Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1839-05-02

F'NSehAbbS thC thOOCy WOuiQ OS
transmitted to New Orleans, another
suggested. that be was "pay master to
the Army" These various and per-
picking interrogatories, were cred
promptly. with characteristic GOODNESS,
and generally without evasion. Studi-
Gus, OF not evincing any distrust, or sus-
picions of their object, the careless in
difference OF his manners seemed to have
had the effect of restraining their rude
ness for a while. and the subject was
changed. Whilst this kind Of CONVEX
sation was going on. one of the robbers
was observed to recline himself on the
floor, near the partition where his bag
gage was laid which he used as pillow.
| Watching his movements he was seen
examining the Colonel's saddlebags rath-
'er familiarity. Fhis, however, he did
not seem 10 notice. Soon after, two OF
the party took rifles, and left the house,
without giving any explanation.-He
was now left with the footman the old
man, and one OF the trio-who was evil
IDENTITY the leader OF the band. 1t grew
late, AID requesting bed. he was con
Quoted by the aged Ishmaelite followed
by the bandiD to small attached build
ing. In going along narrow passage,
he stepped upon trap door, which
gave way, and he sunk to his knee, but
catching to bench which happened to
be near. he recovered, aud proceeded
without making any remarks. Reach.
ing the apartment he was pointed TO a
miserable cot, and Immediately prepared
to occupy 1t, by taking off only his coat
and boots. The old man coon retired,
leaving his companion, who proposed
using an old settee in the same room, as
his couch, remarking that the old man
was scarce OF beds. To this arbitrary
arrangement. he did not think proper to
obJec:.-A crisis was now evidently ap-
preaching, which no human agency
could Arrest, and he resolved hastily on
plan of escape. This was to adopt
some fnesse, and If Unsuccessful, then to
defend himself, to the last, with his only
weapon, dirk. He was well aware
that his safety depended upon his man
ners and bearing towards those despera-
does, hence, every word and action was
strictly guarded. We have already OBJ
served the effect Of this course upon the
assassins. Had he at any time evinced
made any unguarded movement, towards
leaving The house, instant death would,
doubtless. have followed.-But,s so con.
fident were they Of their prey, and pro-
badly too cowardly to make an open at.
tack, their plan evidently was, TO ap.
proach his couch, and accomplish the
bellish purpose, by stabbing in the dark.
The only hope of safety in leaving the
house, was TO reach the river, where he
might possibly find boat, either de {.
scending oil at the shore, which would
| afford protection. But on the other
hand, if no such relief was found, he
would doubtless be pursued, and on this
uninhabiled part of the coast, escape
would be impossible. He therefore de-
termined to wait some further develop
menis of the night, ere he should decide
differently what course 20 pursue. He
was not long left in suspense. A move
.meDt, distinctly heard, made it pal pably
manifest that MURDER dark and prem edi i.
tated murder, was contemplated, and the
attempt about to be made. After the
lapse of an hour perhaps, after lying
down, during which he feigned sound
sleep, yet wakeful 10 every sound which
floated upon the murmuring wind, he
heard the latch of the door cautiously
raised, and the footsteps of a man were
heard in the direction of the settle. He
waited moment, and the same steaIthy
footsteps approached his bed-the object
was quite near, remained but moment
and retired. A low whispering was
then heard. All was again silent, and
still the Col. seemed to sleep. The foot
steps now approached him, and so near,
that he could distinctly perceive the
heavy and suppressed breathing He
Immediately turned over, as if awaken
ed, and the assassin, doubtless, with
dagger in hand, hastily retreated.-
WhIsperiDgs were again heard, and du-
ring this conference, something fell upon
the floor, which sounded like the blade
OF kDife-Siience, then, as of death,
reigned for wbile-wben Col. Il. rails
ing himselfup, called upon the fellow in
the room for light. He appeared TO
be aroused, unwilingly, as from a pro-
found sleep, and in surly tone asked
what was wanting. The Colonel re-
marked that he did not feel well, aud
wished him to get light brought up.
Alter some delay, he got up, drew on
his boots, OeaviDg his hat, overcoat, Sc }
and requested the man 10 wait with the
iighta few moments at the door. He
L n. Il