The age-herald., 1900-02-18
A Rock of Love.
BY w. J. BoLES.


 boulder?" asked Uncle Hiram of the party of sight-seers, whom he was plotting to the top of the Blue Mountain peak in the eastern part of Alabama That rock has the most interesting history of any object on this mountain. Lovers have come here quarrehng and burning up with rage. and left happy and contented Husbands and wives. for years estranged have been reconciled by one touch of it's magic in- fiuence It has made devoted friends of iife- long enemies, and brought joy and happi- ness to many who had never before slipped the cup of pleasure.
 "I discovered years ago that the rock had this wonderful power, but until now have never told any one of the magical virtues it possesses, for fear that others would come to share my good fortune with me- It has been my one source of income for these many years, and right well have l lived off it. How did discover its won derful powers? did you ask? I was getting to thlalt poirat, and that ann now grown old and have but few more years left to me on this earth, I suppose I might tell you the whole secret, but first you must prom 1se not to reveal my secret until I am dead or give my consent" I assented, and the old man resumed:
 ears and years ago I was crossing over the mountain to friends house. As I neaned the top of the mountain I met a stranger, who seemed very much alarmed at my presence. Before I hardly realized the situation he had covered me with a shotgun and ordered my hands up. I, of course compiled, but asked for an explan- alton. He seemed very much agitated and sougth to force me down the mountain side. Suddenly his hands flew up and the gun dropped at his feet I immediately rushed upon hifn and f0IInh hal bn had e.te anto hole, and that his right foot was securely fastened. I grabbed the gun and then dema nded an explanation why he had attempted to shoot me, or rather why he had held me up in such manner. At first he seemed very much frightened, but when assured that I meant him no harm, he stated that he had committed crime in the community beyond the mountain could not persuade him to believe that I wa5 not one of the pursuing party and every opportunity that offered he tried to give me shove that would send me rolling down the mountain. We finally sat down on the rock I have just pointed out to you. and our hands faliing into the aperture you can see 1t from here--we were instantly overcome with an intense affection for each ether. The hatred that had only a minute before existed between us had died out, and in its place had suddenly sprung love that lasted as long as he lived. When he died a few years ago erected a little mon- ument over his grave, and four or five times year I place a floral wreath up- on t
 'I realized at the time that some unknown influence had wrought the change in us, but was unable to account for it. I inspected the boulder, and everything near 1t with which we could possibly have come in con- tact. but found ncthing that explained the mystery to me- was determined, however, to unravel the mystery, and prosecuted my search until I finally solved it. First, took my two dogs and placed them beside each other on the rock. but it seemed to have no effect on them. Seeing this placed the right fore foot of each in the aperture and the result was startling. The instant their feet had been placed in the aperture they exhibited signs of intense devotion to each other. Up to that time they had been snarling and snapp.ng at each other.
 1.-The next day while wandering through the woods that skirted the mountainside came across two middle aged men who were just about to come to blows over some trivial matter. I walked between them, and with little persuasion prevailed on them to come with me to this spot not, however, telling them my ofbtect. Arriving here [ made each in turn touch the spot that had wrought such a change in me the day be- fore but 1t seemed to have no effect then had both to touch it at the same time, and the result was mira aculous. Hardly had their hands gone into the aperture before they flew to eacn others arms, ana uo the eHu of their lives they were steadnaSt and de- voted friends and insepara'ble companions.
 My next test was with a man and his wife, whom I found one day quarreling, daily habit of theirs. I was afterwards in- formed, much to the disgust and annoyance of t.eir nefghbors. I marched them up the mountain and with one touch they became as young lovers. They never again had cross words With each other
 "One day I found a young man with a haggard and worn expression. sitting on log at the foot of the mountain. He seemed lost in meditation, and when I addressed him jumped to his feet very much agitated and in an apparent state of the greatest distress. By adro,t questioning I soon learned his trouble. He had for long time loved a girl who cared nothing for him. and who had but that day forbade him. calhng to see her again. He was incon- solable. was greatly touched by his story, and bade him fetch the girl to me promis ing him that I would make her love him. He went away, and two hours Later re- turned, bringing with him the girl Immsd lately we set out ito climb the mountain, the young man all excitement, and hopeful aticipation, the young woman on pleasure bent and the excitement of a trip to the mountain top Finally arriving at the bould- CT. I had them both place their hands in fine aperture. No sooner had they done so than each rushed into the others arms It
 
 almost delirious with joy, while the girl seemed happy in his embrace. They were married few months latter.
 "In another respect the rock is most won- derful While it drives all bitterness and hatred from the hearts of two or more per sons, who go together to It, If one goes alone it will have n effect whatsoever. I haye tested it a thousand times myself, and have had others do the same.
 After making my discovery, thirty odd years ago. thoroughly tested the boulder, and when perfectly satisfied of its virtues undertook to utilize 1t as source or ln- come. I have always observed the greatest secrecy, and have never yet conducted any one to it in such manner as to give en idea of it's location, or even when I arrived there to allow them to see It. My first condition required of all applying to me is that they he blindfolded. Sometimes they object. but when they do so, refuse to do anything for them until they agree to my stiula- tfons.
 q would not tell you the secret now, but I realize my days on earth are limited, and do not think it should die With me There are hundreds of persons who have