Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-11-30
MISCELLAN v.
THE FOREST MURDER.
A TALE OF INDIANA.

The incidents which I am about to relate are
not drawn from Imagination, but fact. They form
an act OF the never ending drama of human VII
lany
his wife as they sat before the blazing fire of an
Indian cal,in-whist the wind walled around the
roof, aud went sounding through the forest.
"Wilder than | ever knew observed the wife,
"and Charles, how thankful we should be TO our
Maker that he has given us this warm fire and
close cabin TO protect us IRON the rude elements
"Thankiul!" and Charles Gray's brow assum-
ed a scowI which of itself spoke the demon IL,
his heart "Thankful, wife? You mock me-
What is this cqbin to the luxurious comforts OF
the town folks whom we used to see in New
York, rolling through the streets III their cushion
ed carriages, reclining OH silk sofas, and laugh
ing at the ragged beggars that impore their char
ity. Thankful"
Mary did not reply. She feared him when in
these moods, and was too judicious TO irriIate him
even by words which she intended to be soothing.
For what are words, though breahed from Sc
raph's lutte, or syllabled by angels lips, to one
whose whole soul had become absorbed ~ the ui-
requed love of wealth.
Charles Gray was native of N. York, and had
been left a handsome fortune but prompted by
avarce, and too impatient 10 continue in the safe
business in which he began, joined others of an
equally rapacious disposition in speculation,
which at first proved promising, but entirely fail
ed, ana leIt HldUy ub dIueilt uTedtlleT u Tuileu
man. Charles in this mad affair had embarked
his all. He was left without a house or friends,
for friends often bound by golden chains alone.
He determined with his wife TO emigrate 10 lndi
ana, for whose broad streams, genial climate and
noble forests, SO much was said.
With bitter heart he bid farewell to his home,
and with small amount Of money, raised by the
sale of his wifes jewels, sought out the West. -
With this small amount of cash he purchased u
few acres of ground, few miles from the spot on
the Ohio River, where the splendid and beautiful
town of --- is now standing. For short
period he abored assduously on his small farm,
and cheered by the smiles of lovely and devo-
ted wife, seemed TO forget his misiortunes.
short time before our narrative opened, Charles
had visited l. as "hand' on flat boat, The
only species OF water craft then used TO convey
goods and provisions down The River. While he
was there he met several of those who had failed
in the same speculation which ruined himself
But while he had remained poor, they 10y some
means had revived their fortunes, and settled on
the Ohio, where they were carrying on brisk
business. Charles returned home an altered man.
For whole days he would sit idle and discomfort
ed. His sleep was disturbed by dreams OF gold !:
in vain did that beautiful accomplishing wife en-
deavor to drive the fend from his bosom. 1t was
like one solitary star trying to dssipate the dark
ness of a storm tossed ocean.
Wilder yet roared the storm through the crash
ing woods, aud Charles was still broodlng over
his imaginary wrongs, when q " liolo' was heard
outside of the little enclosure which surrounded
the cabin.
Mary sprang to the door, and after scruliniziug
the traveller, for such the intruder was, by the
light of bark torch which she held over head,
invited him into her rustic home.
In a moment u gentleman OF rather slight Stat
ure, bearing a portmanteau in his hand, entered
and gave The ustfh sautatioD. Mary called her
husband to attend 10 the traveller but neither by
IA. L.,
heard her. until the strangers po:tmanteau oil
touching the floor spoke to his sordid soul of gold.
The demon was aroused, but he wore a smiling
face.
"Wecome, stranger, welcome - exclaimed
Gray in so hurried aud strange a manner, that
the traveller started back II few PAGES in surprise,
but quickly recovering himself, exchanged sal Ia
tions, and seated himself on a rude chair already
placed for his convenience before the fire.
Conversation soon commenced, nor was Il in
terrupted until the night had far advanced to-
wards the dawn. George Somers was also, as he
said native of New York, and from the neigh
borhood in which GRAY had lived. He informed
Gray that he lad sold his properly at the Eat
and emigraled to the Ri Dorado TO speculate in
lands, having with him large sun of money for
that purpose.
At last they all retired to rest. The traveller to
seep-Gray to brood over the wealth of his
guest. hat fearful thoughts passed ,hrough the
brain Of the wretch that night! How often did
his eyes wander to his hunting knife. Ooce me-
was about leaving the bed, when a slight motion
of his wife in her slumbers deferred him from his
muderous intent. Whose but the pencil of a
demon could paint the fears the hopes the dark
resolves of the wretched Gray, while the wearied
guest slept but few PAGES from him in that peace
which virtue alone can give.
The morning came, and glowing from his ocean
couch arose the sun, gliding the distant bluff and
surrounding fores: with colors drawn from the
pallet of Heaven. His beams shone down on the
cottage yet unstained with blood, and aroused the