tempest, which seemed at that time to accord
with the emotions of his own wicked heart, Nat continued on his way,
which lay past the unpretending, but comfortable farm-house, where,
in the peace and contentment of a happy home, Henry Schulte dwelt
with his parents.

As he reached a point in the road opposite the dwelling of his hated
rival, and from the windows of which the lights were gleaming
cheerily, Nat stopped, and, unmindful of the drenching rain, he shook
his uplifted hand at the inoffensive abode, and, in a voice choking
with rage, cried:

"Curse you, Henry Schulte! Be on your guard, for if I live, you will
know what it is to suffer for what you have done this night. Enjoy
yourself and your victory while you can, but there will come a time
when you would rather be dead than the miserable thing I will make
you. Curse you! Curse you!"

Having relieved the exuberance of his passion in this manner, he
silently resumed his journey, and reaching his home retired at once
to his room, and throwing himself upon the bed, he gave himself up to
the devilish meditations which filled his mind.

Ah, Nat Toner, far better for you, for that happy village of Hagen,
and for the future happiness of two loving hearts, if to-night the
lightning's flash had sent its deadly stroke through your murderous
heart and laid you lifeless upon the road.

As may be imagined, the news of the encounter between Henry Schulte
and Nat Toner was noised about the village, and during the next day
the matter became the universal theme of conversation. It was
astonishing, however, to remark the unanimity of opinion which
prevailed with regard to it. The entire community with one accord
united in condemning the insult and applauding its resentment; and
when Nat Toner made his appearance the following day, bearing upon
his face the marks of the punishment he had received, he was greeted
with cold salutations and marked evidence of avoidance by those who
heretofore had been disposed to be friendly, and even gracious.

This only intensified his anger at the cause of his humiliation, but
he concealed his emotions and shortly afterwards returned to his
home.

The anxiety of Emerence for the safety of her lover was most
profound, and trembling with fear of the threatened revenge of Nat
Toner, for his oath had also been repeated, she besought Henry to be
watchful and cautious of his unscrupulous adversary, all of which he
laughingly and assuringly pro