Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1854-03-23
OTTUMWA, IOWA, THURSDAY, MARCH %, 1854.

such words as came naturally from a
tender and gentle Mart, led them away
into the house. Lucy listened with a
faith which, perhaps, she would have
given 10 no other voice; and, when she
wiped away her tears, and expressed
bot, by word and look the confidence
she felt, the gallant young Virginians
heart was touched, and he was more
than ever resolved to justify her reliance.
IL must leave you now" he said, re-
suming the hand which he had for mo-
men: relinquished, and "ride with your
brother to Lowden's. Do not lie, your
fears overcome you, for. in three hours
from this time shall bring hin back
safe and sound
AS he spoke, he drew the sof-eyed
beauty closer, and imprinted a kiss upon
her forelie ad--a liberty which the moth
er was TOO much distressed TO notice,
and the daughter to grateful too resist
Perhaps his conscience rebuked him for
his apparen, inideli.y to Nellie, for, with
ou, awaiting further converse, he hurried
out, ana was soon galloping along the
road in pursuit of the noisy cavalcade.
He soon came up with the rearmosl
of the company, and found that Thorn.
ton had been placed on horseback, be-
hind one Of the men, and was carefully
guarded. He had now no doubt that
they would proceed quietly TO Lowden's;
ard, in ,ha, event, he had good hope Of
serving the prisoner effeciually. But
the thought had scarcely taken shape in
his mind. when Bolton rode hastily
back to the men with whom he was RI.
ding, and drew them aside. A shor,
consultation epsued, the temporary cap
tain galloped away and the lex, minute
sudden halt Of the whole com pany
was called. Two or three Immediately
sprang from their horses. and lifted
Thornton to the ground. still securely
bound and closely watched. To his de
mand of the meaning of this proceeding,
he received, in reply. but the ominous
words ... .....
"You shall soon see." .-.
Tilford rode hastily up, and, in per-
emptory tone. demanded tha, they should
proceed TO Lowden's, and there give the
prisoner the benefit of trial.
Now look here. sir, said Bolton,
advancing, and speaking in harsh, de-
termined voice, "you have already inter.
fered with our duties once. and / give
you fair notice, that il you do i, again,
YOU shall taste little of our law"
Tilford disdained to reply. Stepping
suddenly behind Thornton, with one
motion Of his knife, he severed the pris.
oner's bonds.
"Now defend YOURSELF" he exclaimed,
placing The knife in Thornton's hand
.lll shoot the first man dead that ap-
proaches you!"
But the Regulators were not men to
be foiled in this way. Before Thornton
could fully comprehend that he was free
he was again prisoner-Tilford's arms
were seized from behind him. his gun
snatched from his grasp, and himself
left, bound hand and foot, TO the bitter
reflection that his rash effort had only
put j. ou, Of his power to do Thornton
the least service.
"Yoa have me oyerpowered now," he
said 10 his captors, in voice hoarse
with passion, "bul bv heaven! you shall
answer for it hereafter! And the man
tha. lays his hand upon Thornton shall
die like dog!"
The Regulators paid no attention to
his rage, bu. proceeded to the business
in hand. The poin, selected for the
halt, was point Of heavy timber, ,hro
which the road passed; and the under
brush and fallen limbs enabled them soon
to kindie a large, bright fire. This
done; Bolton seated himself upon log
the prisoner was brought up, and the
company closed in circle roand theil
leader.
"Where's the d--d peddler!s demand,
ed the latter.
Each one glanced around the circle
Ketchum was not there, and there WA.
no evidence. But the difficulty was ca
silly obviated.
"Tie him up and lynch him till hs
confesses,' some one suggested.
"Gentlemer," said Thornton calmly
speaking now for the first time, Il viii
confess no false charge if you shoulc
burn me in that fire! And | give yo,
warning now. that the man who touches
me in that manner will ki!iv'
A laugh of derision passed around tn.
group--.o defy such mea was only Il
invite outrage. In thirty seconds he wal
stripped 10 the waist, his arms wer,
drawn forcibly around tree, and hi
naked back was presented to the torture
The victim awaited the blows in silence
CHAPTER