The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1878-11-28
this sweet joy filling her he heart, Moneta


for tomorrow the Indians intended tc
sing and dance around his burning body
This had been their final decision; from
this fate she must save him. That night
as Cordenza slept, unconscious of che
awful sentence that had been passed upon
him, he was awakened by a gentle touch
upon his forehead. Looking up he be-
held Moneta; and clasping the little
hand to his lips kissed it passionately
She withdrew it instantly, and pointing
to the sleeping guard, whom she had
drugged without suspicion, she gave him
knife and assisted him in cutting the
cords that bound him.
Only few moments and he was free.
Free oh, how sweet the thought but
with it came the remembrance that it
meant separation from Moneta. No, no!
without her he would not have it, and
with outstretched arms he implored her
to fly with him quickly ere the guards
awoie. And Moneta comprehending the
happiness he offered her, thought OF the
joys that would be hers, of the death she
would save him from, with downcast eyes
she laid her head upon his manly breast,
and was embodied in his fond embrace; !;
then quickly they fed to the place where
the Indians had fastened the horses they
had captured from Cordenza's exploring
party, and gathering his betrothed in his
arms he mounted the freshet and started
-he knew not whither-anywhere that
would take him out of the reach of his
red-skinned enemies, who, should they
overtake him, would rob him of his
beautiful stolen treasure. On they rode ;
over hills, through dales, and among
dense forests he made his way, with dread
at his heels Fastening his speed. On, on
he sped, for life dearer than his own
depended on that ride. Now they climb
the mountain side; they have gained it,
but the noble horse plunges with difficult
ty from rock to rock that obstructs the
way. Suddenly he rears and backs, and
the reins are grasped by weird figure.
Startled by this sudden check in his ride,
and the strange apparition before him,
Cordenza demands who it is. The figure
replied, 81 am Marcus Brutus, and my
story thou shalt hear. But first | will
tell YOU that had your horse taken an
other step you would have been plunged
down an abyss fifteen hundred feet deep.
A leap few lovers would care to take.
You ride like one pursued; have saved
YOUR life, trust me further and l will
Show you cave of safety, and there !
will tell you my story, for | have waited
for one of your race many centuries.
Tonight shall be released from the
curse tha. has kept me here. Come,
will show you the way"
And Cordenza and Moneta seeing moth
ing better to be done, followed this strange
creature into the cave. There Brutus
told them his story; Of his assassination
of Cesar, of the long watch he had been
doomed to keep on the mountain where
they were now standing, which the gods
commanded should receive honor from
all generations. And there Cordenzo de
Alvarado promised solemnly to make it
known to others.
When the morning broke, the spirit of
Brutus had disappeared, and the young
lovers stood upon Cesar's Monument, or
as it is now known, Caesars Head, and
beheld with awe-struck wonder the sub
lime view stretching out before their
gaze. But fear of pursuit fastened their
departure, and promising themselves
many visits in future to this gloriously
beautiful place, they were soon on their
journey, which, after few hardships,
ended successfully at the home of Cor.
denza; where he made the beautiful
mountain flower his wife. And his word
to the spirit of Brutus was kept, for
through his influence Cesar's Head be-
came known, and each year its fame be-
came more widespread. And now it
shall live in the minds of the people for
ever; for not only has this monument
become famous, but the mountain upon
which it stands is noted for its healthful
properties, and its climate and water have
performed many miraculous cures. Hun
dreds now visit it every year; and while
they enjoy the delightful surroundings,
their first thought is to do honor to
Cesar.
need only add that the rock where
the spirit of Brutus checked Cordenza's
horse, was called by that nobleman,
"Lover's Leap" and is known by that
name to this day, and those who visit
the rock will see upon its surface an i'm
print of a horses hoof, which was caused
by the sudden check Cordenza's steed
received. j. NIB.
Macon. Ga.