The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1869-02-16

are we Dut Tools more 1althleSS tnan the hover,
Which bides its time, contentedly aware
1t shall enjoy its bright appointed hour!
Oh know that winters cold shall not impair
Btt stall augment rich autumii's kingly dover.
ELOA'S VENGEANCE.
One calm September night, the moon,
sailing across the star -jeweled heavens
looked down upon wild drama in the
mighty Appenines.. T., -,
Two men stood in the LITTLE mountain
path, confronting each other.
They were young men, and their eyes
flashed as they gazed into each others
faces. One was Castro de Victor, and
the othelsand youngest, Vicer la Estroni.
DO you love her. murmured Castro,
twirliug his auburn moustache, and his
form trembled with passion, as he seem
ed about to spring with the fury of 4 tt
ger, upon the slight form before him.
Il have told you so before, friend Gas
tro, answered Vicer Ia Estroni.
Yes, but l ask you again, for per
haps your love might have grown cold.
Vicer's check paled at the insult, ano
he darted quick look down the path.
'IIa! you need not look for her. l
have arranged that. / knew you were
to meet Eide Vilioni here tonight. She
will not come am here in her stead.
and why are you herey demanded
Vicer .
Il will tell you. I love Eloa, and
The youth started back; he was un,
prepared for such declaration. That
Castro de Victor. the hbertine, loved
Eloa, the jewel of the Apprentices, was
more than he could believe. 1t is true
that he had called her fair, praised hel
ready wit and fairy-like step but he new.
er thought that Castro wctild dare love
her.
"Yes, sir, love her. continued Gas
tro, smiling derisively at Vicer's aston
ishment. And have come here to-
night-to your trysting place-to tell
you that intend to possess the jewel OF
the Appenines-to ask you to give UP
all claim to her hand
Give up all claims to Eloa? cried
Vicer, 'Neyern'
The word echoed along the mountain
defles, and was heard mingling with the
noise of the little brook that forced its
way among the rocks.
The face of the ibertine became
purple with passion, and he took a ster
forward, clenching his hands till the
nails sank deep into the palms, and tho
blood tricl>led to the ground.
You shall give her upn he shouted
Never! Castro. We are betrothed
and virtually she is mine now
you shallp and with a yell of ragt
Castro sprang VI his compan on, ant
they struggled in the path. Neither
possessed Weapons, and they relied up
on the limbs nature had given them
More terrible grew the struggle; and the
combatants swayed to and fro, fighting
with great energy. No one witnessed
the battle; all was still save the breath.
ing of the twain who were striving fol
the mastery.
When Castro sprang upon Vicer, he
thought to crush him in moment, as il
were. But he had misjudged the
strength of his adversary, for. notwith,
standing his sligh: build, he was strong
and wiry and Castro found that he had
no child to contend with.
AT last the battle grew towards its ter
mination, and Castro succeeded in grasp
ing Vicer's throat, and held him at arms
length. The youth still struggled, but
with no success: for the iron grasp
frightened and his hands hung helpless
at his side. a.
'Will you give her up. now?' cried the
victor
He loosened his grasp so as to allow
Vicer to speak, and awaited his reply. II
came not.
Answer me! Will you give Eloa ur
to me?'
Still no answer and Castro drew the
young man to him. He shook him
then looked into his eyes; he loosened
his grip and his victim fell to the ground
dead!
Now she will be mine, for he is dead !
and rs he spoke he knelt beside the
corpse. Il did not intend to kill him.
but it is too late to talk of that now. He
is out of the way forever! | will throw
the body down this defile, where it will
never be found
He raised the corpse and was about
to hurl it into the delile, when q voice
a sweet Toice-reached his ears, and he
laid the body down and fed-fed from
the scene of the murder as though the
hounds of vengeance were upon his
track
The voice, singing wild Italian tune
came nearer, and figure clad in spot
less white came INTO the. path. 1t wa.
the form of a woman-a graceful form
with wreath of beautiful flowers en-
circling her brow, She looked around
us though seeking some one-one whom
she loved. h
On she can1ej singing louder thar
ever, Till suddenly the song ceased, anC
she stood over the dead--over the body
of her betrothed.
She knelt down and kissed the We
warm lips-she placed her hand upol
the heart; but it was still-it would ney
er beat for her any more. No shriel
rent the air when Eloa de Viliani fount
that her lover was dead; but a look O
determination overspread her face; anc
but single tear lay like jewel, upon he
cheek. <
She saw by the moonlight the finger
marks upon his neck, aud she knew hi
murderer-knew that Castro de Victo
did the deed: for there were the mark
of one thumb and three fingers upoI
the throat eia l@ '