Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1873-07-04
8tIiai0ms.
A eIRLIsH WHlM AND ITS CON.
SEQUENCES.
A TuRE STORY OF SOUTHERN NEW
HAMPSHIRE.

snoW-bound tram, that eventiul friday
night, and talked up the years since we part
cd at school.
But I've had one genuine adventure with
n series of romantic and curious consequences
attendant upon it, although was for years
in Ignorance Of them, or perhaps might at
the time by my influence have prevented in
measure the unhappy results. The incident
itself, for all tho spice Of romance with which
it was savOrod, was anything but pleasant,
and never thought oft for years without
the cold chills creeping down my spino. 1t
was in the summer of 49, my friend Ellen
Liscomb and myself, two Lowell school
maams, with months vacation, which we
desired to make the most Of, started to ex-
plorc the wonders Of the mountain scenery of
New Hampshire We did the White Hills
in the most approved manner, and from
Keene went TO Dublin with the intention Of
ascending Mount Monadnock. Soon after
We arrived there, Ellen, tired out with her
rough stage ride, was taken with one OF her
exasperating sick headaches, which always
incapacitatcd her from any cxcrtion for day
or two, and when party was made up at
the hotel to ascend the mountain, not wish
ing mo to lose my journey, insisted upon my
joining it.
1t was pleasant company Of dozen or
more in all, with the exception Of the guide,
transient like ourselves. At the last mo-
ment We were joined by two gentlemen who
came from Peterboro' in their own carriage
We paired of as VIC wendell our way along,
and one of the new corners, who had been in
troduced to me as Mr.. Horr, established him
self as my escort, helping me up the rugged
path, over which in those days no lady could
make her way unassisted.
When we reached the summit our guide
pointed out place among the rocks where
rattlesnake had been killed few days be-
fore. With my usual impulsiveness l ex-
claimed at the picturesqucness Of the situa-
ton and challenged Mr.. Horr to scale the
rock with me. The guide explained that
there was a winding path which rendered the
assent easy, but he shouldn't consider it safe,
as where there was one Of those unpleasant
customers there were usually more. Mr..
Horr refused point blank to 60 with me, and,
somewhat piqucd, declared my intention of
going alone and eating my dinner there.
Mr.. Horr's companion, to whom had been
introduced as DR.. Taylor, offered his escort,
which l merrily accepted, and taking a
hamper Of eatables We were soon at the top
of the knoll swinging our handkerchieis to
the rest of the party and urging them to fol-
low us. There was good deal of chatting
between the two gentlemen, aud sharp
speech OF Mr.. Horr's which brought shout
of merriment from the company and tho hot
blood to my companions usually pale face,
struck me as probably having personal ap.
pication.
| found DR.. Taylor very pleasant, well in.
formed and agreeable. We talked upon all
sorts OF subjects Of general interest in the
world Of literature and art, and at last grew
very much engaged in debate on politics
and the prospects Of tho war. We were il
sight of tho rest Of the party until they NOV
ed little and seated themselves in the shade
Of the ledge, but We could hear their voice;
as they chatted over their lunch. At last
my companion sprang up exclaming at the
iateness of the hour, and.we hastened to reioin
our company, to start them for home; Oh
reaching their resting place we found only
strangers. Hasty questions elected the fact
that they were new arrivals by different
route from ours; that our party were jus
leaving as they arrived, hurried of by a tall
red-whiskered mau who said " One couple
had been gone sometime, and he was anxious
lest they should take the wrong path"
Dr. Tayor's face grew dark.
THAT is llOrr's work, " he said; "it's liIo
him; he is always playing tricks, and he wa
pqued at my taking you off his hands in s.
summary manner. But we'll overtak
them yet If you don't mind hurrying a lit
tie"
did not mind hurrYing great deal an,
We ran down the rocky path making all pos
siblo haste, but there was nothing to be seol
Of heard of them. sudden shower cam
up, it grew rapidly dark, but still we hurried
on becoming convinced altor while that W,
we're not in the right road. But we trustee
the one we were in would take US to som,
place Of shelter. 1t Numbered and tighten
ed the rain fell, swelling the little mountain
brooks and making OF our path ioamin
torrent.
Aside from the unplGasantncss Of my posi-
ton, alone in the wilderness with stranger
We were in no little peril from the wind i
the branches Of tho trees, from the lightnin
and the danger Of the water undermine
rocks. Presently the lightning showed US a
overhanging cliff and VIC sought its shelter
The scene was sublime beyond description
| never think oft without feeling Of aW,
My companion, without being at all oilicou
treated me with all possible poitenoss dOin
everything in his power to alleviate the III
pleasantness Of my position. 1t ceased rair
ing, after awhile, the moon came out and W
wandered on, still following the path til
about 3 O'Clock in the morning. We reache
hotel in an adjoining town from the on
wo started from, having como several mile
out Of our way. | was terribly latigued, bu
in pity for Ellen's anxiety accepted DIR. Tay
lors offer to procure carriage for me, an
as soon as it was ready started for Dublin