The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-06-23
DOWN INTO THE HEART.

V W ~ AA'1S AAAAN
Edgar Bishop and Lucius Fernleigl
were in their early manhood-not more
than one or two years beyond thirty
aud OF NIL the moving, busy spirits o.
Duncliff they were the most positive
and influential. Bishop was lawyer
and Fernleigh was q merchant. They
had prospcred in the new town OF the
western land-they had helped to build
the town up-and the wealth they had
gained had been truly, manfully, and
honestly earned. And Bishop and
Fernleigl had been friends-hNd beer
like brothers through the years Of theil
pioneer lnbors-and like brothers they
had joined in making patriotic use Of
their wealth.
In politics, through the years Of you'll
they had worked and fought together
but time had como at length when the
old party lines seemed to be breaking
up. A new party was forming. Bust
ness called Bishop to st. Louis, and
during his absence n movement was
made in Duncliff, and q club was form.
ed in the interest Of the new party, and
Lucius Fernleigh was at its head.
The old party organized n club, and
chose Edgar Bishop for its president,
the members believing he would accept
the position upon his return. Fern.
leigh shook his head, and told them
they had made n mistake.
"Bishop will not accept" he.Eaid.
81 know his feelings; he will identify
himself with the party Of progress and
reform"
But the merchant was mistaken.
Business detained the lawyer beyondthe
limits originally set; but lie wrote to his
friends of Dunclitf, accepting the posi-.
tion to which he had been elected, and
saying they might draw upon him to
the extent Of n thousand dollars in fur.
tlerance Of the objects Of the club.
"It pains me, he wrote, "to learn that
Fernleigh has gone over to the enemy.
He has made q mistake, and will live to
regret IL.
This letter was shown to Fernleigh,
and il stirred him bitterly. Among his
fellows he was loud and emphatic in his
laudation OF the situation they had no.
cepted in the political field; but In the
privacy OF his own closet he was not so
sanguine. It was this sense OF weak
ness in his position that gave room for
the bitter effect Of Bishops letter.
Ameeting for business pusposes was
called OF the District Committee Of the
old party. There were accounts TO be
settled, and old bills TO be paid. Fern
leigh had been OF that committee, and
some OF the unsettled business was in
his hands. he was waited upon on the
morning OF the day OF the meeting, and
requested to he present. His wife and
youngest child were away in Clarkton,
and he had proposed to go that day for
the purpose OF returning home with
them; but he concluded that he would
remain and attend the meeting; and he
telegraphed to his wife to that effect.
Evening came, and the old committee
all save Edgar Bishop-were present,
with other friends. One OF the num-
ber reported that he had received q
telegram from Bishop, and that he
would be at home on the following day,
whereupon II was voted TO adjourn the
meeting to the next evening. Fernleigh
opposed the motion, but he was alone
in his opposition, and his vote went for
nothing.
On the next day came intelligence Of
railroad horrorl Men and women had
been killed. Lucius Fernlsigh was
like ono distracted. He believed his
wife and child had been on that train,
homeward bound. He telegraphed to
the station nearest to the scene OF the
disaster, and waited in agony Of sus-
pense for the answer. The answer came
at length His wife and child had been
on board the train but they were safe,
and were on their way home. He sank
upon bis knees and thanked God He
would have gone out to meet the loved
ones, but he might miss them on the
way. and ho would await their coming.
That evening he attended the meet
ing again, and Edgar Bishop come in
while the committee were in session.
The lawyer was late because he had
Just arrived in town. He had met with
pm accident on the way, and had been
delayed. There was livid mark upon
bis face, as OF burn, and his left arm
vas in a sling, Fernleigh did not greet
him cheerfully, rs OF old. The memory
Of the letter rankled in his bosom, and
made him wroth. -
In that region OF country a meeting
like the present was seldom had with.
but the presence Of the spirituous side.
board, and those who Ind prepared for
lhe gathering had not failed 10 provide
well.6lled decanters.
Late In the evening, after outstand.
ing items Of business had been disposed
of. the matter OF future movements was
taken up. when IL was suggested that
Lucius Fernleigh, having left the party,
was no longer qualified toaet with them.
Fernleigh lad been upon the point, at
this stage Of the proceedings, Of resign.
Ing hia nannANHnYt and hal ha haan