Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1860-03-23
AR NOS REV e NG E
OR
THE SELF-SACRIFICE.
BIZ @. A. woLFERs.


CHAPTER l.
On craggy eminence overlooking the
Wales of Mendoling, stood the castle Of
Gormrig. Built in the time Of domestic
feuds and civil wars, (when each noble
man was his own master and yielded sub
mission only at the swords point,) its mas
sive walls.and towering battlements attes-
ted its strength as fortress. Inaccessi-
BILE, save by circ uitous narrow road up
the hill side, and almost inipreguable from
its construction and means of defence, no
wonder its proprietor, Lord Fulmore prac-
tced at will his cruelties, and INDUCED
his debauched nature with impunity. Gath
cred around him, where q scofe Of petty
mobiles and braggart knights, (braye only
before helpless foe) who at his bidding,
did deeds Of dark villany and shame. I'm
protected by the government, at that time
in wretched state Of turmoil and distrac-
ton, and unable of themselves (from lack
of number and means) to suffer resistaDce
the surrounding peasants were forced to
submit to the servile poke of this dcspot,
who, being secure in his castle and retain
ers, soon acknowledged no will but his
own. Lord Fillmore was accustomed to
ride forth each morning, issue orders to
his unwilling subjects, and at stated times
exact tax in money. This, with oft pre-
datory excursions into the neighborhood,
and bachanalian revels in his stronghold.
were his usual employmepts. With heart
steeled upon all occasions to PHYS call or
mercy's prayer, he was indeed to be fear
ed
One balmy June morning, Fillmore had
gone forth earlier than was his wont, at
tended by two esquires only. He had rid
den into the village Of Tagenett, and was
on his return to the castlcl riding slowly
along, when his rowing eyes beheld the
comely form of blooming maiden walk
ing with little boy through the meadow
adjacent to the highway. Fillmore halted,
attracted by SO much beauty, and fixed
his sensual gaze upon her with an express
sion that BODIED no good. He seemed for
a moment to be medtating some purpose
and turning, said
Good Hugo methinks yon maiden
would well grace Gormrig-what think st
thou?
Aye, my master l do agree with you,
She hath noble look, and I'll venture
there be few iairer in the land
'Dost know her, Hugo?'
by name only, my lord. She is the
daughter of one Marcus Wigton, an hon
est tradesman in the village
'Ha l have seen him. But Hugo-I
want that girls she free to claim
NAY, my lord right we'll know, she is
betrothed to Ardno--the son of Kndrew,
a likely youth ofa stout heart and strong
arm
1T matters nof--I'll have her for my
own-go, Hugo summon her hither,
that may talk with her.
The esquire obeyed, and called the
maiden, who, knowing Fillmore, would
fain have refused the invitation; but aware
of his power, she deemed ii prudent to dis
semble all fear, trusting no harm should
be done her in open day.-Fulmore rode
to her, and bade her good morning, She
returned the courtesy without lifting her
eyes. He then conversed in low tone,
and finally told her his wish. Starting
back, she exclaimed--I cannot 70 with
you, and would not if could. ]. am be-
trothed to another.
Yes to poor knaye, who, can scarce.
y take care Of himself Come | would
make you lady Fillmore, and that at once.
Think of it, and return a speedy answer
tomorrow at iurthest.'
you have my answer now, and l shall
not alter will not be the wife of such a
man, for all the wealth of England. !
must co.
Stop 7 he shouted, by the cross, you
shall be my wife, then, without your con
sent-think you to battle me thus2-ho
Hugo place her on your horse and
away
Despite her shrieks and struggles, the
esquire seized and seated her on his horse,
then mounting behind, he dashed of up
the road to Gormrig. Fillmore rode rapid
ly after, and as his steed cleared the gate
he thundered to the warden to close the
castle. Up went the draw bridge, down
ratified the portcullis, and men at arms
we're stationed on the.walls. Fillmore had
never attempted so bold and dastardly a
deed in open day, aud his prize being the
treasure Of the village, he feared the peo-
pie, reused by Ardno,. might attempt al
least a rescue. But the day waned, and
no attack was made upon the castle. The
evening shadow settled over bil-tops and
valleys, spreading dusky mantle alike
over the lord and peasaht--and all was
still.
CHAPTER II.