The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1868-03-04
THE MAD GUIDE.

Toward the close of November, in the year
1850, group of travellers stood on the plat
form Of the railroad depot 10 small town
in Kentucky. They had just alighted from
the morning train.
Noticeable among the group, composed for
the most, part Of plain farmers and rough
looking countrymen, was a young and hand
some couple whose air and attire bespoke
wealth and refinement
In the eountenance of the gentleman, the
impassioned glance Of his eye as it fell upon
his fair companion, his proud and happy
bearing, was to be read the successful lover
The lady, bewilching blonde OF scarcely
more than nineteen summers, chung to his
arm with a trustfulness, an eager affection
that made firm the conviction in the minds
of ali gazers that they beheld newly mar
ried pair enjoying the honeymoon.
sThere Emma, comes our Conveyance
We have short ride of ten miles before us.
It's now about nine o'clock; by three this
afternoon we shall have done the third great
natural wonder Of the States"
sWhat, Edward. you've only done two
wonders, as vet! I've done three"
"Where is your fancy carrying you? Nj
agara Falls, and the Natural Bridge, are all
I've seen as yet; but the Mammoth Cave is
soon to come'
Il repeat, sir, I've done three wonders
even now"
"Well, I'm stupid, l suppose What is
it? What's the thirdw
give married you'll"
| 'sHa. ha I'm your equal for all that
I've married you; and must say that my
wonder is superior to yours
"Well, we won't quarrel about it,"
A rockaway wagon stopped before them at
this moment, and both speakers were soon
seated within.
Having proceeded down the road consid-
cradle distance and seeing no other vehicle
than that in which he was seated, the hus-
band Intercepted the driver
'.Your curiosity does not seem to draw we'll.
No visitors besides ourselves at the cave to-
day ?"
''Not the right season, sir They come in
crowds during the warm months
cts not bad time to visit, hope?"
s'No, sir leastways not as to seeing the
cave; but the country isn't pleasant to travel
tufOuSu TIC GAVE VIII pe lItCle Culliy /,
but see you're well wrapped up.
ave ought to be; not long since We were
under masses Of the ice at Niagara. We ex-
pected cold in the cave. Well have no trou-
BILE about guide, suppose?"
"Well, no, sir-I don't know, l haven't
been there lately myself. Wen see when
We get there. No trouble, I expect, sir"
A half hour passed, and the travellers
reached their destination.
"What's that river?" asked the husband
s.On that, sir, you will sail through the
cave"
sIndeed-Emma, you hear? We're te
have boat ride instead of that romantic
pilgrimage on foot with torches, WHICH you
have pictured"
'sOh sir, you can have walking enough il
you wish. The river is the straightest course
through, that is all"
Through? The end has not been discover
ed has it Z"
lizard to say, sir; it SO twists and turns
about. One Of the guides-has been ten miles
into it. So he says. As to guide, sir; you
see that small cabin little ways ahead ? We
shall get some information there about one
| ! u6 tIdCC GNSAp iuilO doiCSP. w SHOOAN
see it in summer.
s'No hotel hereabouts ?"
Eyes but it S shut up at this season.
All. you're in luck, sir There's Ned John
son himself, the best guide you could have
knows every thing about the cave and is al
amusing fellow too I was told he was Out
of the country"
Fastening ,,pailings to fence about the
house pointed out by the driver, was seen {
tall, lean map, attired in i'll fitting and soilec
garments Of coarse cloth, and wearing upnr
his head battered oil cloth cap. He seem
ed full fifty years OF age. His sallow ant
sunken ysase was partially concealed by al
unkempt grizzly beard, and from amid 9
mass Of wrinkles, his bloodshot gray eyes
peered sideways at the travellers who wert
now beside him.
| aAh, Johpson-glad to see you here again,
exclaimed the driver. five job for you
this morning-there's lady and gentleman
want to see the caye-I was just telling
them they had luck to light upon you"
sThev can look at Inc as much as they like
there's no charge for that" was grufiy re
turned.
"Hes rather out Of sorts this morning,
muttered the driver, "but he'll brighten uI
soon. It's only his way He's good natar
ed fellow in the main" Then addressing
the man again. he said-sYou don't mean t
be so uncivil as to refuse this party. do you
Ned? l promised them aguiae, and dom
know where to find one except you"
"Come, my good fellow, oblige US, and
will treble your usual charge. We don
wish to wait There's alady in the case,
thus the husband spoke.
The man now faced fully about, and lean
ing his elbows on the fence, gazed for tn
first time straightforward into the carriage
when the the young>wiie met his stare wit
pleasant smile.
"Wel, to oblige the lady, TIL go, although
amt as active as | used to be. must ietc
my traps, though, first You can take you
party down there by the water, jerks" an
pointing to small boat that foated on tn
river several rods of, he turned and wen
into the house. In, a few moments after, b
was beside them, bearing pair of oars an
couple Of large lamps With brilliant reaee
ri