The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-09-13

and the hoarse and cloudy wind that sighed deep
y amid the dry leaves around him, added to the
dismal feaIfulness Of the scene. A few drops OF
rain were pattering on the dry leaves. He lifted
his finger to his forehead in deep thought.
alt is decided he muttered to himself. "She
cannot live for me. To decoy her is impossible
against odds so fearful She must die for me
them! have said it and it shall be accomplished
He drew from the cavity of the tree long
"Queen's Arms very heavy and massive in its
structure. He blew out his lantern, and moved
toward the house which sheltered the object OF bis
wicked socitude. a a,+.
In the rear Of his mansion, Capt. Percyal had
erected long shed in which were kept suIdry
bee hives The sweetproduct Of their frugal oc-
cupants, compensated abundantly for their care
The shed extended some distance into the garden
from the end of the dwelling, at tho base Of which
a fewviOes had grown up and hung in beautiful
festoons about the window shutters Of the chambre
appropriated to Miss Percival.
The Hessian approached the shed, he placed his
gun in a water conductor which ran along its hum
BILE caves, and mounting into the branches OF
peach tree not yet disrobed of all its rich fruit he
gained the ridge of the rude shelter and lifting his
musket, walked steadily up to the window. He
drew aside the still green vines which nantled
about it, and looked carefully in. II was the bed
chamber of the lovely, innocent girl, about whose
steps he had hung like hungry lion.
A lamp stood on piau but rich table, beneath
a mirror. Miss Percival was in prayer. Her pol
ished shoulders carelessy and but half invested IN
her shawl, and her fine chesnut hair fell in glossy
waves upon her neck and bosom, as she melt in her
night dress by the bedside. with thebble open be-
fore her. Her little sister lay in bed; her bright
str esses breaking out from lawn cap, and shad-
owing fair young cheek, which seemed stained
with roses. The small hands of Miss Percival
were claspeo together on the inspired page, and
she occasionally lifted up her fearful and spiritual
eyes or dropped the long lashes over them in the
humility of devotion, her face seemed impressed
with the passionless pIeadings of an angel.
The Hessan was moved, and tor some moments
he seemed painting for the decision OF some super
natural suspense The storm had now arisen IN ITS
turv, the rain came down in heavy floods, and the
voice ofthe thunder was deep and almost contnu-
al. The wide landscape which surrounded the
cottage would ever and anon open from aiar at
the glance of the lightning. only to be swallowed
in momentby ''the jaws Of darkness"
81 would do 1t no,o," mu!tered the soldier as
he drew back. 81 will send her to the God she IS
entreating y shall but send an angel to heaven:
He retreated few PAGES on the roof beneath the
shade Of a tall poplar whose sere branches trem-
bled over the shed-he raised the musket to his
breast-he pointed it directly at the heart OF Juet-
te Percyal and .tiredi
"Curse the grl'' he whispered as he drew it to
his side.
He renewed the powder in the pan and drew the
weapon to his breast. A motion of Miss Perclval
caused him to move; he slowly lowered his gun as 1t
to pause for steadier nerve. 1t was but mo-
ment Again he elevated the deadly engine and
uttered some vindictive malediction--he proceed
ed to take aim. 1t was his last moment-a flash
the lightning of heaven The subtle fire struck
the gIitterIng instrument of death the barrel was
faced with the ierceness Of the flames, the stock
was splin,ered into countless atoms in his hands;
the red torrent rushed into his bosom-one loud
groan blended with the thunder. and the guilty
soul Of the Hessian soldier was before his God!
oAdd pray Aunt, what became of George Leslie
and Miss Perciva," said young and lovely girl
t,nI- tba n
tale, as they sat in the library of prncely mansion
ON the banks of the Schuykil
. The lady to whom the question was addressed
turned to her young niece and replied with sme'
"They are married my dear Juliette, they have
lived together many long and happy years. His
course has been one of bright public honor aud ele-
walton; hers has been retiring but has been quiet
and even useful. They have children around
them, who are both beautiful aud dutifll, wealth
in such an abundance as to be convinced that
there is no happiness without the opuence of the
spirit, and the graces Of benevolent feelings; and
they have proved that where they are blended,
there is the rarest pleasure
"Where do they live, aunt!" .... .t....
you see the heroine my dear daily before you
She is your mother! | have disguised the incident
and the names, that the story might beguile your
fancy. and interest your heart. Wrapped as with
a garment in the original brightness Of youth, you
are now what your mother ever appeared. May
your purse be as pure, ano the light OF your hope
be ever as brilliant as that which fingers round the
coming evening Of your parents existence.
TRUrH.--It is a pleasure to stand upon the
shore and to see ships tossed upon the sea- pleas
ure to stand in the window of castle and to see
battle and the adventures thereof below; but no
pleasure is comparable to the standing on the van
tage ground Of truth Ia hill not to be commanded,
aud where the air is always clear and serene,) and
to see the errors, and wanderngs, and tempests,in
the vale below; so always that this prospect be
with pity and not with swelling or pride Certain
iv il IL heaven upon earth to have mans mind