Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-06-14

!
Here, at the corner of one of tho ways, they were
met by vast crowd composed of the lowest mob
| Of the CITY. who hearing of the condemnation OF
a Nazarcne, had gathered together ripe for mis-
chief. Led on by some of the vest of their
dema gogues, they had resolved to assault tho Off
GERS in charge of the prisoner. that they might
sacrifice her moro sumrnary than the lions in
the
. Stand back - said the captain of tho guard
unshcatiing his sword, he the threaten
ing aspect Of the crowd.
.D.wn with hmi'' cried one of the rabbo.
hurting missile at his head. 'Givc us the pris-
oner you die with hcr.''
>. Close in mon. close in : shouted tho officer
undauntedly. You pay with your lives for the
safety of the prisoner
The little band gathered in compact circle
round tho maiden, and prepared to maintain the
unequal contest.
.Down with them ALL shouted one Of the
most prominent of the rioters, s. soldiers and
prisonor-thoy arc all secretly Nazarones.-
Down with thcm.''
With the words he headed rush of the crowd
that bore back the scanty band of sodicry, like
fcnthers that are swept by the gale. Stones and
bricks meanwhile. filled :he air, and though the
soldiers were defended by shields, several were
wounded. The prisoner, in this onset, would
have fallen victim TO the missiles Of the mob,
but for two of the moro humane Of the soldierv.
W
pushed back by the rabbo. the guards retrcated
Against tho wall of noighboring house. and be-
ing now covered in the rear, essayed with
hopes Of success to make good their stand until
surcor should arrive from the city DICTIONARIES
But the futility of this hope apparent.
The mob swelcd rapidly, extending far down the
thorougllfiIrcs on either hand. Tie whole city
seemed up. There wero doubtless among tho
crowd many who were secretly favorable to the
prisoner. and still greater number who wished
not 10 sec her perish except by lawful death.
but the more violent. if not most numerous, had
attained tho temporary asccndancy, and tho 9th
crs, uncertain of their power. were afraid to
move in her behalf.
Moro than half Of the guard had now fallen
tho others worc worn out and wounded. The sol
dicrs began TO nurnur.
Why should die 70 protect. for hour or
two the life of a Nazarcnc - said of them
-. Comrades, let us surrender her to the peo-
plo.''
\ sulan murlner Of assent ran along tho scam
ty ranks. and tho mob, hearing the mutlnous
words. dcsisted and broke into huzzas. The
maiden that her hour had come, and sank
shuddoring to her knees, lifting her agonized
eyes to heaven IN q last appeal. Suddenly over
tho deep roar of the huzzas the trumpet of
cavalry. and the pavement seemed to the kneal-
ing girl to rock beneath her. under the tramp of
many horscmcn. She started to her feet with
L
ceased simultaneously. and now was heard close
at hand. tho chatter OF hoofs and the shrill sound
of the trumpet. Like a flock of sheep awaiting
the approach of wolves. stood the late riotous
mob now silent, with black faces, and gazing
CAPE at the sudden appariton of the horsemen.-
Down they came, the solid earth shaking under
them while far in the van, barbad horse,
rode thoir leader.
Dispcrse We knavos'' he cried. in tone
used 10 command, as he haughtily in his
strrups. ..Disporsc, or We ride You down.
And turning to his troops, he waved his sword
and shouted.
The word struck terror into the populacc. For
one instant they hositatcd. but for one instant
only. VI the long avenue. to where it turned 10
tho left. they bched the gtittering lines of caval
ry advancing g1liop. each flo wheeling
round continuously if countless numbers yet
rornainod behind; and at the sight the stoutcst
hearts give way The cry :. fly for your lives
rose upon evorv hand. and darling into the bye
streets or rushing hcadong down the main tho
roughtaro. the mob dispersed with the rapidity OF
magic. By the time the leading files of the cav
airy had como up. the street was empty.
Throwing his proud stood back on his haunch-
es as he reached the guard. the commander OF the
cohort addressed his brother officer.
We just in time. see. | heard, on
landing. that there riot in the city. and the
cause and | gaIIoped at thithor. We are
to-day from Italy and bring important
news. Dioclotian is dead. and the prosecutions
against tho Christians to be stopped. 1t is
well We cot..o up as we did-''
IL would have spoken further. but at this in
slant his attention arrested by shrek from
the prisoner and the mention of his own name.
He turned quikly around. and for the first timo
his eyes fell on the maiden. Quick as lightning
he lcapod from his horse, 1inging the bride 10
tho nearest bye stanJar. ana rushed towards her.
Julia Antony wero the mutual eyclamations
OF the lovers as they fell into each others :
for it was the NumidIan hunter. risen to hlgh
rank who had thus opportunity arrived TO res
cue his mistress.
Language would be too weak to describe that
meeting In haste the lover ordered chariot TO
Be brought for Julia, and bv his command she
was conveyed to thu house OF the pr5etor. whose