The Iowa transcript. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1858-1866, 1866-08-01

INCH BY INCH.
A WEST INDIAN SKETCH.


One fine morning in August, arose a
early dawn, and had just shed dressing
myself, when an old black woman put hel
head into my room, exclaiming, "Hy, II
YOU dressed massa p and seeing that was
went on. Z" bring the coffee and cigars
how de dis manning, massa p
.'Come in, judy" l answered I'm al
right. But what is the matter? You don
look we'll"
al is raider poorly, tank God"' she re
piled.
Judy did not leave the room, as usual
when | had taken my coffee: so. knowing
that she had got something on her mind. Of
which she wished to disburdcn herself,
said, Well, Judy, what is it ~
"Will massa look at the barometer bum
ye?"
"Look at the barometer What for,
Judy ?"
II tink we is goin' to hab hurricane"
"A hurricane Why, there never was a
finer morning came out Of the heavens
dat for true, massa but we is goin' to
hab hurricane for all dat. Massa no 60 to
Paradise dis day"
"Not 20 to Paradise. Why not, judy"
paradise nice place in fine wedder but
him too much near de mountains for safe in
hurricane"
"Well, III look at the glass as soon as !
have finished my coffee; but as to not going
to Paradise, that's out of the question.
The old woman left me; and finishing my
coffee, stepped out to examine the baron
eter. 1t stood at 40 0, and, as have said,
the morning was a splendid one: so, know
ing that there was young lady at Paradise
who was expecting me, laughed at Old
Judy's fears, and determined to start.
AT this time M friend came busting out
Of his room. Flows the glass, Tow? Judy
says we are going to have storm; and she's
always right
"Nonsense!' l replied. "The glass is
- firm as rock; and as Judy's feelings,
hats all nonsense"
"Ah. but tell you it's no such thing.
I've been in four hurricanes, and Judy has
foretold every one Of them. We may not
get it to-day; but she's better than any
weather glass; SO, if you take my advice,
you will defer your trip to the Gordons."
"Stutf' replied. a gave my word,
and 60 l shall l don't want to drag you
out, if you're afraid, but you must not think
to brighten me-"
"Ah, my dear boy !" answered my friend,
"when you have had one taste of q West
Indian hurricane, you will not want
second; besides. there is not worse place
in the island than that came Paradise Of
Gordon's The wind gets between those
two mountains, and RACES up the valley like
mad"
l was duly impressed with my friends
advice, and loath TO leave him, for ! per-
ceived that he was really in earnest; but,
truth to say, there was q certain Mary Cor
SAv ftl 49, kn nfi
her fathers plan,a,ion), for whom, as sail-
nothing short Of the absolute presence of
the tornado would have stopped me. Be-
sides, was in full health and spirits; and
it was not likely that l, who had been
knocking about in all parts Of the world,
could sympathize with the feelings OF an
ancient black woman, or with those of the
climate worn and sensitive old planter with
whom was staying Mounting my horse,
therefore, with black boy for guide,
started on my journey.
1ro lie on brisk pace, for there is some
thing in the early breeze Of a tropical morn
ing which is peculiarly refreshing, and
ditfuses ouoyant elasticity into your frame,
which is only to be restrained by active ex-
ercise. In addition to this, the scenery
through which | was travelling was Of the
most enchanting description; while l, with
light heart, was speeding on to seek
creole houri in tropical !. Paradise" |
had got about one third Of the way, when
came to two roads: was somewhat puzzled
which to take, for had forgotten my guide,
and had ridden so fast that felt certain l
had left him far behind. was about to
take the one to the left, when voice behind
me exclaimed, "Hm de wrung way, massa;
de LET is do right way" turned round in
surprise, and there found my little black
guide clingiag to the horses tail. The
horse, presume, being used to this sort of
thing, took no notice of it, though the young
rascal had in his hand pointed stick, with
which at times he accelerated the animals
movements.
The road, though it proved very bad
one, was wild and picturesque in the ex-
IRENE. 1t followed the course Of deep
gully, whose sides became more and more
precipitous as advanced, but were covered
with green and luxuriant vegetation, con-
sistiDg of bushes and creepers, the blossoms
on which were marvellously beautiful.
After vending for some distance through
the bottom Of this ravine, l at last emerged
into the open country, rs spot of peculiar
beauty. On my ripht and left rose high
mountains, whose peaks, now and then visi-
BILE through the clouds, seemed TO reach the
heavens The whole Of these mountains
were clothed with perpetual verdure, while
before me was valley, spreading out in
grassy slopes to the edge of the sea.
had never seen anything SO truly grand.
vas fascinated, for in no part Of the world
is the imagination 80 powerfully affected by
scenic effect as in the tropics. The majestic
grandeur of the mountains, the mingled
beauty and variety Of the vegetation, and
the deep and sombre forests, were all new
to me. Then the strange convolutions Of
the clouds, which, pressed by the wind
against the opposite side of the sierra, came
rolling and tumbling over the mountains,
now concealing and now disclosing some Of
the most romantic spots in nature, excited
in me such lively and rapturous interest as
could not be easily forgotten.
Massa no get to Paradise dis day, if
him top looking at the mountains all the
maaning." said my little guide.
Admonished by this, again started.
had not proceeded much farther, when
perceived that Old Judy's prognostics were
not without their significance, for brilliant
though ominous scene presented itself to
my view. A tremendous bank of black
clouds had risen up, as it were, out Of the
bosom of the ocean, and hung almost sta
tio1ary on the distant horizon. was look
ing at this, when all at once it seemed
moved IS by mighty wind mass after
mass Of mu'ky vapor rolled up, and spread
themselves athwart the heavens.
"Hurricane do come, massa, now for
true!" cried my little Cupid. "Ole Judy
always right; and massa no make haste, de