Warren telegraph. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1857-1861, 1857-10-03
5elcfteo 4ilistcllonp.
A RIDE FOR LIFE.


..
In the fall OF the year 1926, single horse
man might hove been seen rushing, at the ut
most possible speed which the united efforts 'of
both whip and spur could command along tfe
old highway on the south sido of the Catawba
river, that led to the famous Island ford in the
state of North Carolina. The Individual sfhcn-
toned was finely-formed, handsome youth on
the verge of his majority, with frank, fearless
countenance, and fiery grey eyes, betraying a
{. passionate temperament and will of strong
perhaps reckless energy.
The impetuosityof his disposition also reveal
ed itself in the wild eagerncss Of his looks md
the hot haste of his motions. The power
ful animal beneath his saddle had evidebty
travelled long distance at the present unpatu-
raj rate of velocity, as his smoking hanks were
silvered with foam and the painting breath Ssu-
ed from his purple noStrils in that painful 8ort-
ing sound which betokens the last frightfu
struggle Of the vital forces with fatigue; but
the rider still urged him on with resistess fury,
devouring space by miles in minutes, as IL de-
termined to conquer time and defy tho very
laws of nature. The perspration rolled, like
ran-drops, from his own bold brow, his rich
clothing was soiled with mud from the slime, of
the road, and his entire visage and appearance
showed his flight on some mission of life and
death. ~
On reaching the bank of the Iatawbs, he
seized bugle depending from the bough Of an
adjacent tree, and blew blast so loud and fierce
that it startled every bird in the forest, and was
Immediately answered by the boatman's ringing
voice on the other side Of the river, who, in
few moments that seemed as many ages to the
impatient traveller, appeared with the ferry.
What is the name of your master ?" inqur-
ed the youth, as thu African Charon rowod him
rapidly across the current.
Colonel Banks" replied the slave, proudly.
"ls he at home"
"No, master; he's gone to the races"
"Where is the overseer?'
"Gone with him."
Are his family at the house?"
The colonel is bachelor"
"Have you any fast horses in the stable ~
The negro eyee the stranger with look of
suspicion, and gave negative response. The
boat soon touched the bank, and the jadcd beast
of the traveller, after struggling with difficulty
up the ascent fell upon the earth unable to pro-
coed further.
The young man uttered an exclamation Of
rage, grief and disappointment but instantly
perceivng splendid black horse hitched near
the door of tho ncighboring mansion, ho cx-
claimed wildly: I" | must have that animal and
will pay you literally"
"Impossible!" calculated the astonished AfIi-
can. Master would not part with him for his
weight in money"
81 Here are two hundred dollars, and If that
sum be not the value, will make it good anoth-
er time" said the youth, counting out the coin.
And here is my address," he added, writing
on slip of paper the name, "John Fitch, Fairy
Dell, Wilkes county"
"But you shall not take Selim ~ asserted the
slave, angrily, and crying with all the strength
for help.
His shouts drew number of Africans and
bono "a. lnIA H. H.. -
traveller, throwing down the money and his ad
DRESS snatching pistol from his bosom, and
keeping off the opposers of his desperate deed, |
mounted the black horse in dispute, and flew
away like the wind. Many persons, at different
points on the road, witnessed with wonder the |
fury of that reckless ride, and with feelings of
terror the looks of the traveller. Over hill and
valley through forest and field, in defiance of
stones and streams, he rushed without rest or |
pause throughout the long burning day, aud still |
the speed and durance of the high .bloodcd Se- |
linn bore him CALAMITY on.
AT length the weary sun sunk to repose be-
meath its pavilion Of purple clouds, and let fall
its golden curtains: then deeper shadows drop
ped from the soaring SUBMITS Of the Blue Ridge,
and soon heavens dark-cyed daughter, the mys-
tic mother of dreams aud silver dews, the sleep
inspiring night spread her black mantle over
tho world-tbat mantle that would seem like
ilOuTncr ven, WcIc 10 nOI auorucu ny Ilc Duri-
ing beauty Of ten thousand stars. But still the
fiery grey eyes of John Fitch glanced not round
for the tokens of tavern, and his impatience
urged him as wildly as ever towards the noun
tains. A little before the noon of darkness he
entered small, picturesque valley, shut in by
lofty hills, and musical with the everlasting song
of large rill that moandered, like the folds of
silver serpent, through its velvet green.
Thank God, l am here at last Oh, that it
may not be to late! |" murmured the young man.
in mournful accents, as the light of a cottage be-
came visible twinkling like distant star among
the trees. Then he plunged tho spur madly in
to the side of Selim and a few moro bounds
brought him into the yard where the horse fell
exhausted as the rider sprung from the saddle
and burst into the door, crying, in tones of un-
utterabe tenderness" NY mother, my dear
mother are you yet alivef"
A faint sound, betwixt a sigh and moan, an
swered, "My son ~
The latter Immediately kneeed by the couch I
Of the sick woman, kissed her pale lips, and
bathed the fond bosom which had cradled his I
infancy with tho bitter tears Of love and hope :
less sorrow. "I started" he said, or rather |