South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1870-11-18
MY Hour of Peril.
ny MARY a. osuoOo.

aud 4 few decidedly handsome Whether
or not l could lay any just claims TO person.
al beauty, | am unable TO say; uteertain
it was, at eighteen the honr and pleasure
of my alliance was solicited by two individ.
uals, whose birth, edacation and position
in life might have secured for them hand
10 a pecuuiary point of view, far more desir.
able than mine. Herbert Stanley was
young man, handsome, rich, accomplished,
talented aud every way most eligible
match Scarcely had | recovered from the
surprise of the unexpected Offer Of his hand
and heart occasioued me, before another sini-
lar proposition was made ne George Nor
gan, my second suit>r, was lawyer from the
thriving little town ofG- He was
neither brillilnt nor particularly PROPOSES
ing in personal appearance, but he stood
we'll in his profession, had acquired some
property, and had established for himself
one of the finest and most uuexceptionable
characters, and to him my heart inclined.
We were married aud l returned with
him to his pleasant home in C.. Twelve
years of copjugal happiness, such as seldom
falls to the lot of mortals, had passed over
our heads, and two little ones had been
l CLOSELY
and to bring fresh JOY and sunlight in our
happy, cheerful home 1t was an August
afternoon, usually warm and sultry, that |
was sitting by the open window Of my little
parlor, busily plying my needle. My chill
dren where both away passing the day with
a friend, and Mr.. Morgan, was at his office.
tie had Informed me in the morning that
important business called him to New York,
and that it was his intention to leave in
the evening boat, and my fingers were fly
ing to get the last stitches set in some
clothes he was to take with him
| had been sitting some time wholly en-
gagged in my work, when heard the creak-
ing of the front door upon it's hinges. and
slowly opened and closed again then steal
thy steps in the hall fell distinctly on my
ear. / caught glimpse of a shadow on the
floor. Hastily throwing aside my sewing.
| arose to ascertain by whom and for wLG.
| was thus unexpectedly visited, but be.
fore | had time to advance a step, the tall,
powerful figure of man stood iu the
doorway.
One glance into the newcomers face was
enough to drive, all tbo,eolor from nv lips
aud checks, to make the very blood freeze
in my veins, and my knees smite one "a
gainst the other.
1t was Herbert Stanley. I had not seen
him since the evening Of his rejection,
twelve years before. Bat I had heard, from
time to time, that life had gone vaIiously
with him, that he had met with heavy losses
IN business, and which had brought on men
tai arrangement, and for some months he
had been regarded as hopelessly insane
He had now scaped from the asylum where
he was confined, and had come 20 pay me,
the object Of his early love, visit His
head and fee; were bare.--A pair of coarse
blue pants AID a plaid calico shirt were his
only attire Ills long, dshevelled black
locks fell! FIR down upon his shoulders, and
IN the red leather hunting belt, which fan
cllully encirclei his waist, pistol and the
bright steel blade of a bowie-kni!e were
distinctly visible A fierce CLEAN Of wild
delight SHOT from bis dark eyes as they fell
upon me.
I Selling The koife in one hand, be brand
ished itovr his head, a1l with laugh
long and duboii;al, drew il several times
50 nearly across his throat aud forehead
that l was in momenhry expectation Of
I seeing fright uI wound Inflicted.
laura More be exc aimed More was
my mlidcG uane) when you we're young
and handsome, loecd you, ad1rad you, rs
| no man ever before adorel woman tu. you
/ scorned my love YOU sparUed nc from You;
/ you sml.ad grlciously upon my hated rival,
aud you gave him the precious treasure Of
/ your heart; but I've got you now You
/ refused 10 De my bride on carth-you shall
/ be my BRIDE lu heaven Thifher | am going
and you shall accompany me Wen con-
summatc our vows here, and iu the celestial
/ aboIes OF paradise vel dwell together -
/ Here ls ,be instrument that will take ms
R there
Saying this be advanced with rapid
strides towards me- secured me by the arm,
iiDurished iHo deadly weapon dcxterouly
ovcrmy bead brought The blunt edge direct
. ~ across my throat iben fsll back again Co
the door, and stood gazing upon me with
those wild, g.aring eyes of his, till The very
+ blood fr7ze In my veins
1 essaycI 3. rise, but terror reudefcl me
. powerlc-s. Itscemci as ifevory muscle had
become rigid, and al power 81 motion dee
MED me. / glanced towards ihe door
Herbert stanley must have Interpreted that
. glance. you cannot escape, he oxcI1im-
ed, exuItiugIy; I've taken care 90 prevent
that. I've fastened the cast door and tbc
back door upon che outside, and nero is The
key 10 the front Aud be took from bis
pocket large brass key and held it up tri-
umpbantiy before me.
AL possibility Of escape was then cut OF.
] was IN the power Of desperate, merciless
mad man, bent upon my destruction as be
bad expressly avowed aud that thought