Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-03-21
'An 0sigiual 4anrelette,
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
ELINOR WESTVELT;
OR,
The Tory's Niece.
A STORY OF THE REVOLUTION OF l776
BY CAROLINE F. PRESTON.
CHAPTER XIV.

ATTEMPTED CRIME AND SWIFT RETRIBUT1ON
In pursuance of the determination announced at
the close of the last chapter, Major Amory st once
proceeded to the stable and ordered his horse
"Just as expected, said the peddler, from his
place of concealment THE skunk looks as mad
as fire. I guess he'll find somebody on his track
that he aint thinking OF.
A moment afterwards, Major Amory reappear-
ed on the back of a powerful horse, which seemed
to be anxious for action.
sThe critter looks as if he might be swift, said
the peddler, examining it with the eye Of critic,
but I rayther think I've got beast here that
come up with hin"
Major Amory started. At first he seemed to
desire swiftness, and spurred the noble steed TILL
he fairly few over the ground. But after while
be checked the horses speed, and giving him
loose rein, seemed to be plunged in abstraction
Well he might be, for he was even then con-
templating an atrocious murder. He was conad-
ering how to arrange the details Of the deed.
The peddler took care to keep him in constant
view-never approaching near enough to have
the pursuit too marked, never falling too far behind
Major Amcry's abstraction rendered It easier than
it would otherwise have been to elude detection.
There were watchful eyes that noticed the officer
as he rode by-eyes that cleaned with mischief,
but he saw them not.
These watchers were the brothers Gregson, who
observed him from little distance as he rode by
the end of the footpath that conducted to their
cabin.
Dick looked significantly towards his brother
"He's going to see the prisoner" said he, mean
ingly. "When he comes back zoe shall haze q
chance"
He did not mention for what 1t was not need
ed Even then the brothers avoided each other s
gaze Already their guilt shamed them.
Unsuspicious of the danger which menaced him,
thinking only of the revenge which he designed,
Major Amory rode on.
''Td like to know where he's goin' to fetch up, "
said the peddler to himself. "pd kinder like to
know where he's put the cap'n. If he attempts
to hurt a hair of his head, IN give him lesson
that'n serve him for life.
They had now come in sight Of the old ice-house.
Major Amory seyes cleaned with stern triumph.
At length, he muttered between his set teeth, my
revenge is at hand. Elinor Westvelt, you shall
mourn in bitterness Of spirit this day, and its
deeds"
At little distance from the ice-house he dis
mounted and tied bis horse to a sapEng
The peddler did the same, and creeping stealthl
" forward, prepared to become witness of tht
scene that should follow. He might have inter
ferred at once, but he wished, in his own words,
let the critter work for awhile, and see what ht
would do
Major Amory unbolted the door, and stood IL
presence of his captive.
"I dare say you are not over glad to see nae,
he said, smiling bitterly.
"Unless you have come to give me dehVerance,
was the reply, II cannot say that am"
sPerhaps, the deIverance I may give you, il
scarcely what you expect or desire. However
that is neither here nor there have something
to say to YOU
eff it is fitting for me to hear, will hear it. 1
not cannot help myself" said the prisoner, calm
g.
''You say truly" said the other triumphantly
''You cannot help yourself But not to delay.
wish to speak of Elinor Westvelt."
"Ha what of herr" exclaimed Captain Peter
son, with earnest attention.
'This morning offered myself for her accept
ance and -"
ssShe did not accept you I knew she would
not said Captain Peterson.
''Hold; let me acquaint you with all the crcum
stances I told her that you was in my power.
threatened to- slay you if she refused, and she di
not care sufficient for you to preserve your lie o
compliance
Heaven be praisedr' said Henry Peterson
fervently. .,
sTt appears to me-" said Major Amory, with
sneer. that it is little enough to be thankful for
She regards your death as triAing affair"