The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1877-05-02


room at home, with my old father in his
big armchair by the tircsidc; saw nv
mother go to the door, and in fancy
heard her say, II hope my poor Jack
isn't out this dreadful night!' She looked
so sad, that involuntary quickened my
pace. saw my sisters and brothers
placing evergreen round the pictures and
trimming the Christmas tree.
But my musings were suddenly brought
to termination, as [ had arrived at one
OF the worst parts Of my journey. 1 had
to take narrow road that wound itself
like gigantic snake around the rocks
and between the innumerable quarrics
that were scattered all around. But fear
was not foremost in my mind, 50 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 quarries coming close to
the roadside, and without anything
whatever to prevent IN incautious per-
son from falling over. Then come
huge rocks that project over the road,
which seems to have combined to shut
out daylight on the brightest summer
day.
There are huge cavcrns in these rocks,
as though the aborigines had once made
their homes there. Then come a mighty
torrent of water, roaring, dashing, tear
ing, Kissing and foaming from the giddy
heights, until it is lost to sight away
down in the ravine. No vegetation is
found here; it is one Of those wierd, dis
NAL places that seem created especially
for the preparation OF murders A mel
ancholy, ghostly light pervades the place,
even at midday. The wind shricked as
it reached around the rocks, and ended
in a low, heart-rcnding vail, as it entered
the caverns. Then the moon, appearing
for few seconds, revealed some curious
ly-shaped rock in the distance, that caused
them to assume the form of some
demon or giant.
[ did not believe in the supernatural,
but in spite of all my reasoning I wished
myself at home.
| tried to sing. but it was no use-I
had not the heart to make it lively. I
can tell you it was with pleasure when, on
turning a sharp corner, beheld few
lights in the distance. These I knew to
proceed from a batch Of cottages inhabit-
ed by quarrymen. Even in this forsaken
spot these men have built their homes
aye, and they arc as deer to them as your
comfortable residences are to you CITY
people.
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 I can assure YOU it
was not long before was seated by the
side of a blazing fire, surrounded by
about dozen big, broad, jovial quarry
men, each spinning his Christmas yarn in
his own peculiar manner.
I sat listening attentively for some
time, when my attention was drawn to
man who had just entered the room. He
was stability dressed, though far from be-
ing ragged. He appealed to us for assis-
lance.
did not like his appearance altogeth-
er. He had one of those faces that seem
to inspire the beholder with the idea that
the owner was william. He had q low
brow that was contracted by continual
frown; small gray, cruel-looking eyes,
and square jaw.
AS said before I did not like his
looks; but I thought to myself, "Wcll,
the fellow can't help his appearance"
So I ordered hot drink for him.
When it was brought, I took out my
bag of money to pay for it. I noticed
directly the eager look that passed over
the strangers face as he saw it.
One of the countrymen, noticing the
expression, said to him, " Mate, you
seem to take a fancy to that money! May
be you'd like it!''
He replied in a sullen manner, 81
would like many things that I cannot
getr'
However, soon forgot the fellow in a
hearty laugh over a we'll told tale. But
the time had quickly passed; so I rose to
put on my coat and wrapper, saying as I
did so, i" l fear it will be late before
reach A."
1t was not much to say but it gave the
clue to the direction was going bid
them all "Good-night'' and was once
more in the darkness and the cold.
l had now to descend steep pathway,
which led into an old quarry, through
which I had to pass. Some parts of the
path were only about four feet wide. On
the one side was a solid rock; on the 9TH
er precipice, a fall down which would
end any mans troubles, as fer as this
world is concerned.
Well, I was cropping my way down as
best I could, when suddenly felt some
thing spring upon my shoulders, followed
by horrible sensation of strangling.
For moment or so I was stupefed;
but on raising my hand, I felt mans
arm pressed against my throat. knew