The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1850-08-02

| until, toward the close, taken IN comparison
with the uniform level of the sand and sea sur.
rounding the spot 10 which he approached, and
by which the isl Ld was terminated in this quar-.
ter, he discovered what might be considered a
moderate mountain. 1t was certainly large
and imposing hill, seen from the low shores or
the waters which surrounded them. Here, loo,
the groves thickened into something like for
est. Heated by his remble, and somewhat ia
ligued as the day was wearing to its close, he
passed gladly for shelter into the shady recesses
of its heights. He soon found himselfin one of
the coolest realms of shade which he had ever
traversed. natural pathway, as il seemed,
conducted him forward. Gradually advancing,
he at length emerged from the thickpt only to
stand upon tho ,ow of rugged eminence
which rose, a'lnos, perpendicularly, overlooking
the sea. A Asmall fat of sandy beach lay at his
feet, which was evidently subject to owe rfow at
the rising of the tide. Not half mile beyond
could be seen a small cluster of little rocks, just
pecriug above the sea. scarcely bigger, it would
seem, than many human heads, which the
waves covered at high water. Between them
he could distinguish the boiling and striving of
the billows, which sent up a sheeted shower far
above the rocks with which they strove. Long
lines, stretching from several points and losing
themselves among these rocks, betrayed the
course OF strong currents which were caused by
the capricions whrlpools that lay within their
embrace. The eye of Lopez took in all these
ohjects but they did not bound his survey
Stretching far beyond, did he only fancy, or did
he really behold slender dark speck which
might he the outline of shore corresponding
with that on which he stood miles of ocean
Iav between them, but in that uncouded realm
of sunshine and of calm, objects might be seen
from an eminence, such as that on which he
stood. at surprising distance. 1t was only in
glimpsps now that he bchrld, or fancied the oh.
jpct in his gaze. Sometimes il would utterly
disappear, but this might be from the continued
and eager tension of his vision; again would it
grow out boldly beneath his eyes but this might
be in obedience only to the desires of his mind.
Long and feverishly did he watch, and many
were his Gun lectures as to the distant empire
~!,ich his hope or his sight had conjecured up.
He turned away, and his gances rested upon
the smooth plane of yellow sand benrath his
feet, which lay, inviting to lis tread. glining
a thousand fires from bits Of crystal, which re.
hpcrd the now waning sunlight. 10 this lit
tie esplanadc which looked so exceedingly invi.
ting our :. Maroon was persuaded 10 descend
from his heights, by nndIng convenient series
of rude steps, which wound below-little gaps
in the hill side. or fractures in the naked rock,
which one might almost he tempted to imagine,
so admirable was the assistance which they
gave to the anxious ioots'cps,-had been the
work Of art Following these, Lopez descend.
ed to the ha rd and sandy Aoor, and standing in
the shadow of the rock, he once more looked
forth eagerly upon the doubtful waste OF sea.
There still Law the empire of his desire. 1t
was along and over those billows that he was
vet to see the glimmer ofa saving hope. Such
was still his dream, and, seating himself upon
the sand, hr inscribed almost mnconsciously the
names of Spain, of the Dian de Bnrgos, and
Of the lowly hamlet in his own country, from
which he had been persuaded regrettuy to
wander. Then followed rude outlines OF the
shin which had abandoned him, and then. nat.
nraly enough, portrait, something less r,ide,
OF the fair but passionate woman, tor whose 'a!a'
love, he was suffering the dreadful doom OF exile
and insolaiinn. His own name was wrl''en'
but as quickly oblterated. nursing over the mel
anchoIy record, his heart failed him. a"h ne
s,,k s'rward. nrone. upon the faint memorials
which the rising waters would soon wash away
forever. Tins he lay, moaning, Tor many wea'
~ minutes, till, all at once. coldness tell up,
on him which chilled him to the heart, ana
aroused him to more immediate aPprehensIons'
The shadow of the hill beneath which ne lay
was upon him. The sun was slowly recedInS
from the heights. Starting to his ieet, he turn
ed to re.a<cend the hill and recolled with
feeling little short Of horror, as he beheId The
huge mouth of a cavern yawning directly upon
him. This cavern was open to the sea. lis
waters. a, their rising passing the lhle stretch
Of sand upon which he had lain, glided into the
disn hollow, which now looked, grimly threat
ming, upon the easily alarmed spectator. Inc
opening was not very large one, but "ou'o
easily admit Of The passage "t three or more
persons at time. Its lips we're covered with
soft and beautiful clothing OF green moss
which made the darkness within seem yet more
dismal Long grasses, and thick shrubs and
vines hanging over from above, contributed TO
increase the solemnty ofits aspect. AS showing
the depth and certainty of its solitude and the
deep silence which prevailed within added sun
more greatly to the impressive influence WIN
which it possessed the soul ot the "Maroon'
while he ,imidly yet eagerly gazed upon the
opening. At the first discovery oi this domain
of solemny and silence, he rcceded almost TO
the sea. He was not encouraged by the still.