Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-10-06

hss ever; still, how ought to act! II
should | enter an accusation of murder C
against man who has risked his life to $
ave mine, who has devoted the strength {
Of his days to my service? Should |
bring down his gray hairs, hurdened with
shame and disgrace, TO dlshonorable
grave No, no., cannot prevail upon
myself to take step farther in this busl-
ness let this secret remain buried forever
in the silence of night. Aud still, | shall
never be able to look upon hinaw without a
shudder, without feeling of horror. An,
If he could be sent TO some distant LAND, |
where | might never behold him again J,
"My dear sir" said Mr.. Forester, had
our suspicious been excited by events ap-
parentlv fortuitous, we would be at lloeIty
to pursue our Investigations, or dlscon-
time them but here the finger of God
points out to us the path which We must
| tread. We have, as yet, no proof OF
Cummings' guilt, but grounds for strong
suspicion only, yet have something to
disclose of which l hesitated to inform
you, when you first told mo of your dream,
as was unwilling to strengthen the i'm
preston which it made npon your mind
until farthor proofs were discovered of its
significancy. r.-kT aaa
More than twenty years ago, Susanna
Wllmot, the young girl to whom Cum
mlngs was attached, was In my service
She was merry, blithsotnc creature, with
rosy cheeks and laughing eyes; she was
the beauty of the village, aud when
heard that John Cummings was favored
suitor, was greatly pleased, and together
with my wife forwarded the match in eve
ry suitable way. His quiet and consider
ate character, would form proper equl-
brum, we thought, to Susanpa's light and
careless temperament; whenever, there.
fore, we heard John jesting or chatting
with her 10 the yard, or at the door, we
were always gratifed at this suspicious
omen. The affair progressed favorably
: until young stranger came to the village,
to visit distant relative. Frank Gordon.
was an orphan but he was as gay, hgeI hnd
! 1t soon became evldent that she preferred
him 20 her former admircr. And, singu-
J lar to say continued Mr.. Forester, in
( low voice, " this favored rival was SAL
lor."
Walton shuddered his blood ran icy
: cold.
t "1 remember him very distinctly" re-
sumed Mr. Forester, he was a comely,
blooming lad, full of life and activity
e Although looked upon Susannas con
duct as imprudent, yet was by no means
5 surprised that che gave him the prefer
t ence. Although but one and twenty years
K of age, he had already made three long
t voyages, and his description of the foreign
$ lands that he had seen, of their inhabi-
d tants, their fruits, their birds, and beasts,
It cast John Cummings tedious village tales
e sadly into the shade. - e'0agH
d The hFeaae1rdulged in golden dreams
It he wasst6'SDake one voyage more, return
!, in six months and marry her. Poor Su-
J. sanna wept bitter tears at his departure,
d but she consoled herself with the cheerin ,
Is prospect of her lovers safe return.
'f Soon, however, her hopes were mingled
It with anxieties, for month after month
!; passed by, and not line, not word
is reached her. No tidings came to cheer
: her during the long winter; spring also,
: summer and autumn returned, then a Sec
ID ond long, sad winter and her joyous hope
e, gave place to sad despondencY. | made
A every inquiry after the young sailor, but it
Ic seemed that he had uot sailed 10 the yes
K, sci which he had named to Susanna. We
le concluded, therefore, that he had gone or
'e board another; but when or where, we
E. were unable to discover Sussnna's health
at last began to fail, and we thought i
il best that she should return to her family
N who lived in distant county. For few
h, months we cherished the hope that sh,
would soon recover, and be able to re-
it snme her place in our household, but be
n mind was SO completely depressed, that j
n was considered advisable that she shoul,
n, remain at home, and for many years W
10 have heard nothing from her. ... II
to All these circumstances combined, rem
I'd der it my duty, as think, not to. keep 81
n, lence. concerning the discovery of th
ur body. Yet | will not follow my ow
judgment alone in this matter. l wi
1e consult friend, highly distinguishe
A and excellent member of the bar on th
ne subjeet; will explain all to him, withor
ey giving names, however, and wait fer b
d, advice before proceeding farther. -
Il He saved my lifsr cried Walton, j
*y anguish, conceahng his face in his hand
ID aud shall | send him to the gallows!'
M Take courage, Walton! said Mr.. Fo
lgs roster, try to be calm; the feelings of th
human heart, even the noblest, need " watcl
ate ing and controlling
dr. Mr.. Forester wrote to his friend on Il
ere following day. In answer, he was advise
on. ) to examine the supposed criminal priVat