The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1877-06-05
Selert Shrv.
TRACKED TO HIS DEATH.

TRACKED .IO HIS DEATH.
Fair Haven was peaceable 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 ........
There is no place so poor but that it
can afford at least one wealthy inhabi.
tant.i The magnate OF Fair. Haven was
Richard Devine. Powerful by reason
Of his wealth, he was also universally
feared and hateu. Men knew MN as a
grasping, close listed, and avaricious
man. The. women of the place hated
him because of his excessive insolence
ana freedom OF speech toward them
Still, as Deyine owned the greater part
of the houses in which they lived, and
as he was quick to avenge 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 a sweet young girl as
his wife. The latter, under his harsh,
and cruel treatment, had pined away and
died. The husband had not appeared
to greatly grcve over his loss.
1t 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.
The belle of the place at that time
was Nancy Sheppard c 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 a pos
sible clex was small gold locket, with
the initials ''N S." ~ -.
She had been adopted by childless
wife of sturdy fisherman named Tom
Sheppard. She had named the infant
Nancy, and so it remained.
The infant had now grown into 9
tinely-developed, mad cap girl of eigh.
teen. There was not a young fisherman
in the place but would have been. happy
as king to have won Nancy for wife
| Her choice, however, seemed to be
made. Joe Crawford was her escort a,
all the merry -makings that transpired
and he successfully defeated all projects
to "cut him out" of her favor.
ltwas on q 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 the prospects, they were suddenly
interrupted by the sound of an approach
| ing horseman.
The next moment Richard Devine
reined up his horse close by the girls
side. 1t
Good morning, Nancy he exclaim
ed, chucking her under the chin with
coarse familiarity. Seems to me you've
been particularly careful in keeping oul
of my sight lately
The girls black eyes flashed fire, and
her hand was upraised as if to strike
him for his presumption.
In an instant, though, she had regain
ed self control.
If she angered the man, her lover
would be prosecuted for revenge. Con
trolling herself as well as she could, she
replied 49,. 1850, ..o
i did not know that my movements
were of any consequence to Mr.. De
vine.' "25e ai'0e~i .it 1S
Hal Ha! you're a sly puss,' chuckled
the man. well I'll tell you something
SO there will be no chance of you ma.
king such a mistake again. I'm coming
down to Widow Sheppard's tonight on
purpose to see you. So remember and
stay at home.' 81 a hsi
- you may save yourself the trouble,
then,' replied the girl with spirit. 'Mr
Devine can have no business with me
of any consequence, and my way is free
| to go as please 9'
'Ha! you're spirited lass,' rejoined
the man, with scowl. Well, it's al
the better, so long as you don't fly into
a temper with me-
As he spoke, he again attempted to
lay his hand farEiliarly on her shoulder
Hands off OF her, you hound = ex
claimed Joe Crawford, every nerve in
his body tingling to avenge the insult
Hands off, / say. or I'll break every
bone in your body!'
The horsemau's face grew black witt
rage, and he raised his heavy riding
cane threateningly.. ~, =
The blow was never delivered, Witt
a sudden bound, Joe wrested the weap
on from his grasp.
Breaking it in dozen pieces, hi
threw them contemptuously in Devine's
face. $50
/ Now leave he shouted, ..or by all th'
powers, I'll do as / threatened! If
hear of you attempting to persecul'
Nancy again with your insults, I'll hav,
your life,!
.An ugly threat, that, my man. sale
IDevine, scowling blackly. 4 see how
the land lies now, and III make thi:
town too hot. to hold you in less thai
twenty-four hours
With those words he rode off.
sOh, Joe,' exclaimed the girl, bitterly
} you've ruined yourself now. You ca
do nothing against such an enemy a
Richard Devine'
:. The world is large, Nancy he re
piled. we can go away and begin lif
somewhere else.' i2i
But not without money t".t
That is true,' he answered, gloomily
4 need two things hrst-money and re
venge.'
Fearing to say more lest she Nigh
further excite her lovers anger, the gil
remained silent
Soon afterward Joe made some ez
cuse and left her. By twelve o'cloc
the quiet little hamlet was in state c
intense excitement.
Richard Devine had heen found badl
wounded on the roadside. In answe