The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-09-16
THE LOST BRIDE.
BY ARTHUR L. MEsERvE,

tucky and the wild denisens Of the forest
as they heard its prolonged echoes, start
ed from the rolling tide of the noble riv-
er, and listened for moment to the un-
heard Of noise, and then in alright bouu-
ded into the deep forest id-wood, On.
til many hill and dale was placed be-
tween them and the object of their alarm.
The sharp report OF the rife had awoke
the echoes of the wildwood glades, and
the white wreath of smoke that Hoated
upward through the leafy boughs of the
forest trees, telling the fate of some no.
bic buck that had stood gazing at their
destroyer, with their great staring eyes,
little thinkiog that harm would come to
them. Tue chrystal waters Of the river
had received the boat, of the pale faces;
and the stropg block house of the great
pioneer of the then grea, west. Daniel
Boone, was Rected from the bold bluff
upon its shining waters.
The tune Of which we write is in the
spring of l776, one year later than when
Boone and few hardy companions had
erected their strong hold in the wilder
ness preparatory to the removal of their
families; aud on the day of their arrival at
the block house is the time We have cho.
sen to open the first scene of our story.
Never could there be a more glorious
day than that of the 18th of May, 1776,
the day that saw the dozen boats of the
hardy pioneers push off from the forest
where they bad eDcauped the previous
nIgnt aud bounded over the ripping wa
ters on the last day of their journey; for
when the unclouded sun had sunk behind
the western wilderness, they had arrived
at their chosen home.
The day was perfectly fair; not cloud
obscured the horizon. but the gentle
breeze that rustled the foliage Of the tor
est trees that glrd' the shore, only served
to cool the air, which would have been
oppressive. The forest was closed with
its dark mantle of green; and the wild,
melodious songs of the thrush aud oriole
poured forth from the depths of the for
est, served to render it almost scene Of
euchantmcnt, combined with the sight
that every few rods presented of the no
bIe deer that stood on the banks of the
river gazing with curiosity not commiDg-
led with fear at the passing boats; or
peeped out from some glade in the back
ground, nearly discernable through the
forest thIcket.
The advancing boat that conta ined
Boone, also bore besides bis family
youthful couple that had been united by
the wan Of God but the day previous to
their starting for the forest; aud, with
buoyaut hopes they had joined the expe.
ditioD. aud baud in band will struggle Tor
heritage in the wilderness.
Casper Vincent bad won her simply
By self alone; for be could boast not of
the wealth that other competitors for her
favor had at their disposal; but iu the eye
OF the lady true manhood was far better
than gold, and deciding accordingly she
bestowed her heart and hand upon one
she knew would make her happy, although
rivals were much cbagrinned that the
poor hunter should bear away the fairest
flower OF the settlement, they, all, save
one kept their peace.
Royal Morton was a cousin to the la.
dy. and a man of passionate temper.--
He had laid siege to the maidens heart,
but she knew of bis deeds of villauy too
well to listen to his suite; and 20 she
plainly told him after be importuned her
for an answer, although he might have
read it 10 her words and actions towards
him; and when at last be knew her final
determination, aud also she was about to
wed the forest buuter, Casper Vincent,
bis rage knew DO bounds. and he swore
that henceforth be would live only for
revenge, which should come hit speedi-
ly.
From :hat time till the bridal day,
Marion ,aw bin not; but when the little
cortege issued from the church of the set
tlcment. be rudely pushed past then. and
as be did so be hissed the word revenge
and then was lost in the forest that lay
near by; and on the morning when all
the people were assembled by the river
side to bid farewell to those who we're 70
seek home in the western wilderness he
was not amoug them; but she freely for.
gave him, for she wished to be not 10 an.
ger against any one as she left her early
home, perhaps never to return to the
well beloved spot again.
Onward aud onward sped the boats
propelled by the stout arms of the pio'
Deers until the sun had reached the NE
ridiau; and then they drew them high
upon the graVelly strand, aud beneath
the shadow of gigantic tree that cast its
shade by the river side, they gathered tc
partake of their MONDAY meal; and wei
did they relish it. for the future seemed
bright to them, for the danger Of the pas
sage was we'll nigh over. for in few
hours they would be at the block house.
Their repast concluded, some threw
themselves on the ground. in the deep
forest shade to spend the hour allotted fol
their rest, while others wandered away bJ
the marlin of the river, and yet Others
deep into the wildwood; ana when they
had gathered at their place of departure
one of the number reported that some