The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1873-06-12
4MIDNIGHT PERIL.

OeT-Nudll uS'S' W. So ~ t''~'J
ness. the roar Of autumnal wind through
the lonely forest, aud the inces'lut pouring
down OF rainI
"Tbis comes Of short cuts" muttCred
petulautly to myself, as Ploaded along
keeping close to the trunks Of the trees to
avoid the deep raviue, through which |
could hear the turbulent stream forty or 6f'
ty feet below. My blood ran cold, as |
thought what might be the possible conse i
queuce of a misstep or move 10 the wrong
direction. Why had not been COntcnted
to keep 10 the right road3
HOLD on! Was that light, Or are my
eyes playing me false!
stopped, holding on the low resinou'
boughs Of hemlock that grew on the edge
Of the bank; for it actually seemed as it the
wind would seize inc bodily aud hurl me
down the preciptous descent.
1t was a light-tbAuk ProVidence--it
was light. and 10 gnis fa'uus to lure me
on to destruction aud death
"Hallloo.o.ol"
My voice rang through the woods like a
clarion. plunged onward through tang
led vines, dense briars and rocky banks,
until gradually nearing, could perceive
a figure wrapped 10 an oilclOth cape car
rying lantern. As the dim light fell up.
on bis face, | almost recoilcd. Would not
solitude in the woods be prferable to the
compauionship fthis withered old man
But it was too late to decide now.
Whats wanting? he sOarlOd with a
peculiar motion Of the lips that seemed to
leave bis yellow teeth, all bare.
II am lost in the woods, eau you direct
me to R-statioa?"
"Yes, R-statiou is twelve miles from
here
Twelve miles,
| stood aghast.
Yes"
Can you tell me Of any shelter | could
obtain for the night?'
"No."
"Where are you goiug2"
ITO Drew's, down by the maple
swamp"
rs it q taverDi"
No"
DwOuld.thsg JSEe ne.in for the nigbtS@T
could pay them vel"
His eyes CLEANED; the yellow stamps
stood revealed one more.
Il guess 50; folks do stop there"
is it far from hereY"
"Not very; about half milc'"
Then, let US make haste aud reach it,
I am drenChed to the skin"
We pIodlcd 90, my companion more
Than keeping pace with me Presently we
left the edge of the ravine, entering what
seemed like trackIess woods, and keeping
straight on until the light CLEANED dtiully
through the foliage.
1t was a ruinous old place, with the
windows all drawn to one side as if the
foundation had settled, and the pillars of
rude porch nearly rotted away
A woman answered my fellow travellers
knock. My companion whispered a word
or two to her, and she turned to me with
smooth. voIuble words of welcome
Sne regretted the poverty Of their &C
commodatiOns; but was welcome to them
such as they we're.
"Whereis Tsaac?" demanded my guide
"He has not come in yet D."
l sat down on a wood bench beside the
6re, and ate a few mouthfuls Of bread
II should like 10 retire as soon as pos
sible," for my wearines was excessive.
Certainly" The woman started up
with aIaCrlty.
"Up chamber. F."
Put him III Isaac's room"
"No"
Its the most comfortable"
Il tell you not"
But here l interrupted the whispered
colloquy
II am not particular-T don't care
where you lodge me, only make haste"
So was conducted cp steep ladder
that stood in a corner ofa room, into an
onortn,ont ceiled with slnppinp beams and