Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1884-06-06

lciu W IL, Cdits ShaiSSSs 'ShANA~S ~ " - :
description are jogging along, filled with
countrymen; and here and there the
scarlet cloak or straw bonnet of some fe-
male, occupying chair, placed somewhat
unsteadily behind them, contrasts gayly
with the dark coats or gray smock frocks
of the front row. From every cottage OF
the suburbs some individuals join the
stream, which rolls OH increasing through
the streets till 1t caches the castle. Tie
ancient moat teens with idlers, and the
hill opposite, usually the quiet domain OF
a score or two of peaceful sheep, partakeS
of the surrounding agitation.
The voice of the multitude which sur
rounds the courthouse sounds like the
murmur of the sea, till suddenly it Is
raised to u sort Of shout. John West, the
terror OF the surrounding country, the
shcep-stealer and burglar, has been found
guilty.
"What Is the sentenced" is asked by q
hundred voices.
The answer is: Transportation for
life"
But there was one standing aloof on the
hill, whose inquiring eyes wandered over
the crowd with indescribable anguish
whose pallid cheek grew more and more
ghastly ut every denunciation OF the cul-
prit, and who, when at last the sentence
was pronounced, fell insensible upon the
green sward. 1t was the burglars son.
When the boy recovered from his swoon
it was late in the afternoon he was alone.
The faintcst tinkling of the shcep-bell
had replaced the sound Of the human
chorus of expectation, and dread, and
jesting; all was peaceful; he could not
understand why he lay there, feeling SO
weak and sick. lie raised himself tremu-
lousy and looked around. The turf was
cut and spoilt by the tramping of many
feet. All his life Of the last few months
iloatcd before his memory; his residence
i'm his fathers hovel with rutflanly COM
rades; the desperate schemes he had
heard as he pretended to sleep on his
lowly bed; their expeditions ut night,
masked and armed; their hasty returns
the news of his fathers capture; his own
removal TO the house of some female in
the town; the court, the trial, tho con-
demnatiOn.
The father had been harsh and cruel
paacnt, but lie had not positively ill'used
the boy. OF the great and merciful
Father of the fatherless, the child knew
nothing. lie deemed himself alone in the
world. Yet grief was not his pervading
feeling, nor the shame OF being known as
the son of a transport. 1t was revenge
which burned within him. lie thought
of the crowd which had come to feast
upon his fathers agony; he longed to
tear them to pieces; and he plucked q
handful of grass upon which he leant.
Oh, that he were man! that hc could
punish them all-all-the spectators first,
the constables, the judge, the jury, the
witnesses-onc of them especially, cler-
gyman named Leyton, who had given his
evidence more positively, more clearly
than all the others. Oh that he could do
that man some injury-but for him, his
father would not have been identified and
convicted.
Suddenly thought occurred to him
his eyes sparkled with fierce delight.
81 know where he lives" he said to
himself; "he has the farm and parsonage
of Millwood. will 60 there at Once-ii
Is almost dark already. / will do rs / once
heard father say he did to the squire
Yes, yes, he shall burn for it; he shall
get no more fathers transported"
10 procure box of matches was an
easy task, and that was all the preparation
the boy made.
The autumn was far advanced. A cold
wind was beginning to moan among the
ain. .ost lcafless trees, and George Vests
teeth chartered, and his ill-clad limb;
grew numb, rs he walked along the field:
leading to Millwood.
"Iucky it's 4 dark night. This fine
wind will fan the fame nicely" lie re.
peatcd to himself.
The clock was striking nine, but all was
quiet as midnight. Not soul stirring
not light in the parsonage windows
that he could see. lie dared not open the
gate, lest the click Of the latch should be-
tray him; so he softly climbed over; but
scarcely had he dropped on the other side
of the wall before the loud barking Of q
dog startled him. He covered down be.
hind the llay-rick scarcely daring tC
breathe; expecting each instant ;Lat the
dog would spring upon him. 1t was some
time before the boy dared to stir; and, al
his courage cooled his thirst for revenge
somewhat subsided also, till he almost de
termined to return to Lomborough; bu
he was too tired, too cold, too hungry
besicds, the woman would beat him fol
staying out so late. What could he do
where should he 60? and as the sense o.
his lonely and forlorn condition returned
so did also the affectionate remembrance
of his father, his hatred OF his accusers
his desire to satisfy his vengeance; and,
once more, courageous through anger, h'
rose, took the box from bis pocket, ant
boldly drew one OF them across the sand
paper. 1t flamed; lie stuck it hastily II
the stack against which he rested-it onl,
flickereJ little, and went out. In grca
trepidation young West once more graspet