Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-03-23
= Yes" said Saunders. ~ do"

heap shorter than the road YOU talk
Of taking-and at the forks Of Ru,hinp
nver. there's a smart chance of blue
clay. that's miry like. and it, right scary
crossing al times"
SuPposing they had found a nearer
and better road, and one by which a
dangerous ford would be avoided. they
thanked their informant, and proceed.
ed on their journey.
In some previous conversations, Mr..
Saunders had learned that his friend
had recently experienced some heavy
losses. and was at this time much press
ed for money. and wishing 10 offer him
assistance, had from time To time de-
ierred At from the difficulty OF approach
ing so delicate subject. As the time
OF parting approached, however. he
Drew the conversation To that point.
and VAS informed tina; the sum of five
hundred dollars would relieve his friend
from embarrassment Having a large
sum m his possession, he generously
rendered hun the amount required, arI
Hamilton, after some hesitation. ac-
cePted the loan, and proposed to give
ms note tor lis repayment, which
Saunders declined, under the plea that
the whole transaction was matter of
inendShip, that no such formality was
requisite. When they were about to
part. Hamilton unclasped his breast
pin. and presented it to his friend, Let
this. said he, remind YOU sometimes of
kentucky-I trust. that when visit
you next year, shall see it adjoining
the person OF some favored fair one"
+" | have no such confidence in YOU"
iaughinglv returned the other: and
handing him a silver-haited pen-kuifr.
curiously embossed, said: II am told
that knives and scissors are no, accept
able presents to the fair. as they are
supposed TO Cut love, so have no fear
tina. Almira will get this-and know
that no other human being would cause
you TO forget your friend" They then
parted.
As Hamilton was riding slowly home.
ward, engaged in thought, and holding
his bride loosely, adeer sprang sudden
ly from a thicket and fell IN the road,
before his horse. which started and
threw him to the ground. In examin-
ing the deer, which had been MORALLY
wounded, and was still struggling, some
Of the blood was sprinkled on his dress
which had been otherwise soiled by
his fall. Paying little attention to these
circumstances. he returned homo.
Though his absence had been brief,
many hands grasped his in cordial wei.
come, many eyes met his own in love.
for few Of the young men of the coun-
ty were so universally beloved, and so
much respected as Hamilton. But to
none was bis return so acceptable as
.Almira . She had been his
playmate in infancy, his school mate in
childhood IN maturer years their init
macy had ripened into love, and they
were soon to be united in the holes,
and dearest Of ties. But the visions of
hope were soon to pass from them. as
the mirage Of the desert that nocks the
eye Of the thirsty traveller, and then
leaves him a death devoted wanderer
on the arid waste.
A vague report was brought TO the
village that the body Of a murdered
man vas found near Scottville. Ii was
first mentioned by a traveller, in COM
psny where Hamilton was present;
and he instantly exclaimed. mo doubt
II IS Saunders-how unfortunate that I
left him :" and then retired under great
excitement. HIS manner and express
sion awakened suspicion, which was
uDhaPpIly corroborated by a VARIETY Of
circumstances, that were cautiously
whispered by those who dare not open :
ly arraign a person whose whole con-
duct through life had been honest.
frank, and manly. lie had ridden away
with Saunders, who was known Ia
have been in possession OF a large sum
Of money. Since has return, he paid
off debts to large amount. The pen.
knife Of Saunders was recognised IN
his hands-yet none were willing, on
mere surmise, TO hazard a direct accu.
salion.
The effect Of the intelligence upon
Hamilton was marked. The sudden
death Of dear friend ~ hard 10 be
supported--hut when one who !, loved
snd esteemed. l. cut of by the bastard
~ hand Of the assassin, the pang IT be
feayement is doubly great; and IN ihi.
instance the feelings OF deep gratitude
which Hamilton felt towards his brne.
factor. caused him 10 mourn over che
catastrophe with melancholy anguish
tie would ST for hours ~ a state Of ab.
siraciion, from which eyen, the smile d
love could not awaken him.
The elections we're a hand. and Ha.
milton vas a candidate Tor the Legisla.
ture. In the progress of the canvas
the foul charge vas openly made. and
pfopaga,ed with the remOrseless spirit
Of party animosiiy. Yet be beard Il
not, until one evening ~ he at with
AlmiFa, IN her fathers house They
were converting in low accents, When
The sound Of an approaching foo,s,eT
Interrupted them. and the father of Al
mira entered the room. Mr.. Hamil
ton. said be, 4" arm frank man
consented To your union with my
; daughter, belisVing your character n
be unsiaiaed-but ! regret to hear lha