Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1892-02-19
GLENDALOUGH.


and fertile valleys. luxuriantly wooded
and with the noblest of magnificent rivers
running through transforming in their
course, Il series of c:itaracts. It's natural
graces are enhanced in value. because they
are invariably encountered after the eye
and mind have wearied from gazing upon
rude and uncultivated districts, covered
with peat upon the scanty heritage of
which the small sheep can scarcely find
pasture.
1t is to this peculiar feature--its richly
adorned borders and the rugged character
of it's interior-tllat Dean Swift referred
when he likene,l the country to 'frieze
mantle frinyed with gold lace"
The City of Glendalough.' IL name
which signifies the glen of the two lakes"
owes it's origin to St. Kelvin. by whom the
abbey w;ts founded early in the Sixth
century. Here in this solitude the saint
laid the foundation of his nona:stic estab
lishment. 1t grew rapidly, became a crowd
ell city, Il school for learning. Il college fer
religion, Il receptacle for holy men, IL sane
tlary for the oppressed. an asylum for the
poor, hospital for the sick -anl here he
lived to superinten:l it for nearly century
having completed the uncommon and ven
er.lble aga of one hundred and twenty
years.
The vicinity of the county of Wicklow to
the Irish metropolis is of protligious ad
vantage to those who, lin popu ious city
pent," require occasional intercourse with
nature, either us II relaxation Or an enjoy
ment. And perhaps there are feH crowded
capitals in the world so auspiciolsiy stu
ated-so Immediately within reach OF such
Il concourse of natural beauties.
GlentlaIou:sh is situated in the harony OF
Railvnacor twenty two Irish miles from
Dublin and five from Roundwoo;l. where !;
car is generally hired by tourists, who list;
ally return to Rounlwood to pass the night
for visit to the lake and ruined city, al
though they may be examined in Il couple
of hours, ought to occupy II day. For thos5
who are not over particular about creature
comforts, however, there is Il toierable inn
at GIendalough.
One fine July morning some years back
| made up my mind to pay ii visit to Glen
dalough, and having informed my friend
Tom Power, of my intention, he agreed to
accompany me. Tom was an ardent AL
mirer of the beauties of nature, in fact he
was acknowledged by competent critics to
be an artist of considerable ability. So, OF
course, his chief motive in going to Wick
low was to fill his portfolio with sketches
of its charming scenery.
Arriving at the railroad station with our
valises packed, we had no sooner purchased
our tickets than one of those unforeseen
circumstances, which occur at least once
in the life of every human being, compelled
Tom Power to forego his contemplated
trip. at least for that day.
He intiniated that he would be obliged to
postpone his departure until the following
morning, urging me at the same time, us he
was aware that | had nothing of inpor
lance requiring my presence in Dublin, to
undertake the journey alone and to secure
if possible Il place of habitation where we
might make ourselves at home during our
brief sojourn. To this proposal acquiesced
without demur, and was soon on my way
to Wicklow. On reaching Glendalough.
I was taken to the inn, an unpretentious
hosiery. Still. Notwithstanding its home
illness, thought |, provided the harder be
properly supplied, ] may enjoy myself as
well us if engaged rooms at Gresham's
in O'Connell street.
After partaking of a light luncheon. ]
sauntered forth from the inn.
The sweetness and the serenity of nature
gradually brought on pleasant fits of mus
ny After three hours panble | had
beauties enough to fill the sletchbook of
my friend Tom Power, who | have said
was an enthusiastic lover of the pictur
-sque.
As the shadows of evening began to steal
wer the country, concluded it high time
20 bid good night to the misty mountains
so closing MY portfolio ! betook myself
)ack to the inn. Ny ramhle during the
lay having sharpened my appetite. sat
Town and enjoyed a hearty meal. | also
)artook somewhat freely of bottle of
vine Adjoining the dining room was my
leeping apartment.
sat for some time lost III Il strange kind
If reverie. when the door opposite to me
.nl communicating with the bar was
opened by mine host. He informed me
hat he was about to retire for the night
Wished me pleasant dreams and finally left
ne alone after he had finished overhauing
nv lamp Once more sat buried in me;li
alton, INDUCING at the same time in the
luxury of ii nieerSchaun. For Il quarter OF
IN hour pu.fed away in perfect silence
IL attention was simply occupied witt
the curling nliSts of tobacco smoke that
oppressed the atmosphere of my chamber
While gazing at the Eiueish clouds that
we're circiing toward the ceiling | was
somewhat surprised to see a specter, us i
imagined. cautiously open the door. Hi,
face was coiosless as parchment. his hail
and beard black rs coal and his eyes large
luminous and liquid. He was attire,l in
black from head to foot. His movements
were stealthy.
After crossing the Threshold he locked.
the door and withdrew the key. felt over.
come with aniaZement, although he bort
the appearance OF Ii man of Most exalted
staff ion His next movement was to throw
himself into IL chair exactly opposite to me
and help himself to Il glass OF wine. was
absolutely :tstoun,led, still ! did not inter
rupt the fellow: he seemed to relish the
wine, and continued repeating the otfenst
until the bottle WIS more than half empty
What will he do neXt?" asked myself.
My establishment Increased ;as | beheld
him draw forth from his breast pocket n
bright steel ioniarl. throwing at the same
time Il sinister glance ut me- rs he placed
the murderOus weapon on the tabis.
Presently he produced Il pad, which he
handed to me. after scribhling thereon the
following laconic announcement:
Il AMI Il Spanish noblep'
Spanish f:ltilestick!" thought l. IF
you are Il noi,ien,at,. the rut.eaness of your
actions greatly belle you. for what ii."'s''
bleman. he he Spanish. French or Irish
would have the unblushing effronterv to
disturb the solitude of Il perfect strange,
as yGH have done?"
My answer oil the pad was briefly this
"GIal to make your acquaintance.
The fact is f;lncied at the time liz. WAS
non compos nlentis. some escaped bed
ianlit.. and thought my safest plan would
be to humOr him until he could he SECURE
" placed in the custody Of his Keeper
Again the fantastic noblemall used the pt'i
and placed the following terse Sentel,-e H..
my hand. Can't return the compliment,
Enr;.yed AT this wanton insult started
to my feet and flung the pad in his fac"
My next design was to secure the ponirl
but the fiend. anticipating my action. ha'i
the advantage of me. for in the twink ling
of an eye the mysterious villain stool
erect before ME fiaurishing the glitterIng
weapon over his head ia ii hrgaGdiike and
menacing position. | had no weapon oi
defense, not even Il blackthorn stick. He
perceived my trepidation and seemed to
exult in it, ! was about TO call for help
hut on receiving another l,tsilsk like