The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1840-11-28


back to the house.
The cause of her emotion was easily ex.
planned by the character of her approaching
visiter' The Refugees, were at that day,
brigands Of West Jersey. Taking advan-
tage Of the tormoil Of the times, and of the
absence of most of the male population in
the continental army, they ravaged the
country at will, plunderng and burning
farm horses and even, IN some instan-
cos, committing personal violence upon fe-
males. They were, consequently, the ter
ror Of the country.
Of these men David Rowel, or as he was
familiarly called fron the darkness Of his
complexion, " Black Dayy" was the most
notorious. Som~ti moving alone, and
sometimes accompanied by Others, but al
ways marking his track with some outrage,
he had gained for himself notoriety as
wide spread as it was terrible. 1t was the
sight Of this individual which checked the
steps Of the young girl, and drove her tramb
ling to seek refuge in her home.
But her fear, it seemed, soon vanished
She had scarcely crossed her threshold be-
fore, as if actuated by some Sudden rccol-
lection, sho hastily turned back, and with
an unshrinklng face though Beating heart,
confronted the Refugee. Whatever was
her motive, her fsarlsss, deMeanor abashed
the renegade. He stopped and was silent.
What want you, what would you have
sir, why do you seek a lonely house like
his at such an hosr ? asked the girl, with
flashing eyes.
The abashed Refugee had by this time
reco vered his confidence, and with an easy
sir he whisIed aloud, and then ansvered the
girl.
Not SO fast mistress, not SO fast, we are
here after your good NANNY dear, and tao
you have been married only a fortnight or
SO, we must settle our account with him.--
have sigRalled my men and you see they
are coming. We must search your house
como on my boys and with these words
the renegade, accompanied by three rough
looking men, who had just come up in an.
swer to his call, passed into The house.
The young wife (for such she was) gazed
after them, and lifting her hands on high,
murmursd thanksgiving that her husband
had moi yet come.
In about a quarter of an hour the men
returned, and swearing loudly at their i'll
success, began to search among the few out
houses for the master of the place; but their
efforts were in vain. The young wife,
meanwhile, though beraying no sign Of
fear, stood still, not kaowng but that the
enraged rufiians would, the next moment
take her life, or even do what to her would
be worse than death.
BY -, this is too bad,' said the leader,al
ter their unsuccessful search, he will GER
tainly be here some time LO-night--let US
wait for the rascally rebel, and shoot hin
down on his own threshold
The brutal proposition just suited his des-
pearts, followers, 81 taking up their quarters
within, they ordered the young vile to pre-
pare them some supper. Though loathing the
sight Of her tormeutors aid trembling mo-
mentarily lest her husband should arrive,
she was forced to obey their commands.-
She contrived, however, always to keep ia
sight of the door, so as 10 obtain view of
her husband as soon as he emerged from
the woods, determining to warn him at once
to flee, though she herself would risk her
life there by.
Suddenly she dared towards the door,
for her keen eye had detected the one so
long looked lOs, and waving her hand she
shouted,
'Fly-fy-Richard-Ay
'What Ihe---does the jade meant an
grily exclaimed the leader Of the refugees,
rushing after her; and lifting his piece,
he continued, come on or you are dead
man
For an instant 'he husband paused. He