The Osceola times., 1877-02-24
A NIGHT TO BE REMEM'
BERED.
BY A. @. 3.

1t was the 24th OF Dercmbor, and
was going home to spend Christmas day
with my relations. l was going to start
in time TO reach home for friendly
gathering that evening. In the morn
ing, however, my boss had occasion 10
drive over to village some miles dis
tant. He was to return by mid day TO
nav me and let me start before darkness
came on.
But he was detained. When he was
ready TO start back, tho weather had got
10 bad that |. was with the utmost dif1.
Guilty he could make his horse creep
along; NO, instead Of his returning rs
promised II was six o'clock before we
heard the welcome pstter of old Kitty's
hoofs coming up the yard. He was
nearly frozen, and when I reminded him
that / wanted to start, he looked ut me
in amasement.
"Why, Jack" said he, "you never
mean to say you intend turning out to-
night" Stay till morning; they'll never
expect you. Why, you'll be blown into
the quarrics.
But | was determined to go come
what might. After deal of persuasion
he paid me, and of ] started-out In the
bitfer cold.
The night was very dark, but the moon
appeared now and again from behind a
cloud, the effect being that the darkness
seemed more intense when she was not
visible.
turned 10 the left, was soon on tho
turnpike. and in few minutes the little
town was lost to sight and--to memory.
Many thoughts kept me from noticing
the darkness. / could see the bright
room at home, with my old father in his
big armchair by the freside; saw my
mother 20 TO the door. and in fancy ]
heard ber say, al hope my poor Jack
isn't out this dreadful night" She
looked 10 sad, that involuntarily quick.
ened my pace. ! saw my sisters and
brothers placing evergreens round the
pictures and trimming the Christmas
tree.
But my musings were suddenly
brought to termination, as | had ar
rived at one OF the worst parts Of my
journey. I had to take narrow road
that wound itself like gigantic snake
around the rocks and between the innu-
merable quarries that were scattered all
around. But fear was no. foremost In
my mind, SO darted forward boldly on
my dangerous journey.
The road Is a thoroughly dangerous
one TO travel upon In broad daylight,
for on either hand for considerable
distance, are qnarries coming close TO
the roadside, and without anything
whatever 10 prevent an incautious per-
son from falling over. Then come hugo
rocks that project over the road which
seem to have combined to shut out day.
light on the brightest summer day.
There sre huge caverns In tnsse rocks,
~ though the aborigines had once made
their homes there. Then CONFESS mighty
torrent Of water, roaring, dashinQ,
tearing, Kissing and ioaming from the
giddy heights, until 1t 10 lost TO sight
away down In the rsvine. No vegita.
tion IL feund here; it isone of those wierd,
dismal places that seem created especially
for the peri etration Of murders. A mel
ancholy. ghostly light pervades the place,
even at midday. The wind shrieked as
II raced round rocks, and ended in low,
hcart-rcnding wall. rs it entered the cav
erns. Then the moon, appearing for a
few seconds, revealed some curiously-
shaped rock in the distance, that seemed
then to assume the form of seme de-
mon or giant.
did not believe in the supernatural,
but in spite Of all my reasoning wished
myself at home.
tried to sing, but II was no use-I had
not the heart to make it lively. / can
tell you 1t was with pleasure when, on
turning sharp corner, ] beheld few
lights in the distance. These knew 10
proceed from batch of cottages inhab-
tied by quarrymen. Even in this for
aken spot these men have built their
homes-sye and they are as dear TO them
~ your comfortable residences are to
you city people.
l remembered there was a tavern in the
place, and determined to call in and
rest.
A few minutes brisk walking brought
me to the door, and can assure you it was
not long before l was seated by the side
Of blazing fire, surrounded by about
dozen big, broad, jovisl quarryman, each
pinning his Christmas yarn in his ewn
peculiar manner.
l sat listening attentively for some
time, when my attention was drawn to a
man who had just entered he room. He
was shabbily dressed, though far from
being ragged. He appealed to us for as-
sistance.
Ibid not like his appcaian altogether.
He had one Of those faces that seem 10
inspire the beholder with the idea that
the owner is a william. He had a low
brow that was contracted by continual
frown; small gray, cruel looking eyes, and
asquare jaw.
As / said before, did not like his looks;
butI thought to myself, "Well, the fellow
can't help his appearance" So ordered
hot drink for him.
When it was brought, u ok out my
bag OF money to pay for it. ! Noticed
directly the eager look that passed over
the strangers face as he saw it,
Oneof the countrymen noticing the ex.
preston, said TO him, Mate, you seem
to have taken fancy TO that money
May be you'd like IL p
He replied in sullen manner, IL
would like many things that cannot
getw
However, l soon forgot the fellow in
. hearty laugh over : well-told tale.
But the time had quickly parsed; 50
rose TO put on my coat and wrapper, say.
ing sseI did 70, "I fear II will be late be-
fore reach N
II was not much to say, but it gave
the clue to the direction was going. |
A IL = a