The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1853-04-02
CHAPTER II.

night, u point IhT SITUATION OF when,
it will be necessary for me to give a
short description of, which will do in
few words.
About mile and a half from the
place we first met, there is a "cross
roads," formed by the Point road and
the road leading to some fisheries on the
Bohemia, and which now conducts to
the fast growing little town, Port Her
man. At this. junction Of roads, we will
find at the time of our story, a small
board "shanty," whose shutters, with
their heavy oak bars told plainly enough
The object OF the "building," Or if that
was not palpabe enough to inform the
obtuse traveller, piece of implanted
board Oh the nearest tree was surlv
descriptive enough, for there stood in
beauty not gerry exact the words "JoNAs
NENDER's SToRE;" and though the shut
tiers be closed, we will peep in at the
crack in the door, and there behold our
future friend Jonas. He was a short
man, but his breadth ofshou lders and his
whole physical "build," plainly showed
he was fit fo- storekeeper in those
rough times and among those rough
people, his customers. These custom
ers being mostly negroes, Jonas was no,
at all slow in using a stout hickory club,
he kept near him for occasions of diff
Guilty.
We see him on this night, Nov. ODD,
leaning over the dirty counter, his head
resting an his left hand while in the right,
he held his yard-stick which he tapped
on the floor at regular intervals. 1t was
plain Jonas was in deep thought, and
these thoughts might be pleasant or I'M
pleasant, for all you could tell by his
countenance. This was early IN the
evening, 9 o'clock, and about the same
time the Fly-away anchored at the Point
JonaS's dog lay before him on the
hearth near the comfortable wood fire,
he was large wool-y fellow and Of dark
yellow color; was apparently 4 mixed
breed, part Newfoundland; his short ears
broad forehead, red looking eyes and
heavy chest Showed, that he would be
daring man who would willingly en-
counter the strong dog, "Romeo," at
Vendors Store. say Romeo, though
my author gave it as "Rome," which
fancy is contraction; though am not
satisfied as to whether Mr.. Nender ever
read or heard of the young gentleman
who visited Manuals Apo,hecary in
quest of "mortal drugs" or not.
Jonas had not long INDUCED his rev.
cries when hurried knock was made
on the store door. This was too unusual
a circumstance not to produce consider
able effect on Jonas nerves; so laying
the yardstick as quietly down as his
slight nervousness would permit, he
waited another summons, and it came
again, louder and quicker. Jonas hur-
ried to the door, but not to open it till
he knew who it was coming after: he
had "shet up" Being satisfied of his
security he admitted the visiter and that
too with a shake of the hand and an in
vitation to set down.
The conner was evidently excited and
had been walking very fast He took
the stool by the fire, not even noticing
that "Rome" looked up and gave sig
nfcant muttering growl. Hell was a
mulat ito; slight figured, and his even and
well formed features, dark bright eyes
and black hair made him appear quite
handsome, He beckoned Jonas to him
and whispered IN his ear for several min
utes. Jonas uttered an ejaculation;
at cant be, sure he asked.
EYES," replied the other.
"Now look here, Charly Stuart" said
Jonas, "you say this Is true and believe
you, but | tell you now, if what you
say isn't true, why lookout, that's all;
for by lingo Gan oath he used only
when excited,) | wont be fooled with,
and if old harlock, who you say is com
ing up the River, ever lays the weight
Of his little finger on Jonas Vender,
he'll pay dear for it, that's ALL then re-
taxing his excited manner the little
man asked IN a milder tone. ado they
meet tonight Charly !"
eyes SIR answered the other, "and
it is near time now, and to keep things
dark | must 60; how or at what hour
they will be here after your money if
you've got any, | don't know, as Dutch
Peter don't know nothing about it, only
two or three can leave and they will
think you wont know about it, and take
you by surprise; | know" he continued,
"it's hard to peach on comrades and
it's harder for me for I've been a sailor
and they stick to each other like wet
cakes to hot griddle, but Jonas, could
not hear 'em plot against mans life
and property and NOT try and save him;