The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1854-12-23
\ V!)rillina 6torp.
TIE GIRDLE OF FIRE.

l verbally barren, being covered with immense
forests Of pine, intcrIperscd with cedar
swamps. During the dry summer months,
these latter become parchcd to an extent that
is incredible, and the accidental contagion Of
n firc-brand often wraps immense tracts Of
country in flames. The rapidity with which
the connagration, when once kindlcd, spreads
through these swalnps, can scarcely be cred
tied except by those who know how thorough
ly the moss and twigs are dried up by the
heat of an August sun. Indeed, scarcely
spot can be pointed out in West Jersey,
which has not, at one time or another, been
ravaged by eonflagration.-I was but few
years since that an immense tract Of pine bar
rcns was on fire, and the citizens ofPhiladcl-
phia can recolcct the lurid appearance of the
sky at night, seen at the distance Of thirty or
even forty miles from the scene Of conflagra-
ton. The legendary history of these wild
counties is full of daring deeds and hair
breadth escapes which have been witnessed
during such times of peril. One OF these ira
dictionary stories it is our purpose to relate
The period of our tale dates far back into the
carly history Of the sister State, when the
country was even more thinly settled than at
present.
1t was sunny morning in midsummer
when gay party were assembled at the door
Of neat house in one of the lower counties
IF New Jersey. Foremost in the group stood
a tall, manly youth, whose frank countcnancc
at once attracted the eye. BY his side was
bright young creature, apparently about
eighteen years of age, whose golden trcsscs
were fit type Of the sunny beauty Of her
countenancc; but now her soft blue eyes were
dun with tears, and she leaned on the should
CT of her mother, who was apparently equal.
ly effected. The dress of the daughter. and
her attitude of lcavc-taking, told that she
was bride, going forth from the home of
her childhood, to enter on new and untried
sphere of life. The other members of the
group were composed Of her father, her
brothers and sisters, and the bridcmcn and
bridcmaids
God bless you, my daughter, and have
you in his holy keeping" said the father, as
he gave her his last cmbrace-.and now fare
well /"
The last kiss was given, the last parting
word was said, the last long look had been
taken, and now the bridal PARTY was being
whrled through the forest on one Of the
sweetest mornings of the sweet month of
July.
1t was indeed lovely day. Their way
lay through an old road which was so rarely
travelled that it had become overgrown with
grass, among which the thick dew -drops.
glttcring in the morning sun, were scattered
sang mcrrily in the trees, or skipped gaily
from branch to branch, while the gentle sigh
ing of the wind, and the occasional murInur
Of a brook crossing the road, added to the
cxhlarating influences of the hour.-Thc
travellers were all young and happy and so
they gradually forgot the sadness Of the
parting hour, and ere they had travcrscd
many miles, the green arcades of that lovely
old forest we've ringing with merry laughter.
suddenly, however, the bride paused in her
innocent mirth, and Willie shade of pale
ness ovcrsplcad her check, called the atten-
ton of her husband to dark cloud, far off
on the horizon, and yet goomier and denser
than the darkest thundcr-cloud.
1.-The forest is on fire." was his instant
CALCULATIONS; ''think you not so Charley 7"
and he turned to his gro omsman.
"les--but the wind is not towards us,
and the fire must be miles from our COURSE
There is no need for alarm, Ellen, said he,
turning to the bride, his sister.
But our road lies altogether through the
forest" she timidly rejoincd, "and you know
there isn't house or cleared space for
miles"
"Ycs-but my dear sis, so long as the fire
keeps its distance, it matters not whether our
road is through the forest or in the fields
We will drive on briskly, and before noon
you will laugh at your fears. Your parting
from home has weakened your nerves."
No more was said, and for some time the
carriage proceeded in silence. Meantime the
confagration was evidently spreading with
great rapidity, The dark, dense clouds of
smoke, which had at first been seen hanging
only in one spot, had now extended in line
along the horizon, gradually cdging round
so as to cut off the travellers. But this was
done so imperceptibly, that for long time,
they were not aware Of it, and they had
journeycd at least half an hour before they
saw their danger. At length the bride spoke
again:
"Surely, dear Edward" she said, address
ing her husband, 1.-THE fire is sweeping around
a-head of us. have been watching it by
yondcr blasted pine, and can see it slowly
creeping across the trunk"
Every eye was instantly turned in the
direction in which she pointed-and her
brother who was driving, nvoluntarily check
ed the horses. A look of disrnay was on
each countenance, as they saw the words OF
the bride verified There could be no doubt
that the fire had materially changed its bear
| ing since they last spoke, and now threaten