XXXIX.

Fort-Hill Cemetery-" Who is there to Mourn for Logan ?"-How to carry on a Correspondence with a Convict-Distant View of the Auburn State Prison-Bell Mortimer in her Sanctum.

66

"ONE-two-three-four-five-six," said Bell as she counted the strokes of the city clock. Come, Clara, we must not stop here longer. That is a pleasant spot, and pleasant memories cluster there; but-steady, Charger-steady, sir."

"Charger is as impatient as his mistress," said Clara. The ladies tightened the reins upon their horses, and soon turning the corner of South street, took their way up Genesee, the principal street of the city. MacAdam would be proud of his invention could he ride through the streets of the city of Auburn. None of the boulder-peaked pavements are there. Good macadamized roads have become the fashion, and they ought never to be superseded in a country home like Auburn.

The pace of the young ladies, as they passed up Genesee street, would have done honor to aids upon the battle-field. Having arrived at Fort street, they moderated their speed to an ambling gait.

"I wonder if the keeper will let us in without a ticket," said Clara.

"Oh, yes," replied Bell; "he is well known to me. His youngest baby was christened under my orders." They had arrived at the entrance to "Fort Hill Cemetery," a handsome lodge built with some pretension to taste, both in form and style. The keeper readily admitted them; and upon learning that they had ridden from Aurora, he insisted upon their alighting, and partaking of some breakfast before visiting the cemetery.

"No, indeed, Miss Bell, I won't take a no for an answer. You must dismount."

وو

Bell was in a perplexity; "she did not want any breakfast "_" couldn't eat a mouthful"—" wasn't a bit tired"-"really hadn't time to wait "-"must be at home by eight or nine o'clock "-" had left company there." This last excuse decided her. She lightly leaped from her saddle, politely requesting the keeper to assist Clara in dismounting. The picture of James Mordaunt in Aurora gave to the keeper an honor which would have been eagerly sought after by half the good housekeepers in "the loveliest village of the plain."

If cleanliness, savoury cooking, rich mocha coffee, a snow-white cloth, and a heart-felt welcome, are of any value, the young ladies did not waste their half hour. Bell declared she had not enjoyed a breakfast before in her whole existence. Of course she was extravagant in the expression; but, kind reader, Bell Mortimer was an American, and as such, had a right to use extravagant expressions. It is the nature of the American blood.

The young ladies (we have not forgotten that one is married), having again mounted their horses, bade

the kind-hearted keeper good bye, and started upon their visit to the cemetery.

The first object of interest was a receiving-vault, built in the side of an immense hill, which rises to an elevation overlooking the tallest spire in the beautiful city which lies at its feet. Up this hill, by a serpentine carriage path, the ladies wended their way. Mount Auburn is the next object of interest. From this spot, the east view of the city of Auburn is obtained. East, northeast, north, northwest and west, the range of vision takes in homesteads, yards, gardens, and streets. The domes of the public buildings, with their metal coverings, reflect the bright sun's rays, awakening in the heart thoughts pure and holy. And towering in mid air, against the northern horizon, is "Copper John." And who is Copper John? A faithful sentinel is Copper John. Many years have elapsed since, with shouldered musket, he took up his post upon the loftiest dome of the Auburn State Prison. Towering far above the highest wall of that immense structure, he has stood, ever faithful to his trust, grateful for the gentle summer breezes, or boldly laughing at the stormy passions of hoary winter. But, like a watchful sentinel, this time-server, as the young ladies court his nearer acquaintance through their pocket-telescope, returns all their advances with dignified silence. He has no moments to bestow upon fair hearts-a confirmed old bachelor is he, mindful that part of his duty is to set an example of integrity to all public servants. He remembers, too, the extensive interests over which he presides.*

* 66 Copper John," here made animate, is a metallic figure of a

And, from the position occupied by the young ladies, the size, shape, and extent of the prison appear at a single glance. The beholder obtains a side view of the structure from a distant point, overlooking the top of the walls, and taking in their whole extent. For the purpose of enjoying this view, the ladies had been obliged to leave their horses in the care of the lodge-keeper, who had accompanied them thus far ⚫ into the cemetery for the purpose. The name, "Fort

Hill Cemetery," is derived from the fact that, within the inclosure are the remains of an Indian fort, in such distinct preservation that its circumference may be easily traced. Upon a spot near the centre of the remains of the fort, a monument, between forty and fifty feet high, built of dark hewn stone, has been erected, linking the primitive race which roamed the American forests, mighty hunters of the wilderness, with the white man, "who has claimed the soil for an inheritance." It bears this inscription:

"WHO IS THERE TO MOURN FOR LOGAN?"

"Clara," said Bell, "we must cut short our visit here this morning. It will not accord with home matters if we loiter much longer."

"I am willing to say good bye to the cemetery,' answered Clara, "for, really, Bell, you have chatted me into a state of mind bordering upon anything but seriousness appropriate for this place."

"If that remark is true, I take no blame to myself," said Bell, "because you have laughed more heartily

soldier, with shouldered musket, placed as an ornament upon the central and most elevated dome of the prison.

than at any time in your previous history. 'Charger' and 'Jolly' both act as if they were ashamed of us. They are quiet as deacons handing around the contribution plate; but for me to follow the example set by our ponies, would-be rank hypocrisy."

"Don't you do it, then, Bell; you never could act contrary to your real feelings. I vote for home." "And I," said Bell.

The young ladies, thereupon, began to retrace their steps. After reaching Genesee street, much to Clara's eurprise, Bell turned north into a by-street.

"It will never do for us to promenade Genesee street at this hour," remarked Bell.

unable to leave Auburn for a week."

"We shall be

"We can tie on our veils," suggested Clara.

"The horses are as well and better known than their riders," responded Bell.

At this instant a gentleman endeavored to hail Miss Mortimer. But she was suddenly very deaf, and "Charger" became wonderfully active, bounding forwards at a racing pace. After leading Clara through several of the by-streets of the city, Bell entered again upon one of the main streets.

"Clara," said she, "I must make a short call at that house to the right. You can be a good girl, and wait for me."

66

Certainly, Bell, I will do so,” replied her cousin ; "but 'Charger' will give you trouble?”

"Not in the least. I never tie him. He would break his halter, and come to me, if I should sing to him," said Bell, as she leaped from her saddle.

Throwing the bridle over the saddle, Bell patted Charger upon the neck for an instant, and left him.