The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-06-06

In the Fall of 1916 l was travelling
Eastward in stage coach from Pittsburgh,
over the mountains. My fellow passcc'
gers were two gentlemen and lady. The
elder gentleman's appearance interested me
exceedingly. In years he seemed about
thirty-in air and manner he was calm,
digni6ed and polished. and the contour of
his features was singularly intellectual.
He conversed freely on different topics un-
til the road became more abrupt and pre-.
cipitous but on my directing bis attention
to the great altitude of precipice, on the
verge Of which our coach wheels were leis-
urely rolling. there came marked change
over his countenance. His eyes. lately
filled the light and intelligence, became
wild, restless and anxious-the mouth
twitched spasmodically. and the forehead
was beaded with cold Precipitation. With
sharp, convulsive shudder he turned his
gaze from the giddy height, and clutching
my arm tightly with both hands. he hung
to me like drowning man.
Use this colonge," said the lady, hand
ing me the bottle, with the instintive good.
ness of her sex.
sprinkled little on his face, and he
soon became more composed-but it was
not until We had entirely traversed the
mountain. and descended into the country
beneath. that bis fine features relaxed from
their peturbed look, and assumed the placid,
quiet dignity that had at FIRST noticed.
Il owe an apology to the lady" said he,
with bland smile. and gentle inclination
of the head to our companion, "and some
explanation to my fellow travellers. also
and perhaps I cannot better acquit myself
of the double deb. than by recounting the
cause of my recent agitation"
1T may pain your feelings" delicately
urged the lady.
"On the contrary, it will relieve them,
was the respectful reply.
Having signi6ed our several desires t
hear more, the traveller proceeded:
"At the age Of eighteen. l was light o
heart, light of foot, aud fear, (he smiled
light of head. A fine property on th'
banks of the Ohio acknowledged me sol'
owner. l was Fastening home to enjoy it
and delighted to get free from colleg
life. The month was October, the air brac
ing, and mode of conveyance stage coacl
like this, only more cumbrous; the othe
passengers were few, only three in all-a1
old gray headed planter, of Louisiana, hi
daughter, joyous, bewitching creature
about seventeen, and his son about tel
years Of age.
They were Just returning from France
Of which country the young lady discourse
in terms so eloquent as to absorb my entir
attention.
. The father was taci:urn, but the daugt
ter, vivacious by nature, and we soon bt
came mutually pleased with each other
she as talker, and l as listener-that
was no. until sudden fash of lighsnin
5 and heavy dash of rain against the vii
t dows elected an exclamation from m
charming companion, that I knew how th
: night passed US. Presently there came
0 low. rumbling sound, and then several tr'
D mendous peals Of thunder, accompanied b
: successive flashes Of lightning. The raj
s descended in torrents, and an angry win
: began to howl and moan through the fore
e trees.
looked from the window Of our vehicl
: The night was dark as ebony, but the ligh
= ming showed the danger Of our road. "
: were on the edge of frightful precipic
n l could see at intervals, huge jetting rock
far down its side, and the sight made n
6 solicitous for the safety Of my fair compa
= ion. I thought of the mere hair breadtl
,f that were between us and eternity 81
Ii gle little rock in the track of our coa'
d wheels-a tiny billet Of vood-a stray 70
o. ct tempest torn tree-restive horses, OF
0. careless driver-any Of these might hr
D. Us from our sublunary existence with Z
y ispeed Of thought