The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-12-15
Vol. vi.

gesture did he exhibit signs OF having
heard her, until the strangers portmanteau
in touching the floor, spoke to his sordid
soul of gold. The demon was aroused,
but he wore smiling face.
"Welcome stranger, welcomed" ex-
claimed Gray in SO hurried and strange a
manner thatthe traveller started back few
PAGES in surprise; but quickly recovering
himself, exchanged salutations and seated
himself on rude chair, already placed
for his convenience before the fire.
Conversation soon commenced, nor was
it interrupted until the night had far ad-
vanced towards the dawn. George SOM
ers was also he said native of New York,
and from the neighborhood in which
Charles Gray had lived. He informed
Gray that he had sold his property at the
east and emgrated to the "El Dorado"
to speculate in lands, having with him a
large sum of money for that purpose.
At last they all retired to rest. The
traveller to sleep--Gray to brood over the
wealth his guest. What fearful thoughts
passed through the brain of the wretch
that night! How often did his eyes wan
der to the hunting knife! Once he was
about leaving the bed, when slight mo-
ton of his wife in her slumber deferred
him from his murderous intent. Who but
the pencil of the demon could paint the
fears-the hopes-the dark resolves of the
wretched Gray, while the wearied guest
slept but a few PAGES from him, in that
IL oil
can give!
The morning came and glowing from
his ocean couch, arose the sun, gliding the
distant bluffs and surrounding forests with
colors drawn alone from the pallet of
heaven. His beams shown down upon
the cottage yet unstainned with blood,
and aroused the sleepers. Did the evil
spirit slumber in Gray's bosom!
The simple breakfast was soon over and
lSomers asked Gray to set him on the near
est way to III. With the blandness
worthy the days when he stood a respec-
table merchant behind city desk, he in
formed Somers that he would accompany
him part of his journey, and under pre-
tence of killing some game, shouldered
his rifle and led the way, For some time
they walked together, whilst renewing
boyhood emembrances-reme
which cell to mind many spot hallowed
by childhood sports and parental Office
ton.
They had thus proceeded about three
miles, and arriving among those beautiful
bluffs on the Ohio, since rendered cele-
brated by a deed which has given name
to small crystal stream which dashed
over precipice some hundred feet deep.
A bird swept over their heads, and wheel
ing on its light wings lighted On bough
of majestic cak--which bears the name
Of many an ardent lover ofnature. Gray
asked the traveller to move onward while
he attempted 10 bring down his game.
Somers complied, and unsuspectingly left
Gray behind!
A sharp rifle crack ran through the
woods, and shrek mingled with its
echoes. The host YVES murderer for
money. Blood may be shed for revenge,
and our sympathies may be excited for The
assassin-but who can find chord in his
heart from which pity may draw q note Of
feeling for him, who with blood-stained
fingers, holds the glittering coin before his
eager eyes?
Gray soon disposed of the body by
hurling it over the precipice. As it went
numbering through the scrubbed and jag
ged rocks that lined the chasm, he per.
haps felt remorse, but it was only for a
moment With eager hands he opened
the portmanteau, and rolling out the shin
ing coin upon the leaves, for some minutes
gloated over his wealth; for the country
was almost uninhabited, and his demon
spirit could rejoice In its riches undis-
turbed.
On returning home, he deposited his
ll-go,ten gold in the chest. His wife
heard the ringing of the coin, and her
quick mind told her that Charles Gray,
her husband, he to whom her heart had
confded, was murderer. She tainted.
This wretch needed her not, but gloomily
seated himself before the fire. From the
floor on which she had fallen, Mary arose
an altered woman. The rose fled from
her cheek, and grave in the forest mark
ed by simple stone, tells you where lies
the broken hearted wife. Peace to her
memory! She has gone where the blue
streams were never crimsoned with blood
where the dagger never flushed over the
head of the devoted wayfarer.
Charles Gray became rich man. His
lands broad and fertile, bore luxuriant har-
vests. A tall mansion arose among those
old woods to shelter the murderer's head.
Strange to tell, he lived unsupported. No
one cared for the emigrant in the country
from which he came.
Years rolled away. Villages arose on
the ruins Of that mighty forest. The
steamer was heard with its perpetual thun.
der and lightning ascending the beautiful
Ohio; lovely residences, like gems, sum-.
moned up by the enchanter's wand from
the earth's bosom, studded the banks Of
IL ,;l,,o,. ,.;yar The e,,en;o;ore will .f