The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1893-05-18
CHILDREN'S CORNER.
CoRSY's CATAaOUST.
81 LOUIS 81. ALCo1T.
CONTINUED

Corny's dangerous cyolutl0ns with
the beloved gun, and the gymnastic
feats which Chris performed, jump
ing off TO pick flowers for tie ladies,
and getting on again while Milk and
Molasses tore up and down the rough
road TO the mountain as if they en-
joyed it.
About ten o'clock they reached
the foot OF the mountain, and, after
a short rest at the hotel, they began
the three-mile ascent in high spirits.
Abner was to follow later with the
wagon, to bring the party down; 50
Chris was guide, as he knew the way
well, and often came thither with
people The girls and younger boys
hurried on, full Of eagerness to reach
the top. The ladies went more slowly,
enjoying the grand beauty Of the
scene, while Chris carried the lunch
basket, and Corny fingered IN the
rear, waiting for good chance to
"plunge."
He wanted to be off before Abner
came, as he we'll knew that wise man
and mighty hunter would never let
him go alone.
"rhe very next path see; III dive
into the woods, and run; Chris can't
leave the rest to follow me, and if ]
once get good start, they wont
catch me in a hurry" thought the
boy, longing to be free and alone in
the wild woods that tempted him on
either hand.
Just as he was tightening his belt
TO be ready for the run, Mrs. Barker,
the stout lady, called him; and being
a well-bred lad, he FASTENED at once
to see what she wanted, feeling that
he was the only gallant in the party,
"Please give me your arm, dear:
I'm getting very tired, and'I fear |
can't hold out to the top, without a
little help said the poor lady, red
and painting with the heat and steep
ness of the road.
"Certainly, ma'am," answered
Corny, obeying at once, and inward
ly resolving to deposit his fair bur
den on the first fallen log they came
TO, and then make his escape.
But Mrs. Barker got on brayely,
with the support of his strong arm,
and chatted away so delightfully."- that
Corny would really have enjoyed the
walk, if his soul had not been yearn-
ing for catamounts. He did his best,
but when they passed opening after
opening into the green recesses of
the wood, and the granite powders
grew more and more plentiful, his
patience gave out, and he began to
plan what he could say to excuse
himself. Chris was behind, appar-
emily deaf and blind to his calls and
imploring glances, though he grin
ned cheerfully when poor Corny
looked round and bekoned, as well as
he could beekon with a gun on one
arm and a stout lady on,the other.
"The hardest part is coming now,
and we'd better rest a moment. Here's
Il nice rock, and the last spring we
are likely to see till we get to the
top. Come on, Chris, and give us
the dipper. Mrs. Barker wants a
drink, and so do l." called the young
hunter, driven to despair ct last.
Up came Chris, and while he rum
mayed in the well-packed basket.
Corny slipped into the wood, leaving
the good lady, with her thanks half
spoken, sitting on warm stone be-
side muddy little pool. A loud
laugh followed him, as he scrambled
through the tall ferns and went
plunging down the steep mountain
side, eager to reach the lower woods.
'Iet him laugh; it will be my turn
when | go home, with fine cat over
my shoulder" thought Corny, tear
ing along, needless of falls, scratches,
and bruised knees.
At length he paused for breath,
and looked about HIM well satisfied.
for the spot was lonely and lovely
enough to suit any hunter. The
tallest pines he ever saw sighed far
overhead; the ground was ankle deep
in moss, and gay with scarlet bunch
berries; every fallen log was yelled
by sweet-scented Linnea, green vines,
or nodding brakes; while hidden
brooks sang unsteady, and the air
was full of the soft futter of leaves,
the whir of wings, the sound of birds
gossiping sweetly in the safe shelter
where human feet so seldom came.
"Pll rest bit, and then 90 along
down, keeping a look out for puss
by the way" thought Corny, feeling
safe and free, and very happy, for
he had his own way, at last, and a
whole day in which to lead the life
he loved.
So he bathed his hot face, took q
cool drink, and lay on the moss,
staring up into the green gloom of
the pines, bllssfully dreaming of the
joys of a hunters life,-till a pecu-
liar cry startled him to his feet, and
sent HIM creeping YEARLY toward the
sound. Whether it was new kind
of bird, or a fox, or bear, he did
not know, but he fondly hoped it
was wild cat; though he was well
aware that that crafty creature sleeps
by day, and prowls by night. Abrer
had said that they purred and snarled
and gave mewing sort of cry; but
which it was now he could not tell.
having unfortunately oeen half
asleep.
On he went, looking up into the
trees for furry bunch, behind every
log, and in every rocky hole, longin g
and hoping to discover his hearts
desire. But a hawk was all he saw
above, an ugly snake was the only