The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1860-02-23
!. OTTUMWA IOWA. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23 1860.

demanded his bottle. Up to this moment
the idea of insanity had not occurred to me.
But tie fiendish look upon the mans face,
as ne refused to give up the brandy, convinc,
ed me that had now to deal with maniac
as well as drunkard. The driver becam>
angry, and with oaths and imprecations de-
nanded an instant surrender Of his property
With frown benefiting demon, it was
again refused. "I'l just see about that, sir,''
exclaimed the driver, now perfectly beside
himself with passion. Shaking his fist in
impotent wrath, he again dismounted, and
proceeded with tottering step to open the
door, to reclaim his precious treasure. Mean
while, the frenzied man quickly placed it in
the breast pocket of his coat, and the mo-
ment the door was opened, he sprang upon
the driver, hurled him to the ground, leaped
to his seat, gathered up the reins, and ere
had recovered from my surprise we were
dashing down the hill at fearful rate
80, whata ride was that! To add to
the terrors of the scede, the sky, as the sun
went down, became overcast with huge mas
ses OF black clouds, bearing hastily to some
field of aerial warfare the "dread artillery of
the skies" "The rising wind moaned fit
fully among the tree-tops, and in the distant
frequent peals of thunder announced the
coming storm" Deep darkness settled down
upon the forest, save when. for a moment,
the vivid flashes oflightning lit up the gloom
with brilliance that seems almost super
natural. Is it strange that was agitated ?
That my heart beat wildly as thought of the
probable result of this strange ride9 On, on
we sped. On the narrow pathway, the car
riage bounded from side to side, and ever
moment expected it would be hurled off the
bank, and dashed to pcices or the rocks be-
low. Gradually, however, I collected nv
scattered senses, and cried to the Strong
One for help. Was that cry ever uttered in
vain? No, o no! Jehovah himself hath de-
clared it; and though "the foundations of
the earth be removed, the word of
the Lord abideth forever" How precious,
amid the darkness of that fearful moment,
was the e-giving message that came like a
ray of light from on high to my terror -stric-
ken soul. "God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble" Borne up
on the wings of that mighty thought, my
faith gathered strength to repose in peace
and confidence upon the solid basis of etern-
al truth. Still, the danger was every moment
increasing. As we drew near the foot of the
hill, the road suddenly turned to the right,
over rude log bridge, beneath which rolled
a deep and rapid stream, now swollen by
recent raiEs, and dashing furiously over the
rocks. This solemn, question of life or death
was to be decided. If we passed the bridge
in safety, | might, perchance, escape unhurt.
But at the rate we were going, this seemed
impossible. As we drew near the turn,
frightened my grasp upon the carriage, invol-
unfairly closed my eyes, and prepared to
meet the worst. 0 then sweeter than an
gels harp, came to my spirit the blessed
assurance, whether life or daath, all is
yours"
Suddenly, however, directly in the road be-
fore us, uproSe chorus of voices, exclaimng.
"Whoa there whoa! What are You driving
at this rate for?" A strong hand graspcd
the bride. The horses were stopped, and
| was saved. The impromptu driver sprang
to the ground, cast one frighten ID glance
around, as the rapid tread of a horse SCUM
ded in his ear. Then, as he leaped over rocks
and logs in his efforts to escape, the alarm
was given, "Catcil himl catch him he's
maniac from the hospital of -"
"But the lesson Aunt Mary?'
"1rust IN God in the darkest hour"
This story is no fiction. Aunt Mary is
yet living to attest its truth.
The CHARLESTON CoNvENTIoN-PLAcE OF
MEETTNG.-The visitor at Charleston regards
with no little interest the Hall of the South
Carolina Institute, in which the Democratic
National Convention is to be held on the 23d
of April next The audience room is spa
cious. admirably lighted by long win
dows on three sides, and is capable of seat
ing $500 persons. A stage occupies the end,
and there are galleries upon three sides.-
There are also convenient private rooms on
both floors, and easy access is had to all the
different apartments The cealingis beau
tifully painted in fresco by no less an artist
than the brother of Garibald, the hero of
Italy. The entire hall has been recently fit
ted up with srecial reference to the meeting
of the Convention. The proceedings of that
body will have no small influence in shaping
the future destiny Of the States.
Where the multitudes who will be present
at the coming convention, will be lodged and
fed, is question Of considerable interest,"
The greater part of the available space of the
principal hotels and boarding houses has al
rea iy been engaged and those who apply
late will fare badly. Nevertheless, extensive
preparations have been made for the accom-
odation of visitors, and all that can be done
for their comfort, will be. Charleston has
two fine notes.-the Mills House and the
Charleston Hotel. The latter for good ac-