The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-12-15
From the Louisville Literary Messenger
THE FOREST MURDER.
A TALE OF INDIANA.

The incidents which am about to re-
late, are not drawn from imagination, but
fact. They form an act Of the never end
ing drama of human villainy.
ssThis is indeed wild night" said
Charles Gray to his wife, as they sat be-
fore the blazing hearth of an Indian log
cabin, whilst the winds walled around the
roof and went sounding through the forest.
'sWilder than / ever knew" observed
his wife; "and Charles how thankful we
should be to our Maker that he has given
us this warm fire and close cabin to pro-
tect us from the rude elements"
"Thanklul'' and Charles Gray's bow
assumed scowl, which ofitsclf spoke the
demon in his heart. "Thankfll, wife, you
mock me! What is this cabin to the lux
urious comforts of the town folks whom
we used to see in New York rolling through
the streets in the cushioned carriges, or re-
clining on silk sofas, and laughing at the
ragged beggars that claimed their charity?
Thankful"
Mary did not reply. She feared him
when in these moods, and was too judi
cious to irritate him even by words though
breathed from seraph's Lutte, or syllabled
by angels lips, to one whose soul has be-
come absorbed in the uAacquired love of
wealth.
Charles Gray was anative of New York,
and had been left handsome fortune
but prompted by avarce, and too impa-
tient to continue in the safe business which
he began, joined others Of an equally ra-
Pacious disposition in speculation, which
at first proved promising, but entirely fail
ed, and left many an ardent dreamer a
ruined man. Charles in this mad affair
had embarked his all He was left with
out house or friends, for friends arc often
bound with golden chains alone. lie de-
termined with his. wife to emigrate to In
diana, for whose fertile soil, broad streams,
genial climate, and noble forests so much
was said.
With a bitter spirit he bade farewell to
home, and with small amount of money,
raised by The sale Of his wte's jewels,
sought the almost untrodden wlds of the
West. With his small amount of cash,
he purchased few acres ofground on the
Ohio river, where the beautiful and splen-
did town of------is now standing. For
a short period he labored assiduously at
his small farm, and cheered by the smiles
of lovely and devoted wife, seemed to
forget his misfortune. A short time be-
fore our narrative opened, Charles had
visited las sshand" on flat boat,
the only species of water craft then used
to convey goods and produce down the
river. Whilst he was there, he met sew
eral Of those who had failed in the same
speculation which had ruined himself
But whilst he had remained poor, they by
some means had revived their fortunes,
and settled on the Ohio where they were
carrying on brisk business, Charles re-
turned home an altered man. For whole
days he, would sit idle and discontented.
His sleep was disturbed by dreams OF gold;
in vain did the beautiful and uncomplain-
ing wife endeavor to frighten the fiend
from his bosom. 1t was like one solitary
star trying to, dissipate the darkness of the
storm tossed ocean .4f t...t..
Wilder yet rolled the storm through the
crashing woods, and Charles was still
brooding overhis imaginary wrongs, when
.hallo'' was heard outside the little en-
closure which surrounded the cabin. IA
Mary sprang to the door and after scru-
tinizing the traveller, for such the intru-
der was, by the light Of a bark torch which
she held over her head, invited him into
kor ra,ctio horna f..,.t..4 .,..t-1.. is,... g Z.
In q moment gentleman Of rather
slight stature, bearing portmanteau in
his hand, entered and gave the usual salu-