of the Council. Turning towards the Count De night had crept over the quiet of the city, methought Palermo, he addressed him solely : "Senior Count De Palermo, I am not the murderer of this youth, to you I appeal for mercy. In by-gone days you found Guisseppo true and faithful. I served you once, serve me now." For a moment the Count remained silent; it was only for a moment; his thin and almost attenuated frame appeared to be convulsed, his deep black eyes flashed with anger. With one hand grasping convulsively the back of his chair, his other extended, he slowly replied to Guisseppo: "The warm blood of the Sicilian nobles whom you have murdered, rises from the cold earth against you. 'Tis time to check the midnight assassin. You have in several instances incensed this Council, by your bold and open assassinations; nor do you seek the low and vulgar to glut your thirst for blood, but your stiletto reeks with the gore of the nobles only. What say the Council ?” I heard footsteps within the circle of my beat, and as they drew near I concealed myself behind the angle of a projecting wall. I had scarcely concealed myself when I saw, by the dim light of a flickering lamp which hung near the 'statue of Hercules' the prisoner walking slowly. A few minutes elapsed and he was joined by another. A low and short consultation passed between them, they retired near to my place of concealment. A few minutes after, the youth on the bier passed; the two assassins rushed out, and ere I could give the alarm murder had already been done. One of the assassins escaped: the other who now stands before you was secured by me with the assistance of the guard. This stiletto I found near the body, and on the handle is carved Guisseppo Muerto." For a moment the cool self-possession of Muerto disappeared, but it was only for a moment. He looked at the knife and a contemptuous sneer took The members of the Council replied simulta- the place of confusion in his countenance. He neously, "The country needs reform." turned towards the Count Palermo and looked The Count continued, "Guisseppo, you have him steadily in the face. The Count rose slowly appealed to me as one of the Council to protect from his seat and pointed towards the corpse, lookyou. Base and miserable wretch, murderer, fiend, ing steadily at Guisseppo, he addressed him in the your stiletto still reeks with the heart's blood of following manner: "Guisseppo Muerto, to the my dearest and nearest kinsman, a brother." The accusation of murder you plead 'not guilty,' and passion and feelings of the Count overcame him, ask the mercy of this court. You know the usual and he fell back exhausted into his chair. requirements of this court in cases of this kind; Guisseppo appeared but little moved by this lay your hand upon the body and curse the murspeech. Turning to the Council he addressed derer." them as follows: "Most noble Seniors, Neapole, Guisseppo advanced towards the bier where the Cosmo, Penaro, let me implore you. Here, on my body of Gerald lay and gazed intently upon his bended knees supplicating mercy, I appeal to your face. For the first time he showed feeling. A justice. Do not condemn me upon the uncertain tear was seen to drop from his eye. At this motestimony of a bare suspicion. To the charge of ment Constantine and Johnston entered the councilmurder I plead not guilty." chamber in an instant all Guisseppo's former ferocity appeared to be aroused; he placed his hand upon the breast of the corpse and pointing towards Johnston with the other, he slowly and emphatically fulfilled the Count's directions in the following manner: "May curses fall heavily on the murderer, may he be childless and have sleepless nights; in For a moment the members of the Council were silent, apparently awaiting Guisseppo's further remark. The Count De Palermo was the first to break silence with the simple remark, "We will award you 'Justice'" which was repeated by all the Council. The Count De Palermo then directed the watch-old age be a lone and miserable wanderer on the man to step forth and produce the evidence in his possession. The latter held up a stiletto with the blood of young Gerald still upon it. The Count De Palermo looked steadily for a moment at Guisseppo, who returned his gaze with a steady eye. Muerto, dropping his hand, retired to his former "Whose stiletto is that, Guisseppo ?" enquired the position. He looked attentively at Johnston, who Count. earth, may the curse of Cain follow and overtake him." Still pointing to Johnston, he exclaimed at the pitch of his voice, "I proclaim him to be the murderer." immediately advanced to the middle of the council Guisseppo looked at it for a moment and care-chamber and denied the charge, setting forth that lessly remarked, "Senior, I know not." he was an Englishman, and painting in glowing At this reply the countenance of the Count as- colors his abhorrence of the crime of murder,sumed an appearance of anger, but at once subdu- repelling the accusation in a strong and vehement ing it, he again turned to the Sereno. "Sereno, manner. The Count Palermo listened attentively where, and under what circumstances did that until he had finished and then beckoning to the stiletto come into your possession ?” guards directed them to secure the Englishman, "Most noble Senior," commenced the Sereno, at the same time remarking, "Sir Englishman, you "about the hour of eleven, when the shades of have been accused of murder before this court, it will be necessary to plead to the charge, and al- addressed the Council. 66 'Most noble Seniors! can though the Council may not yet take evidence this Council admit the evidence of so vile a wretch against you; your person must be secured." Turn- as this assassin? One who has already confessed ing to Guisseppo, he continued: "The Council to crimes of so great a magnitude that they will will hear your defence." sink his soul to the utmost depths of perdition! Guisseppo scanned, (as well as the dim light of One who has endeavored to cast on this noble Counthe council-chamber would permit,) the counte-cil of Sicily's best blood, crimes which, if true, nances of the different members of the court. He would cry aloud to heaven for vengeance? Where, saw at once he was doomed, and he determined to Seniors, is your proof? Only this criminal, already leave on their memories a lasting impression of in your minds condemned; for, most noble Seniors, himself. Stepping into the centre of the council- you have produced no other." chamber, facing the Count De Palermo, with a firm voice he thus addressed him : "This custom," con Johnston was silent, the Count De Palermo made a sign to the Sereno, who stepped in front of JohnMost noble Count De Palermo, to you I have ston and held up a cloak. The act of the watchman appealed for mercy. When you, with fawning flat- completely confused the Englishman, who became tery and sweet words, tempted me to crime and at once alarmed and agitated. He exclaimed, caused these hands to be bathed in the heart's "Seniors, the marriage contract forbids a 'Cicisblood of your brother, I was not backward in ful- beo.' I call for the marriage contract." Turning filling your desires. Ah! Senior Count, methinks to Constantine, he demanded of him the marriage contract. The Count De Palermo informed Johnthe same demon smile that shone over the dying body of your kinsman is now a forerunner of my ston his plea would be accepted, but continued by sentence. You struck not the blow it is true, but observing that the time-honored customs of Sicily your gold gave it force, ha ha! ha! Senior would not be forgotten. Cosmo grant that favor to me now, which you tinued the Count, "of having a Cicisbeo, originated promised over the dying body of your most beau- with the crusaders, a holy love, cemented by purity If then this custom has been for tiful and angel wife. Shake not your head, Senior and the cross. Cosmo, I to be sure opened the passage for her once violated, you, sir Englishman, will have the pure soul to depart and leave your loathed em- benefit of the circumstance. Senior Constantine braces, but the tempting promises of your deceitful produce the contract, that we may examine it." tongue and gold strengthened the arm which gave The Count slowly opened the contract and read it. the death blow. Ah! methinks I see your hands He was silent some time after perusing it. Then grasping your wife's delicate throat to prevent her turning to Constantine, at the same time handing spirit passing out the right channel. Senior Pe-him the paper, remarked: "This contract forbids naro! do you look coldly on me too? Where is the a Cicisbeo." Johnston's face once more brightened, affectionate embrace given to your "dear Guis- but Constantine seizing the paper, and now becomseppo," when your father had lived too long and his ing agitated in his turn, exclaimed, “Ha! Senior, money bags haunted your heated imagination? I saw this contract previous to its being sealed, and Are you all bent upon my destruction? Is this hand it allowed a Cicisbeo. May it not have been alno longer serviceable? Or do you fear that a brother, tered? Seniors, I will relate an ancient legend, wife, or son, may use me in the same kindly office? which caused all contracts to be printed under the Seniors, I am not guilty of this murder; (pointing authority of the Government. A young and jealto Johnston) there stands the assassin. 'Twas his ous nobleman altered a marriage contract and was promises, his gold that did it. Ah! my lord Eng- detected; since which time, they have been printed lishman, do you shudder! Guisseppo Muerto will by authority of the Government only; the letters not die alone, most noble Palermo. I appeal to the War Council." This rough defence, delivered with all the vehemence and gesticulation of an excited Sicilian, appeared to have a very serious effect with the Council. The Count Palermo was for some moments silent, and appeared to be glued to his seat he made several efforts to rise from his chair. At last, livid with passion, he turned to Johnston and informed him that the appeal of the wretch, Guisseppo, must be complied with, and both would be brought before the War Council. "But, sir Englishman, this Council will hear and record any defence you may wish to make." by a chemical process are dyed into the parchment, and cannot be wholly erased. If any erasures are attempted, a sponge moistened with vinegar and the original writing. I request the contract may wiped over the parchment will immediately restore be tested." 6 The Count received the parchment from Constantine and tested it according to his suggestion. "Here it is. The word appears, Cicisbeo,' exclaimed the Count. Senior Englishman, you are ordered to appear with Guisseppo Muerto, as an accomplice in the murder he stands charged with, to be tried by the laws of Messina, and if guilty, to be executed, according to our customs, in secret." The Count left his seat, and the remainder of the Johnston, agitated and pale, his lips quite livid, Council followed him. At the moment of leaving the council-chamber he turned to the guard and ing the stiletto from her hand, threw her upon her told them to take the prisoners hence. Guisseppo knew the force of these remarks. Turning to Johnston and making a most profound bow, he said, "We are likely to visit the shades together, my lord Englishman." Johnston turning to the guards begged them not to allow the assassin to kill him by his taunts before his time. Guisseppo laughed, and turning to leave the apartment with the guards, sarcastically replied, "Let the gentleman follow." CHAPTER X. knees, exclaiming, "Now, vile wretch, prepare to make your journey to the shades, screech forth your last ave,' treacherous hell-cat, and die." Every nerve and muscle of Guisseppo appeared affected and convulsed; he lifted the stiletto, and only awaited the fulfilment of his last command, before he plunged it into her heart. But the latter coolly replied, "How brave old Guisseppo is! my death is your death; release me one moment and I promise to set you at liberty." Guisseppo appeared astonished, not only at her coolness, but at her remarks also. He at once released her. On rising to her feet she said, "Listen, Guisseppo, you once did me a service, you saved me from this Cosmo; he would have executed me for a sorceress; take this cloak and signet ring; you then can pass the sentry in safety; leave me your old cloak; now haste, haste." "Thanks, thanks, good Ercola; but stop, will you not be endangered?" She The cell in which Guisseppo was placed communicated with the council-chamber, through which any of the members could pass, each having a secret key. Guisseppo, on arriving at his cell, threw himself carelessly on the floor and was in a few moments asleep; nor did he awake until the morning light shone into the narrow window of his cell. Slowly rising from his hard bed, and surveying the room, he men- "No, no; I have provided for that. Haste to tally soliloquized, "These are pleasant apartments my hut, where you will find my son Fraola." forsooth, but I gave the Council a hard thrust, Guisseppo wrapped himself in the cloak, took the which they will not be likely to place among their ring, and handing the stiletto to Ercola, he left the records. I am to be arraigned before the War prison. "Ah! exclaimed Ercola, Senior Cosmo Council, some secrets will then be disclosed by old is to be here soon to make all sure. Beware SeGuisseppo, which will make my judges and former employers blush. Let me see; there is the Count De Neapole, the devil take him, he is as savage as a tiger and as brave as a lion, and has no more conscience than Ercola, the witch of Ætna, who told me I would die a natural death. Then there is Senior Cosmo, a precious villain with a chickenheart, who would send me from this chamber a much shorter way to purgatory than by the Council." Guisseppo had progressed this far in his soliloquy, when he heard a slight noise near him, and turning, he discovered a person close by, muffled in a cloak. Believing it to be one of the Council, he drew himself up to his full height and stood ready to defend himself. "Who are you? one of the Council I suppose, speak." nior; you have a woman's wits to encounter." A slight noise here arrested her attention. quickly concealed herself behind one of the pillows which answered the double purpose of supporting the roof, and having prisoners chained to it. Senior Cosmo entered the cell cautiously muffled in his cloak; he called in a low voice for Fraola, and was answered by Ercola, who assumed the voice of her son. "Fraola, is it done?" enquired the Count. "If so come this way, I have something else to communicate to you." Ercola advanced a step, and perceiving Cosmo feeling in his bosom, stopped a moment and replied, "I am here, Senior Cosmo, come near Senior, I will whisper something to you." Ercola advanced, and ere Cosmo could accomplish his object she buried her stiletto between his shoul"I am," replied the person," in the eyes of the ders. Cosmo drew his stiletto and stabbed at ranworld a fiend." dom, exclaiming, "I am murdered, there is dim"Friend, enemy, or devil, what is your business in my sight, good heaven forgive me," and he ness?" demanded Guisseppo. fell back without a groan. Ercola took from his "I am Ercola, the witch of Ætna." At this finger a ring and passed by the secret passage out announcement Guisseppo for a moment appeared of the prison, leaving Cosmo wrapped in the cloak to be overcome with rage. At the top of his voice of Guisseppo. CHAPTER XI. We must now convey the reader to the cell in which Johnston was confined. The two prisoners "Guisseppo," replied Ercola, "your old enemy, the had been confined about two in the morning. The Senior Cosmo, employed my son to assassinate you excitement and fatigues of the trial had so comin this prison; he gave him his signet ring and this pletely overcome Johnston that he fell asleep almost stiletto; but I have undertaken to do the deed for instantly on taking possession of his miserable cell. him." Guisseppo sprang towards her and wrench-Nor did he awake until the hand of his friend Wes VOL. X-87 Guisseppo, smothering his feelings, replied, "Yes, my lord, the wind is fair, and my saint propitious." ton was placed upon his shoulder to arouse him. suaded his friend to let him assume his dress, and He started in alarm, exclaiming "Hah! the demons take charge of the boat. At the time appointed are here," but on becoming fully aroused, his as-Johnston arrived in Sera; he looked along the quay tonishment was doubly increased by discovering his and recognized his friend's boat by the streamer. friend. His first expression was, "Good heaven Looking around, he saw by the faint light of the what do I see my friend! Weston, oh! that you moon a solitary boatman. Addressing him in Itashould see me, thus manacled, a criminal." Wes- lian, he said, "Ah, good boatman, St. George' ton enquired if he was prepared to die? "Death, attend you, is the wind fair, and your saint propiWeston death? the grave? Oh horrible, to die tious?" in a foreign land, a criminal, side by side with a base assassin, one who during his whole life has been an eternal drinker of blood! oh! my friend, a few short hours and the sun of my life sets! nor have I prepared myself for an eternity of darkness and annihilation, neither have I had time to reflect whether the opening of the secret door of eternity will be as we are taught to believe, an entrance into torments everlasting-beginning without end, the spirit writhing and sinking in torments far beyond the extension of thought, forever seeking repose, yet finding naught but accumulating despair." Here he clenched his hands and sank on his knees. His friend touched him on his shoulder and told him he could save him. 66 "Well, I am glad to hear it, then haste, good boatman, time is precious." Johnston was struck with the constant repetition of his words, and testily remarked, "Come friend, cast loose your boat, then ply your oar, gain the offing, spread your sails to the propitious breeze, and have a quick trip to Palermo." Guisseppo could no longer control his passion, but suddenly seizing Johnston by the throat be threw him upon the ground, drew his stiletto, held it a moment suspended over his head, and asked him through his teeth, "My lord, do you recognize my face? Prepare to follow Gerald De Cheveta." Me," ,” he exclaimed, “oh! save me! Weston. My heart quails at death, I am not prepared to meet an offended Supreme Being. I cannot bear the The Englishman had merely time to exclaim, thought of being so suddenly thrust into eternity." villain," before the stiletto of Guisseppo was Oh! save me, if you can! How can you do it? Look at the solidity of these prison walls, and these massive chains." "Johnston, my dear friend, be composed, I have several swift horses between here and the village of Sera. At the quay you will see a boat waiting with a streamer flying, having on it my family's coat-of-arms. Say to the boatman, St. George; he will understand you; take that boat, go to Palermo, the packet for Malta will by that time be ready to sail, she is now in port. Once in Malta under the English flag, the devil take the Sicilians. Here are the tools to take off the irons. Your trial before the Council would not have taken place before to-morrow; by that time you will be coasting it. I have arranged my liberation with our Consul, and will be in Palermo in time to see you safe on board. Now farewell, and haste, recollect the watchword, 'St George.'" The witch, Ercola, lived near the foot of Mount Ætna, but having been compelled to reside on the estate of the Count De Cheveta, her son Fraola had, through the kindness of Gerald, procured a boat and become a fisherman. It was this boat Weston had engaged for Johnston. Guisseppo immediately on his release, fled to Ercola's temporary rendezvous, and there learned from Fraola, that his boat had been engaged to take an English lord, escaping from Messina, to Palermo. Guisseppo at once suspected it to be Johnston and easily per buried in his breast. Guisseppo immediately arose, and Johnston in his dying agony drew a pistol and fired at random. The ball lodged in the side of Guisseppo, who staggered and fell across the gunwale of the boat, along side of the quay, dragging Johnston with him who sank into the bay. The report of the pistol drew the attention of Fraola, who immediately sprang to his feet, and finding Guisseppo wounded and dying conveyed him to his mother's hovel. The Count De Cheveta and family immediately after the death of Gerald, returned to their country seat, and upon the conviction of Johnston, communicated the circumstance to Ada. The assassination of her cousin by her husband, and the incarceration of the latter deprived her of her reason. She remained a few days in a state of stupor, nor could the skill of the best physicians, and the kind and constant attentions of her father, mother and brother arouse her. Heart broken and emaciated she breathed her last, singing the favorite song taught by her to her cousin when a child. A simple white marble cross only marks the spot of her interment, and near it stands the plain tombstone of Gerald De Cheveta, with the following inscription, "Gerald De Cheveta assassinated." Constantine took the place of his father at the Councils, while the latter retired to the village of Sera, to spend, as he justly remarked, "The remains of a disappointed old age." THE COLONIAL HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. a the Legislature, during its last session, were enabled to perform such an act of justice, as to lend fifteen thousand dollars to the Medical College of Richmond, at a time, too, when they were raising In the last number of the Southern Literary the taxes of the people. Hence arose the applicaMessenger, the proposition was made to your hono- tion of the Colleges of the State for Legislative rable body, to send an agent to England to procure aid. With their application, the present proposisuch materials as her archives might afford for the tion is not intended to interfere; but they can wait History of our State. In resuming this important if necessary until this paramount object is first acsubject at this time, we must ask your indulgent complished. The Literary Fund, then, not only attention, since it will be entirely out of our power furnishes the requisite means; but its very nature to devote much time to the arrangement of our re- and objects seem to point to the attainment of the marks. We are forced to write currente calamo; first work of Literary interest, a full and suitable but it is a source of great encouragement to reflect, history of the State. The children of the State that the subject is one which so strongly commends are taught to read in the primary schools. This is itself, as scarcely to require any studied exposition. a provision made by their liberal parent, whom they No claim is preferred for originality in the plan soon learn to love and revere. They are inspired proposed. It has often been suggested, and has with a thirst for knowledge; they learn with avimet the approbation of nearly every one to whom dity the chronicles of other times and other lands; it has been mentioned. Indeed it lies upon the but when, alas! they turn to enquire for the history very surface of utility, and, as already shewn, has of her, who has provided for them all this enjoybeen profitably embraced by other States. If the ment and all this mental improvement, they find present effort, however, to induce your honorable with astonishment and regret, that there is none to body to imitate such laudable examples, be crowned give them. They can only be told of a few inwith success, it will be a cause of no little pride complete and for the most part inaccessible books, and rejoicing to us to share in the credit of effect- or pointed to the mutilated records, which it were ing so desirable an object. It has been truly said, life-labor to explore. How it chills the affections to be thus denied what is often so eagerly "That man is not the discoverer of any art who first says the thing; but he who says it so long and sought! Nothing can so elevate patriotism as to so loud and so clearly, that he compels mankind to have the mind filled with the history of one's nahear him. Other persons had noticed tive State. A common school history of Virginia the effect of coal-gas in producing light; but Win- should be put into the hands of every child who is sor worried the town with bad English for three educated at the public expense. Scholars and citiwinters, before he could attract any serious atten-zens more liberally educated would require a work tion to his views. Many persons broke stone before Macadam, but Macadam felt the discovery more strongly, stated it more clearly, persevered in it with greater tenacity, wielded his hammer, in short, with greater force than other men, and finally succeeded in bringing his plan into general use." Whether the present application shall be successful depends upon your sense of its value and importance. We pledge ourselves to persevere in it, but hope to be relieved from the necessity of "worrying you with bad English, for three winters." We know that this is a period of taxation and indebtedness, but the appropriation requisite for the object herein proposed will neither increase the taxes nor the debt of the State, whilst it so nearly concerns the honor and lofty character of Virginia, as to demand immediate action. Her early heroes are without a monument, long periods of her government without a record, and her annals imper- This might be taken for granted. It results from fect and unknown. Whilst this condition of things the nature of public transactions, from the plain is so eloquently appealing to her rulers, her Lite- necessities of society and the demands of its memrary Fund, after supplying all the demand for pri- bers; from the known wishes, wants and practice mary Education and for other accustomed purposes, of every civilized community. Fame demands a is annually overflowing. After every ordinary perpetuity; virtue and heroism their monuments; draft has been made upon it, a yearly excess from and ambition the stimulus, which the Hope of transits income of some $13,000 returns to become a mission to future ages alone can impart. The part of its permanent capital. Hence it was that progress of society and the mere sequence of events more elaborate and extended. But neither has as yet been written, nor can it ever be until the documents are procured from the mother country. The want of them has already deterred many who would have undertaken the task and has entirely defeated the efforts of those who have attempted it; whilst States as young as Kentucky, the daughter of Virginia, Illinois, Tennessee and others have already their complete histories. Having pointed out the means of defraying the expense of the plan proposed, and presented the foregoing general remarks in support of it, we will proceed to a more definite view of the subject, by enforcing the following propositions : 1. Every independent State should have a complete set of its public records, and a history fairly and impartially embodying them. |