The Columbian fountain., 1846-02-14
EDITED AND
WASHINGTON,
From the Iris and Odd Fellows Mirror.
THE STERN ANIAC;
OR,
MY LANDLORDS MANUSCRIPT.
BY WIN. r. CREERY.

i BY WM H. ChEEhA'
Some years ago, il was my lot to pass
the night in Maysville, Kentucky. My
destination, however, was New Albany, m
the adjoining state The morn succeeding
the night speak Of, was a beautiful morn
ing in July. Not being hurried in my en-
gagement, determined to take my leisure;
and instead Of going directly down the
Ohio by steamboat, | hired horse and
started alone, for New Albany. A desire
to see the face Of the country, and to learn
something Of the manners of the people,
induced me thus to act. Towards three
o'clock Of the day that left Maysville,
the air grew warm and sultry. About two
hours after, the atmosphere grew heavier,
and the rapid gathering together Of the
black clouds pendant upon the bosom of
the heavens, tokened an approaching storm.
1t was, however, delayed longer than ex-
pected. Another hour passed, and tn. dis
tant rumbling Of the thunder fell heavily
upon my ears. hurried the gait Of my
horse, and looked about in vain for some
house to which might flee for shelter. |
knew that there was tavern on the road,
but how far from where was knew not.
My horse dashed speedily on; and just as
the indistinct outline of a house, half a
mile or more ahead, caught my view, a flash
of lightning such as never saw before, or
wish again to see, Illuminated the heavens
from horizon to horizon, for the instant
binding my vision and causing my horse
to plunge and rush so furously on, that
expected every moment to be thrown from
the saddle aud wounded or killed,
Neither, however, was my misfortune.
Clingng with all the tenacity in my power
to the p?mmel, managed to keep my
place until my horse recovered in great
degree from his fright. His increased veio-
city had carried me considerable distance
beyond the house which had seen; was,
therefore, compelled TO turn about and re-
trace my advance, which my horse was
very unwilling 10 do. After some little
persuasion, managed to get him to go the
way wished. and soon came up to my
resting place for the night. My host re-
ceived me with that cordial welcome for
which the noble-hearted sons of the West
are SO remarkable. He was stout, athel-
tic man, with Tuddy face-the true index
ofhis character, for benevolence and good
ness shone therelrom. The house was such
as is generally met with in that thin set
tied section OF counry-not an Astor House
or Barnum's, yet by no means wanting
in any thing necessary to rea! comfort The
appearance of mine host pleased me very
much--and, as he was communicative, and
myself pretty laxative, we were very soon
shasl fellows, well met Supper being an
nounced, sat down to the table with little
appetite, the reason of which will soon be
apparent Some half dozen or more So
journers, like myself, sat at the table
with me. Being, no doubt, fatigued with
their travel, and anxious for rest, they
retired early and left mine host and myself
alone to enjoy the evening as we chose.
The storm that had overtaken me ragged
without, the wind swept by that solitary
house in mysterious meanings; and it was
with feeling of awe, as cold chill Of fear
crept over me, that took seat beside
mine host. And methought, too, that there
was some reason for my alarm. Passing by
an open easement, as went along dreary
hall to the dining room, ventured to look
out to observe the clearness of the night,
and as | did so, blast of wind, driving
mady by, wrested the shutters from their
confinement with crashing noise, and bore
them off in triumph. Startled, remained
motionless, and as the next gale swept on,
it brought the cry, as of a voice in deep
distress, 'help oh help! Mary, where are
you? Repenge! Reuenge These words
/ thought | could distinctly hear, and turn
ing round, found myself alone in the dark
hall.
The person who carried the light TO di-
rect me to the dining-room, had not observ-
ed that stopped to look out upon the face
of the weather---but arriving at the room
without me--he returned with the light,
Just at the moment found myself in total
darkness. My feelings, when seated at the
table, can scarcely describe. Mine host
had made such favorable impression upon
me-tlat to think him guilty of deed of
darkness--was to do violence TO my feel
ings. YET, thought |, we are often decelv-
ell make no rash Judgments. The fair
est and most courteous exterior may con-
ceal the darkest and most malicious heart
What shall do was the question natural
\ ly recurring to me. Whether to speak of
what had heard, or remain silent, in hope