The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-11-18

no hurt, God knows: but where hast
thou been? why and how hereH said
Bill Fowler. one of the two whom For-,
sier had left drinking at the Hunting
Horn, and who now, after a long and
terrified search, stood ,scrutinizing his
companions features by the help of q
lantern. The wagon had arrived safe,
though unattended, at its nearest point
Of destination, followed shortly by the
arrival Of the two wagnners who had
beepleft at Shrewsbury, and then the
startling question was, "Where is Dick
Forsterp Unable to answer the eques-
ton, they, with several others, instant.
y set out in search OF the missing wag.
oner. f V8 ysiltlg saA Il .IsCma9
'sWhy, man, where have you been!
what have you been doing? what has
come to you9 who has put this bandage
before your eyes? how long have you
been here?" were questions askedginai ai
breath, without Time given for ans.
wers, even if Forster had been able, or
so disposed. He stared stupidity at tho
man who addressed him and mottered
some such incoherent words as. "Don'1
don't shoot me, kind sir! for G DDS
sake! ], was not that took off the
bandage! For our Lords sake, don'f
murder me! | will never ,ell!' His
companions recoiled from him as heut-
tered these ahrighted exclamations., qmi
,o"Why, Dick, Dick,'' said he, again
shaking him by the shoulder, sdont zee
know un? don't zee know where thou
art? where the wagon is? Egad, arr
mad, or drunk, or devi.struck?'' Dick
made no ansyer: but stretched out his
arms and legs, and groaned, as through
exhaustion. His companion beganto to
get alarmed, and his own apprehensions
acre aggravated on seeing, owing 10 a
sudden change in Dicks posture, that
there rolled out Of his pocket several
guIneas. ,r...... .......-4,',.- a,e.b ~
| why Dick ors,er!-wky-why-
why"-he stammered, turning pale, and
holding his lanterin down towards the
golden coins; "who gave thee thesef
Where didst thou get them? Hast thou
beer out a-a-a-robbing9 or!-hast
tell me, Dick Forster-or I'll 90 and
fetch some one that shall make thee!'
and he shook him violently. Dick be.
gan to come a little 10 his senses on be-.
ing so roughly handled, d,and was answer.
ing some questions rather angriiy put
to him, when here was heard faint
rus,ling by the other side Of the hedge.
Dick suddenly clasped his arms around
his companion, his eyes glared on him
with wiIdncss, and he grasped-"Save
me! save-save me! hell shoot me !
he'll muld der mew His companion star.
ed at him, first with an alarmed, and
then distrust(ul ait, folded his arms on
his breast, and, with resolute air, said
to him, snow, Dick, may ledie here,
this blessed Christmas morning, if do
not think thou hast done i'll since we
metz He paused with agitation.--
"Speak man!"he resumed; ssthis money;
where -didst get it? for what? from
whom? Is all this thy frightedmanner
but deceiving of me! Come, come,
Dick? thou shalt tell to a magistrate, or
my name is not Bill Fower!''n !''nf,irerrt
Dick, slowly lifted himself UP, and
clasped his companions hand, Whisper
ing family, "Bill Fowler, let US leave
this lonely place-help me, to the; hieh
road--then 10 some house or other,aad
! will tell thee all! It, will make thy
hair stand like a hedgehog'sn''' 10 90;
"We ell-c ome, now--that is reason.
able enough let US away! and as far
any one shooting thee, lwouid no, run
from the great devil himself, with dis.
to in each hand. Come-I long to hear
thy story, for much dread me it viii
be black one! But cpme!'' AT that
instant a pistol was discharged from the
other side Of the hedge, and the bullet
whlzzed close past the astounded waa-
oners. Fowler fell do wn with the sud
denness Of the shock, but found bis feet
again in lrice, and made desperate but
fruilless efforts to get through the HIGH
and thick hedge. All the while be heard
the sounds OF one running as it were, for
his Life, across the frozen burrows Of o.
newly-plopghed field; and though, tan
talized and irritated almost 10 phfenzy,
he was obliged at length 10 give upsthss
thought Of pursuit, and FASTENED his
companion 70 the high road. Half drag.
ging and half carrying him, be succeed
ej in bringing Forster TO small FARM
house, about a quarter Of a, mile down
the road, where they were both. Of them
known. Though il was five O'Clock :.
and Chrislman mornnig, they found The
good people stirring. Each Of them