The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1884-09-25
CHAPTER III.
We're wandering gayly through the glen,
To beard the lion in his den;

The ghosts and COLLINS to ensnare
And cum the ears OF the spaewife there.
"Oh, for PHYS sake, Harry, don't sing
any more of that daring song. 1t
makes my blood run cold to hear it.
And, also, it might bring us trouble,
you know, surrounded as we now are
by such thick underbrush and foliage.
We know not who may be lurking near,
and L virtually believe you composed
that piece yourself, solely for this occa-
sion." And charming point adorned
the cherry lips.
How Harry longed to kiss it away,
but feardl to make declaration that
day, as it might appear hasty to Erma,
they had known each other so short a
time. And well for him that he hest
tated for undoubtedly her answer
would have been decided negative.
But, ali! She was learning the les
son, as might be devined, readily, by
the blush on her cheek and the happy
light in her great brown eyes. whenever
he uttered one of the many pretty COM
pliments which flowed so freely from
his lips that day.
Never had .Erma been so happy and
light of heart. Snatches of song trem-
bled on her lips, and found vent in a
carol, which the birds sought to imi-
tate, and swelled their little musical
throats with unexcelled melody.
She laughed until the silvery echoes
chased one another through the wood,
and found their way far up the mount
aims side. Her degree of wit knew no
bounds till Harry's heart leaped and
throbbed in ecstasy, alive with the in
lection.
And what a lovely day The suns
rays glinted through the riffs in the
foliage, gliding each leaf with an irri-
descent beauty. Wild flowers bloomed
profusely. The small streams laughed
and gurgled on their way; and even the
ponies apparently enjoyed the scene,
jumping and prancing when crossing
the fallen trees, startling their riders
into fears of being unseated.
At length they reached the mount
aims, and Erma inhaled q long, deli
cious draught of the pure, exhilarating
air.
They slowly followed the well-beaten
trail, and ere long came to halt near
the large bowlder- the entrance to the
haunted cave.
Shall we proceed, Miss Ray, Erma ?"
suddenly asked her companion, desig-
mating the cave.
SYes, certainly" she replied, while
her cheeks blanched, as tide of mem
cries swept over her, of the current re-
ports of the townspeople, causing a
shudder to convulse her slender frame.
But Erma had no idea of abandoning
the chase, becoming able soon to join
her companion in refuting the super
natural nonsense.
They dismounted, Harry tenderly re-
ceiving Erma from her horse, and after
lettering them to trees, they made
their way on foot to the entrance.
Tapping gently at the door, thin,
high-pitched voice babe them come in.
The accents were not promising
but there was no alternative, and
Harry Carlton, raising the latch, en-
tered with Erma.
The interior struck them with inter.
est-not the room itself, that was rude
and plain, similar to most Scotch shiel-
ings; but its occupant, who was seated
by the cold hearth.
Her language, as Will be seen, gave
one the impression that she came from
the Highlands.
She was gaunt and bony of frame,
her angularity being increased by hel
height, which was quite six feet.
Her features, though large, had once
been handsome, and still were so
though thin and haggard; her eye.
| vet retained the brilliancy of youth
blended, however, with the wildness oil
evident insanity.
Her long, osseous arms were bare Il
the elbow; her hair fell in iron graz
scant locks upon her shoulders, while
about her head was bound an old tar
tan shawl. Her attire was poor, con
sisting of blue poinsey petticoat tina
did not touch the. ground, and plait
thrown loosely but not unartisticall,