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OULD & ELWELL,
BY G a
Office 80 Middle, near Corner of Exchange St.
ind
One
TERMS + $150 PER YEAR.’ a
Dollar for Eight Months, in advance a
AN INDEPENDENT FAMILY JOURNAL OF LITERATURE, NEWS, Se. . be
VOLUME XV.
POETRY,
Written for the Transcript.
MY MOTHER'S LAST BLESSING.
) OBY PREENAN 8, PERRY.
When at nightfall lay my mother,
ying, dying peacefully, .
‘Then, they say, she often named me,
Aud her thought was much of me.
And when night grew dark, off sinking
From this chilly, mist-hung shore,
) Once again she prayed and blessed me,
And was gone forever more.
So she left me hardly entered
‘On my long and toilsome way.
But a score of years have brought me
Nearer to her, every day.
‘And I doubt not I shall meet her,
Hoped, and feared, and won at last.
And though sore the tempter smite me,
«He I trust will not prevail,
For my mother’s prayerful Vessing
‘Wraps me like a coat of mi
REVOLUTIONARY TALE.
THE, DOOM. |
THES TORI'S, GUARD.
1 Sram. curtis. bay
P TER 11—costincep.
“Reginald Mervale ! blast him !” exclaimed Van
Loan, grinding his teeth. “He is a murderous look-
ing fellow! but he'shall find us prepared ; shall he
not, my neighbors,” said he turning towards his
gasping auditory,
“Aye! aye !” they responded, “he'll find us ready,
or Jacob Dash, either.”
“Yes, yes, Jacob Dash! a a pretty fellow, truly he
is, to espouse any cause. Why, Ihave been told by
some friends from the Cherry Valley,that they more
than suspeet he has been a pirate in his younger
days. . A pretty fellow, seal, to command an expe-
dition of whigs..; What do yon think, 'fellow-citi-
zens,” said he, growing warm in his subject, “what
do’ you think of being murdered by such a vyil—”
Ife was interrupted in his, harangue by the oud
baying of two hounds in the forest, apparently but
a few rods senth of the mansion. The whole group
turned their heads in the direction of the sound,and
in a few moments a noble buck bounded into view,in-
stantly followed by two dogs, all making directly
for the river.» Jt was apparent that the dear was
nearly spent, yet he dashed past the group of gazers
without appearing to notice them, and clearing the
fence at the lower end of the yard, struck boldly i ine
* to the river, closely | followed by the dogs.
owl hose dogs are ‘those ?” exclaimed Van Loan,
eagerly gazing at the exciting scene.
“They are Reginald Mervale’s, father,” exclaimed
Frederick, “I have often seen them follow him.” , ,
“Reginald Mervale’s {” exclaimed Van Loan,
anxiously turning to his son. How came they there,
T wonder 2”)
“Probacly he is close at hand, himself,” . replied
erhaps my cousin Alice knows if that
be the ea:
All eyes were turned upon Alice, who suddenly
grew deadly pale, and both dogs and deer were for
gotten,
“I know nothing at all aboutste said ‘Alice faint-
ly, seeing that she was expected to speak. “My
cousin knows that I have no opportunity of being
acquainted with the movements of Mr. Mervale.”
“{v’s hopeful that he'll follow his dogs,” exclaimed
Van Loan, fiercely, : “I think we'll make his wel-
come comfortably warm, won't we boys, ¢ eh?
“Ave, aye I responded the guests.
“D—n him, “we'll give him # touch of Banker
Lill !” exclaimed Vrooman, elevating his head and
turning to his comrades, “would not, that be right,
Bill Veeder ? “That's ‘3 fact,” returned one of the
boatmen, who readily answered to the cognomen of
SH Veeder”? fee Get ete es ts
“Well, if you've: got, through with! your mission
Sir * William, Teunis,I can’t sce what uso there
rom
PORTLAND, SATURDAY,
isin a letting the dinner spoil for ‘the sake‘of Reg-
inald Mervale,” exclaimed Aunt Josephine,in some-
thing of a rage,
“That's true,sister.” responded Van Loan. “Come
my friends, let’s renew our meal,” he added.turning
to his guests, “and here, you Frederick, give our
worthy friends from Sir William something to drink
and sec that they be well provided with eatables.”
The whole company again seated’ themselves at
the table, and in a short time the meal was despatch-
ed. Soon after the conclusion of the feast the party
was again assembled upon the shore of the river, to
witness the embarcation of Sir William Johnson’s
men, who intended to return home that afternoon.
The boat was all ready to shove off, and Van Loan
was freighting the ears of Vrooman with inzelligence
and messages for Sir William Johnson, ‘when’ a
slinght scream from some of the junior female mem-
bers of the party attracted the attention of all.
“What's the matter ?”, suddenly exclaimed Van
Loan, partially turning round.
“See yonder, father,” snid Fre lerick.poit t nz with
a trembling finger in the direction of the barns.
«The whole party simultaneously gazed in the di+
rection designated by Frederick, and observed the
finely p figure of Reginald Mervale slow-
ly approaching. Tle was dressed in the plain green
hunting shirt, then so.,much in use by the pio-
neers, with buckskin under clothes and. moccasins,
with a rifle thrown carclessly across his arm. Ile
evidently saw the group near the river,yet he stead-
ily held on his way towards them.- The counte-
nance of Van Loan grew dark and frowning, the fe-
male ‘portion of the company looked anxious and
timid, and the whole assembly awaited his approach
in silence. In a few moments the young hunter ap-
proached them,’ and turning to the ladics,’ with a
amile and a bow, exclaimed :
dies and gentlemen. , Do not let me interrupt your
pleasures! I would merely inquire if any. of you
oa seen two dogs Pass this way in "pursuit of
me PS
“Who the devil are you, that talk of, interrupting
our sports in this cavalier manner ?”. coarsely re-
plied Van Loan. “Do vou know where you are,
sirrah ?” ne
“I thought I was on the premises of a gentle-
man,” calmly replied Mervale, “but I see I am mis-
taken I”! tr : :
' “None of your ,wit at the expense of me or, my
guests, caitiff J” retorted Van Loan. , “Those who
seek to imbue their, hands ‘in the blood ‘of their
neighbors, can expect courtesy from the’ hands of
no one? 1 i
“Then you should take no offence at my inter-
ruption,” exclaimed Mervale, slightly kindling.
| “D—n him !le’s Bunker till him 1” fiercely es
claimed Vrooman.
| Yes, yes I” responded several of the bystanders,
“that’s the sort. ~ Bunker Hill the scoundrel 1”
A slight groan resounded from’ the knot ‘of fe-
males, and Alice Van Loan fell to the ground sense:
Jess. . She was immediately raised in the arms of
some of her companions, whilst others stepped to
the river's bank for , ‘water. | Ina few, moments she
revived. ,, Thad
“You had better take Mice t to the mansion, ‘Tose-
phine,” said Van Loan, “it may burt her conscience
to see a whigjustly dealt by.” .
Josephine proceeded to lead Alice to the mansion
followed by all the females of the group,» As: the
trembling girl passed! Mervale, she gave‘ him a
glance that penetrated to his inmost heart. It spoke
to his naderstanding more than volumes could, re-
veal... oy cues, Mere ay nse The
' A$ soon as the fomales Toft the ground,Van Tait
again turned and addressed Mervale:. «0. |
“J will tell you, young sir, in order that you may
know the reasons for our conduct, that we are per-
‘fectly acquainted with your character and designs.
uu are a base and murderous + whig, and are
@s moment enga—” i
“That Iam a whig, I will never deny! fiercely
interrupted Mervale, his eye flashing fire, “but who-
ever says I am base or murderous, isa liar in his
throat !” tab dese and
Van Loan’ 's inflamed features pated at this fierce
annunciation; but casting his eye upon the group
‘of sturdy men by whom he was surrounded, he con--
tinued, not noticing the interruption,
“Good | afternoon, Ta-
OCTOBER 25,1851
“—this moment engaged in a plot with another
lmwless marauder, to mardcr all the loyalists in the
Mohawk valley. Can you deny this charge, villain
that you are ?” he added with a malicious grin.
‘| “How brave a coward can be when supported by
bands of friends,” sneeringly replied Mervale, st the
same time pointing a- finger at Van Loan.’ “Give
me but a chance’ for fair play, I pledge’ myself to
make you acknowledge what you have asserted
now, to be as buse a lie as your black heart can con-
ceive!” ,
“Bunker Hill the d—d sconnarel !” again roared
Vrooman, but Van Loan,motioning silence with his
hand, replied to Mervale :
“ave a care what you say, villain, for you are in
my power, and I could string yon to the first tree
in the forest if I choose! have a care!”
“ITave a care !” sneeringly responded Mervale ;—
‘another evidence of your distardly cowardice —
Threaten a man when you are surrounded with for
ces in abundance, I know not what you may choose
to do with me, nor do I fear the consequences ; but
this much I do know—one among your noraber is
a dead man if any of you dare assault my person 1”
Saying this, Mervale brought his rifle atrail, and
was about sitting back the cock, when’ Vrooman
who had crept behind him, unperceived, threw both
arms violently around his waist, and the’ rifle: fell
to the ground. It was immediately seized’ by one
of the bystanders, who discharged it in the air and
threw it on the grass. , A violent struggle ensucd
between Mervale and Vrooman.but the whole mass
coming to the assistance of the boatman, Mervale
was overpowered and thrown upon’ the ground.—
Nlis hands and fect were soon securely bound with
a strong rope, which was provided by Van Loan,
and he was then left to struggle at his leisure. The
tories soon formed a ring around him, and stood
gazing upon him with evident delight. .
“What do you say to shooting folks now, you
scoundrel ;” said Vrooman, who was standing just
outside the ring, half bent, while the blood was run-
ning from his nose a stream.
“Let's make him huzza for the King!” shonted
Frederick, gazing exultingly, upon his fallen ri-
val.
“Tazza! glorious !” shonted a dozen voices—
“Make him huzza for the King.. "Twill do his w
throat: good, although it Adisgraces the Ring’s
name.”
“Ihave a plan,” cried Frederick, “an excellent
one! Let's tie him to one of the pines, and then,
d—n him, we'll flog him until he hnzzas 1!’
“Glorious,” shouted the rabble, and away shes
ran for some ropes, with which to secure him to the
tree, and others for whips to force him to a compli
ance with their “wishes; Mervale ‘lay Npon’ the
gronnd. during’ this brutal arrangement, with his
yes closed, He felt it was in vain to struggle—he
knew that he was completely .in, the ; power
of his enemies. : His rage in the first instance. was
almost unbounded, yet he gradually’ worked him-
self comparatively calm, -, He was possessed of a
strong, nay, violent passion, yet he was a person
of renson and reflection.:' He was utterly’ insensi-
ble to fear, yet when he heard them announce their
determination of fogging him, an onusual sensa-
tion crossed his breast. »It was not fear, yet it was
a kind of disgusted dread of so degrading and un-
manly a punishment. In his present. situation he
could have died. without a, murmnr, yet. at’ the
thougat of being flogged like a'dumb. beast, his
whole soul revolted. In a short time, a shout from
the tories, announced that the arrangements for ty:
ing him 'to the tree were “all. completed, and ‘in a
few moments he was borne in the arms of some
half a dozen of them and placed upon his “feet “at
the foot of a'small pine,’ diréetly in front of ‘the | °
mansion. | Ifis coat and yest, were then ' stripped
off, and he was securely , bound to the gummy
trunk with his back turned outward. A pile of
slim green limbs of sufficient size to inflict'a. bitter
wound, was then placed beside him. “A loud call
from Frederick then summoned his companions to
witness the ‘sport,’ as he was pleased to term it—
In a short time the whole squad was again, around
their prisoner, all wearing looks of entire satisfae-
tion. “Up to this time, Reginald Mervale had not
spoken a word. He knew from the first, that noth-
ing, save an interposition of providence, could save
NUMBER 28.
him from his punishment, and he resolved to bear
it in silence. But when he saw the arrangements
for his torture complete, and the process commence,
he could not refrain from saying a few words.—
Turning his head from the tree as well as his bonds
would permit,he caught the surly eye of Van Loan,
and to him he addressed himself.
‘an Loan,” said he, “this quarrel appears to be
betiveen youand me. Town I am completely in
your power, and Iam willing you should enjoy,
the advantage—but for God's sake, if you are de-.
termined to wreak your vengeance upon me do it
like a Christian, and not in this bratal and barba-"
rous manner, Shoot me, if you please, or hang
me tear the whinning cur,” replied Van Loan, ad-)
dressing himself to his friends, not even deigning
to notice his prisoner. “What's become of the fel-
low’s courage, of which he made such pompous ,
boasts but a few moments since. Now he 's chicken}
hearted as a womai
“That's the truth M cried Vi ‘rooman, stepping up
to the pile of whips and sélecting the largest he‘
could find. I'll teach him, a lesson though. I
claim the first privilege at the dastard, as I: receiv. ,
ed the wounds ii if securing him.” ° +
Vrooman raised his arm, and was about to attike!
when Frederick ‘shouted, “Hold! Vrooman, let's ; 7
call the girls, that they may .witness the. sport—
The fellow has an enviable reparation for a gale
lant.. rhek,
Virooman lowered his arm, and Frederick hal-'’
looed for the ladies. They rushed to the door with
the exception of Alice, but when they saw Mervale }
and the bratal preparations with which he was sur-
rounded, all, save Josephine, quickly returned. ”,
Vrooman again approached the prisoner, and all
was silent. He stood for a moment coolly, select-
ing a spot upon his victim's back, where he might »
most eruelly plant his blow, and then he raised his *
sinewy arm and the blow descended. At the first
stroke the blood bedyed . the prisoner's shirt, but.
blow after blow, ¢ach succeeding the other rapidly ¢
i each increasing in brutal force, fell, upon his ©
back—until Vrooman was exhausted, and stepped _
back into the circle. Mervale's back was lacerat-;,
ed and the blood flowed in streams ; ‘yet he uttered» j
not a word. A few big, scalding tears chased each |
ig | other down his checks, but not amuscle in his coun-"
tenance moved. Ia a few moments after, Vroo-
man’s blows ceased, Van | Loan stepped into the
circle, and select ga whip thus’ addressed Mer-
vale, at the samé time Preparing to participate | in!
his tortures : : 1
“What say you now, . young brave, If r releats :
you, will you huzza for the King?” . cl
| “Never! by the eternal God !” replied Mervate,
in a voice so calm yet so concentrated, that Van’
Loan started as if he had been stung by an. adder,
and then, as if ashained of the fear he had betrays"
ed, he raised his arm and dealt Mervale ‘a severe |
low...
| “What do you say ‘now he asked | again, grind-
ing his teeth. “As you give, yon shall recive,” re-. -
plied Marvate, in the same calm’ tone as before.
“D—n me, but the fellow ig game after all;” eri)
ed Vrooman, “he threatens us yet.': Huzza for the!
King, my! jad; he continued sy our back will thank,
ou.”
* Mervale made no reply to this unfeeling speech, > ’
and Van Loan was abont to continue hig torture. .
when the sharp, quick ery of a dog-cansed: all ta, -
start and tarn in the direction of the sound. The-
next moment the two dogs who passed a, short |
time before in pursuit of the deer, dashed. into: the | |
circle and began Jeaping and fawning upon. their °
master.: Mervale regarded them in silence, but the :
bis tears, coursed, down his checks in rapid weces--|
apn the dogs,” cried Vrooman, “don't et them. !
stop t the sport, drive them from the ring.””’, ~
_No one stepped forward to put this ondeninto exe
ecution and Van Toan struck’ the prisoner another * ’
blow. .Scarcely had it descended; however, ere the
dog that stood nearest hismaster seized the brute
by the throat and hurled him to the ground. ~All; >
instantly rushed to the rescue of Van Loan, and in’
the melee which ensued, ‘a stranger emerged from.
the neighboring forest unobserved, and approachot.
ing the scene.
the scene of strife,| He exchanged glances of f recog! “
nition with Mervale, and shen stood calmly § surrey" °