Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-03-14

Icame hell 10 MN. ne suHtieu Wv"
sand deaths. He had seen his comrades
one after another fall around HIM, with the
consciousness that the marvellous skill, and
implacable hate which had stricken them
would be much more surely directed a
gainst himself.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven
He had counted them all many times
They had all perished before his eyes, and,
as each one OF them had fallen, he would
ask himself the question, "ls it my turn
now!'
And surely his turn was drawing near
he could not deIude himself on this point.
He had vainly employed all the ferocity OF
his brutal and cunning wrath his satellites
were disappearing around him, and the dark
circle which enclosed him had become more
and more circumscribed until at last he re-
NAMED, almost alone, exposed 10 the fire OF
his Implying enemy. Even the spot where
the threatening ball was TO strike was clear
y indicated before hand by the seven dill
ferent examples. And the wretch hid his
eyes with his hands, and his whole body
trembled, feeling as if the ball had already
struck that delicate organ, Sd delicate that
even hair is sufficient to cause intense
pain in it.
This consciousness of an impending doom
was insupportable. In the space of few
weeks Hinch wasted away like sheltered
plant that has been suddenly exposed to the
heat of the sun, and that is soon withered
by his burning rays. His bloated face grew
pale and wrinkled. He became so nervous
that the noise Of dry leaf driven by the
wind against his window made him start,
and look round him with fright; for he con-
tnualIy expected the barrel of the fatal car
bine 10 be leveled at him through some crev-
ice of his log house.
There remained still two other men be-
sides him, Davis and Williams: but these
were much the youngest Of the band. They
sold their property, and one night left the
country. Hinch seized upon this idea of
escaping with mad sort of transport which
one in the midst of despair feels at the shi-
nlng of one ray of hope. Since they had
succeeded in escaping, why might not he ?
With the greatest secrecy he procured for
himself one of the best horses IN the coun-
ty, and one dark night set off for Red river.
The news Of his departure produced a
great sensation. However rude and prim-
tive may be the structure of society, there
always prevails beneath ITS surface an in
lnitive sentiment of justice which calls for
satisfaction. And all the people of the
county had vague feeling that in this case
that satisfaction was wanting. They had
acknowledged the course of justice and the
savage sublimity Of the chaslsement which
had been inflicted on these abominable
men: but for Hlnch to escape, vengeance
was incomplete, the chief of the guilty ones
was not punished.
After a desperate ride Hinch reached
Red river. He leaped down from his foam
ing horse, and the poor animal fell lifeless
at the feet of his rider He did not stop a
moment to give one look of pity to the no.
Die and faithful courser who had so bravely
carried him hither; but casting around q
lurtive glance, as thIei who expects to be-
pursued, he descended the slope that led tc
The river side, and threw himself on the
grass to wait for steamboat.
AT the expiration of two hours he hearc
Its painting as it came down the river, anc
the white whirs Of steam as they mingled
among the trees. How his heart palpita
ted Liberty; hope and life His blood
ran faster in his whitening veins. He made
sign to the boat, which slackened it:
speed. and sent out its yawl. His pulse
beat violently as he watched with absorbing
eagerness the vigorous rowing of the yaw
as it neared the bank.
At this moment he heard little crack
ling noise behind HIM He turned with {
tremour. Jack seas ihers' His long car
bine was leveled at him his cold look wa.
fixed for one moment upon his eyes-anc
then all was darkness TO Hinch The Regu
lator!
The men who witnessed this strange
scene, landed, and found Hinch was shot in
the eye, and saw the murderer retreating
with all haste across the plain.
Thus vengeance was consummated =
Thus did the hunter lave with blood the
marks Of the scourge which had dishonored
his dignity as free man. Now he could
look his wife in the face. and press her a
gain TO his heart. which he had not done, il
was told me, since the evening of his flag
ellaion.
Powerful elements sometimes slumber in
peaceable and gentle hearts.
There is to be found in untutored men a
feeling of justice, which, If it often carries
Its chastisement TO the uttermost limits OF
vengeance, it is no less implanted by Him
who has given us passions that they may
repose. like powder in The vaults of a cita.
del, until the match of occasion kindles