Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1834-11-20

, joined with you, sir?"
! An insolent answer was returned to
this inquiry, and the officer was left to
find out the other transgressors by dInt
/ OF his own scrutiny. While he was en-
deavoring to do this, Rulbven had seized
his musket, and rushing into the hall, ut
tered the words which introduce this tale.
Ruthven was soon joined by others Of
/ his comrades. The raiilng OF fire arms,
the loud voice of the rebel, and the tramp
of feet in the hall, soon aroused all from
\ their pillows; and the doors of the differ
+ ent apartments were instantly thrown
open. Each student prepared TO take
sides either for or against the offenders.
Ruthven soon numbered more than forty
in his train. An indescribable scene of
confusion now ensued; the drums SCUM
ded an alarm; and an indiscriminate as
sault was made upon the doors and fur
niture Of the different apartments. For
the purpose oc procuring ammunition, an
attack was also made upon the Quarter
Masters apartment. Fortunately he es-
! capped with what his room contained. -
! Numbers were lsvelled TO the floor by
billets Of wood, and the breech of mus
kets. As the strife waxed hotter, the
voice of Ruthven was heard exclaiming
"charge-charge" In a moment the
glistening bayonets Of the rebels were
levelled at the opposing force. But be-
fore the rash order could be executed,
Ruthven was arrested, disarmed, and put
: under a strong guard. His party, see
ing their leader led away, soon gave up
) the contest, and were safely secured in
the guard room.
The return of morning, brought re-
turn of consciousness to the mind Of
!, Ruthven. lie saw his offence, and was
also aware that so deeply had he sinned,
/, no repentance could restore him to the
privileges of the institution. His pride,
: wounded, at first led him to resolve on
II pursuing some desperate measures to free
l. himself and comrades from confinement,
). and then to effect an escape from the
9 confines of the institution, and thereby
y relieve themselves from the open
disgrace of public expulsion. He had
: already concerted plan, which being
Z discovered, he was put into close con-
= fnement. Here he had an opportunity
d of becoming quite sober; and in a mo-
) ment of sincere and deep repentance,
i he wrote letter 10 his parents, appris-
G ing them Of all that had transpired, and
G truly lamented not only the awaiting
IS consequences Of his rash folly, but the
o folly itself.
&c The letter reached his parents, and
e with astonishment mingled with chagrin
10 they read its contents. They were less
III grieved at the offence of the son, thar
3 at the disgrace that awaited him. They
at felt that the dignity of an ancient house
a was wounded-its honor sullied. With
q, out due consideration, it was resolved tC
le return an answer to his letter, and ate
as. severely reprimanding him, acquaint hin
Of that he was forever disinherited, AM
re would henceforth be discarded by hi
or parents and friends. His return 10 th
re paternal abode was forbidden; and witt
20 such rueful tidings, the letter was dis
u patched.
Up The answer returned by Ruthven'
re parents, was most ill-timed, and capabl
, of producing the mos. lamentable con
ne sequences. 1t not only rendered appa
ol rent false pride existing in their owl
50 bosoms, and a great lack Of knowledg
as Of the proper means to secure the retur
e. Of their wandering son, to the paths o
o. virtue; but it was also the most poten
SO power they could have employed upo
H. a lad of his temperament, and false no
"a, tons of spirit, to drive him at once t
ne desperation, and plunge him into a
ce abyss from which it might be impossibl
for prayers and tears to extricate him
u' 1t was such an answer as Ruthven ex
e. pected mott was such as he deserve
ol not, Notwithstanding his transgressior
''e for he was truly repentant. IL Is a me
er ancholy fact, that many young travelle
'e- upon taking his first step in the caret
or, of vice, has been driven to make fea
ne ful plunge down the precipice Of ruin, b
u the i'll timed measures Of those wh
should be foremost in rescuing the e
ne ratio and wayward, by gentle and COZ
as straining efforts. Many a youth VIII
70, has awaked to sobriety, after the fir
"A transgression, has felt the lashngs OF a
ng unseared conscience; and If some KIN
ne hand had been extended, in place Of n
pulsive looks, he would no more hav
IN sinned. But thrust from the bosoms
which he should have found shelter,
ss- has been forced to seek the haunts Of il
famy--for ga wounded spirit who ca
,ht beas?"
an The gentle monitor in the breast
wn Ruthven, if for moment stihed by d
ie- intox icating revels Of that night, resuu
, 1t ed its wonted sway during his confn