The North-Carolina standard., 1844-12-04

10 work, to obtain full and comPete Intelligence OF
the force habits and position of his formidable
tagonist Constantly absorbed in reflection on his
purpose, his keen observation was extended to eve
ry circumstance, to every incident indicating the
way to success. His attention had for some time
been accidentally attracted to man of obscure
character, whom he recognised as resident in the
neighborhood, whose mysterious conduct had
strongly excited the suspicious of the neighbors.
He had marked in this person a sinister shyness
and embarrassment, a kind of skulking department.
which he determined to penetrate. He observed
him closely, marked his habits, discovered his
haunts, and soon learned enough of his history TO
enable him to practice successfully on his fears.
At length engaging him In private interview, he
charged him with secret and dangerous connex
ion with Mcintosh. Holding out the hope of pardon
and mercy on condition of full confession, the
fortunate wretch confessed that he had been thrown
into the power of McLntosh that tempted by the
hope of bettering his condition, he had joined the
troop but Immediately became disgusted with that
mode of fe that the regret of being thrown out OF
the pale of society and OF being separated from his
connexions was more than he could bear, and that
he had left the camp never to return tol That II
he could by the assistance of good men, be relnsta-
ted in character, there penance but he
would willingly undergo; no services which he was
willing to render Having thus obtained all the
information he desired and tested the sincerity of
his peniIent, he accepted his services guide /;
the only condition being that he would use his in
fuence to restore him TO credit. Imposing on this
man, the strctest secrecy and silence, he desired
him 10 hold himself in readiness whenever his SER
vices should be wanted, and assured him of his IN
fuence in his favor if he merited it, by The service
he had undertaken. 1t only remained now, for him
TO advance his object by procuring the services
Of a number Of faithful associates, whom he could
RELY on any emergency. Proceeding with the same
caution and secrecy, he went to work by sounding
some Of his most ardent friends, and succeeded IN
drawing around him about thirty in whose tllty
and courage he had the most perfect confidence.
Eager TO engage in an adventure which though
perilous, not without attraction for daring spir-
its, the pledge Of honor was exchanged, and our
Hero was ta6lished the leader of the adventurous
band So secretly and so wisely had the arrange
ments been conducted, that rendezvous was ap-
pointed at the county town without the slightest
suspicion of The enterprZe tranSpnlng, and after
dark, the little troop left the town in opposite
direction 10 that which they Intended 10 pursue
Favored by the darkness of the ight, they escaped
observation. Orders to halt were given, short
consultation held The remaining preparations has
tened over, and all measures arranged. At the
signal for marching, the troop dashed over the
mounta road in high spirits, in good order and with
as much stiffness aspracicable, without drawing br-
die, until they apPrOacht small disafteced settle
ment, where IL was thOug It necessary 10 leave
guards detached from the body, compete Mt 10 pre-
vent communication with the enemy. The time
consumed in these necessary steps, was so great
almost 10 threaten The failure of The expedition
and our leader al length found himself again his
route at the wiichng hour of midnight still distant
from the scene of acIion, with his band reduced 10
nine we'll ar ned effective men, exc usiVe of the
guide and him elf. Nothing disheartened howeV-
er with his disparity Of force, calculating perhaps
upon a reinforcement from his detachments in The
time Of need he pushed forward with impetu
o>iry which forbade all bodn2s Of doubt or aPprc-
hens:on. The night was very dark and bitterly cold
Onward he swept his impatient course, without the
semblance of relaxation until his guide called his
attention and announced the vicinity Of the Tory
camp. A short coHsulIaIiun ensued-cautIou>y
and silently the camp Of McIntosh was reconnoiter-
ed. Ia deep glen, thickv overhung by forest
PeS II 81 IIDb nIP U h1IIf
lighthouse. On one side ran rivulet muImu:ing
near, and in front the remains of fire neatly ex-
tinguished. The guide was dismissed, and as no
!ine could be lost since The return light would re-
veal the paucity of his numbers ii resolved. in
siantlY TO summon the garrison to surrender and
in the event of refusal TO fire the house. 4 few
moments suficed instruct The little corps in the
duty deVOlving each-lhe most indiSpen >iblr of
which was by artihce TO impose on The garrison IN
respect 10 their numbvrs-by the incessant motion
of their hor~es-by shouts and clamor and by irrce
relusalS to be restrained from the attack At a
signal Simultaneous rush Of man and horse an
nounced to the unhappy inmates of the camp, that
they were besieged on all sides. A. soun as si-
lence could be ob'afned for a moment-a solemn
demand TO surrender at discretion was made, TO
which no response was given. Our hero kept his !
troop in constant motion, and the furious and CON-
tinued cries and dennncaIions Of the men de mand-
ing 10 be led on to the work of destruction last
produced the effect. The garrison believing the
place to be invested by a large and numerous body
proposed parley. Mcintosh first
IL was answered, and solemnlV affirm
ed that he was not among lhem-that he was on
The other side Of the mountain and would not re-
turn until sunrise. This true. and it was also
fortunate for party that but twelve Of the gang
were in camp. The Parley Quickly inter
rupted by the violent camor of the besiegeIs to be
led on without The loss of moment. Once more
quarter offered TO those who surrendered-noI
mercy to those who resisted. Upon the second re-
fusal of the terms, the noisy clan or recommended
with unrestrained violence, we'll calculated TO drive
the beseged TO despair, while their leader affected
by his efforts 10 pacify and restrain his men, A Il
third and last summons TO surrender was accompa-
MED by the assurance that in fifteen minutes The
house, in case of REFUSAL should be fired over their
heads. At the expiration of the time allowed them,
Dur hero excaiming your blood be upon your own
heads" approached the fire, lighted a torch, and
proceeded 10 execute his threat when the voice of
The Lieutenant was heard, denouncing death TO the
torch bearer if he advanced-a rife glimmered
through the logs and ahe finger of the bandit trem-
bled on the trigger. moment m ore andsihe ball
Of death would have been sped: Suddenly The
arm of the Lieutenant was .arrestedsby one Of the
bandits within, who proposed terms of surrender
oud disputes and recriminations followed within
The camp-and boisterous strife, but ii was evident
hat a majority were favorable to the proposition
Fifteen minutes were thensallowed for decision
put the lnfurated besiezers could no longer be re-
strained and at the moment that the attack seemed
Inevitable, the door was suddenly thrown ooen
Our party stood 10 their arms ready TO receive an
attack, when one of the garrison named Smith, be-