Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-03
Drawing by Alden Dawson


AT last they stood on the slope and gazed over
~ the valley. Never had they beheld love-
4 u lier view And there they made their homes.
If you want character and human interest, there
is profitable ground than the wales and
heights of the mountain country that z1gzags from
the Potomac River toward the Gulf of Mexico.
Once, and not many years ago at that, 1T was
wilderness, and to the people OF the coast towns 1T
far west. Those who had the adventuresome
spirit and the desire for abundant breathing space
went thther and settled, and they found not only
the delights of nature but the charm and stimulus
of perfect climate, with wild life everywhere.
And there the whippoorwll recites
The ballad of his grief.
Kendrick Blanchard and Potter Dollton left tide
had travelled far, and just as evening fell they had
found the place. Presently they heard the voice
of the whippoorwill. 1t was final touch of senti-
ment in their prosaic romance, and thus the sound
became sacred to them. They made their cearings
and built humble houses within haing distance OF
each other, and then went back for their brides
This was in the sos. A boy came to the Blanch-
ard home, and girl to the Dolltons
In few years the war began. Both men entered
the army, leaving the wives and children IN the
care of Big Ned the trusted negro servant. AS
the dreary months crep along the field of operations
extended to their valley and mountainside- their
homes often in the enemys territory.
WIHIPPOORWILL!' The shrill plant was in
w the thick clump of trees down by the brook
If the enemys men were not around, the call would
be answered in both homes, and soon there would
be an impetuous reunion. If the coast was not
clear some would creep down under the shad-
of hedge to the waiting soldier. "Whlppoor-
will was the sign and the signal. 1t was close
enough to the cry of the bird to deceive the enemy;
but it had peculiar Tilt at the end that told its
story to the waiting wives and Big Ned
The chdren-brown haired Richard, and Lucy
with the golden Preseason knew its meaning,
and listened every night until their young eyes
closed and shut out all the and sorrows OF life
and of war
The wears of conflict passed with eaden feet and
heavy hearts, and then the two men, aged by their
service returned to enjoy once more the blessings
of peace. Major Dolton died four years later
Mrs Blanchard passed away within the next twelve
months and then Colonel Blanchard and his
Richard and Mrs Dollton and her daughter Lucy
united in their social life and interests
"Whippoorwill! 1t became the call between
the homes if anyone should be wanted quickly
and Dick and Lucy soon learned to make the sound
most skilfully.
They grew up in the JOY of perfect health,-these
two children of nature who knew nothing save
fresh air and wholesome food and right living
Dick imperious and impetuous, as handsome
young rascal ever trod the EARTH Lucy fine and
strong and independent and more beautiful than
the flowers that she loved.
TICK was twenty when the Colonel felt the be-
l. ginning of the end. Before / die, my boy'
Ned wish you to hear" and Big Ned came for
ward and stood at attention with much dignity.
First, l ask you to pledge your word that you
will let both cards and whisky alone
Il promise you, sir.
Second that you will not sell or mortgage this
land or allow the land of the Doltons to be mort
gagged or sold until you have passed your twenty
fifth year"
Il promise that, SIR
Now when am gone you will be in charge here,
and will have the direction of the Doton farm
also. You will be young for the responsibility; but
l trust YOU You will become rich man. These
farms are full of coal. Men will be after them.