Southern planter., 1832-11-24

Entering the cheerless apartment, he seat
ed himself beside n fast decaying fire, the
smoke from which curled slowly towards the
Iraftcrs Of fhc building and finally escaped
Through many creyices left by the rudeness
OF, It's construction. For few moments he
sat absorbed in deep thought, and then, as if
by an extraordinary effort, he aroused HIM
self cast an inquiring look around the cham
Der and with a feeble voice called 10 boy
who stood at a short distance and appeared to
look with melancholy eye upon the inward
torture depicted on the countenance Of the
haggard sufferer
"Come hither Edward" said he; and
boy apparently about fifteen years of age APP
preached and gazed wistfuly up into his
face. "My son, know not why il is, but
methinks feel that nature cannot long sup
port this feeble tenement Infirmity and sor-
row must soon work its purpose on me, and
the wreck which has so long withstood the
tempest Of the wind, must soon crunlblc back
toits former nothingness and disappear forey-
er. Weep not, my child; | have long per-
ceived that your anxious spirit longs for free
dom, and seeks, like the imprisoned bird, to
leave its cage and wander in its native ele-
ment BE patient yet little while. This
retreat will not much longer be a home for
either yOu or me. You have often asked why
dwell in loneliness; why have thus retired
from the world, and amid these dark and
cheerless recesses secluded myself from all
that is dear to man--the happy sweets Of
civilized enjoyment. Itis my purpose TO un-
fold to YOU this mystery; and | feel that il
must be done quickly. We must part; this
day have beheld n sight that bids me leave
you. When am gone read this and il viii
tell You all you desire TO knows. Saying
this he presented the youtha paper, then ri
sing from his scat he retired TO his leafy
couch.
Morning dawned and withthe rising sun
the unhappy man departedas if on his accus-
toned walk. The day wore away and he
returned not The sun again sunk TO his re-
pose and darkness mantled over the valley
and beheld Edward gazing with lingering
eye upon the narroY path, impatient Of his
quick return-Tears trickled down his cheek
and fearful forebodings came ovcrlnm as the
wind, signing through the yet leafless forest,
and the wildbirds no longer careeringin glad
ness sunk TO repose amidst It's branches, bade
him 10 retire. He threw himself upon his
couch, aDdas he did so saw paper lying up
on his pillow, on which was written, "Fare- |
well Edward" Your partner in seclusion will
soon be no more 10 you; and 'tis hoped his |
eyes will soon be closed in darkness, and his
moral career soon pause. Seek not to find |
him, for should you succeed in doing so, YOU
will most probably gaze upon his earthly form
reed from the spirit that now animates it,
Read the manuscript"
He opened the manuscript and read as fol-
ows:
scotland gave me birth. am the fallen
representative of wealthy, indulgent, and mis-
guided parents The fret sixteen years of /
ny life was but one continued scene Of buoy
mt gaiety, one continued revel amid the light
md alluring phantasies of youth. II was H
lot till this period Of my life that | awoke TO
What thought pursuits more noble, and lon
red for more active and more manly eniov-
nent. possessed wild aud daring spirit.
earless of danger, and totally reckless of con-
equences. looked upon my past life as on
sckening dream, and beheld IN the antici-
'aiieu OF the future bright and glorious ca
eer, and my mind became intoxicated with
he prospect. Money was not wanting. my
ather supplied me literally, and each renew
"a draught upon his indulgence met with his
'mllingapprobaton. N.Y. observation-disclosures nu-
nerous, y from minglingin the highercirclesofI
lie gradually declined into its neaner recess
es' unul the gambling table spread its allure
nents before me, and becaine its miserable !
lctim. My father ceased his patronage: the
cunt OF my resources was sealed rp: NV c
rlends deserted me; the smiles with which
hey'onee lured me into guilt gave place 10
old and chilling frowns, until Twus finally
asst houseless beggar upon the world.
dow to repneve my fortune I.knew not.
vas too proud to work. There still fingered
consciousness Of my former situation in life.
nd ! could not beg To ask my father for
ehef was worse than useless. There was
ut one resource. felt as if should not
hrlnk from the. commission of crime. NV
ceilings revolted not, but felt a gladnessl
ONE over me as the idea first suggested n
en- This was the emily means by Which re. /
ef was to be obtained, and resolved TO mt OF
&c dark purpose into instant execution. =
II was cherries night, when, with mind (;
ead TO the consequences of error, secreted -
llyselt behind the projecting buttress of an
a rum, some distance from town. hadl
'cupled my station but few moments when =
the dim obscurity of the night Observed
human form slowly approaching. As nc
cared me, unconscious Of nleditated iniurv.
D. nnAN. ~