Newspaper Page Text
THE ATHENS GEORGIAN : FEBRUARY 6, 1877.
A Night to be Remembered.
BY A. C. C.
&
I am an old man now; bnt I never
tl ink of that adventure without a
shudder; and for years after it hap
pened I would start from my sleep
with a cry of horror as the scene was
vividly before me in a dream. I
was young then, active, strong and
not wanting in courage, thongli it
may seem like sounding my own
trumpet to say so.
However, to my story.
It was the 24th of December, and
I was going home to spend the Christ
mas day with my relations. I was
going to start in time to reach home
for a friendly gathering that evening.
In the morning, however, my boss
had occasion to drive over to a vil
lage some miles distant. He was to
return by mid-day to pay me and let
m«* start before darkness came on.
Bit he was detained. When he
was ready to start back, the weather
had got S) bad that it was with the
uttn *s< difficulty he could make his
horse creep along; so, instead of his
returning as promised it was six
o’clock before we heard the welcome
patter of old Kitty’s hoofs coming
up the yard. He was nearly frozen,
nnd^when I reminded him that I
wanted to start, he looked at me in
amazement.
“ Why, Jack,” said he, “ you
never mean to say you a tend turn
ing out to night ? S ay till morning;
they’ll never expect yon. Why,
you’ll be blown into the quarries.”
Bat I was determined to go come
what might. After a deal of per
suasion he paid me, and off I started
—out in the bitter cold.
The night was very dark, but the
moon appeared now and again from
behind a cloud, the effect bring that
the darkness seemed more intense
when she was not visible. ,
I turned to the left, was soon on
the turnpike, and in a few minutes
the little town was lost to sight and
—to memory.
Many thoughts kept me from notic
ing the darkness. I could see the
tiE
fire-sido; I saw my mother go to the
-door, and in fancy I heard her say,
* l I hope my poor Jack isn’t out this
dreadful night!’’ She looked so sad
that I involuntary quickened my
pace. I saw my sister and brothers
placing evergreens round the pictures
and trimmjng the Christmas trsc.
But my k.usings were suddenly
brought to a termination, as I had
arrived at one of the worst parts of
my journey. I had to take a narrow
road that wound itself* like a gigantic
snake around the rocks and between
the innumerable quarries that were
scattered all around. But fear was
not foremost in my mind; so i darted
forward boldly on my dangerous
journey.
The road is a thoroughly d nge-
rous one to travel upon in broad day
light, for on either hand, for a con*
si-lorable distance, are quarries com
ing close to the roadside, and with
out anything whatever to prevent an
incautious person from falling over.
Then come huge rocks that project
over the road, which seem to have
combined to shut out the sunlight
on the brightest summer day.
There arc huge caverns in these
rocks, as though the aborigines had
once made tlicir homes there. Then
comes a mighty torrent of water,
roaring, dashing, tearing, hissing
and foaming from the giddy heights,
until it is lost to sight away down in
the ravine.
No vegetation is found here; it is
•one of those weird, dismal places that
seem created especially for the per
petration of murders. A melancholy,
ghostly light prevades the place, even
at raid-day. The wind shrieked as
it raced round the rocks, and ended
in a low, heart-rending wail, as it
entered the caverns. Then the moon,
appearing for a few second, revealed
some curiously-shaped rocks in the
distance, that seemed then to assume
the form of some demon or giant.
I did not believe in the supernatu
ral, but iu spite of all my reasoning I
wished myself at homo. >
I tried to sing, but it was no use
—I had not the heart to make it live
ly. I can tell you it was with pleas
ure when, on turning a sharp corner,
I beheld a few lights in the distance.
These I knew to proceed from a
batch of cottage inhabited by quarry-
men. Even in this forsaked spot
these men have built tlicir homes—
ay, and they are as dear to them ns
yonr comfortable residences are to
you city people.
I remember there was a tavern in
the place, and I determined to call in
and rest.
A lew minutes’ brisk walking
brought me to the door, and I can
assure you it was not long bef-re I
was seated by the side of a blazing
fire, surrounded by about a dozen
big ; broad, jovial quarrytneu, each
spinning his Ch istmas yam in his
own peculiar manner.
I sat listening attentively for some
time, when my attention was drawn
to a man who had just entered the
room. He was shabbily dressed,
though for from be'ng ragged. He
appealed to us for assistance.
I did not like his appearance alto
gether. He had one of those faces
that seemed to inspire the beholder
with the idea that the owner is a
villain. He had a low brow that was
contracted by a continual frown;
small, gray, cruel-looking eyes, and a
square jaw.
As I said before, I did not like his
look ; but I thought to myself, “Well,
the fellow can’t help bis appearance!”
So I ordered something hot for him
to drink.
When it was brought, I took out
my hag of money to pay for it. I
noticed directly the eager look that
passed over the stranger’s face as he
saw it. . ... >: .
One of the countrymen, noticing
the expression, said to him, “ Mate,
you seem to have taken a fancy to
that money! May he you’d like it?”
He replied in a sullen manner, “ I
would like many things that I cannot
get!” ' f " ' '
However, I soon forgot the follow
iu_a hearty laugh over a well-told
talcfrl But t
amt jjSsppcr, saying ns I did so, •* I
fear It will be late before I reach
N .” .
It was not much to say, but it gave
the clue to the direction I was going.
I bid them all “Good-night!” and
was once more in the darkness and
the cold.
I had now to descend a steep path
way, which led into aii old cnarry,
through which I had to pass. Sonic
parts of the path were only about
four feet w ; de. On the one side was
a solid rock ; on the other, a preci
pice, a iajl down which would end
any niaii’^ troubles, as far as this
world is concerned.
Well, I wasgroping my way down as
best I could, when suddenly I foil
something spring upon my shoulders,
followed by a horrible sensation of
strangling.
For a moment or so, I was stupe
fied ; liut on raising my hand, I felt a
mail’s arm pressed against my throat.
I knew I had no time to lose, so I
leaned backward a little. This tlirew
iny assailant off his guard—no doubt,
he thought I had fainted; and then,
with the wild strength of despair, I
Lent suddenly forward, and threw the
follow over my head. But, before I
could recover, he was upon me again
like a tiger, and this time, it was a
hand-to-hand struggle. We wrestled
for some time, till at last we fell, and
my head was projecting over the
precipice.
I felt the hot blood rush to my
head; a numbness seemed creeping
over me, but I sliook it off, and deter
mined to have another struggle for
my life.
As I raised my head, the moon
came from behind a cloud, and I
recognized my would-be-assassin as
the stranger at the tavern.
And at the same moment, I saw
something glisten in his hand, and I
knew lie meant to stab me.
I caught his arm as it descended,
and with my other hand clutched
his throat. He snatched his right
arm away, and quickly drew the knife
across my hand that was at his throaty
Though it cut me, my struggling
prevented it being a deep wound.
Again that fearful knife was being
brandished before my face, and more
than once, I felt the cold steel touch
my neck; but each time, I succeeded
in beating it off; and fill this .time,
we were dose to the edge of the
path.
How we kept on the pathway at
all, is a mystery to me.
Once, in trying to stop a blow, I
seized tlie. keen blade in *my hand,
inflicting a terrible wound ; but I
succeeded in getting the knife from
him, and I threw it away as far as I
could. Then came the real struggle
for life—who should go over the
precipice?
It was a hard time. We were
very equally matched, and both
strong. Several times he kept me
from going over, because I held him
so tightly that he would have gone
as well.
At last, I got the better of him for
an instant; and throwing out my
hand to steady myself, J gripped a
large, sharp Rtone.
With all the str.ngth I could mus
ter, I struck him upon the head
with it.
He groaned, and fell back insensi
ble. I must have fainted too, for I
found myself lying across him, with
one hand still at his throat.
As soon ns my scattered senses re
turned, I ti d his hands fast together,
behind his back, with my scarf, and
hurried back to the tavern for assist
ance. I directed them where to go,
for I was too weak with loss of blood
to accompany them.
They found him just as I had stated,
and before two hours had elasped,
he was safe in goal.
I did not spend Christinas with my
friends, for I was put to bed at the
tavern, where I remained for several
weeks down with brain fever.
I afterwards appeared against my
wotdd-bc murderer, and had the sat
isfaction of knowing that'I was safe
from his attacks in the future, lor he
was sentenced to the Slate prison for
life.
Atetririmig Be
i if. • *• t ^
[Sunday Argns.]
They were playing poker and
Pomp held a full liainl. His eyes
glistened with conscious triumph as
lie put up a ten-cent ante and gazed
at his partner expectantly.
“ I raises dat ten cents,” remarked
Pete
“ I goes a quarter more,” insinuated
Pomp.
“ I stand you, and raises another
quarter,” replies Pete.
“Icontinue on de war-path, and
flops down de last thirty cents,” an
swered Pomp, placing six nickles on
the table.
“ I kivers de pile and calls you,”
remarked Pete.
“Full hand,” said Pomp, turning
his cards. “What you got?”
“A pair, and de gaum am unde
cided.”
“What’s dat? Undecided? Dis
yer chile takes de pile.”
“Not by a long chalk. Disease
wili now be referred to de returnin’
board, who will examine into de par
ticulars. Daris plenty more good
cards iu de pack, and why didn’t I
get ’em? Dar’s been intimidation
and fraud, and meanwhile, de res
turnin’ board takes possession of de
spoils,” and Pete reached out his
hand.
Then, the oilier side denied the
right of the hoard to decide, and
when the reporter left, the horrible
demon of civil war was dancing a
wild dance in the neighborhood, and
a policeman was marching up to
meditate with a club.
W. B. Bill. toi. THOMPSON, jr.
COX, HILL & THOMPSON,
Wbolxsalx Dealers nr
Foreign m Domestic liquors &c.,
No 88 PEACIITBEE ST., ATLANTA, OA.
And Distillers of tls Stone Mouutaiu. Corn
Whiskey.
oct.81.ly.
For Sale.
A s 'cond-liand Wheeler & Wilson Sewing
Machine; hits been bnt little used and is iu per
fect order.' For sale cheap for cnsl,. Applv at
aug29-tf. TIMS OFFICE.
Fun for the Boys and Girls-
Toe High Fly K'te, the Dii.im lie. Kite, Skip
ping Hopes, New Sty lea. I.ritce | a, Tops,
Marbles, Croquet Seta, i’.aae l ulls, dre.. for aale
BUKKK’S IsOOKsTOEE.
cheap at
Iliuv23-tf.
FAIR NOTICE!
Front this date, I cammi c lUtitine
to charge goods to those persons who
do not
1‘AY PUNCTUALLY ON PUKSENT AT10N
of their 1-ills. This rule is impera
tive, and my clerks are instructed
not to depart from it in any case. If
you know that your last mouth’s ac
count has not been sctil.-d, don't ask
for credit, as it will not he given.
Circumstances force t:ie to adopt this
rule. T. A. Burke,
Bookseller and Stationer.
oct31-tf.
MEDICAL NOTICE.
At the solicitation of many of my formor pat
rons, I resume the
^Practice of Medicine
from this date. I will pay especial attention to
the disease of Infants aud Children, and the
Chronic Diseases ol Females.
WM. KING, M. D.
june 16, 1373—33-lv.
A Hew Mammoth Establishment
Talmadge,
NOW OCCUPY THEIR NEW STORE.
SASH TOB. WOOL,
—OR—
CLOTH FOR WOOL.
The Athens Manufacturing Company are now
makiug a mnch larger variety of Woolen Goods
than ever before, aud propose to
Exchange them for Wool,
b.-lieving it to bo more to the interest of the
■-faAy ' ll ;r Wool lor Ciotli, rather
Samples and Terms ol Exchange. —
R. L. BLOOMFIELD, Agent,
may 19, 1875-jKMf
Wholesale Department
Flour a Specialty.
We are Agents for Two of the Best Mills in the Country, and Guarantee every Sack Sold.
o
Com, Meat, Molasses and.Sugars,
AT WHOLESALE PRICES.
. ft
FERTTLIZEES.
NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE YOUR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIfE COMING CROP.
Til© Best is til© Clie ap est t
. _ CASH OR COTTON OPTION AT 15c. 4 1
WE HANDLE ONLY STRICTLY FIRST-CLASS.
Come and see for Yourselves.
’‘The proof of the pudding is the chewing of the bag.”
deduction of Fare.
From and after this date, the Passenger fare
from Atheus to Atlanta, over the Georgia Rail
road, will be $’,35.
aug2‘J-tf. N. L. BARNARD, Agent.
Miss C. Putts,
Fashionable . Dessmaker,
(Over University Rank.)
Broad. S-fcroo-fc, Atihaaa, Ga.
Would respectfully inform the Ladies and
her iriends generally, of Athens and vicinity,
that she is now prepared to do Dressmaking an
the Neatest and most fashionable styles. With
her experience in the basilic**, she feel* sure ol
giving satisfaction. may id, 1873—23-tf.
Her© for You!
Being tiie City Constable, 1 have concluded to
doageneral collecting business, all parties want
ing notes or accounts collected I will give them
prompt attention on commission. Also buying
and selling property nt private or public sale.
septl2-tf. W. A. ENGLAND, L. C.
GENERAL TIKET AGENCY,
RAILROAD TICKETS,
For sale, by all routes, and to all principal
points in tlie
UNITED STATES.
Buv your Tickets before leaving Athens, and
get ail information from
Capt. WM. WILLIAMS,
Agent Southern Express Co., Athens, Ga.
May 12, ’75 28.tf.
To Rout!
T1IK best. Stores, Offices, Simps, Warehouse,
Dwelling Houses dre. K. P. BISHOP,
o-g.l.tr. No. 1. Brotu’ 'it., np stairs.
G. S. DUSE’S
Fine Whisky and Brandy.
Parties desiring to purchase, by wholesale,
puro Brandy or Whisky, will find it to their in
terest to purchase from the undersigned, sole
agent of G. S. Duke, to sell by wholesale liis
Fine, Pure Whisky and Brandy. The pipes
.through which the G. 8. Duke Whiskv and
Brandy are distilled, aro made of woo I. Every
gallon warranted pure. Address,
G. R. DUKE, Agent.
dec.Vtf Jefferson, Ga.
MANHOOD :
HOW LOST, HOW RESTORED.
Just published, n new edition of Dr. Cvlve-
well's Cklxbkatld Essat on the radical cure
(without medicine) ufSpurinotorrkuia or Seminal
Weakness, lnvohintaty Semimil Loss
. . „ Losses, Irapo-
tency, Mental and Physical Incapacity, Impedi
ments to Marriage, etc.; also, Cciis-uiption,
Epilepsy nnd Fits, induced by self-indulgence
or sexual extravagance, &c. i*rice, in a sealed
cuvelojic, only six cents.
The celebrated author, in this admirable
Essay, clearly demonstrates, from a thirty-years’
successful practice, that the alarming conse
quences of self-abuse may be radically cured
without the dangerous use of internal inedivine
or the application of the knife; pointing out a
mode of cure at once simple, certain, and effec
tual, by means of which every sufferer, no mnt-
i ter what his condition maybe, may cure himself
1 cheaply, privately, and radically.
This Lecture should be in the hands of overy
youth and every man in the land,
uddress under s-nl, in a plain envelope, to any
css‘ndSeaost-paid, on receipt of six cents or two
otttp mps. •
Adddrcss,
TIIE CULVERWELL MEDICAL CO.,
41 Ann St., New York;
oetlO.ly Post Office Box, 4586.
i-’DXiS 1 nuiiiL,,
. ATOIJSTA^GEGRGFlA.
NEW ARRAISTOEMENTT.
. -r. ; , 4 > i'. ,r.v* * * * . *
Rat©© Reduced to $3 per Ray.
HAVING LEASED THIS WELL KNOWN HOTEL, I enter
upon its management by Reducing Rates, and asking of the Travel
ing Public, especially my friends of Carolina and Georgia, a continu
ance of that liberal support they have always given it.
B. F. BBOWKT,
jau23-5m FORMERLY OF CHARLESTON, PROPRIETOR.
John Merryman & Co.’s,
AMMONIATED DISSOLVED RONE
AND ACID PHOSPHATE,
The Cheapest and most popular Fertilizers in use.
Prices in AtHens, Georgia =
Ammoniated Dissolved Bone, cash $50 00
bone,time tvitli 15c cotton option 72 00
Acid Phosphate, cash 40 00
Acid phosphate, time with 15c cotton option 00 IK)
Time Sale Payable by First November,
Without interest, with option of paring in cotton of a grade not below middling at 15c., de
livered in our Warehouse iu Athens, Ga.
jnn23
REAVES * NICHOLSON,
Agents, Athens, Gi».
ZR,IE:M:CrS7'-A_Xi!
THE ATHENS OFFICE FOlt THE SALE OF
Singer Sewing Machine
Removed February 1st, 1877, to
Lester’s Building, (Upstairs) Over Talmadge, H. & Co.,
2,000,000 in Use—Sales in Excess of all Others.
TIIE SINGER MANUFACTURING COMPANY, G. II. 1101% AGENT, AUGUSTA, GEORGIA.
Ask your neighbors which Machine is tlie best; then buy the Singer.
R. T. MEANY, Agent for Singer Sewing Machines,
Lester’s Building, (Upstairs,) Athens, Georgia.
july.4.1y.