{ title: 'Yates County Whig. (Penn-Yan, N.Y.) 1839-1855, September 06, 1849, Page 1, Image 1', download_links: [ { link: 'http://www.loc.gov/rss/ndnp/ndnp.xml', label: 'application/rss+xml', meta: 'News about NYS Historic Newspapers - RSS Feed', }, { link: '/lccn/sn83031797/1849-09-06/ed-1/seq-1/png/', label: 'image/png', meta: '', }, { link: '/lccn/sn83031797/1849-09-06/ed-1/seq-1.pdf', label: 'application/pdf', meta: '', }, { link: '/lccn/sn83031797/1849-09-06/ed-1/seq-1/ocr.xml', label: 'application/xml', meta: '', }, { link: '/lccn/sn83031797/1849-09-06/ed-1/seq-1/ocr.txt', label: 'text/plain', meta: '', }, ] }
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w *■* 1 S ►« V »v 2?. Wr a / / I S*a ¥. V V «.' j v ■it **v 4 0&-4 7< 6 ■ r l - f «•* rHSOTr SBS NUMBER P E M -IM , N. Y.—THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER WHOLE NUMBER 341. WILD SCENES IN THE WEST:: JBfc ✓ A N A R R A T I V E O F F R O N T I E R L I F E . C H A P T E R X V , C O N T IN U E D . * Laura,’ said I, with difficulty finding ut terance, 4 do wo thus part, and forever?’— She made no answer, but gazed steadfastly at the rich carpot, while her face though somewhat paler than usual, betrayed no change of muscle. 4 Laura,’ I repeated, in tonos more distinct, 4aro we now to part, and forever /’ •Father sayc so,’ she replied. Her hand fell from my grasp. The unmoved, calm, composed features in asJpnisbjmcttt^lUed tA_-j to the dark despairing shades of a frowning world—while he crawled on to insinuate his poison into the breasts of new^ietims- should be pursued, hunted doWn^pM* exter minated. Yet there was but one -way for me to. punish Weld. The ignominy of'the act, and the indignation of a virtuous com munity, were *to him matters of indifference. The fashionable and high circle in which he moved, would smile at the misfortune of his\ “But it seemed that disaster and dosola- tion were fated to attend me whithersoever turned. A gloom brooded upon my heart when I approached my uncle’s mansion and found the badge of mourning at the door.— I paused and asked the servent who was dead. He informed me that my uncle alone remained. His wife and children, all had been consigned to the tomb the day before, and he himself now lay writhing with the fell disease. I rushed past and entered the sick chamber. It was the chamber of death. V• * My uncle pressed my hand and died. I followed him to the grave, the chief and al most only mourner. > “I returhod and shut myself up in thje mansion, confused, bewildered and stupified. I was now the possessor of immense wealth. But I was unhappy. I knew not what to do to enjoy life. Gradually the contagion abated and disappeared, and by degrees the victim, and applaud his address, were thp. gloom that oppressed me subsidedV^ At the affair. I ishod. LzcsoLved.that.ha.«L<*u.ld 4 J- —- —■©*MI/ ** f ‘.,JT'rrnvttjify 1*17 •tTCkWCfu V.onO. 1 Tiau &vvlSr.l i.i mv i vhnm 7 V iny; n ** .fa y w pri^ gat no disagreeable sensations, y e cut and sawed them up with the.same composed indifference with which the \sculptor hews the marble. * . ‘ i f 4 This is a beautiful subject vie |ave to night^ Glenn,’ observed -one of myfriends, as we approached the\dead body. Jfe then then threw up the white cloth, takilg hold of it at th£ feet, and exposed the nakeqcorpse up to the neck. A breathless silenc^qign- ed, while all gazed at .‘the lifeless- jam in admiration. She was a perfect Yews!— Not-having been wasted and shriveM by disease,* the symmetry of her bodily mea- ments was preserved in &H *tho exactness of life and health. ' Her bust was full, pump, and thq skin of the njogt exquisite white ness, except where it }&*<*_ been marred by ti0 W .U i l^W. eaut&fip 4 But what do you say?’ I asked with a firmness that startled her. m \> * 4 Father knows best, perhaps!’ she replied, turning her eyes to mine, I thought, with calmness. t 4Laura,’ said I, again taking her hand, for I was once more subdued by her beauty,41 love you with my whole soul, and must con tinue to love you. Aye, were you even to spurn me with your foot, so indissolubly have my affections clove to your image, that my bleeding heart would turn iA adoration to the smiter. And I fondly hoped and be lie v e d that the passion was returned—indeed I had your assurance of the fact—nay, think not I design to reproach you. It were boot less, had I the Jicart to do it. Be assured, that were you not only cruel to me, but steeped in crime and guifly of injustice to the whole human race, I would still be your friend were all others to forsake you. Deem mo not your foe* or capable of ever becom ing such. May heaven bless you! Wo part—but under any circumstances, should adverse fortune overtake you, and I can be of service, I beg you not to hesitate to call upon me. You will find me still your friend?* We must part. I will not ®tempt to reverse the decision which I know you have made. However humiliating and poignant the thought may be, that I was unconsciously the means of introducing the object that in fluenced your decision, yet I will not mur mur, neither will I become his enemy, for your sake. I hope you will be liappy. I pray that heaven may incline your heart to be true and constant to‘Weld!’ 41 hope so,’ said she in a low tone. ‘Laura,’ said I, rising,4 you confess then, that Wbld possesses j^our love?’ 4 Yes,’ said she,4 but I cannot help it!’ ‘Farewell/ \said I, kissing her yielding hand, and turning deliberately away, though with the sensation of one stunned by a thunderbolt, I returned home, and threw mvsclf like a loathsome • carcase upon my coueJto I could not even think . My mind ncm G g like. ^ y n f Jmiomubrc ttfrpmis oT W\?TU' ' TTTCTAlUanCOUB Aeath, and even eternal perdition afterward, could have presented no new-horrors then. It was haply the design of Providence, that tho thought of self-destruction should not D occur to mo. With the means in my reach, I would in all probability have rushed un called and unprepared into the presence of my offended God. V“A fever and delirium, such as possessed the poor youth lying there, ensued. Under the kind care of my preceptor my malady abated in a few weeks. And as I recovered, a change took place in my sentimens regard- t ing the events that produced my illness.— My pride rose up to my relief, and I resolved to overcome the effects of ray disappointment. Yet my heart melted in tenderness whon I recalled the blissful moments I had known with Laura. 25L3CS 441 penned a message, which was deliv ered by my young Virginia friend in person. Weld said he had no quarrel with me, and strove to evade the subject. He sent me a note, demanding.wherein he had ever wrong ed me, and stating that ho wras ready and willing to explain anything that might have offended me. I returned his noto, with a lino on the same sheet, informing him that I was a friend of Laura—and he must eith er meet mo in the manner indicated in my message, or I would publicly brand him as a dastardly coward. Ho bit his lip and re ferred my friend to one of his companions in iniquity, a Mr.-Knabb, who lived by the profession pf cards and dice. It was ar ranged that we should meet on one of the islands near the city, and that it should bo the next morning. This was what I de sired, and I had urged my friend to effect as speedy a termination of the affair as pos sible. All the tumult and perturbation that raged in my bosom on parting yvith Laura, had returned, and the throbbing pf my brain Was almostj insufferable. If was with diffi culty that my-young friend prevailed upon me to embrace the few intermediate hours** oefore the meeting to practice with tho pis tol. I heeded not his declaration that Weld was an excellent shot, because I felt convinced that justice was on my side. I thought that tho criminal must inevitably fall. However I consented to practice a lit tle to quiet his importunity. Truly it seem ed that his urgent solicitalion was reasona ble enough, for the first fire my ball was several feet wide of the mark. I had never fired a pistol before in my life. But there was no quivering of nerve^h^ffiisgiving as to my fate, for notwithstanding^! ’'was aware of being a novice, yet I entertained a con viction, a presentiment, that the destroyer of my Laura’s innocence would fall beneath my hand. The next fire I did better, and soon learned to strike the center. te We wore all on the ground at tho hour appointed . Whilo the seconds were ar- tb& nocoffc>iiT preliminaries. W e ld m ntytn ___ ■ .. covered; I likewise received & let ter from Mrs. Arras, stating that Judge ----- - had sought out Laura, (who had been enticed to an obscure part of the city,) and as her misfortune had been kept a profound secret among the few, he forgave the offence, and once more extended to her a father’s love and a father’s protection. I need not say that a blissful thrill bounded through my veins-. Weld was living, and Laura not irrevocably lost. Yet I (Jid n°t then deem it possible that I could u#der such circumstances, even desire to possess the once adored, but since truly fallen maid.— But I experienced a sweet gratification to be thus informed o f the prospects of her be ing reinstated in society. My love was not yet wholly extinguished! 44When it was generally known that I possessed great riches, tt crowd of flatterers and sycophants hovered around me. I was a distinguished guest at the mansions of the fashionable and great, and had in turn many brilliant parties at my residence. But among the tinsel and glitter of the gay world I s o u g h t in v a i r r f b r ‘p o a o c c v k I h a p p l n o o w * ----- Many beautiful and bewitching belles lav ished their sweetest smiles upon me, but they could not re-ignite the smothered flame in my bosom. Wine could only exhilirato for a moment, to be succeeded by .a gnawing nausea. Cards could .phly ,excite while I lost, to be succeeded by'irritability and dis gust.* /-v o “Thus - my time was spent for twelve months, when I suddenly conceived the res olution to seek a union with the ill-fated Laura, notwithstanding all tho obloquy the world* might attach to the act. I still loved her in spite of myself. I could not live in peace without her, and I determined with out delay to offer her my hand, heart and fortune. I set out for Boston, and on my ar rival instantly proceeded to the residence of Judge— ---- . Again my evil star was in the ascendant. Desolation and death pre sided in Judge ------ ’s family. The ominous badge of mourning greeted mo at the thresh old* T.nnj»n,fl mother had just been oonsigri- death. Her 1/mbs had ever bc/ield, 300 th and wh/te as iv^»r- .Tlar_ane3eg y k p mefct adminahlv arned^ and.j£{. the fire that caused h surpassed any model round and tapering, n_ — . v- .m:g amisr mingled light and shade on the pavement beneath. Tho cool fresh air soothed my throbbing temples. I sank back in my seat and gazed up at the innumerable stars in- the boundless skies. I thought the stellar host glittered with unusual brilliance, as if there were a joyous and holy revelry going on injieaven. My heart grew calm. I felt a conviction that true happiness, and purity of thought and purpose were inseparable. I knew that tho contaminations of the world had overthrown many a righteous resolve, and linked the noblest minded with infamy. I thought of Laura. * The soductiops of the world had literally prostrated an angel be fore my eyes. I determined to leave the world, if not forever, at least as'long as its temptations to err, in the remotest degree, were liable to besot my path. I came hither.” When Glenn finished his narrative, Rough- grove rose in silence, and producing a small prussive ton**, were covered witVjEMwt gtase of short continued Glenn; “ perhaps, instead of the fish, you expect to catch a frog this time. You will still be an Irishman, Joe. Go and try your luck.” 44 St. Patrick forbid that I should be any thing else but an Irishman! I should like to know if an Irishman ain’t as good as anybody else, particularly when he’s born in America, as I was? But the dream in Philadelphia did have something to do with a fish. Did’nt I catch a fish? Is’nt an ojrster a fish? And it had si mething to do with this 9ash, f too«vI’ve been bothering my head ever since Dfbt up about what kind of bait to catch him with, and I’m sure I never would have thought of the right kind, if you had’nt mentioned that frog just now. I recollect they say that’s the very host, thing in the world to bait with for a catfish. I’ll go right straight to the branch and hunt up a frog!” Saving this, Joe set out to execute hi s^cfLBwiUiam pro^toss dark hajr, through fhe snowy white ness of her skin \is« VP splayed to greater advantage.' Her hafl^Vere extremely del icate, and indicated ih&Islie had been ac customed to ease and lujjry. 441 was requested to <|en her breast and exhibit to the students yio formation and functions of the heart. jShe was lying on her back, on a long nafow table, around which the students stoedgrazing at her fair proportions. Some mod feted in sorrow that so beautiful and lovely dbeing should die and be conveyed to th£dissecting room; while others and- 5^ughed in a light unfeeling manner. When about to make an incision with tho sharp glittering steel in my hand, for the first tin® since 1 had grad uated, I confessed that % nerves were too much affected by the sigkof the subject to proceed, and I begged iw- friends to be pa tient a few minutes, during Much I would doubtless regain my accrjstQined composure. 4 What was her namfy’ I inquired, of the friend who had a c c o r d on my entrance.. — g iu , ^ x thought you all kr;~$iJiSr. - Nearly every person in the city has Ward o f her, for she was the most celebrated and notorious 4 fal len angel’ in the city. Celebrated for her unrivalled beauty and many triumphs, and notorious for her heartless deceit and reck less disregard for her own welfare. She had led captive many a^*mguarBod swain, by a passing smile in tf.ifi street, and then unceremoniously desert^ him to join some Atiaan obscure and peculiarly applicable to the state of their feelings. Glenn then*approached the couch where William slumbered peacefully. A healthful perspiration rested on his forehead, and a sweet smile played upon his lips, in dicating that his dreams were not among tho savage scenes in which he had so lately mingled. Mary, who had fallen asleep while seated at his side, overcome with si lent watching, yet rested with her head on the same pillow, precisely in tho same atti tude she reclined when Glenn began his re cital. Roughgrove took her in his arms, and laying her softly at her brother’s feet, bestowed a kiss upon her brow, and retired with Glenn to rest. The intelligent youth, under the guidance of Roughgrove, Glenn, and his unwearying and affectionate sister, was now rapidly ma king amends for the long neglect of educa tion while abiding with tho unlettered Indi ans. He had already gone through the English grammer, and was entering the higher branches of study. The great poets of his own country, and tho most approved novelists were his companions during the hours of relaxation; for when the illimitable fields of intellect were opened to his vision, he would scarce for a moment consent to withdraw his admiring gaze. Thus, when it was necessary for a season to cease his toil in the path of learning, ha delighted to recline in some cool shade wmh a pleasing drunken and beastly p; degraded alloy 4 Her name—what wag^er name?’ I again asked, once more taking, up the knife, my nerves sufficiently bracevLby the aboverre- eift ‘ I ' . \ fie R—— ’ he replPld ; 41 thought,’ be continued, ‘ no-one could be ignorant of her name, after hearing a description of her.’ 'jJlil of us,’ I continued, rallying,4 are not familiar with the. persons and names of the ‘/alien angels’ about to.^ w Cut let us look book in his hand, and regale his senses with the flowers and refreshing streams of imag inative authors. And thus sweetly glided his days. Could such halcyon moments last, it were worse than madness to seek the wealth and honors of this world! In that secluded retreat, though, far from the land of his nati^AtN^vith no community but the companionship of his three or four friends and the joyous myriads of birds—no pala ces but the. eternal hills of nature, and no pageantry but the rays of the rising and setting sun streaming in prismatic dies upon them, the smiling youth was far happier than he would have been in the princely- halls of his fathers, where the sycophant only bent the knee to receive a load of gold, - and the friend that might protect him on the throne would be the first to stab him in the dark. H» A spreading elm stood near the door of Rough grove’s house, and beheath its clus- O Q ' tering houghs William and Mary were seated on a rude bench, entirely screened from the glaring light of the sun. A few paces distant the brook glided in low mur murs through the green flags and water-vi olets over its pebbly bed* The morning dew yet rested on the grass in the shade. The fit- h e r fi < TT fTT lifO find’- But I determined to prosecute my plans of life, as if no such occurrence had transpired. ' • “A few days after bidding Laura adieu, she' returned to Boston fLCCompanied by Weld. Weld obtained his digloma T s nm him, endeavored to intimidate me. - There was a bush some thirty paces distant, from which a slim solitary sprout ran up several feet above the rest of the branches. He gazed an instant at it while I was^marking him, and then raised his pistol and fired in the direction.. The spfbut fell. Turning, his eyes met mine, while a slight smile was visible on his lip. The eflect did not real ize hi 9 hopes. I looked upon the act with such. cold indifference, that he at first be trayed surprise at my calmness, and then exhibited palpable signs of trepidation him self. He beckoned Knabb to him, and af ter a brief conference in a low tone, his se cond returned to my friend and inquired if no amends, no reconciliation, could avert the exchange of shots. My friend reported his words to me, and my reply was that nothing but the restitution of the maiden’s honor—instant marriage—would be satis faction. Weld protested—marriage was utterly but he _________ answer / V trim uiactree^~~Tjveii me i OSS of my degree was now borne with patience and resignation. I forgave Weld, and im plored him to make Laura happy. He prom ised faithfully to do so, when on the eve of. setting out with her. I did not desire to see her myself, but sent my forgiveness and blessing. ' i* “ In a few months my degree was ob tained, and I commenced practice under the most favorable circumstances. My late preceptor was now my partner. Nearly a year elapsed before Weld returned to New • York. But a rumor preceded him which opened again all tho fountains of bitterness in my heart. It was said, (and only two or three were possessed of the secret,) thatffie had betrayed and ruined the lovely Laura! I sought him, to ascertain from his own lips, if he had truly committed the act imputefd to him. I resolved to avenge her! But Weld avoided me. I could not obtain his ear, and all my notes to him remained un- D0sparring of gettipg an imme- P rixnn—iirnij 1 7uj;Tirfi7U CD xYrn3*“ Arras. . Her house was in gloom and sorrow. YNThen she appeared, my heart sank within mo to behold her sad and mournful brow.— .6he pressed my extended hand, while a flood -of tears gushed from her eyes. 441 knew by the disconsolate aspect of the aunt, that tho niece had been dragged down from her high estate of virtue, fortune and fame. I sat down, and bowed my head in sorrow many minutes before the first word ftas spoken. I still loved Laura. Oh, tho unutterable wo of that moment! -What could I say? how begin? 4It is true!’ I at length exclaimed, rising up and. pacing the floor rapidly, while many a tear ran down my cheek. ‘Alas! it is too true,’- Iterated Mrs. Arras. ‘Tho'hlack hearted villain!’ I continued.-. . 4Ah, Mr. Glenn, her fate would have been different, if your addresses had not been so- cruelly spurned! God knows I was not to blame!’ said shef A m sJjsaid V had_jour^ will by^ho bereavement, nor the beautiful, the innocent—tho—Laura, with all her errors, dishonored, ruined, crushed! But the be trayer, the viper that stung her, still breathes! I loved her—I love her yet—and I will be her avenger!' saying this, I rushed away, heedless of the matron’s half uttered en treaties to remain and desist from my awful plan of vengeance, “ There was a young student of my ac quaintance, a brave, chivalrous, noble Vir ginian, to whom I imparted Laura’s sad Story. He frankly agreed with rile that the venomous reptile in human shape, that could beguile an unsuspecting and lovely girl to minister to his unhallowed desires, and then Without hesitation or remorse, abandon her ted on proceeding to business without far ther delay. Weld heard me and became pale. When we were placed at our respec tive stations, and whilo *the final arrange ments were being adjusted, I thought his replies to his friend’s observations betrayed much alarm. But there was no retreat.— I was never calmer in my life. I oven smiled when my careful friend told me that ho had detected and prevented a concerted plan that would have given Weld the ad vantage. The word was given. Weld’s ball struck the, earth before me, and threw some sand in my face. Mine entered the seducer’s side! I saw him gasp, reel and fall, while the blood gushed out on the beach. My friend hurried me away, and paused not until ho had placed me in a stage just starting for Philadelphia. I clasped his hand in silence, and the next moment tho horses plunged away at the crack of the’driver’s whip, and we were soon on the road. Reflection now convinced me ^ ^ .L aaw o f ftn ntijuati'finblo act.** If it was no crime in the estimation of men, it was certainly a grievous trans gression in the eyes of God. I note trem bled. The bleeding form, and reproachful stare of Weld, haunted my visions when the darkness set in. Oh the errors in act and deed, of an impetuous youth thrown upon the world with no considerate friend to advise!' The pity I felt for Laura, was soon forgotten in the horrible thought that I was a m u r d e r e r ! Oh, the anguish of that night! Why did I not leave Weld to the judgment of an offended God? Why did I. not permit him to suffer the gnawing of tho canker that must soon abide in his heart, in stead of staining my hands with his blood? Freely would I have abandoned every hope of pleasure in the world to have washed his blood away! ’ • :'si“When \ arrived in Philadelphia, with a ^fjfeavy heart, I sought a quiet hotel, not dar ing to confront my uncle with such a tale of wo and crime. For several days I re mained in my chamber without peeing any At longthV askod\ for For more than an hour after it was brought I could not summon courage to peruse the hated tragedy. Finally I snatched up the sheet convulsively and glancod along the columns. When my eyes rested upon the paragraph I was in quost of, I spaang to my feet in ecstacy. Tho wound had not been fatal! Weld sjjll^iived! Oh, the relief, the joy of that pamgraplv^ In a twinkli#g I wasMrGss<jd and on tho way to my uncle’s residence. Notwith standing there was a dreadful contagion in the city, and hearts and* mourners were passing every fewjninutes, I felt within a buoyancy that defx$d®j|.Q rter«*rs of disease and death* pertaining myselfr - . % _ 4 venerable Judge’ bowed his hoary head to the blows that Providence inflicted. He could not speak to me. His reply to my offer in relation to his* child, was only a': flood of tears. He then retreated to his li-. brary and locked the door. An aged do mestic told me all. Laura had abandoned her parental roof, and voluntarily entered one of those sinks of polution that so much degrade human nature! I stood upon an awful abyss. 1 Tho' whirlwinds of deceit, ingratitude, indifference and calumny howl ed around me, and the dark pools of sensu al corruption roared below. Turn whither soever I (alas, a thought not of heav en!) gloom, discord and misery, seemed to be my portion; • • “I hurried back to Philadelphia, and strove to mitigate my grief in the vortex of unre strained dissipation. I lavished my gold on undeserving and unthankful objects. I cared not for life, much less for fortune. I was I , .rcoklcsaflind berlRroa medkagpc*- &ntre laughter was heard at the gaming insis- 1 tabjGj an(j my piaudits wore boisterous at the theatre, but I was a stranger to the gratification thus evinced. There was no pleasure for me. My brawling companions swore I was the happiest and noblest being on Oarth. But I knew too well there was not a more miserable fiend in hell. 44 At length disease fortunately arrested my*»demoniac career before my health was expended. It was my good fortune to se cure the services of a distinguished and skillful physician. He was a benevolent and universally esteemed Quaker, His at tention was not only kind, but soothing and parental. His earnest and tender tones of ten made me weep. This friend had ap plied a soothing balm to my aching heart. I now determined to prosecute my profession, and before a year elapsed my exertions be gan to be crowned with success. 441 was a frequent attendant at the lec tures, and on terms of the closest intimacy with the professors. Indeed I had a pros- p o o t o f ri. p m f tyerm jT~ R i y s W -T« 1 TTCVoiQfl myself particularly to tho anatomical depart*- ment of my studies, which I preferred, and it was in this department of the institution that I would probably be installed in a few months. The gentleman who occupied that chair was about to resign, and being my friend, used his influence to procure my election. “ My medical friend invitee^ me one eve ning to be present at a dissection, which promised to be one of extreme interest.— He described the subject as one that had elicited the admiration of the class. Ho said it was a female of perfect proportions, but who had recently been an inmate of a brothel of the lowest description. She had, in a state of beastly inebriation, fallen into the fire. Yet, with the exception of a small but fatal orifice in the side, her form and features remained unaltered. I consented to meet him at the hour appointed, and made my arrangements accordingly. “ That evening there were many moro persons in the dissecting room than usual. T had now become much moro oheerful, and enjoyed uio iranK greetings or my rrnmj friends with a relish and an-ardorthat had hitherto been unknown to rne. Many flip pant remarks and caroless observations were exchanged in relation to the business before us. We had become accustomed to such scenes,, and habit had rendered us callous to the rofieotions aqd impressions generally produced when gazing upon tho cold linea ments of tho dead. Dissection was an im portant part of our profession.- It had been resorted to under the deliberate conviction that it .was necessary to the perfection of science, and In a great degree redounded ing that the resurrectionist had tied a cord tightly round the muslin Inclosing her neck and head, I desisted. ] 4 Her face is in keeping with her body and limbs,’ said my meryji friend; ‘she was a perfect beauty. I hrwVgjgeGn her in Ches- nut street every fair day* for the last six months, until sho got druik and fell in the fire.’ ^ \* L n o w ‘proceeded tfr^usincss, but my flesh quivered as my knvh penetrated the smooth fair breast of tho^rfeject. • Soon the skin and the flesh wore ijmoved, and tho saw.grated harshly as it sj^ered the ribs.— When the heart was ey£os*od? all bent for ward instinctively, scanning it minutely, and seemingly with a curiosity to ascertain if it differed from those of ferers whose lives were different. * ^ ; ' 44 When the operation was over, my anx iety to see her face returned. After an uioffe,otrtjf ***^2 th<sjsoxd^ lay the tabrl~muslin that bid her features! 0h, the shock, the lightning-stroke of ao ony that cleft my devoted heart! The knife dropped from my hand, and penetrating the floor, quiveted upright at my feet, while every member of my body trembled in unison with it! I raised my hands with my fingers spread out to the utmost tension. My mouth fell open, and my eyes felt as if they ^yere straining to leap from my head. If was Laura —the loved, adored Laura— myL aura! My friends heard me repeat the name, and marked with surprise and concern my^?n?rpiicably miser able condition. They gathered round me and endeavored to diveit my attention from the dead and now gory body. It was in vain. I heeded not their words, but gazed steadfastly at the sad features of Laura, with my hands still uplifted. I was speech less, deaf and immovable; No tear mois tened my eyes, but burnft^ thoughts rushed through my brain. My&tert was cold, cold, cold. Ah; I remembers how I had loved her once! I thought ofuflo time when I v was-*happy to bow tloibqt, and in good faith attribute oftthe pure qualities pertaining to^tfk angel!.\ And this was her end. The Beautiful and inno cent—the loving and belqtc|d—the high-born and wealthy—the light Arid joy of doting and indulgent parents—pud been beguiled by the infernal tempterp mak<T one stop aside from the straight jnd narrow path of duty-^and this was the fesult. The sensi tive and guileless girl a came an incarnate fiend, callous to every nMest and virtuous impulse—r-scomed By thf honest and good, and hating and underrating the redeeming principles of her specie^—rushing from the ligh station which her fcicestors had ardu ously labored for gcnej|fions to attain, and voluntarily taking ffp iif‘ abode in the dens of squalid misery and indelible pollution— closing her eyes to the might and majesty of a merciful God sittingtiu glory, and beck* iss suit U LUU JK/CU Ul V.A.OV U.O It U l tho motionless branches of the -towering 10 - # ere dors. The paroquet and the thrush, blue bird and gold-finch, fluttered among the thick foliage and chirped their m elody in sweetest cadence. Both the brothc^Frid 6ister wore a happy smile. Happy, because the innocence of angels dwelt in the bosom of the one, and the memory of his guileless and blissful days of childhood possessed the other. Occasionally they read some passa ges in a book that lay open on Mary’s lap, describing the last days of Charles I., and then the bright smile would be dimmed for a moment by a shade of sadness. r “Oh! poor man!” exclaimed Maty, when William read of the axe of the executioner descending on tho neck of the prostrate monarch. ■ w ■ • “ It is far better to dwell in peace in such a quiet and lonely place as this, than to be where so many cruel men abide,” said Wil liam pondering. “ Ah. me! I d i d n o t think that C h r i s t i a n men couavpe ^^rxixn^ -iravA. ^ hriaht. I was gently forcoi from the dissecting- room by my frionds, ^nd conducted to my home in silence—in lienee, because I had no words for any one/ J pressed their hands at the door of. my niansionj and bowing, they departed for tho|r chambers to muse over the incidents of tho evening. I threw open the easement a»d gazed out at the gen- . , - . t _ . . . hri rays pf the mo°u. The dark green to the welfp.ro and preservaUon of the living, loaves of the Unden tv»ss Were motionless, To us tho.pdo inanimate hmbs and the at- and the silvery rays,struggling through tenuated insensible bodies of the dead, ho<- [them, cast a chequered and fumt lint of oning her to hi etermy throne in heavey, and giving heed to the ttal devices of enemy of mankind, tilljehe was dragged down, down, down to tho jnneimost d(pths ^ hell/ SucA was ^«4}/fat Th it of a raging and, the fate of L^jr* od.n\lo -vvKo so flight, for W gratification. fate of thou- be ever a sensual *'tai Oh, how 1 loved herl But it i-pottles to think of her now. u C H A P T E R X V I . . _ It was now the first week in May. Every vestige of winter had long since disappeared and the verdure of a rich soil and mild tem perature, was fast enrobing the earth with the freshest and most pleasing colors. In stead of the dreary expanse of ice thatffiad covered the,x|yer. its tcalors now murmuroi rnusTFafiy by in the cariy morn—its curling eddies running along the sedgy shore, while the rising-sun slowly dissipated the floating mists; and the inspiring notes 6f all the wild variety of birds, contributed to invest the scene with such charms as . the God of Nature only can impart, and w_hich can only bo fully enjoyed and justly appreciated by the guileless and unsophisticated heart. Glenn rambled forth and partaking the harmonic essonce that pervaded the earth, air and waters, his breast swelled with a blissful exultation that can never be known amid the grating voices of contending men, or experienced in crowded cities, wherq the sound of implements vibrate harshly and distracting on the ear. He now stood in his little garden among the flowers that Ma ry bad planted, and watched the humming birds poisod among the. trembling leaves, their tiny wings still unruffled by the dew, while their slender beaks inhaled the sweet moisture o f tho variolated blossoms. Long scious the gardloss o f tho past and tho future in his all-absorbing admiration of the present,, wherein he deemed he was not far remote from that Presence to which time and eter nity are obedient—when his phantasm was abrubtly ai d unceremoniously put to flight by his man Joe, who rushed out of the house with a long rod in his hancU yawn ing and rubbing his eyes, as if he had been startled from his morning slumber but a mo ment before. “ What’s the matter?” demanded Glenn. “ It was a whapper!” said Joe. “ What was?” continued Glenn. 44 The fish,” replied Joe. 44 Where?” asked Glenn. ‘ “ I’ll tell you. I dreamt I was sitting on a rock, down at the ferry with this rod in my hand, fishing for perch, when a thunder ing big catfish, as long as I am, took hold. I dreamt he pulled and I pulled—sometimes he had me in the water up to my knees, and lie always iluttercaTanu\ kickeTbaclc ag?iru Yet he eould’nt escape, because the hook was still in his mouth, and when he jumped into the river I jumped to the rod, and so we had it over and over ------ ” “ And now have done with it,” said Glenn, interrupting him. 44 What are you holding the rod now for?” \ “ I’m going tp try to catch him,” said Joe, with unaffected simplicity. V4 Merely because you had this dream?” continued Glenn, his features now relaxing into a smile. • t “ Yes—I believe in dreams,” said Joe.— 44 Once, when we were living in Philadelphia; I had one of these same dreams. It was just about, the same hour ------ 44 How do you know what hour it was you dreamt about the fish?” again interrupted Glenn. 44 Why—I ------ ,” stammered Joe, “ I’m sure it was about day-break, because the sun rose a little while after I got out.” ' 44 That might be the case/ said Glenn, 44 if you were to dream about the same thing from sun-down till sun-ujv.—Ajui-JUWuuta felam a -ara Aoaiiy oil ,the fish was running-in your head last night before I wont to bod,* for you were then sno ring and jerking your arms about.”... 44 Well, I’ll tell you my other dream, any how. I dreamt I was walking along Spruce street wharf with my head down, when all at once my toe struck against a red morocco pocket-wallet,^ and I stooped down and picked it up and put it in my pocket, and went home before I looked to see what was in it.” .... ■ • ** “ Well, what was in it, when you did look?*/ aaked Glenn. ;* • j ;“ There was a one thous^ad dollar note,* oil, the Bank of the United States, with the president’s and cashier’s names on it, all genuine.. Oh, I was so happy! I put it in my vest pocket and sewed it up* 44 But what have you done with it since?” asked Glenn. “ I—hang it! it was only a dream!” said Joe, unconsciously feeling in his empty pocket. * 44 But what has that dream to do with the fish?” pursued Glenn. ' 44I’ll tell y o u / said Joe. WheitJL up in the morning and, discovered it was a dream, I slipped on my clothes as quickly as possible, and set off for the wharf. When I got there, I walked along slowly with my head down, till at length my toe struck against an oyster-shell* I picked it up, and while I was looking at it tho captain of a schooner invited me on board of his vessel to look at his cargo of oysters, just stolen from Folly Creek, Virginia* He gave me at loast six dozen to eat!” 44 And this makes you have faith in such dreams?” asked Glenn, striving in vain to repress his laughter* ’ ' “ I got something by the dream,” said Joe* MI had a first rate oyster-breakfast.” ^ “ But what has all this to do with the fishP* book that he had taken up, which dropped from Mary’s lap when she hastily arose at tho approach of Glenn, now fell unobserved by him from his relaxed hand. Hisfaoehe- came unusually pale. His limbs seemed to be strangely agitated, and the pulsations of his heart were audible. * 44 What’s the matter, dear brothor?” eried Mary, in alarm. 44 La-ti-na—L a - u - na !” he exclaimed, and sinking softly down on his knees, applied his ear close to the ground in a listening attitude “ Dear brother William! do tell Mary what ails you! What is La-u-na?” said tho startled and distressed girl with affectionate concern. - 44 La-u-na — T he T rembling F awn !,r cried William, pantingly. “ Listen!” said Glenn, checking Mary* when sho was about to repeat her inquiry* A plaintive flute-like sound was now heard ffi&TT<5n\ess \BXr tVOOvn ft“ff^n^ecr\vaTO Auimcs iLriisCfiibked tin* m ournf, y > . * the lonely dove, and then died last notes of the expiring swan. ™ 110 Before many minutes, another quite a different character, saluted This was a rustling among tho bushes, indistictly at first, while the object was up the valley, .but as it approached with fea ful rapidity, the rushing noise became tre mendous, and a few moments after, when the trembling sumachs parted iu view, they be held Joe! He was dashing through the bri ers interspersed among the undergrowth, and plunging throug^Sfe winding brook that occasionally crossed his path, as if all sur rounding obstacles and obstructions were contemptible in Comparison with the danger behind! Leaping over intervening rocks, and flying through dense clusters of young trees that ever and a no A threatened to im pede his progress, he at length roached th> spot where the little group still remained seated. Without hat or coat, and panting so violently that he was uyable t(t utter dis- 'tinetly the cause of his aJarnf; poor Joo threw himself down on the earth, in a most distressed and pitiable condition. 6 44 What have you seen? What is tho cause of this affright?” tiskqd Glenn. . 441—:0h—they—coming!” cried Joe, inco herently. * * r “ What is coming?” continued Glenn. •’ “/ —Indians!” exclaimed he, springing up and rushing into the house. * ' “ They are friendly Indians, then,” said Mary, “because the hostile ones never come upon us at this season of the year “ So I have been told,” said Glenn; “but even the sight of a friendly Indian would scare Joe.” ' * * • * ’ . “ It is La-u-na!” said William, still atten tively listening. . ' V * 3 “ What is La^u^na?” interrogated Mary, again “ Tho Trembling Fawn!” repeated Wil liam, with emphasis, in a mysterious and ab stracted manner. Presently he stood up soft sish of tho fresh breeze as it passed \ intently regarded the dim path cvershad- .j^Tfirw j owed by the lux unant jpu^irft-ina.t J a n o n t , * l i f t a s l i d & t h o g l o c s & y r i n g 1- j s o o n p l a y e d nt jnijnirfLinnt Joe. — m teaf flfgppTftg-num nm-* “ But the book says he was a tyrant and deserved to die,” continued the youth, his lips compressed with firmness. * 44 He’s coming!” exclaimed Mary, sudden ly, and the pitying thought of the unfortu nate and guilty Charles vanished from her mind. But as she steacfily gazed up the path a crimson flush suffused her smooth brow and cheek, and she rose gracefully and with a smile of delight welcomed Glenn to tho cool and refreshing shade of the ma jestic elm. 44 You have come too late* Brother Wil liam has already said his lesson, and I’m sure he knew it perfectly,’’ said Mary, half reproachfully and half playfully* “ Sister Marjr don’t know, Mr. Glenn, be cause J am now farther advanced than she is,” said William. “ But what kept you away so long this beautiful morning?” continued the innocent girl. “ Don’t you see the dew is almost dried away in the sun, and the morning- I was lingering in tho garden amhng the delicate floweers you gave me, Mary, and the green and golden humming-bird cheered mo so that I could not tear myself away,” replied our hero, as he sat down be tween tho brothor and sister. “ I shall go with brother William on the cliff and get some wild roses and hare-bells, and then all ydurjiumming-birds will leaye you and stay here with me,” said Mary, smiling archly. - “ But you will bo tho prettiest bird among them, and flower too, to my eyes,” said Glenn, gazing af^hp clear and brilliant tho’ laughing eyes of, the pleased girl. “ If that were the case, why did you Iin-^ gor so long in the garden?” asked the maid with some seriousness. “ I should not have donj? so, Mary, hut for Joe, who you know will always be heard when he has any thing to say; and this morning he had a ludicrous dream to toll me.” “ I like Joe a great deal—he makes me laugh almost every time I see him* And you must tell me what he said, and all about Jiow he arrd a c te d m a y ftnOW * mf whether you did right to stay away so long,” said the thoughtless and happy girl, eager to listen to the accents of tho one whoso ap proach had lit up her features with the mys tical fires of the heart. - Glenn faithfully repeated every Word and gesture of his conference with Joe, and the unsophistical girl’s joyous laugh rang merri ly up the echoing vale in sweet accompani ment with the; carols of tho feathered song sters. ^ When the tale ended, they , both turned with surprise to William, who instead of partaking of their hilarity as usual, sat per fectly* motionless in deep thought, regarding with apparent intensity, the straggling spears cf grass that grew at his feet. The A slight female form emerged from the dark green thicket, and glided more like % gossamer than a human being toward the wondering group. Her light steps produ- * cod no sound* In each hand she held a rich boquet of fresh wild flowers, and leaves and blossoms were fantastically though tasteful ly arranged in her hair and on her breast. A broad shining'gold band decked her tem ples, but many of her raven ringlets had es caped from their confinement, and now float ed out on the wind as she sped towards her beloved. “ La-u-iia! La-U-na 1” cried William, dart ing forward frantically, and catching tho girl in his arms. He prossed her closely and fondly to his heart, and sho buried her face on his bosom, 'fhus they clung to gether several minufbs in silence, when they were interrupted by Roughgrove, whose at tention had been attracted by the sudden, affright of Joe. * * “ William, my dear boy,” said the grieved ^nld rnnn. 44 you must not have any\hvne to dv> ^XTim Tr>A I Tl/I IH i i >;-* j *> j i ii i |n..i..FT- if hit nhni would not ------ ” “ Leave us!” said the youth, sternly, and waving his hand impatiently* “ Do, Father!” cried Mary, who looked on in tears a few paces apart; “ brother won’t leave Us again-^I’m sure he won’t—will you, William?” W “ No, I will not!” exclaimed the youth. The Indian girl comprehended the import of his words, and tearing away from his em brace, stood with folded arms at his side, with her penetrating and reproachful eyed fixed full upon him, whilo her lips quivered, and her breast heaved in agitation. All no\V regarded her in silonco and admiration. Her form was a perfect model of beauty. Her complexion was but a shade darker than that of the maidens of Spain# Her brows wero nlost admirably arched, and her long silken lashed would have been envied by an Italian beauty* Her forehead and checks were smooth, and all her features as regular ad those ofra. Venus, k Tho mould of JmriaCD was strictly GvocVan, and on V\ ot dcWcato lips rested a half formed expression of sad regret and firm resolution* Her vestments were, richly and highly ornamented with pearls and diamonds* She wore a light snowy mantle made of swan skins, on which a portion of the fleecy down remained. Be neath, the dress was composed of skins of* the finest texture, descending midway be tween her knees and ancles, where it was* m'et by the tops of the buckskin moccasins that confined her small and delicately form ed feet. Her arms, which were mostly con cealed under her mantle, were bare from tho elbows dcflvn, and adorned at the wrists with silver bands. 44 Why, hang it all! Was there nothing running after me but this squaw?” said Joe, who had ventured forth again unobserved, and now stood beside Glenn and Mary. 44 Silence!” said Glenn* “ Oh, don’t call her a squaw, Joe—she's more like an angel than a squaw,” said Ma ry, gazing tenderly at the lovers, whilo tears i n g : - in . - - “ I won’t do so again,” said Joe, “because* she’s the prettiest wild thing I over saw, and if Mr. William don’t marrv her, I will.” V ' “ Keep silent, Joe, or elso lcatfo us!” agaia interposed Glenn. > “ I’ll go catch my had just found a frog, and was in the act of catching it, when I saw tho sq ------ the— her —awq I thought then that I'would just run home and and let you know she was coming, before I took it* But I remember where it wasyand I’ll have it now in less than no time.” Say ing this, Joe set off up the volley again, though not very well pleased with hhns^tf for betraying so much alarm when there was so liule danger. [C O N T I N U E D O N F O U K f H P A G E . ] ' ex m W Jfe. -S*V * 4 m aa*: -65
