The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-03-30
RAvENNA, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 80. 1858.

aud strength. And yet, after all, he muttered
suddenly checking himself he thought of Nizon's
suspicious and hyena- cunning crossed his MIND
this may be the night Of all others when he m "
watch the closest
He paused moment in thought, and then has
lily gathered up pile of straw and distributed il
on his rough couch in the form of human body
finishing with an admirably shaped head Of refuse
cotton, dyed black with moistened SCOT from the
chimney. Over this coucllant figure he threw the
blanket which served him for covering. and then
taking up his bundle, stepped to the door to listen
No sound save the rushing and waiiing of the tenn
pest came to his quckensd ears. He turned TO-
ward the bed and waited for fash Of lightning
reveal the success of his stratagem 1t came and
| the aptness of the likeness called grim smile to
his rigid features.
Goodnight my worthy representative said
he stepping out into the driving binding storm.
: they may beat you in the morning to their sstis-
faction But have felt their blows for the last
placed in his bosom. s'Ts my last throw and
may lose it, but this is lberator that fails,
and again he felt the keen sharpened edge with a
thrill of triumph at the fate now in his own hands.
AT that instant dog growled near him, he paused
moment then pursued his way with more
caution. and the sound was not repeated.
He walked rapidly toward The river which at
this time was low; and being good swimmer. he
found no difficulty in gaining the opposite shore.
This however was merely a to baffie the
dogs, for after wading in the shallow water on that
side, little distance, and then walking close to
the edge of the bank for considerable time in the
same direction, he recrossed the river, only mile
or two from the mansion.
Some weeks before he had discovered by acci-
dent, on returning from an errand across the river
under clump of thick overhangng bushes, a sort
of cave OF hole in the bank, caused by the under
mining action of the water, which was yet pre-
vented from washing away the bank By its peculiar
formation at that place, and by the network of
roots which surrounded it. 1t was then partially
filed with water, but the thought struck him that
IN the dry season, 1t must prove safe and undis-
turbed retreat. The curve of the bank prevented
its being seen on the same side, while the form of
the cave and the dropping of the long-leaved trees
effectually barred observation from the opposite
shore.
To this place our refugee directed his steps,
and cautiously throwing himself over the bank and
holding ON by the bushes reconnoitered the en-
trance with his feet Ascertaining that it was dry
and unobstructed, and large enough to admit him
in sitting position, he lowered himself carefully
down by the bushes and crept in behind them.
1t proved as he expected, most effectual
orr,lo
no person on the place, white or black, was aware
of its existence. There were many similar clus-
ters of small trees and bushes scattered on the
margin OF the rIver but none except that conceal
ed a chamber in the earth.'
1t was his plan to remain here, creeping out Mt
night for sustenance provided his slender stock of
food should fail; until the search was over. when
he knew it would be easy to make his final depar-
ture unmoested. Leaving him cold, wet and
weary, yet filled with boundless exultation at his
newborn consciousness of freedom, to dispose
himself to rest on the hard damp earth and ma
ture his bold plans for the future we return to our
old friend the overseer.
That worthy parsonage, iuding it impossible to
sleep for the storm, arose an hour after miduisbt
and opened the door of his lodging house, which
was comfortable frame building not far from the
negro quarter, to take survey of the heavens
Whether the awful grandeur of the sublime pano-
rama. which the lightning revealed proved op-
pressive to his somewhat sluggish perceptions, we
know not, but it is certain that he was closing the
door with creeping shiver among the roots of his
hair. when the distant growl of dog sounded
family in his ear, awakening in an instant all his
o1a, for Nals
quered fear, and taking a lantern, which however
was soon extinguished, this prudent and praise
worthy official with most commendable care for
his masters interests All those of the great Re-
public, took his way with much stumbling and not
few oaths towards Ned's domicil.
Nixon was monster of strength, and TO credit
own assertions, very Hercules for vaor and
courage; nevertheless it must be confessed that
these useful qualities seemed at this hour lament
frming he feared neither God, man. nor evil
spirit, it is doubtful whether man who had actual
ly seen ghost could have shown more trepda-
ton than Nixon, the lightning's occasional
glare transformed commonest objects into grotes-
que and CHASTITY images. With knees shifting to-
gether and casting shy backward glances. he at
last reached Ned's door. This he pushed precip-
iately open. determined if Ned was there, of
which he had little doubt after his experience OF
the tempest, to give him good tLrashing fer
causing him to get up such night.
He walked straight to the bed, which
vealed by lurid geam of lightning. Asleep!
by all that's internal! How in the name OF Satan
can you sleep in such racket as this. Get up
tell you and dance awhile to the music
lie lifted his stick intending to give the sum-
berer warming of his presence by a gentle tap
the head when 10 gust of wind swept through
the open door, aud crashing found the room, like
demon conjured by the late imprecaiion, lifted
the supposed head from its resting place, and de-
posted it gently ana noiselessly in little pool of
water which had collected on the earth in one
corner of the hut, while at the same instant n