Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-07-06
MlSCELLAAE0Us.
THE BRAVE GUIDE.

LII DhAVb GUlU&t
sSs PARTY of four young men were tray-
% cling in Northern New England, intent
upon making the most limited vacations from
business aud study. They rode or walked as
circumstances dictated, turning aside from the
usual thoroughiares whenever there was
| promise of pleasure. They had heard of a
newly discovered waterfall in the depths of
the forest, aud looked about for guide who
would lead them there. m
Guess Forrest Graves ill go long with
you" said an old farmer of whom they made
some inquiries. "Uomo to think ont twas
him who saw the fail f1st of anybody. You
go right up the road quarter of milo or so,
and then turn off into a laue, aud keep on till
| you come to house. There's where Mrs.
Graves lives, and if you can find her boy to
home, hell tell you more bout outdoor things
than anybody else round here" "Strange,
youngsters want to go tramping round that
fashion" muttered the speaker, as tho COM
company walked on the way he had indicated
The plainest house, and yet everything
around it it bespoke the refinement aud taste
of its occupants. Pines draped the small win.
dows, climbing into tho very caves. and creep
ing over tho moss grown roof. A plot of
| ground devoted to flowers bore witness in its
| arrangements and blending of colors to true
artists hand.
=. ."Wc are looking for guido to the water
fall, said the young man who had knocked
at-the cottage door, removing his hat in press
| ence of one who at the first glance he rccog-
nized lady.
'My son has guided few parties" was
her reply. 81 will call HIM"
A single bugle note was answered with
shout, and directly the boy came in view
Thoroughbred" }" was the comment made by
one, and never was this term used moro it-
tingly.
Forrest Graves services were employed and
the party being already provided with food for
tho day, they set out at once, the guide walk
ing in advance with quick elastic step which
was the envy of his companions He did not
iutrude upon them. He was simply acting as
their guide, aud spoke only when addressed,
or when necessary to give them some direc-
ton. He led then to the desired point when
he withdrew TO short distance, yet standing
where he could see the glancing water.
He lookefup and around to note tho posi-.
tion of the sun and said: "In about ton
minutes rainbow will span the fall"
They waited expectant. Gradually the
arch grew to perfection before their gaze, and
then as gradually disappeared.
Anything to be seen upstream 2"
Nothing to be compared with this" re.
Piled Forrest. ''You'll find IL hard climbing,
but you will need no one. to show the way
'.l'll wait for you here and keep guard over
your haversacks."
They werc not long gone, returning half
famished, as they protested, and glad to find
that table and plates had been improvised
for the occasion.
:.Can be of any assistapcc ?" asked their
guide,
"You can assist in finally disposing of our
provisions" was the hearty reply.
"Thsnk you, have my own lunch, and
again the boy went away by himself Later,
when full Justice had been done to their re-
past, and flask of brandy had furnished
each with stimulating draught, Forrest
Graves was called.
"You must drink with us if you will not
eat with u.s." now said the owner of the flask
and the most reckless OF the party.
10 sir, thank you" was the boys cOur>
teous response.
'But shall insist upon it."
.'You can do as you please, and shall do
as please"
The young man sprspg to his feet, and
with bound stood beeside the boy too much
absorbed in his own purpose to heed the quiy>
erlng lips aud flashing eyes of another.
Now you are bound to try my brandy;
always rule"
"You cannot rule me-" These words were
scarcely uttered when the flask was seized and
hurled into, the stream, where the blinking
of glass betrayed its utter destruction. Then
a clear, defiant tongue rang out : 'I did it
in self-defence. You had NO right to tempt
me. NIy father was once a rich aud honorable
man, but died = miserable dtuukard, and my
mother cane here to keep me away from
liquor till 1 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 my promise" ."
"Bravely said. Forgive me, and let us
shake hands. My mother would be q happy
woman if 1 was as brave as you I wouidn'
tempt you to do wrong. shall never for
get you, Forrest Graves, nor the Lesson you
have taught me-"
The most reckless was the most generous,
and seeing his error, spologized frankly.
How many boys need to be kept froms
strong drink; and; alas, how many men aud
womenI Who dares tempt them? Let it
no. bs you oE Z .s..sz..