The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-10-04

PERU, Sept. 3.-Special.-There is
probably no spot in Miami county so
historical as a little grove on the green
banks of the muddy Wabash known as
THE Witches Landing" Why it was
given this name no one could ever tell
But old men and women, whose hair
are white as snow. know nothing only
simply to call it THE Witches Land
ing"
The spot is i'm a beautiful location,
adorned with tall sycamores. Under
meath these grow wild flowers, while
a few sprigs of blue grass can be seen
peeping from under the edge Of some
rocks. The muddy waters of the Wa
bash go ripping by and just a few
yards below this noted spot they plunge
downward some feet and then away it
goes in it's endless journey towards the
West.
Just opposite the landing is an old
frame house, which at one time was the
home Of a minister. and it was in this
old-style house two souls would have
been made happy had not the sud
den death of the minister prevented it,
The following little story was told the
writer by the minister's aged wife,
who still lives. and for her own dear
sake her name is withheld.
Long years ago a wealthy family
named Brown lived in this neighbor-
hood. They were extensive land own
ers and generally considered a proud,
naughty set of folks Their only child
was boy named Basill He was away
the most of his time attending his faith
erS foreign business or completing his
course in college. James Watkins was
the name Of Mr.. Browns "overseer' on
the farm, and had been in his employ
so many years that all business on the
entire farm was left in his charge.
Mr.. Watkins was not an old
man, but hard labor had wrinkled
his brow and caused a few streaks
Of gray To mingle with his locks
Of jet-black hair. He was sober, indus
trious and generally liked by all the
employees. James Watkins and his wife
were known all over the entire county
as strict church members and their only
child, Ruth by name. was being brought
in the footsteps OF her parents Ruth
was lovely girl of eighteen years, with
dark, wavy hair and soft brown eyes
which always were ready to sympa thiZe
with the grief-stTicken. Ruth was good
and always Obedient to her father and
vOrite among all the farmhands. But
there was one she was nearer to than
all the rest His name was Ben Ink
wood and her fathers assistant lover
seer" Ben had w1ached the growth of
of pretty Ruth from childhood to her
present size and had finally concluded
that he loved her and life without her
would be a very unhappy one for him
to spend. Ruth. through courtesy's sak e
entertained him quite frequently, but
as to loving him she could never think
no more of Ben InlIWoOd than merely as
a friend. For Ruth loved another. Most
everyone, though in the entire county,
was eagerly watching for the wedding
and many of the gOssipy neighbors
thought that shed do no better'n
marry Ben Inkwood."
Ben of course was aware that Ruth
loved another but who could il be? In
fact that was the question her parents
often ask themselves. No one but Ruth
knew who IL was. Well, il was Basil
Brown, the son of the wealthy farmer.
Basil HAD loved Ruth since the past,
when they had spent many days togeth-
er in the little brown school house on
the hill. BasilPs love was ION the sly"
and no one knew 1t but Ruth, who was
daily informed of his thoughts by let
ters received from him. Springtime was
here now and the farmers busy season
had begun. Basil Brown had re-
turned home to spend his usual vaca-
ton, and what time he could quietly
spend with Ruth. Many new faces were
seen among the farmhands this sea-
son, two who were Sam Johnson and
Jimmie Lamberts. Sam Johnson was
cOlOred boy hired to do light work
around the house and carry lunch out
to the workers each day. Both Jimmie
and Sam soon gained a spot in the
hearts Of the workmen, and as TO Mr.
Watkins they both could have a home
nil 4 Hs,a lou 81 Ia
he season had almost passed and the
crops were "layed by" Very few of
the workmen We're still engaged. Sam
and Jimmie were still there and creating
as much fun as they ever did. Jack
Curran was the name of Mr.. Browns
new hostler, and, although he had not
been employed but few weeks Ben
Inlxwood had formed an opinion of him
and often said to Mr.. Watkins
James, that man will cause us
trouble YET
but Mr.. watkins did not think so
and treated him with all courtesy due.
Husking time was drawing near and
Basill was preparing to take his leave
This year would complete his course in
college, but how long it did seem to
him. A whole year to wait before he
could take Ruth and call her his own
The more he thought of it the worse he
felt, and the more tempted he was to
suggest a secret marriage. At last he
did and seating himself one day he
dropped Ruth a note and told her of
his plans. Ruth consented. So BasiII
made arrangements with the minister
on the opposite side of the river to get
the required papers and perform the
ceremony the same evening. Jack Cur
ran, who had gained the confidence of
Basil, was informed Of what was to
take place. He had only seen Ruth but
a very few times and as many another
man had done, sit was a case of love
at first sight" and If he could prevent
the marriage in a quiet way he was
going TO do so.
The evening had arrived BASIL and
Ruth met in their accustomed place,
the Witch's Landing. There lay Ruth's
little boat. quietly rocking on the waves
They soon were seated in the little craft
and Basil, eager to reach the minis
ter's home, was willingly bending to the
oar and in a very few seconds they
touched the other shore. At last the
front door was reached and Basil, after
knocking, which summoned the good
old minister's wife, was invited I'm and
informed that Mr.. - had not arrived
like this for he had arranged to meet
him there at a certain time. However,
he could do nothing but wait An hour
had passed and another rap at the
door summoned them all TO the door,
when they were informed that the min
ister's horse had SHE'D down the road
piece, throwing him to the ground,
breaking his neck Basill was greatly
disappointed, so retracing their steps
and seating themselves as before I'm
the boat they soon were at the point
they started from. Another thought
dawned upon Basilrs mind He would
have Jack TO drive them to the little