The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-09-24

and often he has too, as you well know--thar
wrong his conscience by wishing i'll to others
'What do they say of you, John--what can they
say of you p asked the wife in establishment.
'They speak of false lights said the Indignant
old man, set like bait in traps to lure the unwary
to destruction. And then they hint if the sea spare:
the poor sailor, the wrecker proves less mercilul
for dead men can tell no tales say they! Nc
more they can, wife, seeing as cold tongue mus
needs be sent!'
But have they any cause for giving such a
name"
| 'Why, the world is full of bad men, and there
may be some in our trade. commenced the bu-
sness on Florida shore--as good wrecking ground
as YOU will find on the coast-and | have heard
tell of men who followed the trade in olden time,
on the Cape, who were little better than pirates.
False lights were kinded in dark, stormy nights,
and when the devoted vessel was lured on to the
rock, never one of the escaped to tell the tale
If the surf threw them ashore, there were always
those ready to thrust them back again, with clip
on The head, perhaps, to quiet them
'Cruel wretchcs how could they p murmured
the wife in low, half-whspered tone.
"A few years before left the Cape continued
the old man, there was a report of Spanish
wrecker on one of the neghboring Keys enlicing a
of bodies it was said, were found soon after wash
ed ashore, all bearing gaping wounds showing that
the poor fellows had met other than drowning
DEATH
Il never liked the Spaniards,' remarked the wife
with strong feeling; they seem to be a cruel,
blood-ihlrsty race
Not all Of them, Bcss. There is a set of des-
peradoes among the islanders, but we must not
Judge of the national character bv these men,
There's Antonio, now-he is Il fine fellow GER
tainly.'
Il don't know about that, said the old woman
with shake of the head; Il can't say he alogclh-
er suits my lancy--nor more he does some ones
else, though he tries hard TO win it,
'What, does Nell look cody upon him ! Why
! thought he was just the one TO catch maidcn's
heart
Love will 60 where it is sent, John, and only
there. You cannot change or check the current of
woman's affection any more than you can the ocean
tides
True, Bcss, true!' said the old man, playfuy;
9 nor for the matter of that her hate, either. We
are hendstrong, stubborn creatures, and will have
your way, right or wrong. But am not sorry that
Nell does not affect the lad, for he has good deal
of the warmth of his cline in his blood; You may
see that in his eyes With NelI's gentle and yield
ing disposition, fear me she would find more of
the master than the kind husband in him.
she will find neither, with my consent, replied
the wife in II tone, which, had it reached Anionos
ears, would have closed the gate of hope against
him forever. 'Who is this young Spaniard, lha,
he should seek 10 mate with one like herr
I'VE all know who he is replied the husband,
: bu; who is Elem; he asked rather Significantly.
'$he is an angcl!' was the wre's reply, Il shade
of sadness stealing over her face us she rose fom
her seat
'Ay, that is shc--IIoavcn's blessing on her in
noccnl head!' responded the husband. A brief
followed, when the wrccker and his
wife retired for the night, the sound of the storm,
like the moan Of troubled spirit filling their ears;
Il sound too often heard to Danish sleep.