The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1891-04-18
CHAPTER V

- hirh hi npoT n",,
the mountain side. Far below me
could see the ripping waters of the
Cumberland river, and beyond il the
Jagged rocks that lined the other shore
Above me was a strip of blue sky, with
fleecy clonds fitting across the azure
field. The forests were robed in the
crimson and gold of autumn and the
russell glory OF October lay upon the
forest slopes and mountain sides.
Where was |, and what had happen
ed? The last thing ! remembered was
the battle on the cliff and the gleam OF
iiend5h triumph that blazed i'll the
eyes of the rufiian who was crushing
out my life with his brawny arms. But
that was in September and the green
leaf was still on the bough; now the
fruits were all brown and red and
golden in the glories of mid-autumn.
Had | been dead, and was this the
resurrection? Or
Nv reflections were cut short by q
vision of rare womanly loyeliness-a
mountain flower, divinity in white,
an angel of life and beauty.
This fair vision was II girl of about
eighteen summers. The mountain air
had painted her cheeks with the tinge
of perfect health and strength. Her
eyes were of deep, beautiful blue and
shaded with long sweeping lashes.
Her mouth, whether in repose, engaged
i'm conversation or wreathed in smiles,
was beautifully shaped, and strongly
suggestive of II pure, sweet character
and determined will. Her hair was
a lovely brown, and iloated down her
graceful shoulders, when unconiined,
like mantel of glory. Her form was
well-rounded, and finely developed ;
her step light and active, and every
motion that of grace and beauty.
thought, ,as she approached my bedside,
| had never seen Il lovelier woman.
As she came forward and saw that !
had returned TO consciousness, hel
eyes lighted with a glad surprise, and see
ing | was about To speak, she motioned
me to silence, saying: "iou have been
very sick, sir, and for n long time. You
are still weak and must not talk. Take
this, please - and she held glass OF
something to my lips rs she gently ele-
waited my head with her left hand.
With no will power To resist this
superb creature, ! drank the potion she
held to my mouth and sank back ON
my couch.
Then II sense of heavenly content
came over me. My vision became con-
fused Mountain, forest and river
melted into vagucncss, the song of birds
died away in the woodland,and | slept.
The next morning awokc and found
my strength slowly reinyigorating my
limp muscles and thrilling my long dor,
mant nerves.
A footstep caused me TO look around,
and saw coming towards me an old
man of benevolent mein, and kindly
interest beaming in his eyes. His hail
was silvercd with age, but his form
was vet robust, his step firm and bouy,
ant. In his cheek glowed the color o
health, and certain air of refinement
told me at once that he was not Il native
of this wild, uncultivated region.
.You are better this morning, sir, )
he said, looking into my eyes and feel
ing my pulse
ayes, thanks to your care and nurs
ing, Il think | am,' replied. ''But viii
you tell me how came here, and how
long | have been under this roof"
cat some other time | will,'' wa
his response. "but, he patient; feal
you are not strong enough To near th'
Glory now. A little excitement NIGH
undo the work of many days. But b'
assured of this You are safe here, ant
as long rs you are under the protection
of Edward Anderson you have nothing
to fear
GAS To your care and hospitality
said, "I have had ample proof; an'
| can never adequately repay you 10
your kind attention, but"
"'rut, tut, interrupted the old gen
tlemam, ssWhat duty is more richi..
paid than that of hospitality worthil!
bestowed? Suffice il to say, | foun'
you woundcd-dying, | feared. | pro
fess to be u Christian. 1t was my dut.
to care for you. brought you here
and thank God | have the satisfaction
of seeing you in fair way of recovery!
Then, seeing | was about to speak
again, he said: 'HPardon me, sir, but
must forbid you talking to-day" am
raising his voice he called:
| "Annie, Annie! come, daughter!
The door opened, and | beheld m
visitor of the previous morning.
She approached my bedside, an
taking one of my thin, emaciated hand
in hers, so fair and soft, said
~ am glad TO see you looking $
much better, sir. will bring you you
breakfast.
And with graceful step she retiret
returning directly with a platter cover
ed with numerous articles OF mos
delicatcly prepared morning repast.
| Nv breakfast over, my fair nurse at
ministered another sleeping potion, an
| was soon sleeping and dreaming {
lovely Anne Anderson.
Thus several days passed, my Strengt
rapidly coming back to me.
During these sweet days of my col
yalpsccncc Annie Anderson would 5
and talk to me of their home and the
simple life; and then, rs | becan
strong enough to do part of the talkin
would tell her of the great living
rustling world beyond the blue limits I
the mountains, of which she kne
nothing, save what her father had tol
her.
| Their story was a brief one. Ed wal
Anderson was Il native of Baltimore an
had been educated for the miniStr,
He had chosen the rough district OF Il
Southern Appalachians for his field I
labors. With his wife, who was iifiee
years his junior, he had settled where
found him. Five years after the birt
of Annie, his wife with II boy baby Il
her breast, took earthly leave of II
that were dear To her, and winged ava
to her heavenly home, leaving lit
lAnnie to the sole care Of her fath'
land one faithful servant. As for Soci
ty there was none, except the unedI
Gated families of the rough mountain
ers. These in the immediate neighbo
hood were mostly outlaws, and pract