Volcano weekly ledger., 1856-09-27

able commotion upon the arrival Of stranger
and every one stared at Harton One in
particular, a rough, surly man, seemed struck
with his appearance. Before any questions
could be asked or explanations given, the
landlord announced supper, and each rushed
pell-mell to obtain seat. As it happened,
Harton was seated next to Ned Malay, or
"Bloody Ned" as he was called-the man
who had so particularly noticed him upon his
arrival. For some cause, Harton felt uneasy;
he could not account for it, yet he intuitively
took strange dislike to his neghbor, and
drew his chair as far off as possible, like one
who apprehends some hidden danger, and
would avoid the object The meal silently
progressed, and each, as they fni7hed, rose
and resumed their seats at the door Har-
ton, although he was hungry when he took
his seat and the dishes before him were
tempting to the appetite, could not eat. A
disagreeable sensation took entire possession
of him, and he reluctantly rose and joined the
Others. Ned remained some time at the ta-
BILE before he completed his meal and order
ing a cigar as he passed through the bar, he
took his seat, which had been reserved for
him. He gave a supercillious stare at Har-
ton, and taking the cigar from his mouth,
asked,
"What brought you to this part of the
country"
Business" coldly replied Harton.
Businessl ha, ha, ha! this is a pretty
place for businessl" and he chuckled over the
idea. "Why, there never has been but one
man here for that purpose, and he, poor fe-
low
What? whatw anxiously inquired Har-
ton
Why, died, Of course" laconcally re-
piled Ned; and looking cody around, with
a deadly smile, he added, but not of starva-
ton"
BY the by, Ned, exclaimed the landlord,
chow was that little affairY'
ooh, nothing only trife. He came
here on businessw he sneeringly answered as
he cast glance at Harton, "and I settled
his business for him. The fact is, the fellow
insulted me- he carelessly continued 'andyou
know the balance"
Harton appeared strangely agitated during
this short recital, and it was with low, his
sing sound, that he asked:
How had you been insulted"
"Oh, he refused to credit me- was coolly
replied.
Did he know yonY'
Everybody Knows me-
But did he know your persisted Harton.
! say stranger said Ned. turning full up
on bis interrogation, down in these parts we
never answer those kind of questions"
But | must have an answer retorted
Harton passionately.
Must sueeringly replied Ned.
{" Yes must and will
! {" Ha, ha, ha-must-and will-ha, ha,
hal"
Do you mock me-" said the young man,
/ thoroughly aroused; ''then know that ], a bro
ther, have come to avenge your vctim's DEATH"
Young as he was, his appearance was strl-
/ king to witness. The pale, intellectual face
had grown pallid from intense excitement;
his trembling lips were firmly compressed with
rage, and every feature expressed his cold
calm, desperate resolve. He stood the per-
soniiicaton of revenge. Ned was awed, and
/ nvoluntarily arose from his seat.
"Yon-you his brother, and so young"
he exclaimed; "what would you have 7"
"You death y and as he spoke he hastily
drew dagger and sprang upon him-'this
is my atonement,'
The assault was unexpected, but the des-
perado was prepared, from habit, for all
species of attacks He wrenched the wea-
pom from the hand Of the daring youth, and
cast it across the road, and, with a slight eff
fort, threw him at his feet.
so you will try that game, will your and
he gave him a severe kick in the face, with
the heel of his boot i have mind to break
every bone in your treacherous body
The landlord and his guests interceded at
this moment, and prevented him from putting
his threat into execution, Harton was lifted
from the ground, almost senseless; but, as he
was borne to his room he cast defiant look
at his opponent. Ned quietly took his seat
and in a few moments was as calm as if moth
ing had occurred.
He shall not escape me- moaned Harton
as he was laid upon couch che murdered
| Edward without cause or provocation, and
what law and justice cannot accomplish,
wil'
His calm, determined voice, flashing eye
and frmness Of purpose, was noticed by all
those around who seemed to sympathize
with him.
"What do you expect to dor compassion
ately asked the landlord; Bloody Ned is the
terror of the neighborhood'
"There's God" replied Harton, in a
touching, almost inspiring voice. which struck
deep into the hearts OF his hearers, who
strengthens the weak, and upon him | place
my trust and reliance
One or two slowly left the room; those
words, uttered as they were, had touched a
chord within their breasts which had NOT vi