Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-07-26

that summit the view is very fair indeed-the
Cumberland valley now lying south Of Us,
with the Potomac winding IN and out until lost
to sight in the dim distance below the bluffs
OF Harpers Ferry. Mountains and mountains,
one range seeming TO pile MP over the other,
growing bluer and bluer until they were only
distinguished by faint lines. After contem-
plating all this sublimity for awhile we turned
our attention to some luscious black cherries,
which we reached by perching on the top rail
OF an old-time worm fence
From this point We had a romantic mount
am road TO Sylvan, the only break being our
interval for lunch, by the side of one of the
nhest spring houses We had ever seen. where n
gallon crock OF real, pure, genuine milk. with
the cream two or three inches thick was placed
at our disposal and where twenty pounds Of
butter. churned every other day. brought the
enormous sum Of six cents a pound We
thought how our friends at home would enjoy
such a treat Arriving at Sylvan we were
warmly received by our friends and congratu-
lated upon the success of our trip.
Inc three days spent at that pleasant retreat
as every moment was filled with unalloyed
pleasure.
THE VICINITY OF OAKLAND.
our return was over the same road TO Will
transport where We were advised TO vary the
Journey by crossing the Monocacy at the aque-
duct bridge, which necessitated driving Is
miles on the old canal towpath but as we
were assured We would have a dead level we
proceeded to keedysvie, where we found a
good hotel without bari. We crossed the
south mountain early the next morning at
GEOGRAPHICALLY" summer retreat--which
completely won our admiration, for in addition
70 magnificent panoramic view OF IS or 100
miles In extent the artistic effect of which was
heightened that morning by the lights and
shades caused by floating clouds, his place is
attractiveness itself. Everything inviting
even the dog and cat standing at the gateway
looked as though expecting to both give and
receive a cordial greeting.
striking the old canal at Berlin We received
very disheartening replies to our inquiries as
to the feasibility of driving down that way,
and crossing over to the towpath itself we were
still further discouraged by a woman living on
an old boat that had been stranded during the
flood which ruined the canal 'You two
ladies expect TO drive clear down to the Monoc-
acy on the tow path! Well, / never Why
there's mud hole right in front of you deep
enough to swamp your whole concern" At
the same time gancing with some contempt at
Gypsys slight limbs, little suspecting the blood
which conrsed through them. IF you'ns bad
man along you might get through, but
doubt II jist youns kin"
ROUGH ROAD.
The last remark decided our trying that mud
hole. but on entering our hearts went down
with the wheels they sank to the hub. We
pulled out on the other side, thowever, and meet
ing man who said if we were not afraid of
mud, and our horse of the trains that were con-
stantly passing on the opposite bank, we could
likely reach Point Of Rocks without accident.
So We proceeded aud were congratulating our
selves on our progress, when a terrific explo-
sion rent the air. Gypsy gave a leap and
snort Sprlnglng out L caught her bride. and
looking round saw the smoke clear away from
blast on the railroad. L called across TO
know if there would be any more explosions.
Not for half an hour" was the reply, but
thought best to reassure our trembling steed
by leading her past, and it was well did so,
two minutes later came second explosion,
after which We met with no further danger,
but 1t required skillful driving to avoid the
washouts on one side and not slip into the
canal bed on the other. l think we would
have been glad to exchange that
dead level with the steepest noun
Point of Rocks we could find out nothing
about the condition of the other six miles, SO
trusting TO Providence went on. but our
progress was a funeral walk for where there
were no washouts and rocks the weeds were up
TO the horse IS back, and the bushes hung SO
low that looking ahead a passageway seemed
impossible. The only tracks of anything hav-
ing passed that way we're those of horse and
COW, and We concluded tine former must have
died In his tracks" as We passed the skeleton
OF a horse with the skin on ii bleached till il
looked like winding sheet, after which all
trace OF him disappeared. The only living OBJ
lect we saw in that six miles stretch besides in
sects was the tail of snake. At sight of the
lonS-wished-for aqueduct We both shouted for
JOY.
CRISIS.
Our instructions had been to cross over the
top of the aqueduct, then passing underneath
reach the main road on the other side, but
thinking it wise to investigate u little in ad-
vance, walked across, and was Mortified to
find washout ten feet deep where the road
| used to be. / returned and informed my COM
| panion that our only way out was through the
bed of the aqueduct, which could only be
reached by taking the horse and buggy down
separately. She declared it an impossibility, but
insisted that whether it proved SO or not we
must make the attempt, and we not only did
but succeeded. To be sure we had to let the
buggy go when half way down, but it landed
safely and our troubles were over, for we were
soon IN the open country on firm road, which.
IN the course of the evening, brought us to
Seneca Mills once more, where We were well
coined like returned wanderers. Next after
noon we left for Washington via the river road
and Cabin John, but being overtaken by a
storm, spent the night with friends at the cross
roads, reaching w. the next morning in TIE
best OF spirits, and feeling that the pleasures
and benefits Of the trip far outweighed any
| Inconvenience We had encountered. EGG.