Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1854-12-19
THE NARROW EscAPE. i

"Come, come! Hurrah hurrah! Now for
horseback ride on the mountain o-day," wa
the animated salutatioA of Charles W
as he joined the happy group of village boys, who
were assembled on the green, one lovely autum.
nal morning. -'.7a asen 'e ssae
Charles was noble youth he had but to be
known to be loved. His free and generous spirit,
good taste, and sound judgment failed not to gain
the respect of all his associates.
His proposal on this, as on other occasions,
was cordially agreed to, and soon we were mount
ed, and on our way out of the village-a happy
and joyous company. -@ z..slas '.s-
Bright prospects, cooling shades, refreshing
breezes, and murmuring waterfalls danced before
our eyes in fond anticipation. ss''."
Care that often weighs down the otherwise
buoyant spirits of man had no place within our
breasts for all was bright as the MONDAY sun.
As we proceeded on our way, reaping fresh de-
light from every prospect. our conversation
became animated and cheerful. srf
We talked of the fine view, the cooling air and
moralized upon the secret influence these had up
on the minds and manners of men. ~ ~
The gurgling fountain that gushed forth its
flowers that lay in rich profusion around us, not
only became theme of conversation, but often
courted us from our path and anon and again
did we dismount, and regale ourselves with the
cooling drausht and rich fragrance to which they
invited us. fst.--
But we neared the summit and each DESTROYS
to out-rval his companions put spurs to his horse,
and in moment more we stood admiring the
checkered scene that lay before us. Here, far
high range of rugged mountains, lay an extended
prospect, rich, lovely, and enchanting.
In the distance, a winding stream rolled its ST.
lent waters through verdant fields and shady
groves, mparting freshness to the air, and feril-
ity to the surrounding country; while here and
there appeared the quiet village, the comfortable
farmhouse, the cultivated garden, the fine Or
chard, and the ample field of waving grain, pre-
senting to the view pleasing variety, which
awakened emotions too full of heartfelt delight
to admit Of description.
But this bright scene that had formed SO lovely
q picture within our minds was destined to sad
and sudden reverse. For as We We're reluctantly
mounting to return, the horse of our loved and
jovial companion took fright, and like the I'M
governable torrent, dashed fearlessly down the
mountain side.
Breathless anxiety filed every bosom and
hope and fear alternately swept across the spirit
of our minds as we watched every bound of the
affrighted animal.
Actuatcd by intense feeling and deep solicitude
for the welfare of our friend, we followed on at
fearful rate, hoping to keep him in view, but
like an arrow shot from wcll-drawn bow, he
flew from our sight, and all hope sank within us.
scanning every portion of the road, hoping, yet
fearing to view the object of our deep concern
At length we saw the horse rushing with full
speed down the decivity of the mountain, freed
from his rider. Oh, who can judge of our feel
ings at that moment The deep drawn sigh told
too we'll the fearful expectations of our timid
hearts.
We FASTENED on, and in another moment saw
the we'll known form of our friend, extended on
the roadside, apparently lifeless. We rushed to
his side, and soon the shout of JOY, resounding
from rock to rock proclaimed our friend unin-
jurcd, save by the fright he sustained in his flight
and fall from the horse.
All were his ready attendants, and soon he be-
came sufficiently restored to mount one Of our
horses kindly rendered to him, and accompany us
to our homes, which we reached just as the sun
was casting his last lingering rays upon the
mountain top, upon which we stood but a few
hours before, forgetful that we inhabited world
subject to change. d.