The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1845-08-20

which were not entirely obliterated from hi
Breast and recall scenes OF his former happi
ness and pleasure, which could not be other
wise than painful to him at present. His Gu
riosity, however, got the better of his fears
and he took light and proceeded noiselessl,
10 the apartment where Helen was sleeping
He was soon in the centre of the apartment
and raising blanket which served the pur
pose of door, he stepped lightly in, holdin,
his breath, as ifin fear of breaking the silenc,
that reigned within the gloomy cave. and dis
turb its almost broken-hearted inmate. A:
he turned a sharp corner of rocks that pro
truded neatly to the middle of the apartment
he saw before him, in such a position as &c
give him full view of her face, his daugh ter
soundly sleeping-the very image ofhis al
most forgotten and much injured wife. She
sat on low stool, with her head leaning on
a rough table; her hair hung carelessly over
her shoulders, and her cheeks were yet wei
with tears that had constantly flowed from
those dark and beautiful eyes, since she had
become an inmate Of this dreary and horrible
cavern. She had wept until she had wept
herself TO sleep.-He approached her, holding
his hand before the light that il might not
shine directly in her face, and awaken her,
but she was so worn down by fatigue and sor-
row,that she slept soundy and gave no signs
OF being disturbed by his presence. lie stood
gazing intensely upon her features, and sort
oil dreary stupifactIon SO completely over
came INN, that he appeared to be in trance.
Not limb nor muscle moved. The Bit
ter feelings Of his heart which had long been
hid were aroused, and the past was fiuttering
before him in painful review. Before him
lay his daughter. his only offspring, the very
picture OF that fond being which was once
The lond idol OF his heart,a prisoner to band
OF merciless murderers. But where was the
long forgotten wife He dared not ask
himself that question. He wept like child
Yes the stern ruffian's feelings and temper,
that had long held dominion over him for the
first time in years, yielded IT, the more ten
der emotions of humanity and sentleness.
Pleasant and painful recolections were hur-
riedly intermingled-both the scenes of first
love, and the cruel treatment she had re-
ceived from him, rose before him, keeping
his thoughts in constant emotion, notwiih-
standing all his efforts TO remain calm. He
had not suffered himself to reflect upon his
past course Of life since his connection with
the gang, but the presence of his daughter
forced these feelings upon him. and he had
not power TO resist fhen- The contrast be-
tween his present and former condition OF
life rose before him-once respected, beloved,
and happy, but now degraded, despised and
miserable, an Outcast from society, and ofien-
der Of the laws Of man and God, whose name
had not passed his lips for years, except in
curses. With such reflections as these he
left the apartment without disturbing its &C.
cupant, and sought his couch, where he en-
deavored to calm his feelings and find repose ;
but sleep came not to his relief. Re-
morse had seized him for its victim, and he
lay with kis conscience which had not ntire
/ " foTsaken him, npbraiding him for his past
iniquities. Just ms the day dawned he fell
into fast sleep from which he did not wake
until late hour. So deeply affected was he
at the sight of his daughter. that when he re-
tired, he unconsciousy left the will of Mr..
Rugges' lying upon the table open. This
was eagerly seized by his followers when
they rose in the morning. and examined. The
reading of it was given to Obadiah while the
others stood around him, listening TO its con-
tents.
Well exclaimed one of The number, when
Obadiah had finished reading. Miss Helen
Arson, whoever she may be, comes in for
good share. 1t would not be a bad idea TO
come Obadiah's game, and go to the village
in disguise, and secure her for wife, at least
long enough to be placed in possession Of her
property, and then slope
There will be no necessity OF being to all
that trouble said Obadiah. Miss Arson is
our captive, and now that she is in our pow
er, let us contrive some means whereby we
may obtain her right and title in the Rug
gles' estate, and the 'chink' can be had for il
at any moment
Hold said third with eagerness, the
name ofthe girl is the same as that of our
leader, and his conduct last night. when he
came to her name, | think warrants the sus-
picion that they are in some way connected,
and ifso he will probably oppose any schemes
we may advance
Captain Arson ordered every comfort to
be provided for, and every attention to be
paid to Helen, which gave his gang TO be-
lieve their surmises were true, and therefore
their consultation in regard TO her kept Sc
crct from him. They finally agreed 10 take
her to some place out Of the Captains reach
and force mock marriage upon her. She in
the mean time was unconscious of the conspi-
races againt her, and lived in the hope that
she would vet be rescued without receiving
any violence, from this horrid den that swarm
ed with ruthless demons. She felt convinced
that this was the hand TO which her father be-
longed, but she had no means by which she
could recognize him. should she see him.
Obadiah and his comrades had concluded TO
have the mock ceremony performed at the
cabin ON the Mountain spoken of in the first
chapter of this story. where Captain Anson
first remained with his wife and child, though
pretty much decayed, still 1t wasin condition
to answer to all their purposes.
While these'schemes are maturing for Hell
ems ruin on the mountain, William Edwards
and the villagers are sorrowing at her loss
and wondering at the mystery which hung
over her disappearance; and as day alter DAY
rolled away without any tidings OF her, their
feelings grief gave way to gloomy tore
bodings, and utter hopelessness. For want
of something to occupy his mind with, WI
liam shouldered his gun and started on on
hunting excursion to the mountain 1t was
fine day, the sun WAC shining from cloud
less sky-the birds were warbllng merry
notes. and all nature appeared loving and in-
vitiug, but he, although lover Of nature,
co uId not at this moment appreciate the beau