Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-06-06
THE BACKWOODMAN'S FIRST
LOVE.
BY EMERSON BENNETT.

1t was during the early settle
ment of the northern counties of
Virginia, few years anterior to the
American Revolution, that a young
man-perhaps we should rather say
boy. for his age was scarcely six
teen-stood leaning against large,
old tree, in front of a dwelling of
better exterior than was common in
that day, and in that section of coun-
try. The youth was tall, gaunt, bony
and muscular-with black hair, black
eyes, and strongly-marked features
the whole countenance even then
being expressive fthe bold, restless
dauntless and yindicitiye spirit which
was subsequently destined to make
his name so famous upon the west
ern borders.
1t was clear, cold, but pleasant
autumnal night, and the fair moon,
riding high in the heavens, poured
down her silvery light through the
clear, frosty air, casting deep shad-
ows here and there. and giving to
the bold scenery around a pictur.
esque variation. The youth was not
warmly clad, but he seemed not to
feel the cold as be stood with folded
arms, leaning against the tree, his
eye riveted upon a lighted window
of the dwelling before him, whence
low sound of voices, occasionally
mingled with merry, ringing laugh
reached his eager ear. Could his
face at that moment have been clear
ly seen, it would have shown a con.
tracted brow, compressed lips, and o
somewhat wild and fiery fierceness
Of the eye, which seemed to bode no
good to whatever object had aroused
his vindicitive hate.
The evening wore away, the hour
grew late, but still the youth stood
in the selt-same attitude, having for
hours scarcely changed his position,
or moved muscle of his stern fea-
lures. At length the outer door OF
the dwelling opened, and two figures
Appeared youth and maiden,
both dimly perceived by the light
behind. For a few moments they
stood conversing in low tones, when
the clear musical voice of the maid
en- was heard to say:
Goodnight, Henry, and let it not
be long ere | see you again.
Goodnight, my fair Rose" was
the rejoiner, "and happy dreams to
YOU"
There was another low "good-
night" from the one addressed as
Rose, and then the speaker retired,
the door closed, and the young man
walked leisurely away, in an appar-
emily meditative mood.
As he was about to disappear
among the surrounding trees, the
youth, who had been so long upon
the watch, suddenly started from his
listless attitude, and clinching his
hands nervously, as if he had some
hated object already within his grasp
took two or three hasty strides to-
wards the retreating figure, appar-
emily with the intention of overtak-
ing him and calling him to strict
account but suddenly, as if actuat-
ed by another thought, he stopped,
turned quickly on his heel, and the
next minute reached the door of the
dwelling. upon which he raped with
kind of nervous impotence. His
summons was answered by a colored
domestic, who, on seeing him, ex-
claimed
"Why, Narse Simon, dat your
81 want to see Rose Walton
said the young man sternly. The
black seemed to hesitate for a mo-
ment, and the other added: go
and tell her so; and be quick about
it, if you don't want to get yourself
into trouble !"
As the black was turning away to
communicate her message, the per-
son inquired for made her appear
ance. She was o fine, comely lass
of seventeen, with fair face and bright
eyes, and a general appearance ex-
ceedingly captivating.
"Why, Simon che said in tone
of surprise, "methinks your visit is
rather late r
I'm aware replied the youth, in
a tone of bitterness, "that Rose Wal
ton would rather I'd stay away al
together
"Then, why do you come at all
was the quiet rejoinder-