The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-01-28


covert Jests on the part of their neiehbors.
who would be sure TO hear of their retreat
and they determined to press on
George alighted, and bidding Matte hold
the reins to prevent their falling about the
horses heels, took him by the bit, and by
dlnt of patting and coaxing started him
down the hill, trembling with mortal fear.
AS soon as her brother left her side.
Matte slid down from her seat. and
crouched down on the floor of the carriage.
holding on to the dash board, too fright,
ened to speak.
The horse was slowly led to the bottom
OF the hill; but as he neared the bridge.
his terror overcame him, and with a snort
aud bound he shook off Georges restain-
ing hand, and in moment had thundered
over the bridge and was tearing I'D the
other side of the hill, still snorting with
the most extreme fear.
At the first plunge of the maddened
animal Matte was jerbed out of the carr
rage, and went over the bridge into the
brambles and bushes and although
George CROPPED around in the thick dark
ness, and called her name repeatedly. not
a sign OF Matte rewarded his search. and
although suffering the direst apprehensions
he felt that he would be compelled to
leave her there and hurry home for assis-
tance.
The thought of leaving his sister in
such place for a short time even was
almost TOO painful to be entertained. and
he began feeling along in the dead leaves
beside the bridge, with last hope of
finding her before he left the spot TO pro-
cure help.
While thus employed, lying fat on the
bridge, he touched something that felt
like hand, but larger and heavier than
that of his sisters should be. He instinc-
lively drew back, and casting his ewes
up the bill toward home saw the welcome
light cast from pine torches and heard the
familiar voices of his faithful negroes. and
he knew that they were searching for him,
L o call on them to hasten onward was
the work of a moment; and with glad
shouts and merry laughter, as was the
wont OF happy negroes under any little
excitement, four or five of them, under
the lead of the plantation driver, crowded
around him, inqairing, ''Where is Miss
Matte p In few words George ex>
planned TO them what had happened, sup-
pressing the fact that he had felt strange.
cold hand under the bridge Had he
told them, in spite of all their devotion to
him and their young mistress, they would
have turned and fed away as fast as their
feet could carry them.
Then began rapid and vigilant search,
and poor Matte was soon brought TO
light, tumbled all in a heap close beside
the bridge. Partly under her and partly
under the bridge was another object upon
which the red glare of the torches fell
with q terrible distinctness. A man in
the full bloom of early manhood lay mute
and cold, the crushed skull showing too
well that the murderers were at their
bloody work again. Some of the negroes
threw down their torches and fed away
at the sight of the gbasIly object but the
sight OF their master, aided by the driver,
recalled them, and hasty preparations
were made 10 take Matte away from the
hateful spot, and the still insensible girl
was sent forward in charge of two men.
who carried her alternately in their arms.
The men were ordered to take horses i'm
mediately and ride into N, to arouse
the sheriff of the county to come and
take charge of the dead man. George
and three negroes remained and kept SOL
emn watch over the body of the young
stranger until the arrival Of the officers of
the law.
An inquest was held and then the un-
fortunate victim was buried near the scene
of his last struggle, making the sixth
grave or that lonely hillside.
Matte was not hurt, but had only
tainted through fright when she found
herself dumped so unceremoniously into
the bushes; and, as she was happily ig-
norant OF Der ghostly companion under
the bridge, it was deemed best to keep
the matter a secret from her, and she
was imm ediately sent on a long visit to
New Orleans.
The opportune arrival of the negroes on
the scene was owing to the fears of a
younger sister She had bribed the dri-
yer with the promise of cup of coffee
and plate of biscuits and hot cakes in the
morning, TO 60 with torches to meet and
escort her brother past the fatal bridge
They had reached the foot of the hill,
when the frightened horse, dragging the
shattered carriage after him, came dash
ing down among them, creating the great
est CONSERVATION, for they felt that some
dreadful accident must have happened.
1t was never known who the murdered
stranger was. His pockets had been
riaed and all clue to bis identity was lost.
A few days afterward, horse, with
remnant Of saddle, was found in the
fields and as no owner could be found 1t
was supposed to have belonged to the
murdered traveller.
After this fearful deed, the bridge was
burnt. Logs and brush were piled into
the road, rendering it impossible, and