Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-08-08
Eitfrarp Selections.
THE REBELS WIFE.
Z NICHOLAS MITCHELL.

AS wild. romantic, and desolate tract
as is to be t0und in the West of England,
is that extensive district in Devon, known
bythe name Of Dartmoor. The dreary
locality seems by nature to have been de-
signed Tor q desert Little of the ancient
forest remains; and the herbage, on which
feed sheen and black cattle, is coarse and
stunted a peculiar feature in many parts
is epresence OF immense blocks of gran
ite that lie in confusion around, worn
ssn00th and white, either by the rains
and winds Of amounted ages, or by the
action Of torrents that, in the days of the
Delnge, might have rolled them thit her
from the lofty bills which rise in rugged
nakedness towards the North.
Yet Dartnoor has been the theme of
poets and the little river from which it
derives its name, seem on a summers day
bnbbIing amid the rocks, and scattering
its silver dews over the wild flowers which
it has called into existence on its banks,
is not wifhout beauty; it whispers like
fairy spirit through the savage solitude
ay, it IS more lovely, from the effect of
contrast, that manysa prouder stream
gliding in rich and favored regions.
But our narrative compels US to view
Dartmoor not beneath the laughing sun
when the stream frolics for JOY, and the
wild heath breathes out its incense and
lures to its honied pink-bells the epicurean
bee we must transport our readers i'm
agination to the spot on a certain night,
when rain, and storm, and thunder, rem
dered It wilderness, inhospitable and
fearful, as every classic bard shadowed
forth in painting, in sombre hues, Glands
Of Cimmeuian glooms, and plains where
wander departed souls
The moon was in the Heavens, but her
beam was obscured by clouds. The storm
allnded to had not long commenced, but
its strength, like that Of a giant slowly
awakening from sleep, seemed momenta-
rily to incrsase. The sheep tosk shelter
among the wild fern, and the houseless
cattle, as the blue lightning skirmished
through the air, ran, believing with ter
ror. to the nearest tree. For miles around,
the light Of no cottage could be distin-
guished; and woe to the traveller who,
at that hour, happened to be belated there.
Yet enc there was. Along a narrow path.
which branehed from the main road, a
horseman was proceeding at rapid rate
the steed's nostrils were dilated, his name
was flying, and bis fanks were covered
with foam. The man was arrayed in the
military costume of the period; yet his
great jsck-boots and large spreading coat
could not hide the symmetry of his per-
son nor ceuld his broad, heavy, slouched
hat, garnished by single feather, conceal
the noble expression Of his features.
Ever and anon the horseman glanced
behind hims as if he were pursued by foes
The clafier Of hoofs was, indeed heard
and about q fllrlong in the rear, three mer
now made their appearance. They also
rode furiously but their horses did no
seem so jaded as the animal which carried
the frss-named individual.
A shout. borne upon the wind, called
upon the fugitive to. stop; but, instead 0
needing the summons, he urged the horsl
even to quicker pace. There was nov
neither hedge, stone, nor brush, to screel
the pursued from the pursuers and tn
latter, assisted 10 their aim by the light c
the moon which broke from behind tn
black masses Of rifted clouds, fired thei
pistols; the report was scarcely hear
amid the storm, and the whizzing bullet
/, proved ineffective. Onward the soldie
urged bis course, until, reaching gentl
. ascent he breathed his steed for momen
\ Suddenly he sprang around in his saddle
and, in his turn discharged his horse pi:
=. y tol At tie adFancing men. One of ther
y dropped and lay as dead upon the heath
y the remaining two regarded not the eli
y q cusnssanees bat pressed afterthe fyin
. man with reaoubled fury.
y y ltwas evident that all were good hors,
u men, for fhey we're able to load their fir,
>. > arms while preeeeding at that rapid rat
q Again and again reports were heard, an
% the steeds. snprting, and tossing the
- shaggy names, seemed TO participate
the wild excitement Of their riders
y And who was the soldier? We mu
~ answer the question by stating that
was one Of those who had espoused 4
" cause of the ill-fated Monmouth; belle
" ing the young duke TO be the legitima
son of Charles IL, and consequently h'
so he English throne, he had joined
n standard from patriotic and conscientio
- e. motives The doom of Monmouth, a
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