The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1874-12-02

ATHANASE
I HB ATETGER.
LEGEND OF THE EARLY SETTLERS
OF SOMERSET COUNTY,
By h. K R0DDY,
AUTHOR OF THE BANDIT OF TIE
ALLECHENIEs, THE MANAGES
RIDE, &C


Her repertoire was a limited one,
containing only few ballads then
common on the border. and generally
Of mournful character. One OF
her dismal dltties always affected
ber. Il told in dreary numbers how
some young maiden drowned herself
in the deep, deep sea, for love Of one
who left her for fairer, richer bride.
Her assumption Of q sensibiliiy,
which perhaps she did not possess,
touched him to the quick One day
when she seemed more than ordinari-
/ ly affected by the song, be suddel y
and gravely asked:
What for maiden Drown Why
mo kill?"
4Why, Atbanase low wicked
Ain't you TOO bad TO talk that way 2"
size asked ia pretended horror.
"Would you do sg?"
"0b, yes" he gravcly but cocrte-
ously replied.
IN uneasy sense Of her own little
ness, compared 10 this honest saw
age, and 4 partial av vakeuing to the
danger Of ;he path she was So reck-
lessly treading, came over her. For
brief moment her better nature
struggled to assert itself, but vanity
and her innate coquetry urged her
on in the path she was going-in the
path that threatened to end in blood
and SORROW FOR her and all her friends.
Then came a time when the Indian
lover was to start for Canada, with
young French officer to whom he
was much attacked, to be absent
long time. The people Of the set
tlement thought this good oppor-
tunity to rid themselves Of all com
plicaiions by Fastening her marriage
during his absence, not dreaming Of
the extent Of the encouragement she
had given him. She would only con-
sent on condition that her husband
would agree to cross the mountains
to their old home, 10 which he reluc-
taR.ly consented.
At the last interview between The
eoquette and the Indian, she with
reckless persistency, perhaps fasci-
mated with the very danger, reverted
to their former conversation.
so you think that girl ought to
Kill her lover and no, drown herselr?"
lie nodded gravely in reply.
"ohl that's wicked. You wouldn't
XII me, woeld yor, Atbanase? r. she
asked with coeuettish grace and ten
der iatora;ion Of tie voice. The
young brave was reused from his
natural sio;ci,m and hetly ansv c ed:
NJ. No! oaly hil when hate.
boa, bate lie pale maiden M~
losc when * moons - loii.n
come + r white wife.
The Gala decisi lu cf his mluaer
aud und.ah;cd caraestuess Of pur-
pose consinred Der that, when she
was married, distance aud the huge
range of mountains between them
could alone save her from the just
anger Of her dusky lover,
Preparations for the marriage were
set on foot. The little settlement
was reused from its apathy and de-
tern,ined 10 celebrate so joyful an
event with real border beartiness.
Although not secret. yet the sensible
portion Of the settlers did not wish
the news to travel too FAR. The In
dian vas far away, tut might
return; and even The most thought
less dreaded that possibility without
exactly knowing why As they we're
70 return 10 the other side of the
mountain ii was determined to give
;hem a splendid wedding and make
their thoughts Of their valley home
pleasant remembrance One day
was not sufficient for 50 important
an event, SO three were set apart to
be exclusively devoted to festivities.
The company bad gathered for the
frst days enjoyment. Everything
progressed cbarmingly. All were in