The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1849-05-17

Lawrence Courtland's splendid horses
and carriage were at the springs, and they
were often In requisition. The MONDAY
sun shone upon a brilliant party Lawrence
had invited 10 ride to cave some miles
from the Hotel. The ground was rough
and uneven, and precipices were on either
side. But the sky had darkened, and
fearful flash of lightning lay twinkling in
their path, and the heavy, reverberating
thunder startled the spirited steeds. A
second, third, and they became frighten-
ed, unmanageable, and despite the drivers
every effort, they were trying to wheel
about in narrow pass, lined with yawn-
ing CULTS and frightful ledges, and they were
on the very verge.
Clinton was the first to see the danger,
and flinging open the door, said with ner
vous agitation,
DO not attempt to follow me, any of
you; the least confusion will only frighten
the animals more; and springing from the
vehicle, he stood by the side of the foam
ing chargers, and caught one of the leaders
by the bit. The horse, impatient and
fiery, and frightened, wrenched the rein
from his grasp, and tossing his head high
in the air, made furious effort to turn and
retrace his steps, while not three feet from
the carriage wheels lay dark and fearful
declivity. A scream of anguish was heard
from the ladies-from all save Catharine;
even the bright brow of Lawrence was
overcast, as he watched the fearless con-
duct of his cousin. A sudden pain caused
Clinton for a moment to lay his hand on
his side, as he called the maddened steeds
by name and tried to soothe them. 1t
was a familiar name and they stopped;
their fears were calmed, and while every
limb Of the lofty animals quivered with
the 'ermastering consciousness of safety,
they bent their stately heads to the shoul-
der of that dauntless mechanic. He lifted
his arm and buried it in the dark name of
one of the painting steeds, and an arrowy
pang shot through his wrist. 1t was al
most powerless.
The driver had dismounted, and Law
renee had joined them; and grasping the
hand of his cousin, said In low voice,
You have saved US all.'
Clinton's pale lip faded as he withdrew
his hand, and the pain in his arm deepen
ed; and to avoid repetition Of thanks
from others that now stood by them, said,
turning to the servant of Lawrence,
sAs the horses are so fearful and furious,
| will drive round to the Hotel, if you will
permit he added, addressing the rich
owner with faint smile; and he gathered
| up the fallen reins.
:As you please, Lawrence replied.
sYou will do it much better than | will.
| am too careless an animal to drive a
horse And the party were again seated
In the carriage.
Clinton raised his foot to the step, and
quickly Withdrawing it wound his hand
| kerchief hastily round his wrist.
What is the matter!' Lawrence asked,
with some anxiety. Your arm is swollen
you have dislocated it,
Il think not was the reply. My wrist
may be slightly sprained. 1t is not wholly
useless.
'And yet you cannot drive And the
flushed lip of the gay gallant was clouded.
i will attempt, it, however, the other
returned, as he leaped lightly into the dri-
yer S seat.
James, you may sit inside and Law
renee addressed his servant. Il shall
mount the box with my cousin.
'To the great disappointment of many
fair lady Within Clinton whispered, as
his companion sat down beside him.
Courtland smiled; and said carelessly.
Even vanity might have suggested this.
For me, think you, for me" the cousin
asked somewhat bitterly.
| Yes, if-but no matter now. Your
wrist pains you; l will relieve you any
| time.'
| Not much. / believe the horses know
me almost as well as they do their master.
| Il do not think you need complain OF
any disobedience on their part and he
bent his head in thought,
My heart, my heart is with the Past.
| NV thoughts. my thoughts are here,
L q IL. Ill inn frI.ihfnl iaIn