The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-05-01

WYNN iShS -'
THRILLING NARRATiVE-INA BIN.
"If i, hadn't been for England and Chi
caco. don't think my left sleeve would
lie empty. There's riddle you can't
guess. Perhaps You'll not think much of
NV riddle when the story's told but you
mustn't forget that 1t cost me my arm, and
would place big price on yo,T arm-yes. .
upon a little bit of your little finger,
"My parents, buXom, hale, and hearty
couple, with heariiueSs of life and living
that sweetenrd their food with wholesome
flavor, were small farmers in England.
They were poor, and had six children.
Children are the teeth Of poverty, and bite
hard.
Even now | cannot decide whether
was right or wrong in going to another
country. At that time we had lots Of
stories Of how poor people thrived in Anne
RIGA: how they had a little ease, and COM
fort, and independence, in that country be-
fore they died.
alt was all arranged among ourselves :;
and father, out of his little savings, gave
me money, which was to return TO him if
got along finely in my new home. But |
did not intend TO set out on this long and
lonely journey without taking with me, as
my wife, a little fair-haired lass; as modest
and industrious girl as could be found in
the country. This lass was Bessie Tillott.
One day spoke out my love.
"'Bessie, dear, will you 60 to America
with me! Do you love me enough for
that "
"Shc put her arms about my neck and
looked up into my face with her great
hazel eyes.
"'Robert,' she said, Il will go with thee
anywhere, and be glad all the time Then
she kissed me.
"'But, Bessie, girl, I'm poor, you know.
And there's the great ocean TO be crossed.
When that's betwiXt US and the old folks,
we'll be among strangers, and have much
10 suffer. There's hard work to be done,
and, worst Of all, there's fearful loneliness
and home-sickness. Eli, Bess, can you
bear hunger in many q way"
"'Try me- I'll 60 with thee, Bob, and
help thee all / can, and be good wife, /
knew she was as true as steel.
Zone night, going home from visit to
Bcss, l met Tom Brinton. He was wait
ing for me at the big elm Just at the turn
IN the road. An idle fellow, given to beer.
drinking and low companions, he had more
money than any one in his station Of life.
W here he got his money was uncertain.
Learned in horses and jockeying, he had a
knack Of tickling the pride of owners OF
nice nags in the neighborhood. lie was
not handsoms fellow by any means; but
his smart ways and speeches made HIM a
iavorite with many of both sexes. Inc
way came to know him was because we
lived within mile of each other, ana me,
on the highway and at country fairs ana
trolics. | had seen him, too, nan ooHch
times at Tillott's house during the prevl,,
Gus year. Ihad never liked, only endured
him, knowing him as very musou.a, iei.
low. a good wrestler, and no mean player
with his fists; in fact, puiiy' as sou In "a,
that kind of man in TINS county nc
was sitting on log by the ROADSIDE;
"Good evening, BOD, nc saiu' Us !
came opposite him. 'uoihs away sooh' l
hear
stopping in my walk. Seeing tins, he
JUMPED up from the log and came after
me.
".Stop, Bob he commanded. stop
I've something TO say to you; and l want
to say it tonight, now, because I'm going
away in the morning.
"fWell, what is il p | said, stopping
8 I'm in hurry
Eyes, yes, And you are truly going
to America" he asked once more in a
musing sort of way, and looking at me
from toe to head. and-confound
you. is Bess going with you"
" Ycsn
"Do you know, Bob Campbell, that
loved that girl, that love her now !? and
she said
"There, there, don't tell me your Sc
crets" cried, with wish in my heart
10 get peaceably away from the fellow,
who, il was plain to me, had been drink
ing.
%" But lcW tell thee. Why not listen
quietly until rve done l loved her and
told her so. And she refused me; but
did not tell nse that she loved you. That
found out yesterday. She threw me OIL
for your baby face and the few pounds
you've begged Or
Stop | commanded, pushing him
aWayirom me. I'm hear no more Of such
vile STUN and l walked oil. But / had
not gone three steps when felt his arm
ciasped around my waist, holding my arms
close to my side.
:" You shall hear me, curse you !, he
shouted, close to my ear. / have waited
Tor you 10 tell you that hate you-bate
you because you are going to take awav
from me the only woman on earth I cay
love. You needn't try TO get away. Re-
still, or ! will Kill you. So long as live
you shall have an enemy. You'd bette,
remember that
"Just then ! hoard the rumblnp of =
wagon coming toward us. He heard it too
and for moment stood and listened
Then, with an oath, he suddenly whirle,
me round and struck me three heay,
blows full in the face with his huge fist
knocking me senseless to the ground
when ! opened my eyes again, farmer
heighbor Of ours, had my head on Iii
knee, and was wiping the blood from IN,
ace; the rascal had given me one blow
'hai had cutopen my cheek and left n mari