Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-03-02
THE HOLLOW ASH
A TALE OF ST. LEoNARD's FOREST.

ATALE or ST LEONARD S FOREST.
On the outskirts of St. Leonard ) Forest,
not very far from the fine old mansion OF
Hurtsmonceaux, there stood the ruins OF
lonely cottage, in which, many years before
,aw il, had been enacted one of those trag-
edies which prove that the poetry and pas
sion of our Celtic and Norman forefatbers
has not altogether died out from among the
sons Of the soll.
The cottage, originally a woodman 5, had
been given 10 lis willow who whom her llus-
land was Knocked on the head by the deer
stealers. had pleaded hard for her fathcricSs
children. Now, Bill Clark had not borne
the best of characters, and there we're many
who did rot hesitate to say that he came by
his death in squab5le over the unlawtuiiy
killed game, rather than, as the more char
liable portion affirmed, in trying to defend
the same. The squire heard both stories,
but being merciful man-one who never
expected perfection. and who meted out such
Judgment a. be hoped the Great Judge
would mete cut when he stood before the
throne-he avoided the question, and gave
the widow leave TO live on in the cottage,
and gather as much wood as she required.
Moreover, many a dinner of broken yictuals
from the big house found its way to the cot
tage There was free schooling for the red
checked lads, who, with their pretty sister
Jessie, were great favorites at the Hall, and
many were the exchanges of presents be
tween the ,qaire's children and those of the
widow at the Wood cottage-now a trcck
coat-now a squirrel or dormouSe; and this
went on until the children became young
men and niaidens, and Joe and Charley
Clarke we're enrolled among the foresters
They We're fine, rapping young fellows both
or them, better educated and more refined
in feeling and appearance than most of their
class; they we're good workmcn, affectionate
sons and brothers, and irstrate at all those
rustic sports which, in those days, found
more favor in the land than, | am sorry to
say, they do now-sports which were Eeld
upon the smooth lawn before the Hall, and
where the squire sons were really to wres-
tie, or run, or leap, with the best man there,
and, in spite of their ''gentility' and softer
bringing up, there were few could beat them.
The games" being open to all comers,
and the foresters being renowned for their
strength, pluck and agility, the gatherings
upon the squire's lawn were famous far and
near, and great was the merry making the
h-,n,Lt oh
greater had the anticipations been than up
on the occasion our story treats OF. Strangers
focked in, and amongst them came ne'whose
handsome face and stately figure belied the
keepers dress in which ne was clad. Hav-
ing entered him self as Hugh Locke, he took
his part in the sports, and both III running,
wrestling. and throwing the hammer, he car
rIed off the chief prizes of the day. More
than one pair of eyes followed his movements
with angry jealousy, which, in some cases
was increased when it was remarked that
whenever he was not competing for prize
he was by Jessie Clarke's side, and with hi:
head bent down, and an eager, passionate
look in his face, was speaking so low thai
the words only reached the ear and hear
they were intended for
When the prizes were III won and given,
the squire turned TO the stranger, saying
You are fairly entitled, as champion, tt
choose the fairest lass present for your part
ner in the dance so, call out the hddlers
my men, and bring the black jack, that We
may drink Mr.. Hugh Locke's health, and
long may he have strength and health to
rival the lads of the forest"
The toast was drank, and three cheer:
gwen Tor the champion, WHO seemed to fine
nodltfculty in choosing partner, but march
ing straight up to Jessie. held out his hand
bowing low before her, with courtly grace
The people cheered again, and clapped thei
hands, and the Hall party looked well pleas
ed, which was more than .jessie's brother
did; they glowered savagely at their sister
as, putting her little brown hand into tn
champions, (which Joe remarked was yer.
white for that OF working mani, she sui
fered him to lead her to the head OF tn
dance, whispering as he went:
Il would it were partner for life, sweet
heart; I've neither had peace nor rest sine
that day when you left me by the hOllo'
ash. But do not betray me; I've riske
more than L dare tell you, to have your lit
tie hand in mine again. y
There was no time for talking during tn