The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1857-04-22
: WOODSFIEID, MONROE COUNTY, OHIO, APRIL %, 1857

Her dark eyes flashed lightning as she
surveyed the insolent fop in coutemptuous
silence, and at the moment every Specta-
tor could perceive that she was transcen-
dainty beautiful.
q suppose" continued the rcd headed
monster, "that you must be Il professional
singer, or Il stroling artist of some sort,
and therefore thought to raise collec-
ton for your benefit as that kind of crea-
lures will do anything for money!" And
he burst into derisive laugh, in which his
female friends joined.
The lips of the girl turned mortally
pale and trembling with agitation. A
crimson light shot from the burning black
eyes as she exclaimed, in tones Of concen-
trated shame and bitterness
"Is it the fashion on this boat to insult
ladies who chance to travel without pro-
lection? 1 had fancied that no gentleman
would either offer or permit such imperti
nence."
al intended no offence" the red haired
ruffian began to apologize; but at the same
instant finger tapped his shoulder, and
a strange voice Kissed in his ear" Let
me see you on the hurricane deck!"
He turned and met the piercing grey
eyes of Captain Thomas, ard bowed a
naughty and defiant acquiescence. AS
the two left the cabin, several bystanders
whispered the stranger-"For your life
have no difficulty with that man! 1t is
George Rayburn, of Arkansas--the most
fearful duelist in the world" -..
In a few moments the parties gained
the hurricane deck, while all the male pas
sengers followed eagerly to witness the
expected stormy scene. The ruifian Ray
burn walked up till his face nearly touch
ed that of his unknown Zoe, and uttering
an approbrious epithet, demanded, with a
smile of murderous. meaning-"Fool aud
scoundrel! what have you to say?"
"Nothing,n replied Thomas, and cool
ly knocked the other down.
Ravbnrn rose with cry awful as the
yell of some wild beast, and attempted to
shoot his pistol. But the enemy proved
TOO quick for him, snatchcd the weapon
from his hand hurled II into he river, and
again measured his length Oh the floor.
With blood running in streams from
his nose the bully sprang rashiy to his
feet, and yociferated in accents nearly in
articulate with foaming rage Sir, you
shall give me mortal satisfaction for this
Il propose 10 do nothing less" was
he tranquil answer.
Here now--this very Innute!" roar,
ed Ray5urn, grinding his teeth and foam
ing AT the mouth.
Wherever and whenever You like
responded Thomas, in the same careless
manner.
mot sofast, gentlemen" remarked th'
commander of the steamer. with steri
countenance; "I will permit no hostile
interviews on my vessel, and so you mus
wait till we stop to wood"
"I am in no harry" said Capt. Thoma
with smile; and the duelist himself wa
forced to yield
When the supposed Texan returned t.
the cabin, his eyes Immediately sought th
unintentional cause of his quarrel. Sh
was seated near the door of the drawin
room, white, quivering with apparent feal
while the light of her dark orbs locke
dim with tears. AS soon as he approach
ed, she beckoned him to chair beside he
and addressed him in imploring accents
"Stanger, l am not ungrateful for you
bravery and kindness in the defence of
friendless girl, but entreat you not
throw away your life in combat wit
that dreadful man. | have heard of hiI
: often, and know that his aim is death"
'The challenge has been passed an
accepted, and of course, | cannot no
decline my proposal without eternal di
grace" was his proud answer.
"Oh F! accursed code Of the duelist
} she exclaimed, with startling emphasi
.'what internal facination lives in tn
| bloody laws--a charm of hell that L
, heroism has power to resist Well have
, right to hate thee"
, -7" Have you personally suffered from
particular occurrence of the kind in yot
r family?" inquired Thomas kindly.
: S"Oh! God how much !" she mu
:. INJURED, through her tears. My father ft
ON the fatal field; and last year, my on
brother had bosom friend. They diffe
E ed on the race track about some trige, tt
i lie passed between them, both were hie
2 spirited, they fou ght on the spot, forga'
. each other when too late, and died in eat
< others arms"
Il A''What was your brothers name" ask,
A the young man, with pale lips, in a trem
lous and searching voice, almost suffocat'
n by unutterable emotions.
i Eugene Girarlin."
"'And you are his sister Emily-on
n the child that l played with so fondly
: the bright days of my boyhood, before
), wandered from my frends!" he said, sci
ing her fairy fingers with a convulsi
S clasp.
d She gazed at his face with bewider
look, and gasped, "Can it be possible
$ Yes, you must indeed be Morton Thorn
b the brother of my brothers murder
I r.