The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-05-19
W0ODSFIELD, OHIO, WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 1852

out door laborer, had evidently heard the
sounds and was coming to learn their ori.
, gin. Perceiving that this must frightsn
the robber, the Colonel was revolving in
his mind what he should do to effect his
object, when the hand that had moved the
curtain became visible. 1t was cropping
along the window frame for the spring.
Rapid as the lightning, yet noiselessly
and unseen, the old broadsword swep,
over the ,Colonel's head. and struck deep
into the woodwork of the window. There
was stiffled cry--a heavy fall-and the
curtain swept back to its place. 1
Rushing to the window, the Colonel
threw it open, and looked out. He could
see nothing. however, owing to the dark
ness-and shutting it again, he fastened
to procure light. e 'g.'
| As he burst into the hall, laborer by
the name of Jones, who slept in the house,
appeared at the foot of the stairs. T.
"Good God! Colonel, is that you2''
cried Jones, who appeared agitated with
terror. "What is the matter?" sa'-
"Give me light" said Col. H.
He extended his hand As the light
shone upon it, Jones, who must have been
frightened terribly, saw that it was cover
ed with blood. Starting back he drop.
ped the lamp, which was broken TO pieces
on the floor. .".
The Colonel cursed his weak nerves, l.,
and hastened up stairs for the lamp in his
chamber. Mrs. H. hearing the strange
sounds, and alarmed by the protracted ab-
sence Of her husband, had already risen
and struck a light. As he took it from
her hand. she saw the blood on his arm,
and uttered a cry of horror.
at is nothing" said the Colonel. "A
robber was climbing in at the window and
have scratched him." t
He entered the study, followed by Jones,
who shuddered at the scene which met his
eyes. There was blood on the curtain,
and on the Colonel's chair, which stood
near it, and on the wall Across the desk,
where the Colonel had placed it, lay the
broad sword, stained with blood. :
| Something on the carpet under the win
dow, attracted the eye Of Jones. He
stopped to pick it up, but started back
with a suppressed cry. 1t was human
hand! ?. ar ,fi.. s,-,.. -r. s....4
The Colonel picked it up, and held it
by its lifeless fingers. 1t was still warm.
and dripping with blood. 1T had been cut
off just at the wrist .a.r..5 -. q ssat
Suddenly, the Colonel turned PALE
Wrapping the member in his handkerchief.
he seized the light, and rushing up stairs,
exclaimed, . ..s-.... .t....l .s. ;..,
"For Heavens sake" he cried with
strange agitation, "tell me if you know
this! 1t is no time to stand upon cere-
mony. Look' yar.-a ..g .r.rur.
And totally regardless of the effect the
horrid sight might have on his wife, the
Colonel, in his agitation, threw aside the
folds of his handkerchief, and revealed
the hand. ..a .se... b a,a,s -.. i. :.
Mrs. II. started back with horror! But
in an instant, turning deadly pale, she
bent eagerly forward, gazed a moment at
the hand, and, with shrek, fell lifeless
on the floor. "A -t. es <..3. . b
The Colonel rushed out, and met Jones
on the stairs. r. t.,, 90 ... .-a
"Ralse no alarm" he said in husky
tone. $50 and saddle my horse, and
bring him to the door, Quick!", 81. d..
As soon as Jones had disappeared, the
Colonel went out to see if he could dis
cover any trace Of the robber. There
was nothing left but blood, which had
gushed out in the grass like rain. The
robber was gone. v.r
Mounting his horse. and again telling
Jones to alarm no one, the Colonel rode
to the Hotel ys. as1t- .... 34'- WI
And laundering at the door, some min
utes, he succeeded in bringing waiter
who admitted him, staring in stupid WON
der, to see young Morgan's father arrive
at such time, and with so ghastly face
''Is Morgan fl. within!" demanded the
Colonel. i.u, tH#fa tsa.
81 think he is. | saw him here in the
evening"" was the reply. "Shall | 60 up
and seel" .a't .eu ts b
"Show me his room," said the Colonel,
striding into the hall. 1 % U.a.a
The waiter preceded him up stairs.
Hearing suppressed groan he looked
around. The Colonels hand was pressed
upon his brow, and his eye fixed upon the
dark spot on the floor. 5a aaim
".What is that?" asked the waiter.
"Go onl" muttered the Colonel, in so
savage and husky voice, that it had the
same effect as sharp bayonet, in send
ing the waiter forward. sfaa' tEsaH.
They reached the door of Morgan's
room. The Colonel wrung the door with
his iron hand, but the latch did not yield.
Then with his fist he Numbered on the
panel. B v .iv u8 r .sts'.. }ea
No sound came from within. raa
"He is not in" suggested the waiter.
With rapid movement, the Colonel
held the lamp to the key-hole. The point