West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1900-06-14

the chase. We started Tor the place in.
dicated and after some length OF time.
crossing over logs, rocks aud crawling un.
der dense undcrhrush we arrived az our
destination. Matte remarked that she
wanted me to kill the deer, and posted me
In splendid position for that purpose. say.
'ug' II YOU fail TO Kill. will not let him
depart from here la peace" We had not
remained In our splendid hiding place but
asho twhilc, when We heard the well known
yolps OF the hounds several hundred yards
IN the distance On looking, we saw. not
Tar OF. the buck, with head erect. seeming
TO he scouting the dogs ON his trail aud
making straight for our crossing. In a
short time noticed him. not far away
with his head slightly turned TO the left
taking In the situation Immediately
brought my Winchester TO my face. and
the report rang out clear on the morning
ait the deer plunged forward and dropped
on his knees. lie quickly rogalncd his feet
and would have bid us farewell but Tor the
unerrlng aim OF my companions Winchester,
winch laid the buck silent In the dust On
hearing tho shots from our rides. some of
our party made their way up to where we
were standing aud assisted MS In bringing
the game to the Hat below
Al the noon meal all were present. The
young ladies' had prepared an elegant lunch
which was spread out under the shade of a
large sugar tree near a sparkling spring
OF pure. cool water. Some OF the crowd
h'd been hunting squirrels, rabbits, pleas.
ants and others had explored a fine cave
on the mountain, and gave us glowing ac.
count OF its sublimity. We remained here
laughing and chatting. and getting better
acquainted with one another until Time
had admonished us that we had better
wend our way across the meadow on our
homeward journey-Frank aud Matte TAX
ing the lead and myself, with the rest
bringing up the rear Our conversation
about the day was enthusiastic. The young
ladies did everything they could to make IL
pleasant for me--pointing out many places
OF interest, giving general history of the
country their homes, their grand parents
In early years contending with the Indians,
bears and wolves. After supper the com
pany repaired to the large parlor and en-
gagged In conversation. music and games.
AZ the close Of the evenings enjoyment
Matte announced that the young folks
would remain aud on the morrow we
should have one more days outing together
before we took our departure for the city.
Al early dawn we heard the merry voices
OF our visitors on the lawn. and we soon
joined them to swell the chorus. and to
talk of the procedure of the days sport
what we would do and where we should 90
Son,
explore the cave, but was willing for any.
thing that would turn up to have u good
time. Mattie's familiar voice from the
porch invited us TO come and partakc of
tho morning meal. after which we proceed.
ed to get ready for the events awaiting us
The young ladies decided that as had ac.
companicd them on the previous days ex.
pedition home. Frank should be entertained
by them on this trip. Matte and started
In the lead. followed by our joyial company
through the fields across the meadows.
through the forest until we came TO a
romantic spot at the foot Of the mountain
Here we remained awhile. enjoying the
magnificent scenery. gathering lovely pines
and flowers that grew along the banks OF
the brook. The young ladies weaycd them
into beautiful wrcaths and one lady came
forward. remarking, Matte. with your
consent will crown your partner" and al
the same moment placing a handsome crown
upon my head. Frank and the rest Of the
young men were also crowned with exquis.
lie wreaths by the hands OF the fair ladies.
and as whole VIC were quite kngIy set
Of young gents.
Having about half dozen or more WIN
chester rifles with us. IL was agreed that the
skill OF our party should be exhibited in
target practice for few hours was de.
lighted, perfectly carried away. AZ seeing
the ladies' handling the rifles. driving cen
ter after center. thirty-fye. City and one
hundred yards distant. My thoughts ran
back TO Kingwood. where I had witnessed
DR.. Pratt and his corps Of marksmen. the
finest IN the state. In target shooting
After the dinner meal was served and ali
refreshed. the topic discussed was upon
the grandeur Of the forest. and the stream
that came rumbing down the deep decline.
The young ladies lamented very much that
our stay vas fast coming TO close. and
exacted promise from Frank and / that
we would come again In the near future
Matte and had been engaged in an inter.
esting talk. and felt very sorry that our
stay with her could not this time be pro
tractod much longer She laid her delicate
hand on my arm. saying Look. don you
see those rapidly flying clouds We arc
going to have q very hard rain storm soon
! would advise that all Of US take shelter
In that vacant house on the mountain until
the tempest passes by. Frank and his
party Immediately hurried Of to reach the
house designated. and We watched them
as we walked along slowly until they gained
their place Of destination Al AZ once loud
peals Of thunder were heard near us. the
lightning ran across the sky from east 10
west, the rain began to fall in large drops
upon the dry earth and we were compelled
TO take shelter in the cave. which was near
by The lightning flashed. tho thunder
rolled and many Of tho gigantic trees left
their moorings and came crashing down
the mountain side. The lightning ran along
the walls Of the caves. at times making Ia
as bright as day. Matte remained close TO
my side. with ono hand on my arm. not a
much excited as thought she would be-
Taking her by the hand exclaimed
Matte, sincerely love yon. viii you be-
my vile z Ihc answer came in a sweet
voice. ~ will. Oh --- have dearly loved
you since first we met took fhe beauti.
tu' angel in my arms and for the FIRST time
imprinted a kiss upon her rosy cheek.
took from my pocket diamond ring which
had been given me by my dear mother and
placed u upon her finger saying YOU.
dear Matte, are all mine ] will come again
and take you unto myself
am now on my way To take from thaf
mountain home The only child the bright
Jewel which found So precious TO my
/ heart IN the cave iar up the mountain Z
met Frank at kingwood and gave him a
l pressing invitation to accompany me. lie
/ sighed, and said that he would like 90 90
/ with me but had recently understood from
Doctor IIlchcncIl lhat hclrs wcrn rnanlinr