The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-05-31
SATURDAY, MAY 81, is45.

try. Taking advantage Of the turmoil
of the times, and OF the absence of most
of the male population in the oontinen-
tai army, they ravaged the country at
will, plunderIng and burning farm-hous-
es, and even in some instances. commit
ting personal violence upon females :
They were consequently the terror of
the country. ....
Of these men, David .Rowe!, or as
he was familarly called, from the dark
ness OF his complexion, "Black Oavy,"
was the most notorious. Sometimes
moving alone, and sometimes accom-
panied by others, but always marking
his track with some outrage, he had
gained for himself notoriety as wide
spread as it was terrible. 1t was the
sight of this individual which checked
the steps of the young girl, and drove
her trembling, to seek refuge in her
home. -
But her fear, it seemed, so on vanish
ed, She had scarcely crossed her
threshold before, as if actuated by some
sudden recollection, she hastily turned
back, and with an unshrinking face,
though beating heart, confronted the
Refugee. Whatever was her motive.
her fearless demeanor abashed the rem
egade. ..
"What want you-what would you
have, sir? why do you seek lorely
house like this at such an hour?" asked
the girl with flashing eyes. ....
The abashed Refugee had by this
time recovered his confidence, land with
an easy air he whistled aloud, and then
answered the GIRL
"Not so fast, mistress, not so fast
we are here aftsr your good man, my
dear; an1 though you have been marri.
ed only Il fortni ght or so, we must set
tie our account with him. have sig
nailed my men. and you see they are
coming. We must search your house
come on boys!!" and with these words
the renegade, accompanied by three
rough looking men, who had just come
up in answer to his call, passed into
the house.
The young wife--for such she was
-gazed after them,and lifting her hands
on high, murmured thanksgiving that
her hus5an had not yet returned.
In about quarter of an hour the
men returned, aud swearing loudly at
their i'll sue cess, began to search among
the few out,houses for the master of the
place. But their efforts were in vain.
The young wife meanwhile, though be-
trayin no sign of fear, stood there, scarce
knowing whether the enraged rufli4ns
would not, the next moment take her
| life.
"By -, this is too bad" said the
leader, after their unsuccessful search;
she will certainly be here some time
to-nisht-let US wait for the rascally re-
bel, and shoot him down on his own
thresholds
The brutal proposition just suited
his desperate followers, and taking up
their quarters within, they ordered the
young wife to prepare them some sup
per. Though losthing the sight Of her
tormentors, and trembling momentari-
y lest her husband should arrive, she
was forced to obey their commands.
She contrived, huwever,a ALWAYS to keep
in sight of the door, so as to obtain
view of her husband as soon as he
merged from the woods, determining to
warn him at once to flee, though she
herself would risk her own life by the
generous act.
Suddenly she started toward the
door, for her keen eye had detected the
one so long looked for, and waving her
hand she shouted:
"Fly-hy-Richard- fly"
"What the - does the jade mean?"
angrily exclaimed the leader of the Ref
.ugees, rushing after her; and lifting his
piece, he continued, "come on, or you
are dead man."
For an instant the husband paused.
He saw at glance the situation of af-
fairs, and though it was agony to leave
his wife in such hands, he knew it
would be certain death for him to ap-
proach the house. His firm whig prin-
clples had made the refugees and torres
his political foes, s,and he knew that more
than once "Back Davy" had sworn to
take away his life. His only hope,
therefore, was in precipate retreat.
That no personal injury would be of
fered to his wife, he felt almost certain,
for deeds of that character had never
yet been attributed to the present lea
der Of the Refugees. These rapid
thoughts caused a momentary delay
which had well nigh proved his ruin.
L