The National tribune., 1881-11-19


warned by my mother that must be back again
before dark. ! readily promised, and started off
in high spirits
"The path leading to Uncle Jacobs was through
the woods the entire distance, and near the half
way point was deep hollow, where there was
small stream of sluggish water, which was
spanned by log. The branches overhead were
so dense and so matted by vines that it was al
ways dark there, even at midday.
"In crossing the log, noticed in the soft, oozy
ground on the other side the prints of some ami
! mails feet, though didn't know what kind of a
wild creature he was. never pretended to carry
| a gum but was so accustomed to seeing and hear
| ing wild beasts that felt particular fear, and
continued whstling over the path until I reached
my uncle's house.
at was cold weather, and there were few
needles of ice thrusting out from the banks Of
the little stream, while furry of snow whirled
about my head for a few minutes.
"But needn't say that that did not interfere
with the fun of Dick and me. We played and
romped together until we were tired and then
played and romped again. Our principal amuse
ment during the afternoon was the game of HIDE
and-whoop, in the adjoining woods.
~ had no thought of dsobeying my mother,
but, all at once, noticed that it was growing
dark and, looking toward the house, saw that
my aunt had lit the candle, which was shining
through the window. Night had already come
and ought to have started home an hour before
"Dick wanted me to stay all night, but
membering my promise to my mother, l said
No. and hurried off over the path, without go
ing to the house to bid his parents good-evening
81 don't see how came to forget myself
muttered, impatiently, as l fastened forward
1t will be as dark as Egypt before get home
and, like enough father will warm my jacket to
keep nae from forgetting next time
II had no fear of any particular wild animal
but dreaded walk through the woods at night
as many an older person does.
"The sky had become perfectly clear during
the afternoon, and bright moon was shining
but think that made my situation more gloomy
and dismal. The few arrows of moonlight which
found their way through the branches half de-
nuded of leaves, gave ghostly touch to every
thing.
"The trunks of the trees on my right and left
took all sorts of grotesgue shapes. Sometimes /
was sure they were walking silently through the
and waving their knotty arms at me.
"They appeared to be putting their heads to-
gether, and holding whispered consultations
about me- They nodded their tops they rushed
down at me- suddenly checking themselves when
almost touching me. Then they all joined hands
and kept up waving waltz at my side
Hundreds of such fancies and imaginings
went through my head, and every step 1 took
was one Of terror. l started to whistle oncs, but
the lonely sound scared me- and l stopped in
stantly, walking on tip-toe, and pausing now and
then to listen for ghosts.
when reached the hollow where I crossed
Oh the log was sure some wild beast was follow
ing me- | heard the soft 'tip-tip of his feet be-
hind me, and when | glanced around was sure I
caught the phosphorescent CLEAN of his eyes
1t may have been all fancy-and Pm inclined
to think it was, looking back to that terrible
night; but l was then so certain that panther
was at my heels that, when came to the log, /
ran at full speed across.
How I could do it in the dark was mystery,
but, under a strong mental strain, person is ca
pablo of performing seeming impossibilities.
when l was near the middle the rotton log
suddenly gave way, under the unusual strain Of
my hurried footsteps The distance was not far
and when 1 felt it going l made leap which
landed me On the other shore. Scrambling up
the bank, ran along the path as fast could.
Such reckless travelling was discomforting, if
not dangerous, and was not long in finding it
out. The path was not marked very plainly
and I had not gone very far when projecting
limb caught me beneath the chin and l thought
for minute that it had sawed my head off:
Still / rushed on, until l ran violently against a
tree, nearly knocking my brains out, when came
down to a slower and more guarded walk.
Just then l heard scream in the woods to
my right. 1t rang out on the air with a startling
clearness, and instantly answered it.
"'M Mother has become alarmed was my
thought and she has come out to look for me-
at was great relief to find that was to have
cOmpanionship the rest Of the way, even though
that companion was likely to visit her wrath upon
me for disobeying her.
$50 FASTENED forward, and had not gone far
when the SAME cry struck my ear, this time
sounding much closer than before. 1 answered.
and stopped to await my mothers coming.
II don't think l had stood there ten seconds
when it suddenly flashed upon me that the
scream which had heard was made not by my
mother, but by panther!
my hair fairly rose on end, for my danger was
friphtfnl The nantber had douhtless recOpnized