Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-06-09

THOSE OLD LUNES.-OR WHICH Is
THE MADMANl


and, ushered by the father, the stranger made
his appearance. His air was rather dfstingue. -
His person was well made, tall and symmetri-
cal. His face martial and expressive. His
complexion was of rich dark brown; his eve
was grey, large and restesss-his hair thin, and
dishevelled. His carriage was very erect; his
coat, which was rather Seedy, was close button
ed to his chin. His movements were quick and
impetuous, and seemed to obey the slightest
sound whether of his own, or of the voices of
others. He approached the company with the
manner of an old acquaintance certainly,
with that of man who had always been CONVEX
SAINT with the best society. His ease was unob-
trusve,-a polite Difference invariably dstin-
gushing bis department whenever he had occasion
to address the ladies'. Still, he spoke as one hay.
ing authority. There was lOrdly something in
his tones,--an emphatic assurance in his gesture.
that seemed to settle every question; and af-
ter little while, found that, hereafter. if
played on any fiddle at all, in that presence, it
was certainly not to be the first. Emmeline and
Susannah had ears for me no longer. There was
something of impatience in the manner of the
former whenever spoke, as if had only inter
rupted much pleasanter sounds, and, even Su-
sonnah, the meek Susannah, put down her Cole
ridge upon stool, and seemed all attention only
for the imposing stranger.
The effect upon the old man was scarcely less
agreeable. Col. Nelson-so was the stranger
called-had come to see about the purchase of
his upper mill-house tract-a body of land con-
tanning some four thousand acres, the sale of
which was absolutely necessary to relieve him
from certain membranes. From the converse
ton which he had already had with this visitor.
it appeared that the preliminaries would be of
easy adjustment, and Squire Owens was in the
best of all possible humors. 1t was nothing but
Col. Nelson-Col. Nelson. The girls did not
seem to need this influence, though they evident
ly perceived it: and, in the course of the first
half hour after his introduction, felt myself "a.
pidly becoming de trop. The stranger spoke in
passionate bursts first in low tones,-wth
hating, hesitating manner, then, as if the idea
were fairly graSped, he dilated into torrent of
utterance, his voice rising with his thoughts until
he started from his chair and confronted the lis.
tener. cannot deny that there was richness in
his language, warmth and color in his thought,
which fascinated while it startled me- It was
only when he had fairly ended that one began to
ask what had been the provocation to so much
warmth, and whether the thought to which we
had listened was legitimately the growth of pre-
vious suggestions. But was in no mood to lis.
ten to the stranger, or to analyze what he said. I
found my situation quite too mortifying-a NOR
LITIGATION which was not lessened, when percev-
ed that neither of the two damsels said word
against my proposed departure. Had they shown
but the slightest solicitude, might have been re-
conciled to my temporary observation. But no
they suffered me to rise and declare my purpose,
and made no sign. A cold courtesy from
them, and stately and polite bow from Col
onel Nelson, acknowledged my parting sau-
tation. and Squire Owens attended me to the
threshold, and fingered with me till my horse was
got in readiness. AS dashed through the gate
way, could hear the rich voice of Emme-
line swelling exultingly with the tones of her
piano, and my fancy presented me with the images
OF Col. Nelson, hanging over her on one hand,
while the meek Susannah on the other was cast
ing those oblique glances upon him which had so
frequently been addressed to me. 'sAh pes
tilent jades," | exclaimed in the bitterness
of boyish heart; ''this then is the love of wo-
man."
Chewing such bitter cud as this, had proba-
bly, ridden good mile, when suddenly heard
the stound of human voices, and looking up, dis
covered three men, mounted, just in front of me.
They had hauled up, and were seemingly await
ing my approach. A buzzing conversation was
going on among them. ssThats he !" said one--
'Sure?" was the question of another. A whis-
tie at my very side caused me to turn my head,
and as did SO, my horse was caught by the bri-
die, and received severe club above my ears,
which brought me down, almost unconscious,
upon the ground. In an instant, two stout fell
lows were upon me, and busy in the praisewor-
thy toll OF roping me, hands and feet, where
lay. Hurt, stung, and utterly COMPOUNDED by
the surprise, was not prepared to suffer this in-
dignity with patience. I made manful struggle,
and for a moment succeeded in shaking off both
assallants. But another blow, taking effect upon
my temples, and dealt with no moderate ap-
pliance of hickory left me insensible. When I
consciousness, I found myself in
cart, my hands tied behind me, my head ban.
daged with red cotton handkerchief, and nv
breast and arms covered with blood. stout fellow
rode beside me in the cart, while another drove,
and on each side of the vehicle trotted q man,
v ell armed with double barrelled gun.
What does all this mean, | demanded. "Whv
am here? Why this assault? What do you
mean to do with me z"
''Don't be obstropolous," said one of the men,
We don't mean to hurt you; only put you safe
We had to tap you on the head little, for your |
own good"
''Indeed! % exclaimed, the feel ng of that un.
happy tapping upon the head, making me only
The sorer at every moment -sbut will you tell
NE what this is for, and in what respect did NV
good require that my head should be broken 90
cit might have been worse for you, where you
was unbeknown," replied the spokesman, -"but
We knowd your situation, and sarvel you off ca
silly. Be quiet now, and--''
:. "What do you mean-what is my situa-
ton 2"
:'Well, reckon we know. Only you be quiet,
Or we'll have to give you the skim"
And he held aloft huge wagon whip as he
spoke. had sufficient proof already of the I'M
with which my companions acted,
not to be very chary of giving them farther provo
cation, and, in silent misgiving, turned my head
to the opposite side of the vehicle. The first
glance in this quarter revealed to me the true
history of my disaster, and furnished an ample
solution of the whole mystery. Who should I
behold but the very fellow whom had chased
into town the day before. The truth was now ap-
parent | had been captured as the stray bed
lamite from Hamilton jail 1t was because of
this that had been "tapped on the head-cnly
or my own good" AS the conjecture flashed upon
me, could not avoid laughter particularly as