The North-Carolina standard., 1843-05-03

Gel. Osborne, while she breathes the breath o
life. AS for thee, thou mean despoiler, thou has
I yet to learn what an Americans daughter dare do
when her honor needs protection. Nay, frowr
not SO darkly, for fear not thy most impoten
fury :"
'Do you hear her, villains - shouted the infu
rated Osborne, cor have ye become palsied al
sight Of vaunting woman? Advance and seize
| her %
'Perish thou frstr' exclaimed Ida, as she dis
charged the rifle at the breast of Osborne. He
had anticipated the movement, and stepped quick
ly aside as the ball passed by him harmlessly,
and laid low one of his companions
"Well done, my fair one l' tauntingly exclaim-
ed the villain.
''Seize them p cried the undaunted girl to the
dogs, as she pointed to the soldiers.
The animals sprung from her side, and grap-
pied with the assailants.
Osborne furiously darted towards Ida. She
drew from her bosom a small poinard, and raised
on high the ,glittering weapon as he advanced >
her arm descended. She missed her aim, and
Osborne exultingly caught her in his arms
'Now, now / have thee % exclaimed the vii
lain, as he moved toward the door,
'Ida! Ida!' shouted voice from the corri-
dor.
cha! ha! hal Walter-Walter F' laughed
the half frantic girl, as her quick caught the
wellknown voice-"Herel here 20
A rattling sound came along the passage, and
the next instant Walter Carlton stood confront
ing the villain Osborne.
Swift as the ightning's flash, Walters trusty
sword leaped from its scabbard, and crossed that
of Osborne, who stood awaiting the youths i'm
petuous onset. Thrust followed thrust in quick
succession, until Walter, by powerful and dex-
ferrous movement shattered his enemy's weapon,
and Osborne stood defenceless.
sect thee gone, base repile!'' exclaimed Wal
ter, in tone of bitter contempt, for he knew not
of the horrid work of slaughter which had been
enacted in the hall.
Osborne, humbled and crest-fallen, made no
reply,-but, as he approached the door, he silent
IL drew from his breast pistol, levelled it at
Walter, and drew the trigger. Naught but a few
sparks were emitted therefrom, and the villain
turned and fed, followed by his two remaining
companions, who were right willing to escape
from the clutches Of the faithful dogs.
"Villain!'' cried Walter, in scorn. "Aha
more of your British courage! But rouse thee,
Ida my sweet girl; to tarry here alone is full of
peril
''Walterr' breathed Ida, family, "for Heav-
ems sake, seek my fatherr'
terdayi"
''He did, Walter. he did, But last night,
whilst Osborne and his companions were in the
midst of their revelry, old Indian John passed
your window, and babe him seek my father,
and advise him of the threatened danger"
"Then Heaven shield him, my Idar' exclaim-
ed Walter, as he quickly darted from the room.
With rapidity he passed the long corridor, nor
1cnHY 1ol o1oIl ~
trate and still bleeding form of old Phillip. He
lifted the old man in his arms, but life had fled.
He passed on into the room, and there, with his
huge broad.sword still firmly clutched within
death-gripe, lay the lfeless father Of his beloved
Ida. SHewn around him were the inanimate
bodies of the ruffian intruders, whose lives had
paid the forfeit of their audacity. Farther on,
close under the window, lay the old Indian, whom
Osborne had shot in the act, of making his es-
cape.
In an agony of grief. Walter stood gazing up-
on this heart-rending spectacle, whilst the hot
tears rolled down his manly cheek he dashed
the briny drops from him, and his patriotic spirit
burst forth in terrible denunciations: He rush.
ed back into the presence Of Ida-his lips NOV
ed not-but his countenance told too well the
tale of horror.
''My father?' gasped Ida.
"Dead!'' was the terrible response.
''The noble girl stood for moment, as if ftrans.
fixed, She gave vent to no shriek-no scream
of agony or despair-no tear coursed her marble
she stood mute and motionless, an
image of deep, soul-fraught misery.
LEAD me to him p she said, in fearful but
calm tone.
''My beloved Ida!" cried the alarmed Walter
for he trembled lest her reason had fed
''Walter, would look upon my fatherr' she
said in the same tone.
Walter hesitatingly, led her to the chamber of
DEATH, She stood beside her dead father! She
gazed long, steadfastly upon his rigid features,
and then turned to Walter.
"Leave me with the dead, Walter, and GO rouse
the neighborhood.''
The youth answered not, but left the apart
ment. In a few moments he returned, followed
by score of the honest peasantry.
"Friends,'' said Ida, as she pointed 20 her fa-
theirs corpse-"friends, it is the first immolation
upon the altar of Liberty. The sacrifice cries for
''He shall have it!'' was echoed by those
round her.
j''Walter be thine the guerdonP' said Ida.
81 accept itI' replied the youth.