Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-12-08

Babel of old. Presently the prancing steeds
were led out and many gallant youth
shouldered his unerring rifle, mounted his
courser, waved his hat to the line of fair fa-
ces, and dashed off into the wild road, eager
to start the bounding deer, or bring him to
the ground with his steady gun, under a
promise however to return, if fortune favored,
towards noon, and escort the ladies to the
prairie, to witness the exciting scenes of the
chase. About two milos distant, near the
river, there was an open glade, bounded on
one side by rising ground and on the other
by thcket of underwood, through which
the herd would pass if they were raised
lower down the river. BY the side Of this,
Clinton was placed. A half hour moved
slowly along, and nothing was heard except
the ding OF the wood-pecker against the hol-
low tree, or the barking of the squirrel on
the lofty boughs.
Presently cry OF dogs was heard far
down the stream. Nearer and nearer came
the yelling pack, and presently the antlered
herd came bounding, snufing the air. His
gun was leveled, and the formost fell to the
ground Clinton drew his knife, and soon
the beast was watering in its blood. On
fed the dogs and onward went the cry, and
soon another and another rifle reverberatsd
through the groves till all again was silent.
Then blew the horn again, and the hunters
re assembled, recounted their fortune, and
sent for the prey. Part were despatched to
De Lacy's for the ladies, while the remainder
followed after the herd, to drive them to the
prairie.
In an hour all the ladies were stationed
on a little eminence, at one corner of the
plain, while the hunters stood at intervals
around Two long exciting hours rolled
away, and the company were becoming Wea-
ry, when suddenly there burst into the plain
a herd not Of deer, but of bufaloes. The
ground shook beneath their feet, and low
sound, as of thunder, trembled in the breeze.
In dashed the hunters, and rife after rife,
with deadly aim, brought down the monsters
of the wilderness.
Wild with excitment, Clinton rushed af-
ter the throng, galloping close by the station
of the girls, whose faces now whltened with
fear at the unusual turn of affairs. Quick
as lightning off bounded Mag's palfrey at
the sight Of his mate, and away scampereG
the two, as if life and death depended on the
issue of that race Clinton urged his stced
| on, ignorant Of her following, across the prai.
ric, leaning forward, till he should come in
, gun shot Of the beasts. For two miles the
5 race continued, till the edge of the grove
was gained. Here the buffaloes separated
and Clinton pursued on down the descent
: till it plunged into the stream. Withou
e hesitation he dashed boldly in, when sudden
/ ly splash was heard just behind. lie look
= ed back. 0 horror! Twas Mag. Un
: der went both horse and rider, but the hors'
r arose riderless. A thousand tortures wer
S pressed in that moment She rose. On
S plunge from his horse, and he grasped be
: by the hair But the current bore them on
: till with one arm he grasped branch of
: tree and thus drew her to land apparentl,
S lifeless. He held her in his arm, and wipeC
S the water from her face, and strove to re
i call her to animation. The color again re
Y turned to her lips, she heaved sigh, The
e blood coursed again through her system, an
n she opened her eyes and gazcd into his fac
h and then family murmured, Bless nay dea
r deljUerer" In few minutes she recovered
and the company coming up, their horse
|, we're caught and she and Clinton rode slow
5, ly across the prairie, towards De Lacy's.
ot We will now leave the hunters to folio
g the chaise, and gather the prey, and folio,
e, Mr. Howard and Miss Philips to the HON
~ Of De Lacy.
e, IT'S the sunset hour. The chase is owe
le The company is gone. Ellen is busy at hC
e. household duties, and De Lacy is trying
It, bring his premises into order again. CHI
ul ton and Mag are seated on sofa. Let |
re listen at few words of their conversation
be Mr. Howard, can never, no never, e:
I'd press the gratitude I feel, nor repay tt
he magnanimity that risked your life to sa
lg mine.
On I am already repaid ten thousant times
i'll How?
BY your smiles and unvarying kindne:
. yet l am selfish. | would ask anoth
at BOOM
id, She is silent but her eyes look meek
e into his. He continues, taking her hand
e Grant me this and shall ever be ne;
err not to confer, favor, but to drink a Fl
to cup Of bliss from those sunlit eyes
ue She is silent still, but brighter carr
! tion dyes her cheek.
Ids 0 deny me not this greatest of blessin!
NC this heaven of raptures. Say, dearest
.he earth, will you not give it me3'
- My hand l could easily give, but wor
me you accept the hand without the heart?
the l ask but for the hand, and believe
or shall receive both or neither. Is it not
Let my dearest?
led 20 what rapture and you will be IN
ied now and forever, to bless me while life ST
last p
lag And he drew her to his bosom, unres
an ingly, aud impressed upon her burning
se? the first wild kiss of accepted love.
and -
her CHAPTER *.
per- Four months have rolled silently av
non laden with joys and sorrows. In this per
de- how much ardent hopes have been blast'
now How many lifelong anticipations have b
aid hurled to the ground How many voi'