The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-11-26


man on the border, for he had often beer
an eye witness OF his crafty movements
when beset by his enemies. The chic
had long been the especial object Of Wet.
zel's hatred; and though he had often laid
deep plans to ensnare him, the willy say.
age always found means to fustrate them
In the course ofhis recent rambles through
the country, Wetzel frequently discovered
some peculiar mark or sign which con.
firmed him in his conviction that the Indi.
an had not left the neighborhood His
friends endeavored to persuade him that
he was mistaken, but he resolutely adher-
ed to his opinion, and declared he would
yet be the death Of the old red dog.
As Wetzel could not convince the set
tiers that Old Cross-F;re was yet lurking
about the neighborhood, he ceased to men,
ton his name, but never allowed week
to elapse without taking scout through
the country, in hopes of coming in contact
with him. The settlers, however, lulled
themselves into security, and apprehensive
OF no impending danger, engaged in agri.
cultural pursuits. They cleared the low,
bottom lands, built substantial fences,
planted their corn and potatoes, and soon
gave an air Of comfort and promise of
plenty to their infant settlement Their
implements Of war were thrown aside, as
articles no longer useful. man, it is true,
was occasionally seen with a rifle upon
his shoulder, but no other purpose was
had in view than to shoot deer or wild
turkey.
About this time young man from the
east OF the Alleghenies had arrived at the
Wheeling settlements. He had performed
the entire journey across the mountains on
horseback, at an inclement season Of the
year, and was nearly exhausted with ia
tigue and exposure to the elements. He
was destined TO Kentucky, but gladly &C.
cepted an invitation 10 pass few days
with Col. Zane, one of the earliest settlers
of Wheeling, TO whom he bore letter OF
introduction.
Elliot Frazier had scarcely passed day
in the hospitable dwelling Of Col. Zane,
before he was seized with disease-the ec-
fects of his recent exposure-which con-
fined him 10 his bed His malady had as
sumed serious character, depriying him
of reason. He lay for many days uncon-
scious of his condition. and insensble 10
what was passing aroupd him. When "a.
length his disease took favorable turn,
and his mind regained its suspended pow.
ers, he discovered that beautiful being
was lowering over his bed-tenderly ad.
to his wants, and manifesting
by the sweet smile that played upon her
countenaDce, pleasurable feeling at wit
Messing the Improvement Of his condition.
The good Samaritan that watched over
the stranger youth was Rose Mason, the
fairest flower that bloomed on the banks
of the Ohio. She was the adopted daugh-
er of COL Zane, the intimate friend of her
gallant father, who had lost his lie in
desperate conflict with the Indians, during
the early stages of the war. Rose had re-
ceived her education at one OF the best
semnaries the sold settlements" afforded
in those days; but she had imbibed no
sentiment that destroyed the native simpl-
city of her manner. She was young la
day of fine intellect; was filled with affec-
tion and gentle sympathies, to the exclu.
sion of every unworthy passion.
Although she was delicately sensible TO
everything unbecoming her sex, she saw
no improperly in contributing all in her
power Of alleviating the sufferings Of a fel-
low mortal. She volunteered her services
cheerlully 10 act the part of nurse to the
patient. She felt rational pleasure in
supplying the invalid with every little com.
fort which his situation required. Under
her soothing ministration Elliot soon re.
gained his health.
The youth now often spoke of continuing
his journey TO Kentucky. Day after day,
however, passed, and he still remained at
Wheeling. In sparsely populated regions,
strong personal attachments are quickly
formed. The manly bearing OF Elliot had
rendered him fayorite among all the set
tiers, and they strongly urged him to aban-
don his original intention, and remain
where he was. To this proposition he de-
clared he could not accede; but when the
image Of Rose Mason presented itself be-
fore his minds eye, he was nearly tempt.
ed TO recall his word. ~
Since the arrival Of young Frazier, a
new feeling found its way into Roses
heart-a feeling which she was unable to
explain. When he spoke to her Of his ex-
pected departure, shade Of melancholy
would overspread her countenance and
Danish completely the bright smile that
usually dwelt upon it. There was no dis!
in the maiden; she felt that his
absence would cause her 10 be unhappy,
and she took no pains to conceal the
sorrow with which she contemplated the
svent y Nei' '9 -
"Elliot," said she, one day, "you must
agree to remain with US. We cannot
spare you" -
'rhat will never dol'' exclaimed the
youth: ~ have been idling my time here