The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-02-15

Harry began his trip to Nashville, with
feelings somewhat piqued at the reflection
OF kinsman being in the unhallowed cells
OF Pandemouium, yet his natural afiec
tons overruled his pride, and he continu-
ed the journey however unpleasant it ap-
peared to be, he had not proceeded more
than two days on the road, when entering
INTO a straight thoroughway, or avenue he
saw two horsemen approaching with the
speed of lightning. He was struck with
astonishment at first, but as soon as they
came near enough to define their features
he recognized his cousin Walter; the
Mountaineer he had never seen before,
and OF course was an utter stranger. While
they were in the act of passir 9, he reined
up and hailed Walter in the following Ian
guage:
"My cousin Walter, can it be possible
see you, why do you ride so fast? Je-
nus speed is but snail's pace, to your
flying gait"
No time for salutes now, Harry" re-
Piled Walter, "let us hurry until we cross
the line and you can hear all; this is the
fourth horse, that | have jaded, and am
nearly exhausted myself. Come, turn
your horse with all speed. Bloodhounds
are yelping on our trail"
Walter knew very well that he would
be pursued, and the least delay on his
part might prove fatal; he spurred his
horse onward while finishing the above re-
ply, and the nearer he approached the
State line the more eager he was to reach
1t. A re-capture ross with redoubled hor-
ror at every sound that met his ear. At
length the rugged side of Black Mount
hove in view, though gloomy sight to
revival Of hope. He was animated BY
anticipating the JOY his heart would expe-
ricnce in a few hours; he felt as though
the lovely form of Almctta was really en-
circled with his enfeebled arms; that the
recollection of the past would be absorbed
in the enjoyment of the future, and life
might yet have for him pleasures, which
had hitherto been denied by the stern de-
crees Of an iron fate.
After passing the State line three or
four miles, Walter, supposing that lis pur-
suers would not follow him further. rode
more leisureiy along apparently in deep
study. What he revolved in his mind
seemed TO be of a serious and unpleasant
nature, yet he gave uttcrancc to his
thoughts in the words as here related:
ave are safe now," said he to the
Mountaineer, and | release you from
any obligation that you feel binding you
with regard to my safety. have some
thing to tell you, respecting myself that
you never knew; it is this. If Fortune
docs not avert her smiles, will this day
meet my lady-love, and as soon as my
health and strength improve, | will lead
hor to the altar; for this | must in part
thank you; henceforth I rcnounce the
barbarous lie Of n highwayman, and shall
Immediately return to my father and i'm
plore his forgiveness; however, If we ever
meet again, | hope TO r,collect that once
had n faithful friend, one who jeopardi-
zed his own life for ruine, but will ban
ish from my memory the hateful profes-
sion that linked us together in so foul a
bond of brotherhood"
The Mounta;necr made no reply. His
heart long since scared by q familiar
knowledge Of assassination and crime,
hitherto had been unmoved even at the
cries Of pleading victim, but the part
ing words Of Walter drew tears from his
arid eyes. He stood motionless, gazing
ut the cousins as they rode off, he would
have gone also, if he could have given Il
| direction To his future mode of life. AZ
ter they had passed from his view he turn
cl his horse toward the Rock House,
whence he was never heard Of again by
Walter.
The Captain and Harry had now fair
opportunity of conversing more particu,
larly on their domestic affairs. Walter
asked his cousin thousand questions
touching the manner his imprisonment
affected his father, whether he had ever
spoken Of him with anything like pater-
nal sympathy. Harry rather cvaded a
direct reply, yet told his cousin, that the
old gentleman had provided him with mo.
ney and good horse, and had requested
him to go and learn what he could con
corning Walter, that he had met with {
| party at the Blowing Rock, and had fal
len in with Mr. Hollers who invited him
homo with him, he farther stated the ae
ciaeat that happened TO the young lady
I rxhN arfart.arls Snfnrr4oa HIS, &c Al, eoi :,