The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1877-07-06

guardian.
Strolling on near the outskirts o
the woodland I saw a small white cot
tage had never before noticed, al
most entirely sheltered by overanginl
boughs. I had several times been 4
Glendale, the river landing, and ono
to Col. Torber's large plantation
some miles away; but this part of th,
forest was entirely new.
IL wonder IL this can he Mr.. DE
lorme's house" said;
The misanthrope' ! shouldn't
wonder"
81 have the greatest sympathy fol
that man, know him but slightly;
yet he is living enigma"
"He never ventures within the pale
Of civilization, does hes"
Every rarely. He imagines him
self a monster of deformity both Of
soul and body; but suspect he has
been more sinned against than sin.
ming
$50 runs the story" replied my
companion, "Let's go nearer and see
il there are any signs Of life about the
place"
Advancing to the little rustic wicket
we paused moment, for there, within
the window, in full view, lay the form
of the solitary man who had sought
to bury broken heart in the wilds of
America. He reclined upon low
couch in the very abandonment of
pain and helplessness, his face almost
CHASTITY in its palIor. Instinctively |
glanced at my companion. Could
there be any vitality in that motion
less fgure9
Suddenly the dark eyes opened and
fixed themselves upon us in utter be-
wilderment. So unnatural was their
expression that | Involuntary ex.
claimed;
"Go to him Mr.. Weaverton. Per.
haps he is suffering for want of assist
ance."
He obeyed Instantly. After few
moments he returned, saying, 81 can
not tell whether he is i'll, or only pros
trated by the excessive heat. AT
present he seems unable to speak, and
| can find no one about the premises
to take charge Of him. Perhaps | had
better remain little longer. But
you - can you find your way homer"
"Oh! stay by all means" urged;
81 can return without difficulty. The
forest is perfectly safe. You know
we did not meet living creature on
our way hlther.
THAT is true lie said; but added
doubtfully, "it is very lonely. | fear
it is not exactly prudent. Has there
been any talk lately of Crows Regu.
latorss"
"Well-now that's a speech to in
spire courage | must admit. They
would surely not be prowling around
in daylight. But l have heard moth
ing Of them since the night they alb
Quoted those slaves.
81 shall, st any rate, keep you in
sight as long as can, and join you
when i think it safe to leave. Bear
nv best wishes home to our beloved
sufferer" he added CALAMITY, and
turned away into the deeper gloom Of
the wilderness.
Looking at my watch ] found il
was four o'clock. We must have
wandered farther than we knew. The
way was clear and l had only to keel
in view the direction of Mountain
Hall to shape my course accurately.
| was hurrying along at pace
quickened by the loneliness of the
forest, occasionally rewarded with
glimpses of the mountain, when q
dragging, clanking sound suddenly
froze the life-current in my veins, and
Old Peg sprang out in the path be-
fore me.
With eyes dilatel with horror !
stood rooted TO the spot. Then reel
ing against a cypress tree ] was con
scious even in that fearful moment Of
uttering prayer that ! might be pre-
served from fainting. The despera
ton of helplessness nerved me to cling
to the tree, ! had not the strength tC
flee. Doomed to face the hideou,
vision, ! could only stare at her in ut
ter speechlessness.
She was apparently about fifty
years old, if one could estimate the
age of creature So scanned and fur.
rowed by privation and ill-treatment.
Her principal prosecutor was a negro
driver" in whose charge her young
master left her when absent, as he Of
ten was. upon hunting or exploring
expeditions. Her face and neck were
Scared by many wounds. some of
1 L