Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1833-07-25

hang all the dreams, wraths, warnings
and marvellous circumstances, tina
have been handed down to the compa
ny from the days of their great grand
fathers; but, in the present instance
they were too much occupied in con
sultation regarding the different route.
to be taken in their search.
Twelve horsemen and some hali.do
zen pedestrians were seen hurrying in
diverse directions from Marchlaw, as
the first faint lights of melancholy
day were yielding to the heavy dark.
ness which appeared pressing in solid
masses down the sides of the mountains.
The wives and daughters of the party
were alone left with the disconsolate
mother, who alternately pressed her
/ weeping children to her heart, and told
them to weep not, for their brother
would soon return; while the tears stole
down her own cheeks, and the infant
I in her arms wept because its mother
wept. Her friends strove with each
other to inspire hope, and poured upon
her ear their mingled and loquacious
consolation. But one remained silent.
| The daughter of Adam Bell, who sat
by Mrs. Elliot's elbow at table, had
shrunk INTO an obscure corner of the
room. Before her face she held hand
kerchief wet with tears. Her bosom
! throbbed conyulsively; and, as occa.
sionally her broken sighs burst from
their prison house, significant whis-
per passed. among the younger part of
the company.
Mrs. Elliot approached her, and,
taking her hand tenderly within both
of hers, ooh, hinny! hinnyl" said she,
"your signs go through my heart like
knilel And what can | do to COM
fort ye? Come, Elizabeth, my bonny
love, let us hope for the best. Ys see
before you sorrowing mother, that
fondly hoped to have seen you and
Gamma say it!--and am i'll qualified to
give comfort, when my own heart is
like q furnace! But o. let us try an
remember the blessed portion; whom
the Lord loveth he chasteneth,' and in.
wardly pray for strength to say, His
will be donep"
Time stole on towards midnight, and
only one of the unsuccessful party
returned. AS foot after foot approach
ed, every breath was held to listen.---
"No, no, mol" cried the mother again
and again, with increasing anguish.
cit is not the foot o. my own BARN"
while her keen gaze still remained
riveted upon the door, and was not
Withdrawn, nor the hope Of despair re-
linquished, till each individual entered,
with silent and ominous shake of his
head, betokening his fruitless efforts.
The clock had struck twelve; all were
returned save the father. The wind
howled more wildly; the rain poured
upon the windows in ceaseless torrents,
and the roaring of the mountain rivers
gave a character Of deeper ghostliness
to their sepulchral silence. For they
sat, each wrapt in forebodings, listening
to the storm; and no sounds were heard
save the groans of the mother, the
weeping of her children, and the Bit
ter and broken sobs Of the bereaved
maiden, who leaned her head upon her
fathers bosom, refusing to be comfort
ed.
AT length the barking of the farm
dog announced footsteps at a distance.
Every ear was raised to listen, every
eye turned to the door; but before the
| tread was yet audible to the listeners,
"Oh, it is only Peters foot" said the
| miserable mother, and, weeping, arose
to meet him.
sJanet, Janet" he exclaimed, as be
entered, and threw his arms around her
neck, "what is this come upon us at
LAST"
He cast an inquisitive glance around
| bis dwelling, and a convulsive shiver
passed over his manly frame, as his eye
again fell on the vacant chair, which
no one had ventured to OCCUPY. Hour
succeeded hour, bat the company sepa-
rated not; and low, sorrowfll whispers,
mingled with the lamentations of the
parents.
"Neighbors," said Adam Bell, "the
morn is new day, and we will wait
to see what it will bring forth; but, in
the mean time, let us read portion O.
the Divine word; and kneel together in
prayer, that whether or not the day.
dawn cause light to shine upon this
singular bereavement, the sun of Right
eousness may arise with healing on his
wings, upon the hearts o. this afflicted
family, & uponthe eartsofall present. "
"Amenl'' responded Peter, "finging
his hands; and his friend, taking down
the sHa' Bible read the chapter where
/ in il ia written--sIt is better 10 be in the