American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-11-03


tary exclamation Of surprise broke from his
lips, as he behed dark clouds gather rapidly OH
the western horizon.
At an interval of few seconds the roar of
| thunder reverbeTatod through the arches of the
heavens-now sinking, now exalting its fear
fnl tones, the lightning darling like fiery
snake through the black clouds, with such
mighty vividness that the whole earth became
one vast sheet of vivid light! The rain poured
down in torrents that swelled nils and brooks
to mighty rivers, and the angry waters came
rushing down the mountains sides, terrifcally
marking its course with destruction. Sudden
ly the storm ceased, and ali was hushed and
calm. The man upon the battlement arose
and gaZed forth upon the troubled sky. He
had advanced but few steps when an awful
clap of thunder shook the earth, and he fell a
blackened corpse. AS the report spread
abroad, the Castle and Valley became one
scene Of animation-crowds of people rushed
to its gates, and with loud cries desired an Ell
trance. Within the court stood file of men
alarms, awaiting anxiousy an explanation of
the occurrence. At length the corpse was
laid upon rude bier in the centre of the
court. At the same instant the gates gave way
and the mass poured in. A cry, universal
cry Of horror burst from the aghast multitude,
and all sank back appalled, at the sight
dreadful silence ensued, and one by one
they retired with lowered heads and sorrowlul
hearts.
The court was unoccupied, save by the NEIL
alarms, and Baron Ravenscouft and daugh-
ter, who with mournful hearts clustered around
the bier. ..........
"Hugo!n said Baron Ravenscourt in voice
OI oal bo,,o 81,
tered, andirequcst his poor sister" His words
were drowned in prolonged agonizing shrek,
it shot through the heart like an ice bolt, the
blood ran cold in their veins, and their hearts
sank within them! Pale and speeches. they
reeled back TO permit a female to approach,
who, with outstretched arms and livid visare
tottered up to the bier. Sob after sob rent the
air as those men of war bcheld that poor,
lriendless creature sink upon the earthly re-
mains of her brother and only protector in the
wide world! The scaldng tears course down
her checks. The utter hopelessness of her ST.
tuation rushed with overwhelming force upon
her; and she fell back motionless! Baron Ra-
vcnscourt stepped forward to remove her from
the remains on which she had fallen, when
she rccoled from his gentle touch and pressed
still closer thereon.
''Toss her Off" cried young man, who Just
then issued from the castle-''she is but low
born! away with her''
"Hold! let one dare lay the weight Of his
finger upon that girl, and he dies!" cried Baron
Ravenscourt, striding mp to the bier with I'M
sheathed sword. "Who is it that dares COM
mand thus? Speak! who is it," he continued,
his face turning to look of stern inquiry as ho
gazed angrily around.
"Pardon, my lord, twas |, Herbert St La.
cy," said the young man, approaching and fall
ing on his knees.
"Herbcrt st. Lacy" said the girl, in a slow
and distinct voice-''beware! those words shall
DO cherished, and woe be unto you when n,u
day Of reckoning comes!" and she raised her
eyes to heaven whilst her lips parted in silent
prayer.
"Arabella, pray thee see to this bereaved
child" said the Baron to his daughter. "Come
Rosa, my daughter will comfort thee; | will
have thy brothers. remains inferred as thou
wishest Go, Rosa-go!'
"God in Heaven bless thee, Baron Ravens
court! This unlocked for kindness is indeed
balm TO my wounded heart, and it shall be re-
paid to thee or thine, if Rosa Redwood tarries
unnumbered years to return it! May Heaven
bless taee!' and then rising she accompanied
Arabela Ravenscourt to the Castle.
"Stand repIoved, Herbert ST. Lacy, for thy
words and treatment of that friendless crea-
ture! And, though thou art son to my dear
sister, proclaim it before all, that brand thee
as heartlesS malapert!" said the indignant
Baron, passing the young man with look of
inehable scorn.
"Now by all the Gods in Heaven and earth,
this IS too much to be thus spoken to for this
h eap!" cried Herbert st. Lacy, spurning the
corpse with his foot.
go God! o Cod" shrieked Rosa Redwood
as she behed the sacrilegious act: with sin
gle bound she cleared the court, and pausing
before Herbert st. Lacy, clasped her hands and
cried
GAS hope for salvation, Herbert st. Lacy,
your hearts blood must wash out that stain!-
Though to,o born, thou shalt know to thy sor-
row that can cherish revenge! Beware of
Rosa Redwood" And before an effort could
be made to detain her she rushed past the men
at arms, and an instant after was lost in the
shadows of night. Herbert St. Lacy stood
transfixed to the earth; he felt that her oath
would be fulfilled, but in what manner he was
unable TO surmise. Little knew the rash young
man what misery his rash words and indscreet
act would subject him to-
CHAPTER V.-THE lNFANTICIDE.
"Oh may it ever stand alone accurst,
The last of murders, as it is the worst"
George Lilo.
l,- Al, l. r.