Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-02-22

Farewell % And with one look at the nlaitl-
ems beautiful face, he vanished amid the
foliage.
When Bruce Harrison left the gypsy maiden
in the glade, he took his way slowly through
the forest, his thoughts dwelling upon zylia.
his promised brides The sun vas rapidly
aearingth the western horizon, and with an eager
glance at the sky. Bruce euickened his pace,
for he wished to reach Lynwood and return
before night fall He had purposely taken
his way through the forest to see Zylfa, aud
now, as he saw that he had fingered so long
at her side he hfirued on to the village.
The shadows feepened, aud as Bruce sped
through the gloomy aisles, vague present.,
ment of evil PTlssed upon his heart, and,
invoIuntarily, hand sought his bosom,
where the caske e1d Its treasure lay.
Suddenly thFes dark forms sprahg I'm.
his path as abruptly as though they had risen
from the earth. Each held pistol, and sur
prised and startled, Bruce halted before the
three strangers, and gazed silently in their
faces.
s'GoOd Sir" said the first in low yet firm
voice, 1--WE are sorry to detain you but those
diamonds that you were so careless as to
exhibit a few moments since, we must have p
Sir" said Bruce, s'I am in no mood for
oAN ASASASAj oAAA 49, q N7SS
me pass on p
"HoldI !" cried the one that had spoken
first, as Bruce took step forward "Ad-
vance another step at your peril Those
Jewels we must have, and whether you give
them up quietly, or We take them by force,
makes but little difference to US. Take your
choice and quickly!"
Bruce hesitated but he quickly saw that
it would be folly to resist, and, with a paug
of sorrow, his hand moved toward his bosom.
Il give them up" he said but l also
give you warning that shall recover them if
it be in my power to do so."
A short dry laugh was the robbers only
response, as he stretched forth his hand for
the Jewels; but ere the casket had left the
hands of its owner, there was quick rustic
in the leaves, and a young, athletic form
sprang in among the four. Like lightning
stroke, the short stick he held descended with
terrible force upon the head of the foremost,
telling him to the earth, and ere the ruffians
could recover from their surprise the weapon
of another was dashed far away. A moment
the two hesitated, and then pistol shot rang
out upon the air, and they dashed away but,
as they disappeared in the gloom, the rescucr
uttered groan, and fell backward to the
earth.
A cry, full Of anguish, came from Bruce
Harrington's lips, and he tenderly bent over
the wounded youth.
40 Heavens" he cried, have the mscreants
wounded you? That shot was meant for me.
Who is my deliyerer Z"
Il am Leo" the youth said faintly. "The
shot has pierced my heart, for feel the blood
spirting out with every breath"
"Iet me stauuch the blood if 1 can. 1t
may not be so bad as you Imagine" said Bruce
as be attempted to examine the wound.
mo, my wound is fatal-my life is nearly
gone" said the youth, calmly, as a look of
agony convulsed his features. There is no
help. can already feel the icy hand Of death
upon my brow"
20, the dastardly wretches! Dearly shall
they answer for this !" cried Bruce in anguish;
as he saw the color rcceding from the youths
olive cheek, and knew that the end was not
far off
The dying gipsy's breath came in short
quick gaspS, aud already the death rattle
souaded in his throat; but a sweet smile
rlayed over his dark handsome features and
dark light shsne in his fast. glazing eyes.
at was done for Zylfa," he said aud in
low tender tone. Had you given up the
jewels they would then have murdered you !;
but saved you lot HylIa sake, lor neF SAKE
saved you, the only one ever had cause to
hate Tell her. aud he fixed his eyes i'm
ploriDgly upon the young mans face-"tell
her that died for you-for her. and die
happy"
His eyes closed, and with low moan, he
sank back upon the messy turf lilcless.
Zyfa is Bruce Harrison's wife now, and,
like one long, peaceful, pleasant summer: her
life glides On.
While his murderers are inmured within
the walls Of prison, the gypsy youth sleeps
peacefully in his narrow grave. Over him
there is reared pure white monument, bear
ing the one word. Leo"
Every evening there is laid upon the grassy
mound above his breast a little bunch Of
fowers-the wife's Offering to the savior Of
her husband