The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1890-11-08
A MOUNTAINEER'S PEN
ANCE.

to look at some timber land | wanted
to buy. 1t was one of those golden
days, and l exuIted in the beauty of
the scenery. The last yellow rays of
the sun were still lingering on the
mountain tops when a tall man with
massive frame and long white hair
flowing over shoulders which were bent
as with age, passed US, WALKING slowly
down the mountain path. | could not
see his face, but there was something
about his movements which attracted
nv attention.
"Who is that man" | asked the old
mountaineer who was acting as our
guide. q
"Thet air ole John Wilson. His
mine bent quite right sence he lost
his dalter. He's been to her grave
now, l reckon, an is going back to the
cave whar he meks his home. He don't
90 with no one no more."
"When did his daughter die?" l
asked.
oval, l reckon its been about two
var. III show you whar she's buried
directly"
We had proceeded but few yards
when we came to deserted cabin, the
windows of which were tightly closed.
In front of this cabin was a mound,
and at its head a rude slab on which
was painted IN bold letters -
SUSIE:
The only one who ever loved me
and l shot her. JOHN WILSON.
l had a sense OF horror as read
the strange inscription. The story
possessed peculiar fascination for me.
Partly from my guide and parity from
others l learned the facts, and here
they are -
Years before, when John Wilson was
but a youth, he came to this mountain
and built his cabin. Then, on the
creek in the valley, three miles below,
he opened a country store. He was
far superior TO the simple mountain folk
and his immense strength, his strong
intellect and his knowledge of books
made him a leader. No one knew
whence he came, except that he was
raised in the city. and at first his neigh
bors were distrustful Of him.
But this soon wore away, and moth
ing could be done on the mountain
side in which he did not take the most
prominent part. He brought young
wife with him, and together they lived
IN the cabin he built. The years passed
by, and that country, where money Is
scarce and needs are few for which
which money is wanted, the storekeeper
grew to be wealthy man. He was a
natural athlete, and could run faster,
leap further, shoot straighter, and ride
better than any man IN the sparsely
settled country.
For years his life was happy one,
and little daughter was born unto the
Young couple. In the morning Will
sons cheerful whistle could be heard
as he passed from the cabin to the
store and back again. AS the baby
grew, he used to take her en- his back
and carry her to the store, where she
was content to play until he was ready
to 90 home. She was the pride of the
mountain side. But one day a
stranger appeared on the mountain.
He was we'll dressed, and the simple
mountaineers regarded him with sus-
picion. The next day he was gone,
and John Wilson's wife had disappear
ed, never to return.
No one knew anything further; but
the storekeeper no longer whistled as
he went to the store. An almost saw.
age fierceness came upon him, except
to little Susie. She was always by hi:
side or being carried on his back. Il
she hid behind the boxes in the store
1t was pathetic TO hear him call, "Susie
my baby !' And the child would rur
out and throw her arms around him
and laugh, while the tears would come
unbidden to the strong mans eyes a:
he stroked her hair and chided her fol
frightening him by running away
When she was older they would sit ii
their cabin door, and he would teacf
her to read. Never for moment wert
they separated, these two, and as the
years passed by, something of the old
time gayetY came back to John VIII
son.