Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1895-02-21
A FATAL MISTAKE.

QlllH uSb1 uCl AotASA y S"~An'
She had the soul Of a poet, and
her ewes never tired of the wild beauty
that met them whichever way they
turned.
One day she had scaled the face Of a
cliff, cl;nging with feet and hands to
such crevices and projections as she
could find, until she lad reached Ger.
tain point from which she had long
wished to look across Santa Clara VAL
ley toward the Monte Diablo range.
But how could she look outward with
her face turned toward the cliff?
On the top of the next ledge above
grew a gigantic oak tree. One Of it's
limbs curved downward and stretched
an erratic branch oyer the cliff. just
near enough for Freda t, Grasp. Re-
lying on it for support she turned about
facing the beautiful valley but also fac
ing fearful chasm into which even she
scarcely dared look.
The cliff behind her slanted slightly
inv ,rd AM for the sake of IA better view
Freda looscned her hold upon the
branch and leaned backward. Az she
did so, the branch few far above her
reach and a great stone that bad been
weighing the upper limb, having been
caught in u crotch Of the branches
crashed downward, nearly striking her
fee or its wav,
Freda forgot the beauty of Santa
Clara Valley then; she leaned hard
az 4inst the cliff and got her feet firml y
over the slight projections upon which
her life depended. And then she tried
to think. She could move neither up.
ward or downward with her face to-
ward the cbaso there was no escape
for her unless she could turn toward the
cliff; the juts on which her feet rested
were so small that it was impossible to
turn without clinging to something
With her hands there was nothing for
her hands to cling to.
Such q review ofthe situation passed
through Fredas mind
Realizing her awful peril. she cried
out with scarce hope Of being heard
Father, father, help me, save me!
Before the echo of her voice had died
away an answer footed softly down
from someu here owe head
Stand very still; be brave; help is
coming!
But the tones were unfamiliar. The
voice was not her fathers.
Almost Immediately the branch aboye
was dressed downward until she was
able to seize it.
Turn very cautiously directed the
voice. DO you feel safe now%
Quite, thanks said Freda, family
>Can you let 60 of the branch until
climb back to the ledge and return
again p
Yes
Ywant to fetch my overco4t, and teal
it up to make rope to let down tc
you
y can climb to the ledge now with
ont help said Freda. with returning
courage.
DO not attempt it, | beseech you !
plpaded the voice. but she was already
making the ascent, moving rapidly de-
ternined to prevent the sacrifice oftht
overcoat
Near the top pair Of hands, strong
az an athletes. white as a woman 8
reached down, drew her lightly to TIT
place of safety, and deposited her on
the grass at the foJt Of the cree.
There, little one,take breath. | shall
not allow you to speak u word unit
you have rested, said the gentle voice
gentle and yet masterfu'.
Freda closed her eyes and leaned he
head against the NOISY tree trunk
She Was, indeed, half faiuting from thu
reaction following her danger and be-
terror. How safe she felt From thu
ledge an easy path wound down to tn
road-and how she frosted in her new
protector
By and by a leaf cup. filled with Wa
ter from spring was hem against be-
lipS
| She drank eagerly and afterwar'
opel ed her eyes and sa' strAigher feel
ing strong again.
On the grass before her looking with
anxious kindness into her face, knelt
man of perhaps twenty four years OF ag
with grave blue eyes and a somewha
delicate face, smooth shaven'.
Sir said Freda, YOU have saved M,
life; you haye-
Do not speak of it,
,Oh. but must SPEAK oft MY faith
or is two miles away: he would neve
have heard me. Beforehe came to thu,
particular spot TO seek tor me I shoule