The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1857-01-21
& Sftprtp0 Storu.
THE nEREIT OF THE ISLES.

4 more straugs. confused aud romantic
group Of Islands is MOTTO be found ia the
world thar the western Isles of Scotland.
Hundreds OF them lie scattered about in
Wild rugged masses, wEnie the ocean rush.
es between them with An impe,uosjty that
is truly Startling. Here aud there u bare
rugged rock Hppcnrs lit only for the eyry
OF TIE scafowIs Nhch skim around them,
whilo Others. with sc"uty patches OF vel
dare iu the inier,liees of the crags offered
small supply OF oats or potatoes 10 the
few inhabitants domciled in them. In
the distance, the wonderful mass OF black
rocks, piled one above another in awful
grardeur, marks the Island of Jnra, and
further on a rise the barren hills Of the Is
land of Null. Both of these islands seem
placed, like sen,inels, TO guard the rush
Of the oceans storms, and defend Ia.
. smaller islands from their furious tur-
mol.
One of tho loneliest Of these smuilc,
Islands VAS long lookel upon with super
sti,ions dread by the Islanders around -
On il n stranger had fixed his sot,ry
abode. Whence he came no one knew !;
or why he settled on so bleak a spot, no
one could tell. The fishermen crowded
sl sail, and piled their oars with double
aacri,y as they pass.d this dreaded spot
and many a prayer was uttered TO shield
them from the evil influence OF this strange
AMI solitary being whom they dreaded SO
much.
And tho home Of that loue individual
,y,l . ha Il. =,
erected. A narrow strip OF land covered
with the soil washed down by many a
storm from the hill side, ard carefully
mauured with sea we"i, WAS the only spot
fitted for cultivation, and this Was planted
with culinary herbs, and small patches Of
corn and potatoes. The dwelling which
he inhabited was rude but, one end CG
which rested on tie hill side, which form.
ed as it were side wall 10 IL. The inte
rior was as rude as its ex:crior-a clumsy
besdstead fiued with fresh leather WAS his
resting place, coarse table snI a s,oO.
composed ail The furniture Two pet
sheep and dog were his only ccmpau
ions; ard ihss he l,rud, f.s removed from
the cares and tolls OF busy lGe -shunning
all society, and Stunned by all.
tOne evening he sat, as was lis uslIr
habit, apon ihe summit Of The hiE wheel.
oyeThuug his dwelling, and watched th,
.galbsfing mssses OF elosIds which game
rapidly scross The sky. MuI, aud Jora,
.loomeJ Ike night giants in the gloom
The sea birds dreading the coming storm
few screaming TO their eyFies, aUd several
fishing wheuies, with alicsnvas boi.tsi
rsshed through the ri ing waves wlh al!
speed. In the distance WA, large mcr-
chant vessel, the sailors busIy taking in
their sails, and preparing actively for the
coming struggle with the elements,
o. Yes soioouized tbe ,,ii,ary one, y eS::
furl yous saila, for yvu .iii need heieTe
midnight. Yes, you viii need strong
hands and firm hearts TO steer yoa, hs
continued. 10 you drive amongst tie
boiling whiri q Correyvrcchsn, nothing
can save yoo.k But 3hy do / feel SO 10.
. leressd ~ yont filtef Manys good aud
noble vessel have seen 10 down, and
their crew hushed to rest beDsslb the "a.
ging biIloWs'
So.ssyin9 he arose, and slowly deacen-
ding the bid entered bis hut. The sheep
came crouching TO him. trembling With
fear, aud gently rubbed Their heads ngaast
his hand ~ T 49,
Even yoO,' be ssid seen. Ia dread his
coming hurricane. May hesllo sends il
be mercifui 10 those who encounter itp