Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1854-11-02
Brilliant Gkettl),
THE TRAITOR OF THE VALLEY.
N, ,AG OF F. N


THE day was retreating to the west and even
ing was preparing TO cast her 6 Dom arouho' lor
as vet it was scarce possible to say that the
bri1htness had diminished; the hour appeared
as ibounh a thin cloud had mellowed the light
which hung in the valley, yet the glowing appear,
ance Of the forest on the western hills, showed
where the sun was sinking-a few clouds that
had been floating TO and fro in the heavens
during some hours past, were gradually me'lllS
AWAY and leaving the wide blue arch pure and
unobscurcd; throughout the valley and all Was
silent and calm; mill was there, but It's nolse'
which had echoed amongst the rocks during me
fore part Of the day, was now hushed ana slili'
and the slight murmer of the water from lne
dam alone could be heard; this was beautiful
sheet Of water, on which the dark shadows from
the neiehboring hills were fast gathering.
A solitary urchin stood on rock proJectug
into it, and was winding up his fishing line ana
preparing 10 depart. Built in fine situation on
the slope of the mountain, was comfortable
looking stone house, o'ertopped by many aged
sycamore trees, under one of which was bench,
and here reclined man who constituted with
the fisher, the only animated objects OF the
scene. :,
The appearance of this person did not at all
coincide with the beauty and c;Amness OF the
spot; he was o; short stature, but the stout,
ness of his person compensated for his wan's1'
HEIGHT: strength was Indicated in every limb
and his expanded chest and broad shoulders
made it too evident to escape observation his
round face was pitted deeply with the small poX
and was destitute of those marks by which VIC
are innatcly taught to expect talent, worth and
honor; although their opposites were not por'
trayed, vet the expression of his features seem
ed to bid us not to be astonished at finding
them.
He was habitcd in suit of dark grey clothes
and wore n black handkerchief around his neck
Ever and anon he cast his piercing grey eyes
with anxious looks towards the road whlcf
wound down the hill at the north end OF th'
valley.
When evening had little more advanced
and the uneasiness of the person Just descrloee
apparently increased, a chariot was seen descend
ing into the valley, along the narrow road: L
was not long before the steady pace OF th'
sturdy horse had brought it and its passenger:
close to the mill these were middle age(
man of meagre habit, and Of no very pleasing
appearance, and beautiful girl, who seemee
now to be about twenty, resplendent in charms
her beautiful chesnut hair was crossed over he
fine white forehead, and pair Of lively blue e.ye'
beneath, bespoke pure and cultivated mind
The person we first mentioned, and who was
called Magofin, seemed much pleased with tht
arrival of his visitors, or at least his stern fca
lures seemed to express as much satisfaction
and joy, as was compatible with their peculia
cast.
"You are welcome, Pattison," said he, "anC
you too, Miss Ellen. rejoice to see you il
my lonely valley"
LONELY indeed, sir" was the answer, "thougI
absence Of company is sometimes an advantage.
"Sometimes," said Magoflin, with an angr,
look. and turned on his heels to address Alr
Pattson and assist him to aght, for sever
lameness rendered this somewhat difficult.
AS Ellen entered the dwelling feeling o
grief to which her young heart was not strang
er, peryaded her bosom the only female sh
found in the house was its keeper, an old wo
man, whose son assisted at the mill, and thcs
together with the owner constituted the Who'll
family. Ellen desired to be shown to room
and when there, deep sigh escaped her as 81 sh
seated herself on the bed; a feeling of disllk
, towards Magoftin was one of the most powerlu
which the calm breast of the maiden had ye
entertained, and at each of his frequent visits q
her uncle's (for Mr. Pattison stood in that dc
gree related to herr she felt it increase; whi
then were her sensations when her uncle gay
her to understand that she had attracted IN
, notice of the man she despised. but OF on
whom Mr.. Pattison considered as in every. re
spect a suitable partner for her through life!