The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-06-30
THE MURDERER MURDERED.

Five-and-twenty years ago, as was re.
turning home from 81. Cere, | was overta-
ken by storm. Twas on horseback; and
my horse, alarmed at the hail and lightning,
became restve. and refusing to 90 step
in advance, dis,nountcd, and taking the
reins, attempted to urge him forward, when
fortunately | perceived lights ahead.
proceeded towards them. and at length
reached miserable hove. Upon raising
the latch ! discovered man and woman
covering over Il wretched fire and employ
ed in weaving baskets.
"Good evening TO you, my friends"
said, in the dialect of the country; "but
sorry weather this"
The worthy denizens OF the hut cast on
; nae looks anything but gracious; however,
that caused me but small concern. ask.
cd them to make me little room by their
fire. assuring them that was able to meet
any expense might incur, and | proceed
cd to throw a heap of fragments on the
embers without the slightest ceremony.
..Do you take us for innkeepers?" in.
quired the female, in shrIl angry tone.
| took out my purse and gave her frank
piece. The sight Of the coin Modified her
at once. "Ah" said the old witch, IL see
you are good gentleman. and a kind"
and she resumed her task The storm.
however. ragged with unabated Violence
The gale threatened to carry away the
hovel, and my horse stood neighing and
paving the ground under the shed where
had fastened him. 1t was idle to think of
venturing forth, yet could scarcely reck-
on upon finding sleeping apartment in
that miserable abode.
"Well, sir" said the woman. 'it would
be sad thing to go beyond doors on such
a night as this. We are but poor folks.
and have no bed TO offer you worthy such
fine gentlemanS but if you don't mind
going up there, (ponting to ladder and
kind Of garret,) at any rate you'll be able
to keep yourself dry"
Somehow the woman's looks did not
please me at all However. there was no
help for it; besides, was fresh from the
army, and no milksop; so climbed up
accordingly, and gained my loft forthwith
l then stretched my cloak on the worm
eaten boards that composed the floor. and
in spite Of storm and wind. was soon
sound asleep. Strange enough, but I had
scarcely fallen asleep ere must needs
take It into my head to set about dreaming.
imagined myself snugly seated in this
very chimney corner, with the girl Of my
heart by my side. when. on sudden, !
perceived surging high above her head a
face most grizzly to behold. It was the
same that graced my gentle hostess Of the
howell She had hatchet in her hand.
and made as though to strike me. Istrove
10 raise and fight, but in vain; my limbs
refusing their office. On my examining
them closely. discovered that they were
severed at the joints. The change thus
suddenly wrought in them had the effect
Of arousing me from my slumbers, and
dispelling the fearful vision. AT any rate,
wake up did. and found myself in the
garret. with my head on my cloak.
bent my head to listen if | could hear
aught; but, save the bowling Of the storm,
all was silent. Somehow or other could
not rid myself Of the painful impression
occasiohed by the dream. 1t struck me
10 indulge in peep through one of the
4 many chinks in the rotten. worm. eaten
floor: and accordingly ] proceeded to
take an observation Of how matters might
be passing below. The man and his wife
were still bending over the fire, but they
had discontinued their work, and were
conyersing in whispers
s.I tell you there Is more coin in that
purse than you could earn in the rest Of
your life time" said the female.
"Weil, what then?" said the man.
.What thenI Why, take it, to be sure!