Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-06-21

nv fayorte eirlish rambles particularly IN
when the fragrance of the wild honeysuckles crown
inc the heights. is SO delicious, and the young win
tergreens and the strawberries are SO hne IN haVor
You can tell me nothing new about that spot for
dare say have rambed over nearly every inch OF IL
(-Well?n
: uWellr there as YOU know she has lived for the
last six years. her only living companion during all
that time being hug cat, that, by strange freak
one day followed her Jne from the Vlliage' Inc
owner of the cat never cared to reclaim It, because
he was fully satisfied in his own mnd-and he found
enough to confirm him in the belief-that it was be-
wtched From that time Mother Foote has lnsplr-
ed the villagers with feeling of superstition amount
ing to awe Old women and children throw side
long tmorous glances: and point with tnelr myers
at her. as they mutter, the WITCH 1t is said that
during the day she is seldom seen about her dwell
ing. but keeps herself carefully secluded, except
when storms arise when she crosses the shallow
stream at the head of the rapids and ascending the
high rock overlooking the frghtful chasm below, she
seats herself with her hands casped upon her knees
and sways her body to and fro if in the act of NUT
terng her charms, under the influence of intense
bodily or mental suffering When the huge thunder
heads 90 tumbling through the air, and the brisk
lightning darts its fiery tongues athwart their crests,
she only sways her withered body the more rapidly,
or wags her head and laughs, and snaps her fingers,
as if it pastime At such times too 1t is said
her cat picks its way dainty across the stream and
with spring alghts upon the rock, sometimes perch
ing itself upon her back twisting itself round and
round after it's tail and when the old strokes
its back, particularly by waning light, sparks OF
fire emitted conclusive evidence that its mis-
tress is intimate terms with the father of les Ev-
cry mishap in the neghborhood is attributed to Moth
er ! Fo cote. 1, 4,o+
some of the young men in the village had formed a
party to 90, after nightfall to the dwelling of the
unhappy woman level it with the ground, and rid
the neg hborhood of her presence 1t was piece of
systematic, coldblooded cruelty which did not feel
inclined to recognise On the contrary, determin-
| cd II 10 oil flor
some persuasion, I procured companion, and in
company we placed ourselves in ambush, near the
appointed time and place of the contemplated attack.
The time-midnig ht-arrved and with it the riot
ers 1t was sometime before they could summon
resolution enough to commence the attack not one
among them having the courage to take the initiate
ry At length, movement was apparent toward
the dwelling-which, you will remember is ap-
preached by winding path, down steep ACTIVITY.
On the borders of this path, my companion and my
self had stationed ourselves and as they descended
we stepped promptly in before them, and stopped
their way Aghast at our sudden appearance they
started back few PAGES; but by the light of the
moon, which shining bright at the time, one of
the party recognised myself and companion.
| "'Aha said he, a rescue reinforcement Z!
| - Neither! was my reply; but a negotiator.
Boys this is a wicked deed. You about to drive
from the only home she has on EARTH one who doubt
less, is already weighed down by heavy SORROWS one
who has never done you yours any injury, and for
what Because, forsooth you suspect her of witch
craft More l said prompted by the excitement of
the moment, which it is not worth while to repeat
Presently they began to in their purpose, and
finally agreed, and all, to abandon it. Just at
this point of time the figure of Mother Foote appear
ed, relieved against the moonlight upon the pinnacle
OF the rock where she is said to play her strange
tics and with singular energy calculated Bravely
spoken, young man, and nobly advised. May you
never know sorrow. But for you, We cravens cow
ards, midnight marauders do your worst defy
you! ! have drunk from the cup of sorrow when it
was full to the brim it is drained what care
for the dregs? do your worst! | say! raze my hum
BILE dwelling to the ground, burn the ruins and lay
your murderous hands upon this old ruined form,
and tear it in pieces. You would do we'll! for am
M e M Hers she ga7sd LII abou her and
pause Nor yet to die nor yet to die! but do your
worst, defy you'll
t'After the first moment of establishment at what
they conceived to be the supernatural appearance of
the witch, the party took to their heels, and
looked behind them until they had reached their sew
eral homes. Even my companion partook OF the
panic, and fled with them. | own that my first i'm
pulse to fly also, but something indefnable re-
strained me- After uttering her defiance, the wo-
man seated herself in the attitude have before de-
scribed, and began swinging her body to and fro,
muttering something which, owing to the noise of
the water rushing the rocks, was unable to dis
tnguish At length ventured to cross the stream
and approach her.
g" Back! back !! she exclaimed, waving her hand
vehemently as came near Suddenly she paused,
and shading her CHASTITY eyes with her withered
hand, looked earnestly in my face. sAh you are
the youth who would have done me kindness-I
have no quarrel with you Here tremor ap-
parent in her voice, and presently tear stole
her haggard check She brushed it away, mutter-
ing, | thought had done with tears but kindness
will melt the heart when grief fails. You have
shown me the only act of kindness have known for
years. Come within, must make a confdant of you.
have much to tell you: which, though it does not
concern you, is worth your patience | went with
her she desired, when she related to me the story
of her life. 1t is too long for tonight-besides,
could never relate it faithfully. And now Mary, as
ried you will go with me to visit her. If am not
mistaken, her story will interest you. have &C
quainted her with my intention to bring you with
me. Do you promise q
: tWillingly!' the answer and let it be on
the night of our wedding, if you will" With this
understanding they parted for the night
The day appointed for the wedding came, and they
were married. The party small, and the guests
departed at an early hour "Come Mary" said
Harry to his blushng bride, when they were all gone
the night is charming and must not forget our
little appointments
II have not forgotten it. Harry" was the answer,
for this intended to witch has dwelt al
most constantly in my mind since the evening on
which we spoke of it;'' saying which, she threw a
thick muslin veil over her luxuriant tresses and a
shawl her shoulders when she signifed her readi
ness to 60
The night was indeed charming cool breeze
sighed through the shrubbery, waiting the odor OF
innumerable flowers kissing the grain fields as II
rustled through their bearded spires and whispered
its evening song among the leaves of the forest
they uttered in the moonlight. Incipient dew drops
gittered upon the blades of grass re-fies sparkled
in the low grounds and the plantve chirrup of the
=,