The Dawson journal., 1884-10-09

piazza, where my host proceeded
to fulfill his promise.
a FLORIDA GIRL.
"lt happened thirty years ago,
and Belle Norton was one of the
prettiest girls in Florida. She was
tail and slender, but exquisitelv
formed, and of an unusually sunny
temperament. Her hair was a
golden brown, her eyes were like
pansy blossoms, and her lips were
twin buds, just ripening into
bloom.
"Her father, old Abel Norton,
was one of the richest planters in
these parts, and fairly worshiped
his one child; but lie had the tenn
per of a demon when aroused, and
knew neither law, gospel or rea-
son. His home was about a mile
from the pool. You can see the
ruins now. The house was fred
by the negroes during the war,
and the whole place has gone to
ruin and decay.
"About four miles off lived
Squire Griffin and as he had a
housefull of little children he i'm
ported Yankee from Massachu-
setts to teach them. He was Alright
handsome young fellow, this
teacher, graduate Of one Of the
best colleges, and very gentleman
ly and refined in ali his actions.
His name was Harry Esterman,
and he became quite a favorite in
the neighborhood.
Harry and Belle met at ball
given by one Of the planters and
the usual result followed-love at
first sight and all that sort Of thing.
I don't believe in love myself, but
these young people did, and ter
rible tragedy followed.
FATHFR'S OppOSTrTON
"Old man Norton had never
liked Harry-in fact the old fel-
low, even in those days, was a rank
believer in secession and hated
everything Of a Northern origin.
He had tolerated the young
teacher at first out Of the respect
for Southern hospitality and the
opinions Of his old friends, bat
when he discovered that Harry
had fallen in love with his daugh-
ter and she was guilty Of the same
foohshness, he was furious, rayed
IKE adeyil and swore by all the
gods that he would shoot "the
id Yankee" if be ever caught
him on his place again. He had
a stormy scene with his daughter,
but she clung to her faith and re-
fused to give her lover up.
But henceforth the lovers were
more careful, and We're obliged to
confne their love-making to stolen
interviews and this pool was Sc
Iected as the trysting place. 1t
was then beautiful spot The
underground was tangled mass
Of flowers, the trees allowed the
moon to drop through their green
branches and bathe in the water
that was then as clear as crystal,
The stolen interview of these hap
py lovers did not long remain a
secret. They We're betrayed by a
negro and cid Norton's revenge
was an awful one.
Belle had been in the habit af-
ter all the house had retired of
leaving her room and spending a
happy hour with her young and
ardent lover at this pool.
A FATHERS CRIME.
ut was a beautiful night in
June; the moon was at its fall
and the heavens were clothed in
splendor. A cool breeze swept
over the swaying trees and from
the shadowy copse the whip-poor-
will kept up his plaintiye calling
During the day old Norton had
been unusually grave and silent
seeming absorbed in his own re-
Elections. His manner towards his
daughter had filled her with vague
dread. He had only answered hel
questions in monosyllablos anC
watched her every movement will
furtive scowling. But she attrib
uted it all to the fact that he haC
been applying himself very freel.
to the brandy bottle and was man
ifestly under its potent influence
"About $50 o'clock he grunte,
out good night and went to hi
. .,, DolIo oleO ,.oti,,o1 br