The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1858-04-16

tered the old man and two young ones,
whose perseverance in tracking him he had
before observed during the day.
"So!" exclaimed the old man, 1--WE have
met at last The Lord hath given thee to
me-"
The Earl recognized in the speaker his old
enemy, Martin; and aware of his determined
character, prepared for his defense Time,
which had spared the strength of Martin, had
unnerved the arm Of his antagonist. Tie was
no longer the light, active soldier who once
brought him to his feet. few blows decid.
ed the contest; the sword of the Earl broke
short, he was unhorsed and stood unarmed
at his mercy.
advance, boys!" cried the old man, "and
strike"
They hesitated.
"Do you pause? Edward, Reuben-for
this YOU have been reared-wi.l you spare the
murderer of your father"
awe can not"-exclaimed the Young men
at once-we cannot become assassins Give
him weapon, and sngly we will attack him;
otherwise he is s6atheess for u.s."
"RebeIIious foosl" shreked the old man,
passionately; aha! the bloodhounds are upon
us Nay, then, must try my own arm
Proud man-thy hour is come; one prayer for
mercy is allowed thee I"
"Save!" answered the Earl, misconceiving
him; Il offer no supplcation to such us thee!
| am prepared"
The Puritan grasped his weapon, and pass.
ed it twice through the body of his enemy,
who fell bravely without one sigh. No sooner
was the deed accomplished, than the Royal
lists, headed by William, reached the spot
alarm them notl" he exclaimed to the ex-
asperated soldiers. "1'ake them alive--ht
example shall be made !"
The men disarmed their prisoners, and,
raising the body of their late commander,
proceeded with solemn steps once more to-
ward the castle of Dumbarton.
Notwithstanding the evidence of wound
ed officer who had Witnessed the fate of the
Earl, the Young men, though innocent of any
participation in his crime, were condemned
to die with Martin. The guard were already
drawn up in the castle yard, waiting for their
commander to give the signal from the win
dow, when woman, deeply veied, rushed
into the apartment.
"What would you ?' exclaimed the new
Earl of Clayton.
"Mercy!" replied the female, sinking upon
her knees; "mercy for the wrciched youths
who wait but your word to meet their Ma
kerr"
SIT cannot be-" replied the Earl Exam.
Pile is necessary; and have suffered too Sc
verely from their malice 10 feel disposed TO
Mercy"
"They must be saved or your soul and
II, A.,
not press II sleepless pillow, as you would
wish to die in peace, postpone the execution
of those youths"
"Woman, it may not be. The men wait
but nv signal"
Give it, proud man." exclaimed the female,
shut learn that the volley which consigrs my
humble nephew to the grave, carries with it
the fate Of"
"l'll hear no more" cried the Earl, impa-
iientlys rising ind wniving his handkerchief
"My brother is avenged"
"And mnem exclaimed the woman, franti
cally, rs the report echoed through the cas-
tie.
"Willam, what have you done 7"
"f1a! my name! who art thou?"
She slowly raised her veil.
"lieavens! Grace Maston Those youths?"
"One WINS my murdered Edwards boy; the
other"
"Speak!" exclaimed the stricken Earl. al
It's as suspect one look--one word will
kill me p
"NNas the last heir of the race of Cayton!'
replied Grace.
The bereavod father--bereaved by his own
act-heard no more; but fell, broken.hearted,
at the feet of the Puritan sister