Description of one solitary Cabin. 267 



scarcely human semblance, here to establish 

 himself. The cabin in which he and his wife 

 exist is scarcely large enough to afford them 

 shelter. He said, and I verily believe him, 

 there were few who durst inhabit such a spot 

 during the winter months, as the violence of 

 the wind when rushing through the pass, had 

 sometimes proved fatal to travellers, of which 

 there had been instances in the two last winters 

 of his residence. What possible choice could 

 induce a human creature to fix his solitary 

 abode in so frightful a place? The dread of 

 most mortals the envy of none and where 

 the glorious rays of the sun never penetrate ? 

 His answer in one word was explanatory and 

 conclusive necessity ! forced out of his for- 

 mer abode, friendless and forlorn, he had 

 sought the occupation of a spot where he 

 might continue undisturbed, a spot which no 

 one should reclaim and in making his election 

 here, he had, assuredly, been successful. Re- 

 pulsive as was the countenance of this un- 

 fortunate man, it were impossible not to com- 

 passionate his miserable situation : ill usage 

 might have conspired to give a savage ferocity 

 to his features, which his seclusion, and the ter- 

 rific scenery about him, were not calculated to 

 render more mild or hospitable. 



