Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1875-05-06
THE BETRAYER.

many short journeys on foot, both day and
night.
Passing late one dreary night in winter
through an extensive wood, found rough
travelling, not only on account of the freez
ing wind and binding snow, but also OF
account Of the rocky fssures, cbasms and
pits which 10y in my path. and into which
| was constantly in danger of plungiug
Added to this, the creaking limbs of trees
loaded with snow, sometimes gave way,
and came tumbling to the earth with a
long crash. was frequently obliged to
climb over these fallen llmbs which lay
directly in my way.
1t was about twelve o'clock that I fan.
cied l was not the only wayfarer in that
gloomy f,rest. II seemed to me that
could discern something white fitting
along at no great distance from me.
Looking sharply at this object, 1 fan.
cied after a while that | could make out
a womau's dress. The througbt of ghosts
obtruded itself; for that any woman of
flesh aud blood should be Drawing that
storm, in that place, aud at that time
Of night. was incredible. Besides, if a
living woman was there, struggling to
keep pace with me why had she not
spoken7
My curl osity was highly excited, for
had always longed to witness some super.
natural event, and especially to see a
gnost.
"What and who are ycu" appeared
TO me to be the most natural question,
under the circumstances it was accor
dinghy by the use of that phrase that [
intimated my desire to obtain knowledge
uuder difficulties. The principal Difficult.
ty was that of making myself heard and
understood amid such a tempest. But
that seemed immatertial. as the answer
that came back bore no relation wha ever
to my question. A shrill, cracked voice
replied to my interrogatory:
'Do you hear itP Did you say you
heard it?"
1t was then really human being NOV.
ing at m1 side, and not very attractive
one either, to judge by the voice, which
seemed to be that of some old crone who
had lost the greater part of her teeth.
Was one ofthe anci 4nt witches restored
to life, aud had Come out to meet her fol.
lows, ''in thunder, Lightning, or in rain ?'
She drew nearer to me now that | had
spoken, and she told me to listen.
Il thought l hear it just theu," she
said, pausing, and holding up her hand to
her car.
What do you mean, good woman?
hear nothing, said I.
Didn't you hear it creak!" demand.
ed she. Sometimes hear it all night
long, and it goes through my head just
like knife"
L perceived it was useless to talk to
this woman. She was evidently an insane
person, aud | suspected that she had
broken loose from her keepers. | there,
fore remained silent till, perceiving that
my strange companion was determined to
do as Ruth promised to do by, Naomi,
Wherever thou goest l will co. and
that she would probably enter the house
whittier | was bound. said:
"Good woman, where are you going ?
thave got nearly to the end Of my journey.
OF course you will not think of going with
me into the house, as should be blamed
for bringing yon there
"Did brother Silas say thati' demand )
ed she, in a loud, shrieking voice, as il
my remark had touched her to the quick
Now Silas was the name of the old
husbaudman to whose house was bound
Yet there was more than one Silas in
that part of the country. aud be,
fore could ascertain which Silas the old
crone alluded to, we we're on the broad
stone which answered for stoop to the
kitchen door.
On entering, the cheerful sight OF a
large wood FIRE in the huge fireplace drove
the thought Of my companion out Of my
head,
Nearly all tho family were up. Some
were cracking nuts and drinking cider,
while the old folks we're chatting together
and enjoying the warmth Of the burning
logs and bright Goals on the hearth,
was cordially welcomed, and now
perceived that my travelling companion
mad seated herself conpOsedly in one cor,
nor, and was making herself at home
This was sufficiently explained By one OF