Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-03-27
EDGEFIELD, S. c., MARCH 27, 1851.

the blood of your Leonora cries aloud t.
Heaven for vengeance !"
She then seized a knife, and, before
Emanuel could stay her hand, she plung
ed it into her own bosom. The soul o
the wife passed away while her lips breath
ed prayer for her beloved husband. A
long while did Emanuel stand gazing
with horror upon the form of her whom
he had so tenderly loved, till with sud
den start he turned his eyes toward.
Heaven, exclaiming slowly and with fear
full meaning" She shall be arenged" !"
Taking up the body in his arms, he laic
it upon couch, snatched one kiss from
the cold lips, and then sciziug a branc
from the fire, applied it to the tapestry
Hastily removing some choice articles, he
left the house. The flames communica
ted to the easements, and soon the whole
building was cnvelopcd in one sheet o
fire. Silently he gazcd from group O
trees upon the burning cottage. Hi;
proud head was not bent; there was nc
qaivcr on his lips, no tear in his eye, as he
saw the flames revel upon what he hcld
so dear but the stern brow and the fixed
gaze told of resolution that could only
be thwarted by the arm of death. AS the
pile with Il crash came to the ground, and
the noise Of gathering peasants fell upon
his ear, he turned away.
When the villainous gang left the house
of Emanuel, they repaired to their rcudez.
vous to keep up the night by an indul-
gence in their usual excesses. While
they were pouring forth their hilarious
shouts, the door OF the room opened, and
a man approached with firm, quick tread
to the table where they were sitting.
"Who are you that intrudes upon our
mirth I" shouted Velasquez, and with
something like fear he started back as he
recognized Emanuel and encountered his
soul piercing gaze.
You will know who am" replied
the latter, with Il stern calmness that made
the blood chill. Look upon these,
said he, presenting a bundle of red ham
died daggers ct there are seven-just one
for each Expect no warning. As you
struck the unsuspccting, so will strike
thus" he exclaimed with frantic yell,
at the same instant springing forward and
p!unging dagger into the bosom of one
Of the rioters. The rest sprang for their
arms, but with a bound Emanuel reached
the door, and was gone. They followed,
but no trace of him could be seen. They
returned to the dying man, whom they
found in the last struggles with DEATH
AS he lay upon the floor, with the red
handled dagger still in his breast, the six
men looked OH i'll silence, and perchance
thought of the doom that had been pro-
nounced against them.
"Come," said Vclasquez, the first to
break the stiffness, "why stand we here
Let US call help and put officers upon the
murderer's track
Three days had scarcely elapsed when
another Of the club was found dead upon
the banks OF stream near the village,
with Il red-handled dagger in his breast.
He had gone out to bathc, and while re.
turning was slain. 1t was not by rob,
Der, for his person was unriAed. The
remaining five knew well who committed
the deed. \ large reward was offered
for the apprehension of the assassin, but
nothing could be learned of him.
Two weeks passed away, and with
them somewhat the excitement occasion.
ed by the murders. Two of the club
were out riding one evening. A horse.
man passed them; but this was nothing
singular. Alta turn of the road they saw
the man coming towards them at full
speed, with his cap partly concealing his
face. AS he came opposite, quick as
lightning he rcined his horse, and with q
blow struch one Of the two to the grounc
the fatal daggcrrcmaining in his bosom
Thus fell Il third.
1t was now observed by the communi
ty that this assassin aimed his blows al
the gang of whom Nelasquez was tho
leader; and as Emanuel was known tc
have disappeared, no one knew why OF
where, it was inferred that he was avcng
ing some deep wrong received at thei
hands. they were known to be an un
scrupulous set of fellows, and many hat
cause to detest them for their deeds; there
fore people i'll general were not dispose,
to interfere. However, as the gang hat
rich friends, large rewards were Offered
for taking Emanuel De Castro dead o.
alive, and officers hunted day and night
Meanwhile, the four remaining ones
urged by their fears, left for their homes
thinking thus to escape the avcugcr. On'
of them was travelling in covered We
hiclc. At the foot of Il hill they stopped
and the two muleteers went to u spring
to get water for their mules. When the,
returned they were startled by hearin!
deep groaus, and, on looking inside, the,
found its occupant in the agonies of death
with red-handled dagger in his bosom
When the other three reached thei
homes, they heard of the death of thei
friend. Their alarm was increased. Twt
Of them proclaimed an offer Of larg'
sum of money if their prosecutor woul'
agree to suspend his vengeance, but nf
reply was ever made to them.
Six months passed away and the thre,