Huntington advertiser. [volume] (Huntington, W. Va.) 1874-1921, 1875-07-15
THE BRAVE GUIDE.
BY MARY DwrNELL cEELIs

| A party of four young men were
travelling in the Northern New Eng
land, intent upon making the most Of
limited vacations from business and
study. They rode or walked as the
circumstances dictated turning aside
from the usual throughfares wherever
there was promise of pleasure. They
had heard of a newly discovsd wa
terfall in the depths of the forest, and
looked about for a guide who would
lead them there.
Guess Forrest Graves Ill go long
With you," said an old farmer OF
whom they had made some inquiries.
Come to think ont twas him who
saw the fall fust of anybody. You
60 right up the road quarter of a
mile or so, and then turn off into a
lane, and keep on until you come to
house. There's where Mrs. Graves
lives, and if you can find her boy to
home, he'll tell you more bout out
door things than anybody else round
here" "Strange, youngsters want
to go tramping round in that fash
ion," muttered the speaker, as the
company walked on the on the way
he had indicated.
The plainest house, and everything
around it bespoke the refinement and
taste of its occupants. Vines draped
the small windows, climbing into the
very caves of the moss grown roof.
A plot of ground devoted to flowers
bore witness in its arrangements and
blending OF colors to a true artists
hand.
1--WE are looking for guide to the
waterfall, said the young man who
had knocked at the cottage door,
removing his hat in presence of one
who at the first glance he recognized
as lady.
"My son has guided few parties
was her reply. " will call him.
A single bngle note was answered
by shout, and directly the boy came
in view. Thorough Bred" was the
comment made by one, and never
was this term used more fttingly.
Forest Graves services were en-
ployed, and the party being already
provided with food for the day, they
set out at once, the guide walking
in advance with a quick elastic step
which was the envy Of his compan-
ions. He did not intrude upon them.
He was simply acting as their guide,
and spoke only when addressed, or
when necessary to give them some
direction. He led them to the de-
sired point, when he withdrew to a
short distance, vet standing where
he could see the glancing waters.
He looked up and around to note
the position of the sun and said "ln
about ten minutes rainbow will
span the fall.
They waited expectant. Gradu-
ally the arch grew to perfection be-
fore their gaze, and then rs gradual
ly disappeared.
"Anything to be seen upstream.
"Nothing to be compared with
this" replied Forest. You'll find
it hard climbing, but you will need
no one to show the way. "Ill wait
for YOU here and keep watch over
your haversack."
They were not long gone, return
ed half furnished, as they protested,
and clad to find the table and plates
improvised for the occasion.
"Can | be of any assistance p ask
ed the guide.
"You can assist in finally disposing
OF our provisions was the hearty re
ply.
Thank you, | have my own lunch,
and again the boy went away by him
self. Later, when full justice had
been done to their repast. and a flask
of brandy had furnished each with a
stimulating draught, Forest Graves
was called.
You must drink with us if you
will not eat with Us, said the own
er of the flask and the most reckless
Of the party.
"No sir, thank you was the boys
courteous response.
"But shall insist upon it."
''You can do as you please, and ]
shall do as | please"
The Young man sprang to his feet
and with bound stood beside the
boy too much absorbed in his own
purpose to heed the quivering lips
and flashing eyes of another.
"Now you're bound to try my bran
dy; always rule :. -,
"You cannot rule me-" The words
we're scarcely uttered when the flask
was seized and hurled into the stream,
where the cIinking Of glass betrayed
its utter destruction. Then a clear,
difent tongue rang out: 81 did it
in self defense. You had no right
to tempt me.-My father was once a
rich and honored man, but died
miserable drunkard, and my moth
er came here to keep me away from
liquor till should be old enough to
take care of myself-I've promised
her hundred times | would not
taste it, and I'd die before I'd break
promise" ;
"Bravely sa;d. Forgive me, aud
let Us shake hands. My mother
would he a.happy woman if | was as
brave as you. wouldn't tempt you
to do wrong. | shall never forget
YOU, Forest Graves, nor the lesson