Page:Black Jacob, a monument of grace.djvu/19

Rh and shot, and instructed as to the mode of executing their purpose. He was first advised to proceed by night to the house of the old man, and fire through the window. To this Jacob objected, as he might in that case injure other members of his family: yet he was fully prepared to meet their wishes whenever a favourable moment should arrive.

Early on the morning of the 21st of December, 1819, Mr. Jennings, the aged and unsuspecting victim of this conspiracy, left his family to visit some grounds which had been the subject of litigation, and on which the opposite party, who still held possession, were committing depredations. In his way, he passed the dwelling where the conspirators were met. Jacob was at breakfast, in the room of his miserable adviser, Mrs. T. On being informed that the old man was passing, he rose from the table, and took his gun from behind the door, while Mrs. T. brought him the powder and shot, giving him, at the same time, more ardent spirits, that