The Hidden Cabin: a pathetic story in condensed form

THE HIDDEN CABIN
IN CONDENSED FORM BY DAVID W. EDWARDS AUTHOR OF “BILLY BIRDSALL,” “UP THE GRADE,” ETC. COVER DESIGN, ZOLA AND ZIMBO BY DRURY VICTOR HAIGHT LOS ANGELES COMMERCIAL PRINTING HOUSE PUBLISHERS 1909 Copyright, 1909 by David W. Edwards ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

AUTHOR’S NOTE
Palomar Mountain is one of the grandest natural attractions of Southern California. It is more than a mile in height. From its lofty “look-outs” the beautiful bay of San Diego may be descried, and also the distant islands of Santa Catalina and San Clemente. It abounds with gushing springs, richly timbered table-lands, deep, rocky canyons, and rugged peaks. It is one of the favorite resorts of the writer, who has spent many pleasant hours in camp near the mysterious hidden cabin above the “snow white clouds,” in company with his friend, the Rev. John L. Pitner, D. D., to whom these lines are inscribed.
D. W. E.
BIMINI SPRINGS LOS ANGELES, CAL.

mile above the ocean’s level brim Tow’rs Palomar, the monarch of the range. Along its western base are frostless hills With verdure crowned, and valleys green, where bloom And fruitage fill the air with sweet perfume. Green pastures, rich with herbage and bright flowers, Bedeck the eastern slopes which fall away A lone and weary desert land to meet; To meet a lone and weary desert land— A rich and rocky land where mines of wealth Have slumbered long beneath its arid wastes. So stands in majesty this mountain grand Between the desert and the western sea. From ocean’s heaving breast, she upward sent A humid vapor, in the skies to meet And woo the softer breezes that ascend From off the heated earth at eventide. A gentle zephyr was at play among The cacti beds and yuccas tall, that lift Their spiny leaves and tufted fronds above The burning sands; she softly breathed a sigh, And floating upward in the milky way She met and wed the vapor from the sea; For each had found a true affinity. The moon withdrew and hid her face behind The distant isles; and from the blushing east A ray of sunlight came and kissed the bride.