The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-06-23
Vol.
81 must see my son, doctor; must see

q
s'Itis impossible at present, Mr.. Talbot"
firmly answered the doctor. "Should he
be disturbed now,I shall not be answera-i
BILE for the consequence. His life depends.
on present tranquility;-nay, | insist on,
your not entering now: after an hour or
two, perhaps, you may; but be advised by
me at present and return.
80, the blood.thirsty, numbering piratel"
shouted the father, with savage vehe-
mence, while descending the stairs,
"Two days ago refused him my daugh-
ter, and to-day he has murdered my son
for it! But I'll have him hanged, as his
uncle was, if there'srope-law in Georgia.
Hamilton was struck dumb. He heard
those words, and they entered his heart
like daggers. "Pirate!" he repeated half
aloud. "T1e has called me that before,
but itmeans nothing. My uncle-hangedl
ONO, no! that is impossible; but why should
he say SO? Knows he any thing of my un-
cle!" and he paused for reflection. 30,
no, no! it cannot be; but does he not accuse
me of shooting his son-accuse me Of
shooting her brother! and am prepared to
disprove the charge if it assume legal
form! No! the circumstances are all
against me!' and the whole danger of his
condition flashed upon him in an instant.
"Great God!" he calculated, with clasped
hands, "for what horrible destiny have |
been reservedF' and burying his face in
his hand, that strong man wept like
child.
"What distresses you, Mr.. Forbes!"
kindly enquired the doctor, after re-enter-
ing the room and witnessing, in silent sur
prise, the emotion of Hamilton. sit can
not be possible that Mr.. Talbot's language
can have reference to you.''
"To none other, sir" replied Hamilton,
rising and pacing the floor. "May God
protect me, doctor! | fear that ruin and
damning disgrace are inextricably inter-
woven with my destiny. For the past few
days, pitfalls, seem to line my path; and
each act and motion of mine tends but to
draw me more nearly to some dread ca
tastrophy which is at hand!"
"This is really ncomprehensible to me,
Mr.. Forbes," said the doctor, who now
felt interested to an intense degree in Ham
ilton's trouble.
"And to me, doctor, it is mystery-all
horrid mystery. Never yet have courted
trouble or disasters, yet do they come
on me, unsolicited" but at that
the door4of Iapertraent onaned.
and sheriff's officer made his appear
ance. He walked up to Hamilton, and,
in respectful tone, announced the cause
of his presence. slE tH
Sand what is the character of the charge
against me?" enquired Hamilton, who had
now braced himself to every issue.
"Shooting with intent to kill" respond
ed the functionary, exhibiting the warrant.
"Come on, sir; | shall accompany you,"
said Hamilton calmly.
"And you shall not 60 unattended by
at least one friend, Mr.. Forbes" heroical-
y observed the doctor, who, without being
at all intimately acquainted with Hamil-
on's disposition, would, at that moment,
nave pledged his own life that he was in
nocent.
AS they quilted the hotel, they were met
by a cordial friend of Hamilton, Mr.. Sell
len, distinguished advocate-him with
whom we saw Hamilton in conference the
day. He turned with them on
heir way to the magistrates office, listen.
ng, as he went, to his friends account of
he happenings of that day and the cause
IF his arrest. Is sa1aSi
/ Hamilton stood before his accusers and
lis Judge.
"What have you to say, Mr.. Forbes, to
his charge that is brought against you!"
demanded the magistrate in a loud voice,
ind recounted the burden of the aceusa-
ion. h8p 5
"That am not guilty, responded Ham
lton, with calm selfpossession.
"Have you any evidence to disprove
he accusation?"
"Every action of my life disproves it
every principle of my nature is abhorrent
rom so foul a crime" aFssra.s
"That evidence, Mr.. Forbes, fear will
lot be all-sufficient for the law" observed
he magistrate. ~ .I " Hoi@s1 1p'ft
AT this moment, Mr.. Selden whispered
something to his friend.
"Who is my accuser in this matter!"
Hamilton. @
81 am" "roared the elder Talbot, trem-
bling with passion. 81 accuse you ofmur-
lering my, son, and | hope to see you
hanged for it, you murderous pi-"
"Silencep shouted the magistrate and
Selden together 81 q el1eiao9 ~ 7i
4 son my acouser, then, i imagine, de-
yoles the burden of proof," said Hamilton !
,almly. sLet him produce his evidence"
"Here he is!m vociferated old Talbot
Stand forward, Captain Stimpsonr'
Yes; there was Simpson. His victim
vas at last enmeshed!.e A few minutes
with the father, after quitting
he presence of the son and Hamilton in
he hotel, had originated this new scene in
ne drama. He now moved forward into
he circle with an effort at calmness, which
eft his cheek as pale as ashes
"Did, you witness any part ofthis trans