The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1855-06-16

Never shall forget the fierce agony with
which tagged at the door and called on
the driver in a tone that rivalled the force of
the blast, whilst the dreadful conviction was
burning on my brain that the coach ,ras being
mored backuariS!
What followed was of such swift occur
renee that it seemed to me like frightful
dream.
rushed against the door with all my force;
but it withstood my utmost efforts. One side
of the vehicle was scnsibly going down,
down, down. The moaning of the agonized
animal became deeper, and knew from his
desperate plunges against the traces that it
was one of ourhorscs Crash after crash of
thunder rolled over the mountain. and vivid
sheets of lightning played round our devoted
carriage as if in glec at our misery. BY its
light could see for a moment-only for
moment---the old planter standing erect with
his hands on his son and daughter, his eyes
raised to heaven, and his lips moved like
those in prayer.
I could see Louise turn her ashy cheek to-
wards me as if imploring protection: and
could see the bold glance of the young boy
flashing indignant defiance at the descending
carriage, the war of clements, and the awful
danger that awaited him. There was roll
"a desperate plunge, as of an animal in the
throcs of diSSolution-a harsh, grating jar
a sharp, piercing scream Of mortal terror
and | had but time to grasp Louise firmly
with one hand around the waist. and seize the
leather fastenings attached to the coach roof
with the other, when we were precipitated
over the rrccipice.
can distintly rccollect preserving con-
seriousness for few seconds Of time, how
rapidly my breath was being exhausted, but
of that tremendous descent SOON lost all
further knowledge by conclusion so violent
that was instantly deprived of sense and
motion.
The traveller paused. His features worked
for minute or two as they did when we
were on the mountain; he pressed his hand
across his forehead, and resumed his inter-
esting narrative.
Ona low couch in an humble room of a
small country house, next opened my eyes
in this world of light and shade, Joy and sor-
rom, of mrth and madness. Gentle hands
smoothed my pillow, gentle feet glidcd across
my chamber, and gentle voice hushed for n
time all my Questionings. I was carefully
ATTENDED by Young girl of fifteen, who re-
fused, for length Of time, TO hold any dis
course with me. At length one morning
finding myself sufficiently recovered TO sit
up, | insisted on learning the result of the
accident.
."You were discovered" snid she, "sittine
on ledge Of rocks amidst the branches Of a
shattered tree, clinging to the roof Of your
broken coach with one hand, and to the in
sensible form of lady with the other"
''And the lady ?" gasped, scanning the
girl S face with an earncstncss that caused her
TO draw back with blush.
She was saved, sir, by the means that
save you-thc friendly tree"
And her father and brothers' | impa-
tcntly demanded.
I'VE found them both crushed TO pieces
at the bottom of the precipice, great way
below where my father and uncle Joe found
you and the lady. We buried their bodies
both III one grave, close by the clover patch
down in our meadow ground"
Poor Louise poor orphan! God pity
you" I muttcrcd: in broken tones, utterly
unconscious that | had listener.
''God pity her, indeed, sir, said the young
girl. with gnsh of heartful sympathy
Would you like to see herr" she added.
found the orphan bathed in tears, by tn,
graves Of her buried kindred She receivet
me with sorroWful sweetness of manner
| need not detain your attention by detailing
the efforts made to win her from her grief,
but briefly acquamt you, that at last sue
cccded in inducing her to leave her forlorr
home in sunny south, and that twelve month.
after the dreadful occurance which have re-
lated, we stood at the altar as man and wife
She still lives to bless my love with hel
smiles, and my children with good precepts
but on The anniversary of that dreadful nigh
she secludes herself in her room and devotcs
the hours of darkness to solitary prayer
GAS for me-" added the traveller, while thu
faint flush tinged his brow "as for me, tina
accident has reduced me to the condition O
a physical coward at the sight Of mountain
precipice."
but the driver" asked our lady passen
ger, who had attended the recital of the
story with much attention, 'what became o
the driver, or did you ever learn the reason
of his deserting his post 2"
ellis body was found on the road, within
a few steps of the spot where the coach wen
over. lie had been struck dead by the sam,
flash of lightning that blinded the FESTIVE
| horses"