Connecticut western news., 1877-02-16
A Narrow ] Escape:

Fair Haven was peaceful little fish ing hamlet on the rock-bound coast of Massachusetts,. Yet even in this quiet looking place Love and Hatred, Pride and Jealousy were as actively at work in mems hearts as in the more crowded cities. ,.zz.7s .., ,.- Q .....-- .....,. .. There is no place so poor but that it can afford at least one wealthy inhabi- tant. The magnate of Fair Haven was Richard Devine.8 Powerful by reason of his wealth, he was also universally feared, and hated. Men knew him as a grasping, close-fsted, and avaricious mau. The women of the place hated him because of, his excessive insolence and freedom of speech toward them. Still, as Devine owned the greater part of the houses in which they lived, and as he was quick to ayenge any fancied insult, they bore it all in silence. . Of Devine's previous history they knew nothing. He had come among them some three years before, and brought with him sweet young girl as his wife. The latter, under his harsh and cruel treatment, had pined away and died. The husband had not ap- peared to greatly grieve over his loss. It was only six months, now, since his wife had been laid away, and the sharp-eyed gossips of the place were prophesying that he was looking around for another wife. ss +z 2 The belle of the place at that time
 
 was Nancy Sheppard. Who her parents were nobody knew. She was the only survivor of wreck that had been cast upon their shores. The only thing about her which seemed to hold possible clew, was a small gold locket, with the initials s.N. S." -.. >a-. -r-
 She had been adopted by the childless wife of sturdy fisherman named Tom Sheppard. She had named the infant Nancy, and so it remained.
 The infant had now grown into 8 finely-developed, mad-cap girl of eigh- teen. There was not young fisher man in the place but would have been happy as king to have won Nancy for 8 wife. # ..t-" .
 
 made. Joe Crawfor d was her escort at all the merry makings that transpired, and he successfully defeated all projects to ''cut him out" of her favor.
 It was on pleasant July morning that.she and her lover were engaged in raking up sea-weed for the cottage gar den in which she lived. While talking over their prospects, they were suddenly interrupted by the sound of an ap- preaching horseman.
 The next moment Richard Devine refined up his horse close by the girls side.
 ''Good morning, Nancy" he ex- claimed, chucking her under the chin with coarse familiarity. :'Seems to me you've been particularly careful in keeping out of my sight lately"
 The girls black eyes flashed fire, and her hand was raised as if to strike him for his presumption.
 In an instant, though, she had re- gained self-eontrol. -.
 If she angered the man, her lover would be persecuted for revenge. Con. trolling herself as welfas she could, she replied: a<f" II Il ..' ''a
 "I did not know that my movements were ofany consequence to MT. De- vine." a s r a.... .eai. ....g r.eF- u
 "Ha ha! you're sly puss," chuck led the man. "Well, I'll tell you some thing so there will be no chance of you1 making such mistake again. I'm com ing down to Widow Sheppard's to- night on purpose to see you. So re member and stay at home." -'r-a
 s1You may save yourself the trouble then" replied the girl with spirit. "Mr Devine can have no business with me o any consequence, and my way Is fret to go as I please" H -
 "Hai you're aspirited lass," rejoinet the man, with a scowl. "Well, it's al the better, so long as you don't fly int a temper with me" .-.-.
 As he spoke, he again attempted tt lay his hand familiarly on her shoul der.
 "Hands off her, you houndv' ex claimed Joe Crawford, every nerve il his body tingling to avenge the insult