Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-06-24

| "But was in sport, Anne, when l tore
the birds nest, because it was an old one. ?
sNo, Herbert, it had for two years been
the house of robins; watched over it with
pleasure, and it panied me to see you SC
heartlessly destroy their home. 1t was to
them as if some strong power should tear
down your home and leave your little sis.
ters without shelter. But this is not all,
Herbert, if it were, I might forgive you.
know we never can be lovers-we would
not be happy as such, but let US always be
friends.
And Anne gave Herbert her hand as free
ly as if he had never grieved her. The
lover took it with nervous grasp, which,
had it expressed the feelings of the young
mans heart, would have wrung the slen-
der arm from the fair shoulder.
A voice reached the young couple, and
Anne said
@Mother calls me. Good night, Herbert,
remember we will always be friends" And
the open-hearted girl bounded to answer
her mothers summons.
There was heavy frown upon Herbert's
brow-his teeth were set, his fists were
clenched, and his step was heavy As he
strobe homeward, "I'll be reyenged," was
sternly muttered. ~ s.
When Anne Belvey was alone in her lit
tie chamber, Herbert's conversation was
vivid in her mind, and her calm Judgment
commended the truths she had told him.
Then there came contrasts, actions, charac-
ters and thoughts were reviewed. Jared
Parker was not an Indifferent actor in this
little heart drama, performed in the waking
ard sleeping dreams of the free thinking
and generous hearted young girl that night.
The spring blossoms had fallen, the per-
fumes of the opening buds and flowers had
died away, the fruits had grown, and now
the fragrance Of the ripening orchard pro-
ducts was gladdening the hearts of the far
mers. 81. .s-.- e=
Anne Belvey had the same seat at which
we saw her with Herbert Williams.
Herbert is wicked" said she to Jared
che looks darkly at me, and srowns when
he meets you. sometimes fear him, Jared,
but it shall not interfere with my love for
YOU" .-.-s-... .-.-..
Herbert is hot to be feared, love. He
would not harm you, nor me; perhaps had
| lost you should have frowned and look
ed darkly, as he does, but you should not
now let these thoughts come across your
mind. Tomorrow will show him how fu-
tile future love will be and he will be recon-
ciled and be warm friend again"
May it be SO, Jared, but fear that you
do not know Herbert; only dread that he
will be revenged on you. He is revenge
full"
II have no fears, Anne, and you ought
not to have; but come, we will walk
into the house, and, with your father and
mother, talk over the plans of the morrow,
when you will be mine.. F
A year elapsed-to Anne and Jared Par
ker was born SON content and happiness
dwelt in their household = their plain cabin
was one of the general homes of the neigh.
borhood; and its merry makings were the
pleasaniest which the young folks attended.
There was one who had no pleasure in
this enjoyment; bat whenever he observed
it, or it was spoken of in his presence, feel
ings were aroused (which make men fit for
stratagems and spoils.'
Twas winter night; piercing winds
made blazing fires comfortable, the dry
snow crashed beneath the farmers tread,
a lurid flame rose in the air, and as it
cleaned over the earth's winter covering,
dispeled the darkness for miles around the
mansion of the Williams family. Their
large, well-stored barn was in flames; eve
ry possible exertion was made to save it,
but without success, and its ruins smoul-
dered where were buried the ashes of a
number of fine cattle and superior horses,
with farming utensils, and grains and
fruits, to the value of several thousand dol
lars. .-,- ,9
1t was the work of an incendiary with.
out doubt. Who could be the villain? was
question anxiously discussed.
Various suspicious were started, and al
length rumor became current that Jared
Parker was suspected. He was arrested
examined. and, strange to declare, almost
without testimony to justify suspicion, was
held to trial. s.
The strifes which had existed between
Jared, the accused, and Herbert, now the
injured, were speculated upon, facts were
distorted, actions misrepresented, and ma
ny who had oftentimes spoken highly O.
Jared's quiet, mild nature, now talked Of i
as mask for wicked passions, and Ions
nursed revenge-for what?-few had {
detinete idea, but he was under suspicion
OF crime, and with some persons this is al
ways equivalent to actual proof of guilt.
| Anne had fearful forebodings, but Jaret
told her not to fear, protesting his innocenc
lin which she had every confdence-ye
she feared the result of Vaccinations whicl
might be invented against him. Jared ha,
no suspicion Of what testimony could b
produced, and made no preparation for hi
trial, confident that he would be acquitted
} On the day of the trial the Court Hous
, was crowded with the friends of the accus
ed and the accuser. A distorted history G
Jared and Herbert's competitions was pre
} sented to the jury; then a woman name
E Brown, who had many times been hospits
HI antorfoinod q [orod,c Ioma uas n,