Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-04-28

ter, produced apparently Dy some conVul-
sion of nature, and deriving its singular
appellation from some wild legend having
its origin in tie superstition of the neigh
boring peasantry. Being situated within
few yards of the shore, subtcrraneous
communication existed between it and the
sea, which had never indeed been .ex-
plored, but the existence Of which was
evident from the fact that the water in the
Fishpond rose and fell with the tide. To
a distance of several fathoms below the
surface of the earth, the sides of the pit
were straight and smooth as wall; but
it had been ascertained that, at consider
able depth, projecting ledge Of rock, a
couple oi' feet in breadth, ran round its en-
tire circumference, which at low water,
was left completely bare, and on which, at
such times, one might sit or stand in safety
for some hours-it being again submerged
by the rising ofthe water to the depth Of
three or four fathoms, according to the
state Of the tide, whether spring or neap.
When crossing the river from the Carlist
side, the young manhad observed that The
tide was rapidly falling and knowing,
from tie interval that had elapsed, that it
must be now about low water, he prepar-
ed at once for the descent. This was an
achievement which, however frightful 10
look upon, was, in reality, not attended
with any excessive danger to one OF steady
nerves, when properly assisted from above;
his ultimate safety, of course, depending on
his being Withdrawn before the rising of
the tide. In fact, young Silva had more
than once performed the feat in his boyish
days, and now felt no hesitation in resort
ing to it again as the only means Of escape
from a remorseless and unsparing enemy.
In much shorter time, therefore, from the
first alarm, than we have taken to describe
the spot, he stood with bis agitated father
al the mouth ofthe black and gaping chasn.
from which distinctly ascended the hoarse
hcHowing Of the vexed torrent fur below,
as it rushed through the concealed outlet
to the sea. A stout rope secured around
his middle, the young man let himself eau
tiously over the ed ge; the remainder Of
the cord being wound round the tyunk of
a fruit tree, whilst Don Ricardo firmly
grasped the extremity, "payingit OUT by
degrees. After the lapse ofa few anxious
minutes, the Don felt the strain relax, a
proof that the young man had reached his
resting place then the vibration Of the
cord announced that he had cast it Off; and
then shout from below conveyed the
signal to withdraw it. The only ap-
proach for horsemen through the grounds
being very circuitous, Don Ricardo was
enabled to reach the houseand take his seat
in the drawing-room before the Dragons
pulled up at the door.
A dozen Of their number instantly dis
mounted, and surrounded tie house, whilst
their oiiicerknocked loudly for admittance.
The door having been opened by Don Ri
cardo in person--the domestics having
long before retired to rest, as it was not
deemed prudent to inform them olthe pres
ence Of the young man-thc Christine
leader recognized him at once as evidently
the proprietor of the mansion.
'You keep late hours, Don Ricardo Sil-
va he commenced May take the lib
erty Of inquiring whether You have had
any visitors this cveningP
My family Is a small one, captain re-
piled Don Ricardo, ,endeavoringto disguise
his anxiety under FAINT smile; and in the
present disturbed state of affairs, we never
have any visitors beyond our own circle
If | mistake not said the other, You
have son among the rebels in the pay of
Don Carlos. May | ask, without giving
offence, when yourhcard from him lastp
The last letter received from him. re-
piled the father is dated several months
back
Strange observed the Christine. that
| should happen to be much better inform
ed about HIM than YOURSELF Now, were
TO ventures guess as 10 his whereabouts,
| should say he was at this moment ntbeneath
this very roof
Don Ricardo vehemcntly, and indeed
truly, denied the fact Of his presence be-
neaM TIE yoot; but, as may be supposed,
his protestations met with little credit A
guard was placed over INN and his lady in
the apartment In which they had been sit
ting; the domestics were summoned, and
put under similar restraint in another; and
the remainder Of the dragons were order
ed to dismount and search tie house.
An hour subsequently, when every nook
and Granny of the building, with the out
offices and garden had been raBsackcd-oi
course fruitlessly-the commander Of the
Christine party again entered the apart
ment in which the Don and his lady were
detained, and informed them, that as it was
evident the young man had made his es-
cape before the queens troops had reached
the house, it became lis duty to convey
I them both to Bilboa, to render an account
for having harbored and connivcd at the
escape of rebel. This wasa blow which
they had never anticipated, and for which
they were wholly unprepared. None but
themselves being privy to the fact of the
young mans coneealment in the Fiend' S
Fishpond, to convey them to Bilboa, and
leave him to await the rising Of the tide,
would be to doom him to certain death
Even as it was, the latest period at which
he could be Withdrawn with his life was
approaching with fearful rapidity. Horri-
, fed AT tie prospect, tho anguishcd mother
shrieked and tainted; whilst the stout-heart-
ed Don himself could not so control lis E.
motions as to prevent the officer from dis
covering that some deeper influence was
at work than the mere dread Of the incon-
venience to which they would themselves
BE- exposed, trifing as it must prove in the
absence Of all positive evidence that young
Silva had really been there at ALL This OF
course but confirmed him in his previous
intention Of taking them to Bilboa; for
which place, accordingly, the entire party,
including the Observation-Disclosures parents
started in a short time afterwards.
AS our object is not 10 describe feelings,
but to record facts, we shall not dwell up
on the suiferings Of Don Ricardo and his
lady throughout that dreadful nioht. The