The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-11-14
Bell Verton's Revenge.

grown oak, standing upon the banks of
river Of the far West, stood a young
girl gazing out upon the water. Her
features were regal in beauty, though
there was naughty look about her coral
lips, and her form was perfect. in grace
and symmetry. From her velvet hat an
eagles plume dropped, mingling with
her jet black cprls, gently waving in the
soft breeze 4 dark, close fitting jacket
of velvet displayed her splendid figure,
and rendering her small, shapely neck
winter by the contrast. In one hand, the
stock resting upon the messy earth, she
held small, elegantly ornamented rife,
and from her shoulder hung dainty
powder flask of silver, richly chased
On each side the great forest trees
shut her in, but away to the left, through
the foliage, could be seen the white walls
of large house, surrounded by ever
greens. Out upon the river, near the
other shore, a small boat danced upon
the waves. In it were seated young
man and a maiden, of perhaps eighteen,
the red rays of the setting sun glistenirs
upon her golden hair, which swept in d
rippling flood to her slender waist.
The dark eyes Of the maiden leaning
against the oak were fixed upon the low
ers, for such she knew them to be, and q
cloud gathered upon her fair brow as the
low murmur Of their voices was waited
to her ears.
A fierce, jealous light sprany up in her
eyes, as ever and anon she caught the
meaning of sentence uttered by the
young man, and suddenly she raised her
rifle to her shoulder, pointing it toward
the boat. Her quick glance swept along
the shining barrel, and her finger touch
ed the trigger, and the next instant the
bullet would have sped to the heart OF
the golden haired maiden had not q
heavy hand fallen upon her shoulder
and low voice sounded in her ear:
'Bell Verton, are you mad ?"
The young girl turned, her checks
white with terror
"Ah! it is you, Dick Wheaton," she
exclaimed lightly, the color coming back
to her face. you startled me-"
Dick Wheaton was a young man OF
perhaps eight and twenty, dressed in the
manner of border man, with rife
slung at his back. His face, the index
of his character, bore the marks of dis
sipation, though his forehead was high
and noble His coarse, sensual mouth
was set firmly now, and there was dan
gerous CLEAN in his lurid, blood shot
eyes.
His right hand clinched the hilt of 9
bowie knife protruding from his belt
while the other was half extended
"Bell Verton," he said again, his voice
low and husky, "did you mean to Eill
herr" and he pointed toward the little
boat
"Yes, Dick Wheaton," she answered
drawing herself up before linn. a defiant
ring in her voice, land l shall yet &C
complish my purpose.
"Never, while I live' he cried hoarse
ly, 81 love that girl, Bell Verton, and
| will shield her from YOU
IL hate her, said Bell, turning toward
the river, land l will be revengea upon
both l viii kill her and he will be pun
ished."
"She is beautiful" said Wheaton,
slowly, his gaze following the maiden,'s
out upon the water, "She shall be
mine if can win her."
'.She cannot love two," Bell said
sneeringly. "How can you win her p
II cannot" the man said, despairing-
ly 81 am an outlaw. Were they to
catch me at the settlement they would
hang me. / am flying for my life"
"And would you take her with you
for your bride? ?" the maiden asked.
"lf it were possible the man answer
ed, looking at her strangely. "But
can not even dream of that.
"Dick Wheaton, what would you do
to gain her hand ?" Bell asked slowly.
"Anythingr' he cried. "But why
tantalize me? She is utterly beyond my
reach
"You are wrong the maiden said
"There is way in which you can gail
possession of her. Would you hear my
plan ?"
"Yes," he said eagerly; ''if there is a
way l would know it, Perhaps you will
say carry her by force, have thought
of that; have thought Of everything.
All want is the opportunity, but there
is none. must leave this place tonight.
and she will not be out of hearing of hei
fathers house in the little time left
Were to spring upon her when she
leaves the boat, one scream would bring
help, and could not escape, burdened
with a struggling woman. There is no
way; l must give her up"
''There is way, Dick Wheaton, she
said in the same tone "All that is re
quired is nerve and boldness You must
perform san act such as l shall dictate
and I will give Cora Hunter into your
hands within an hour. Will you agree
to do my bidding?'s
81 will" he answered rcsolutely. "Ex.
plain"
"In short time Winthrop SterliA z
will row the boat to the bank, ana leav-
ing Cora return in his boat to the settle
ment Yon must reach the river at the
great bend, nota mile away, in advance
of him. and when he passes yon mast
shoot him dead. Are you afraid?' she
asked, as his bronzed face grew ashy
pale, and he started back
| "No, Bell Verton,' he answered. 81
am not afraid, though l have never ye
killed white man except in fair oper
fight. Winthrop Sterling is the bes
friend l have in the world"
"There is no coubt of that" the mai
den answered. ''He is to marry the wo
mar you love-"
81 agree to kill him." the man crie(
angrily, stung by her taunts; "but hoV
will that benefit me p
"In this way" she replied, trium
: plant light cleaning in her eyes. "Il
return for the act will decoy Cora Hun
ter to the ruined cabin, where you mus
meet me when you have done as yo'
agreed Do you like my plan p
EYnn boro Tho n,,,,b,spr aF womal