The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1859-11-09
CHAPTER XII.

The war now in all its blackness, heav-
ed its waves of death toward the north,
and all being idle in Carolina, James
Douglas and the Mays determined to re-
turn home, and recruit their wasted
strength in the quietness of private life.
James having heard of his father turning
to be Whig and knowing his hospita-
BILE disposition toward friends, felt no fear
in pressing the Captain to accompany him
home The Captain in the true spirit of
q soldier, accepted the invitation, and they
set out with light hearts. Being we'll
acquainted with the country, and all the
roads and by-paths in it, they found no
difficulty in escaping all the dangers of
the way, and arriving at home in safety.
At their call at the gate, Sam, laugh
ing jolly Sam, in all his glory made his
appearance, and when he saw the face of
his young master he could not contain
himself, he was so delighted. They threw
him the reins. and walked up the way to-
ward the house, leaving Sam standing in
mute wonder looking at the Captain, in
whom he recognized the soldier who stop
ped his progress toward the residence Of
his Dina. .v 8ar,
James, impatient steps soon brought
hin to the entrance, where he met his de-
] lighted mother and sister, and no less de-
lighted father, who had forgotten his ami
mostly toward his son, in the bliss of his
new found whiggery, which afforded hin
one consolation-that was cursing tht
British. o Charles May was now brough
forward, and introduced as son of thei
old neighbors May and a fellow soldier
There was sincerity in Douglas, when h
clasped the Captain by the hand, and BIZ
him welcome. e.-
Charles, yes the veritable Charles, Cap
tain May who had walked up to many
!, danger without feeling fear or flinching
J, felt his heart come up into his throat
, when he clasped the proffered hand Q
, Helen Douglas. After spending o fe,
days it was agreed that they should g.
J and see to the plantation where Mary was
When they came to the plantation, the
/ saw everything in confusion, all running
} around with grief depicted on their coun
|, tenances. James, in apprehension, thre'
, himself from bis horse, and ran to grou
: of neighbors standing in the yard, and j
! tone of concern, enquired what the mat
: ter was. Mary May was gonel no on
: knew whittier. James was almost pal
. alyzed.
{ Every nook and corner, for miles aroun
| was searched faithfully, useless labor: sh
was gone and on the air was heard th
: shrek, of the bereft mother when b.
b worst fears were confirmed. Her onl
I daughter was gone, where! it might q
? ways be q conjecture.
James awoke the next morning with
high fever raging. and their worst fea1
8 realized--he was raving maniac. Met
t ical aid was soon obtained, but the ol
Q gray haired physician, who perhaps ha
: seen eighty years, when he looked at hi
!, shook his head in such manner th'
], none could doubt its meaning.
y Charles himself. grief-stricken, as soc
. as possible mounted his horse and star
ed with heavy heart, to impart the So
tidings to James parents and sister.
With o delicacy that surprised himse
o Charles impaired to his friends the dres
8 reality, and they nearly overcome vii