The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1858-07-22

mind could have taken outward shape, he
would have realized the vision 50 distinct
ly painted on his Imagination. But he
was well and strong; therefore he saw
nothing but blue heron tapping away
among the expresses, and flock Of tur-
key buzzards soaring high above the trees,
with easy and graceful fight. His tho'ts,
however, continued busy with the picture
that had been 50 viyidly recalled. He
recolected having heard, some time before,
of Mr.. Ducan's death, and he queried
within himself what had become Of that
beautiful child.
Musing thus, he rode under the fantas-
tic festoons he had been admiring, and
saw at his right long gentle descent,
where a small stream of water gIlded
downward over messy stones. Trees on
either side intcrlaced their bough5 over
it. and formed a vista, cool dark, and sol
emn as the aisle Of some old Gothic
church. A figure moving upward, by
the side OF the little brook. attracted his
attention and he checked his horse to in
quire whether the people at the nearest
house would entertain a stranger for the
night When the figure approached near
er, he saw that it VS. slender, barefoot
ed girl. carrying pail Of water. As she
emerged from the dim aisle of trees, a
CLEAN Of the setting sun shone across her
face for an instant. and impaired lumin-
Gus glory to her large brown eyes. Shad-
ING them with her hand, she paused tim
idly before the stranger, and answered
his inquiries. The modulatiOn of her
tones suggested a degree of refinement
which he had not expected to meet IN
that lonely region. He gazed at her so
ntcntly, that her eyes sought the ground,
and their long dark frnges rested on
blushing cheeks. What was it those
eyes recalled? They tantalized and elu-
ded his memory. "My good girl, tell
me what is your name" he said.
"L0uise," she replied bashfully, and
added Il will show you the way to the
house"
"Let me carry the water for you
said tiIe kind-hearted traveller. he dis
mounted for the purpose, but she resist
ed his opportunities, saying that she
would be very angry with her.
And who is she?" he asked. "Is
she your mother?"
ooh, no indeed !" was the hasty reply.
II am--I-liye there"
The disclaimer was sudden and earn
est, as if the question struck on wound
ed nerve. Her eyes swan with tears,
and the remainder Of her answer was sad
and reluctant in its tones. The child
was SO deIicately formed, SO shy and SEN
sitiyo, so very beautiful, that she had fas-
cinated him strongly. lie led his horse
into the lane she had entered, and as he
walked by her side he continued to OBJ
serve her with the most lively Interest,"
Her motions were listless aud languid,
but fexile as a willow. They puzzled
him, as her eyes had done; for they seem
ed TO remind him Of something lie had
seen In half-forgotten dream.
They soon came in sight Of the house,
which was built OF logs, but larger than
most houses of that description; and two
or three huts in the rear indicated that
the owner possessed slaves. An open
porch in front was shaded by the project
inc roof, and there two dingy, black-nosed
dogs were growing and tou5lIng each 9th
er Pigs were roofing the ground, and
among them rolled black baby, envel-
oped in bundle Of dirty rags. The trav-
eIler waited while Louise went into the
house to enquire whether entertainment
could be furnished for himself and horse
1t was some time bofore the proprietor ot
the establishment made his appearance
At last he came slowly sauntering rounG
the end Of the house, his hat tipped Oh
one side, with a rowdyish air. He was
accompanied by large dog, which rush
ed in among the pigs, biting their ear.
and making them race about, squealin1
piteously. Then he seized hold of the
bundle OF rags containing the black baby
and began to drag it over the ground, tC
the no small astonishment Of the baby
who added his screech to the charivari o
the pigs. With loud shouts of laughter
Mr.. Jackson cheered on the rough AMI
NAL, and was so much entertained by th'
scene, that he seemed to have forgotten
the traveller entirely. When at las
his eye sested upon him, he merely ex
claimed, "That's hell of dog! !" ant
began to call, "Staboy!" again. The ne
gro woman came and snatched up he
babe, casting furtive glance at her mas
ter, as she did SO, and making her escap
as quickly as possible. Tower, bein:
engaged with the pigs at that moment
allowed her to depart unmolested; ant
soon came back to his master, waggin;
his tail, aud looking up as if expectin;
praise for his performances.
The traveller availed himself of thi
season of quiet to renew his inquiries.
"Wen," said Mr.. Jackson, II reckon
we can accommodate ye. Whar ar y
from, stranger?"