Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-07-21
A NIGHT OF HORROR.
BY NELLY MARSHALL.

From the Weekly INDEX
1t has often been a source of surprise
and comment, and an unfailing cause OF
curiosity - this prematurely wrinkled
face and silvery hair of mine, and as fre-
quently have | had the inclination to give
lucid information on the subject; but not
until to-day have ever found the requi-
site courage to recur to an experience
which, at even this distant time, fills me
with vague horror and apprehension.
About ten years since l had occasion
to 90 to Anselmo, a little town out West.
1t is even to this day disagreeable and
dangerous journey to perform, and then
it was particularly SO; but when a wife
recognizes the predominant duty of her
life to be strict and unquestloning ODE
dience to her husband, neither rough
fare nor fearful roads can impede Der
from prosecuting the set purpose of her
soul My husband had invested his
ready funds in piece of property in An
selmo, and, although he was not by any
means man of wealth, he was able to
surround me generously with the com
forts, if not the luxuries, of life. My
marriage with him had met with the ex-
treme opposition of my entire family;
but genuine affection had predominated
over any proposed worldly considera-
tons. My husband being, however un-
popular amid the domestic circle be-
cause of his financial inability to con-
form to their universal idea Of what was
requisite in life of civilization and re-
fnement, determined he would go out
West, and if he found any inducements
to settle he would invest his means, and
apprise me in due time to join him.
We had one child, the idol ofour hearts,
and as | remember the parting now, it
seemed much more difficult for my hus-
band to say goodbye" to Eddie than
to me. Well he went away, and tried
to be cheerful and hopeful and happy,
and | succeeded.
Every day Eddie displayed new ac-
complishment, or an unexpected power,
or an unimagined grace, and eagerly
anticipated the time when his father
could see him again.
The winter, the spring, the summer,
the autumn passed away in successive
seasons before one word from Clarke
summoned me from our native village.
| do not think that my relatives really
realized how dear my child and | were to
them until we left them. They were ex-
tremely averse to my proposed attempt
to make the journey alone. For long
time there was bitterness in their oppo-
sition against my husband, but this feel
ing was finally overwhelmed by indigna-
ton against me for my persistent deter
mination to adhere faithfully to Clarke's |
expressed desire that | should lose no |
time in Joining him. There were many |
hundred miles to travel by rail; but
finally was directed to stop at partic-
ular station and there hire q conveyance
and proceed to roadside inn, where !
was to await the arrival Of my husband
who would join me expeditiolsly as pos
sible.
The rail travelling was pleasant and
easy, and, more than all, replete with in
terest TO me, for until he summoned me
West / had never been fifty miles from
home. / took note of everything, and
had a heart full of pleasant, gossipy
things to tell to him when we were cosly
seated by our own iireside.
Arriving at the station, l found a con-
yevance which, at an eX0rbitant price,
was hired to me for the journey to the
roadside tavern.
This latter part Of my travel was disa-
A great burly countryman,
With the crossest, sulkiest face | have
ever seen, drove the vehicle, which was
, rattling machine of broken springs and
worn out leather seats, and ragged,
,tufy-smelling curtains. Nevertheless
I was all so much better than / expected
hat ] was quite in a state Of delight.
Tbs driver was my dread along the
onely road. bat J clasped Eddie closely
n my arms, and put my trust in God,
md, with a happy smile, reminded my
elf that should see Clarke that night;
md the visions were fair that my fancy
,onlured up while the distance was
ilowly traversed.
II was nearly dusk when We reached
The Forks the name Of the tavern
owards which We had been 5ourneying
"A name which became applicable from
he fact that tbs high road forks to the
light aud 70 the letf just q that point.
4 was a tall, narrow, three-story frame
rouse in a very unpainted and dilapi-
lated condition. The outside present
nent. however, was, If anything, more
'rreesble than that which / beheld with
n doors. y