>hed from lis bed
and trckled down the hill SIDE. spreading irto nu-
merou, little sparkling rills The officer saw Alice
scuo to the spring; he followed her tie Vas
Startled to see how pale and sad She looked; bu'
he cndeavoted t. speak cheertu!ly OF his depart
ure. aad asked what ne should send her 'roF: the
city. Nothing can please me when you are
gcne :" sobbcd the poor girl, nnd with passionate
burst Of tears, She threw hcreli on the ground
and buried her face in her hands.
The sra ger felt ii his heart was torn III
twain. He had won the love OF fair young cres-
,ure, whom he could never make happy, for-he
WIS arendy married. What u return for the hos
pi,aity o; his kidd host He dashed his hand
against his forehead IN serepreach. The truth
must be told 10 the beaUuiai weeping girl before
hin. and she would eNecratc his memory. He
hnelt a, her feet. and LAYING his forehead in the
dust. uttered his confession. He told her. in wild
and broken words OF his deep love, OF ms despair