The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-06-01

in May, having nothing else to do, I
mounted my horse with the intention of
visiting the Springs, of whose health
giving properties I had heard so much.
rode for several miles up the old Fed
eral Road, whose name will at once carry
you back to its antiquity, and its national
importance before the building of rail-
ways. This road passed through the
whole length of the Valley, and for
riding and driving is really charming,
affording to those who delight in noun
tain scenery fine panoramic views of the
Cohuttah Mountains, and their hourly
changing hues. Following the direc-
tions had received, and passing many
fertile farms and snug looking farm
houses, I had almost reached the Springs
when my attention was attracted by
childish merriment, and the occasional
ring of girlish laughter proceeding from
the woods upon my left. l turned my
horses head in the direction of the
voices, and foot-path soon brought me
to a little mountain stream which was
much swollen from the melted snow of
the mountain. and the spring rains. 1
crossed the stream, still following the
sounds of the voices, which now seemed
much nearer, for I could sometimes even
catch words. I now dismounted and
secured my horse to tree, and after
walk of one or two hundred yards, found
myself again on the margin of little
sumac Greek, gazing up the precipitous
acclivity of the "Lovers Leap" which
was formed by the mountain lifting itself
up almost perpendicularly from the op-
posite side of the little creek. 1t was a
lovely, shady spot, and the interest and
beauty of the scene was enhanced by
the presence of nearly two dozen happy
looking children, who had chosen that
spot as rendezvous for school picnic.
"Come, children, come, and be quiet,
Miss Rose is going to read us one of her
own Indian storiesp exclaimed one of
the girls. Having become an unper-
ceived but interested spectator, imme-
diately determined to be a listener also,
and for this purpose concealed myself in
a cluster of bushes near enough to get
the benefit of the Indian story. The
girls, many of whom were grown, soon
arranged rustic seat of honor upon the
roots of an aged beech, to which, with
playful Difference, they led girl scarcely
older than themselves, whose face being
shaded by very broad brimmed hat, I
failed to see, but felt myself completely
fascinated by her graceful movements,
and the golden glory of her beautiful
and luxuriant tresses, which reached
below her waist. I was astonished to
observe the readiness with which the
children obeyed the call. The canoe in
which they had been padding on the
creek, was quickly made fast with q
grape vine, the shining pebbles were
thrown back into the water, the toy ships
we're allowed to follow the silvery cur
rent of the stream, and very soon the
young listeners were grouped around the
story-teller, their eager faces sobered into
earnest attention.
"I am going to tell you the story of an
Indian Princes who lived in this beauti-
full Valley when the poor and now exiled
Indians were masters of this whole coun-
try"
As soon as the young girl spoke, a
pleasurable sensation, such as we feel in
the recognition of long absent and unex-
pectedly met friends, thrilled my whole
being. I felt satisfied that I had heard
that sweet voice some where and at some
past joyous period of my life. 1t may
have been I thought in the beautiful
Land of Dreams. I then essayed, but
vainly, to catch glimpse of the speak
er's face.
"Is you Pin-cess, Miss Yose?" asked
q little curly-headed girl who had nestled
closely beside the young story-teller, and
placed her head upon her lap.
"No, Mamie, nothing half SO fine"
was the laughing reply.
"My buddy Bob says you are as fine as
split silk; that gold isn't good enough
for you to walk on, and the biggest
Gin-wal in Gaw-gy isn't. great enough
for you to ma-wyp
This panegyric delivered by the little
girl with afectionate pride in buddy Bob,
and ardent admiration for her teacher
was followed by general laugh among
the large girls, from whose remarks 1
gathered that Buddy Bob" was an ad-
mirer of "Miss Yose," and, strange as it
may appear, felt pang Of jealous re-
sentiment that this golden-haired Polym-
MIA should be worshipped by a rustic
"Buddy Bob" To my still greater dis
comfort have since learned that this
eloquent aspirant is young man of some
pretensions, being a successful young
lawyer in the city of -.
"I am quite obliged to Buddy Bob
for his good opinion, Mamie" spoke the
sweet voice; and the graceful head bent
down and left kiss upon her rosy cheek.
."And now, I will begin my story
Then. taking small MS from her pock-
ct, she read the story of the "Princess
Chuttah." This MS I have since pro-
cured, and will send for your perusal.
The reading was distinct, the voice clear
and musical. and to me, as well as to her