Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1826-03-11

Edward, unfortunately, did not long
enjoy this Newborn pleasure. The hour
OF midnlgt had hardly found him quiz
city reposig in the arms of his atfec-
tiooale Amanda, ere he was called to
encounter lew perils.
Stand last and keep good look out,
we have him now" Such was the tri-
umphant mandate of the sheriff oil Hamp-
shire county, TO POSSE OF about forty
well-armed aud sturdy yeomen, as he
. stationed them at that silent hour, around
the dwelling OF the prescribed rebel.
Edward, who az that moment awoke
from the only peaceful slumbei that had
for many months visited his eyelids,
caught the porlentous sounds of man
date which seemed to seal his destiny.
Quietly, but hastily awakening his wife,
F, he in a few words minated TO her the
nature of the threatening danger, and
the only course for their mutual pursuit.,
which promised even hope OF safety
BY this time the voice OF the sheriff, as
he Numbered at the door, was loudly de-
msnding entrance.
Who's there I" inquired the slightly
agitaled but still sweet tone OF Amanda's
beautiful voice.
The Sheriff of the county of Hamp-
shire, who dem ands instant abundance
in the name oil the Commonwealth" was
The rep y.
larry a moment," said Amanda,
with an affected Cheerful ness OF compli-
ance: "tll can dress myself and light
candle"
A request SO reasonable, coming from
female, was of course granted.
Edward even in this briei space, had
resumed his clothes, and while Amanda
was more ieisurely performing the same
operation and lighting a candle, he de.
posted in his bosom his trusty pistols,
tied few changes OF linen IN a handker-
chief, and stood ready Tor further opera
tons.
Amanda, with lighted candle in one
hand, and the oiherso disposed as to give
greater volume to the skirts OF a large
mantle which she had thrown over her
ordinary attire, DOW approached the out
er door, followed closely, and in creep
ing posture, by Edward Livery thing
being thus in readiness, she, by a rapid |
movement. threw the door wide open, |
and stood firmly on its thresholdt hold
ing the light lar above her head, and eye
ing with apparent composure the mass
Of living bodies that lhronged its entrance
from i,hout.
"Who are We, that thus rudely, and at
such time oil mig hi, asssil the quiet, aud |
destroy the repose of the lone woman !"
asked Amanda with great dignity and
lirmness.
81 crave your pardon gentle dame,'
said the Sheriff, but we will soon see
" bother you so tone as you pretend
We seek Edward Pelion, an outlaw and |
rebel, whom VIC know 10 be
10 this house, and
Rush in, boys. saw the rsscsl in
the house this moment" exc lainned
hoarse but stern voice from the rear oil
the throng.
Those TO whom the exhortaton had |
been addressed waited neither ceremony
nor second bidding, but rushed tumultu-
ously in the house with such haste, that
it required very sudden and decisivc.I
effort of agility OIL the part OF Amanda,
TO p'eveni bcr being Frustrated and trod.
den under foot.
Curses both loud and deep, were now
uttered from all parts OF the little man
sion, as every hole, corner and Granny |
was scrutnized in search OF the devoted |!
victim.
Edward, meanwhile, was quietly
ing his way TO Canada. AS his wife
stepped into the doorway, in the manner
we have related, he had crept under the
bottom Of The friendly mantle, made his
way among the legs of the anxious
crowd without, whose whole attention |
was occupied by Amanda, gained ,hsir
rear in safety, raised himself, and in a
feigped voice uttered the exclamation |
which caused them TO rush in the house,
and then provided for his own safety by a
flight as rapid as his pedestrian mode OF
conveyance permitted.
Years rolled round a more stable go |
vernment, became less vindctive and |
suspicious an act OF general oblivion |
and amnesty recalled Edward from his
temporary banishment; and the veteran,
who in the struggle OF the revolution,
had fought vaisntly for his country, now
lives contented and cheerful pensioner
upon her bounty; recoun,s the " hair |
breadth 'scapes" of his youth, with great
gaiety, and cbuckles with unusual self
omplacency, when he tells to his won
derins auditors how he escaped the She
riffs.