American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-12-15

your ears"
"Peter Lent, know you, and know every
man with you, Leta harm come to me, and
you shall all pay dearly for it! AS for gold, |
have none"
Well search for it!' shouted Lent, as he
pushed Brownson aside and rushed into the
house, followed by his companions
They were met by the wife, who pathetically
implored them to spare her house from the de-
secraton of search.
awe would do any thing for you, madam;
but your husband is marked man, and must
be punished. He has searched and robbed our
houses-we will now pay him in his own coin "
Thus spoke one of the committee who had
proposed the punishment. As if convinced OF
the right of retributiVe justice, the woman Of
tered no further argument for mercy, but quiet
ly, though more like a spectre than thing OF
flesh and blood, gided to a seat in corner OF
the apartment. Her husband modify watched
the movements of his enemies, as they ran
sacked every nook and crevice. When they
had done, and still were empty handed, he
smiled contemptuously, saying as he did So
"Well, gentlemen, you find that my house
contains only what poor man should possess.
Are you satisfied"
"No!" spoke one of the number-'N you
HaFC SOIu' II 10 Il piLf Iliil IL bC
in the flames which will consume your dwell
ing. Speak, then, and tell US where you have
boarded it."
81 have spoken" said Brownson, ''and tell
you again have none"
"Take him to the tree and hang him, if he
does not tell, " cried Lent; "and if he is obsti-
nate, let him swing to death"
cay! to the t-ee'' chorussed the others.
Despite the screams of his wife. he was drag
ged TO the tree, and preparations were at once
made for putting the threat into execution.
rope was thrown over limb, and one end
placed in the hands Of two stout men-the 9TH
er end, fashioned into a sip-knot moose, was
placed about the doomed mans neck. Net Il
muscle moved as he passively allowed his cap
tors TO make these preparations. Neither did
the sobs of his swooning wife appear to make
any visible impression. His face was blanched,
his eyes were CLASSY, and his lips were blood
less; but his nerves were firm, and his heart
undaunted. He had led Il daring life, and he
was determined to meet bold and remorseless
end.
"Now, said Lent, as his companions formed
circle around the tree, "open your stubborn
mouth, and disclose the hiding place you have
selected for the money Of which every honest
man here can claim portion. You have ff-
teen minutes to decide. Remember! disclosure
or DEATH"
At this moment flames burst from the roof of
the house 1t was, according to the decision of
the committee, fred!
"See," murmured the fainting female, "you
have deprived us Of home-spare, at least, our
wretched lives. That which you asked my
husband has not. On my soul, as far as know,
speak no falsehood."
perhaps we are wrong" suggested one of
the band.
''Wrong." said another, "nonsense! Do you
suppose he would tell her what he had done
with the plundet"
"Ouce more, and for the last Time said
Lent, addressing Brownson, 81 ask you to dis
close where you have secreted your money!"
"For the last time, | reply, | wall tell no.
thing"
ling in the flames? IN moment it will fail.
AS that falls yol will be suspended between
heaven and earth. Your fate is just, and may
God have mercy OIL your soul"
Each man uncovered, and bowed reverental-
", as they all CALCULATED the prayer,
"Husband!" shriekcd the wilo-"Husband.
tell what they require, in the name Of lIeaven!'
"Never! 1 have no gold. II they kill me,
they will be murdercrs, and my death will not
90 unavenged."
4 crash announced that the burning raller
had fallen. Lent lifted his hand, and in mo-
ment Brownson's body swung clear off the
ground. The wife fell nsensbe. Lent raised
his hand again, and Brownson was Immediately
lowered. He was soon sufficiently recovered
to speak and listen.
"BrowMson," said Lent, Hyou sea we are de-
termined. Save yourself, if possible, for the
sake of your wife"
The hi herto strong resolves Of the doomed
man seemed shaken. He motioned them to
remove the rope from his neck. They did as
he desired. Drawing near to Lent he family
articulated, 81 must recover my strength
Grant me few minutes respite, and you shall
know ALL"
"Look to the woman" said Lent; ''see that
she revives" She was then raised, and placed
upon all elevated knoll about five rods from
the tree. They chaied her temples, yet she
recovered not. Brownson's eye glanced I'M
easily around A close observer could have
detected the fact that the embryo hanging had
not much disordered him. Suddenly his vi
sion rested upon a musket which one of the
men, attending upon the female, had left upon
the ground Quick as fash of lightning he
seized this weapon, and with the butt feled
Lent to the ground lie then ran TO his wife,
raised her form easily as he could that of a
child, and essayed to escape.
"FIRE!" yelled Lent Fire! he has broken
my arm"
The sharp report of dozen musksts pierced
the air and awoke the surrounding echoes
Brownson staggered, fell rose again, and blind
ly attempted to pursue his way. He mistook
his direction, and going towards the tree, reach
ed it, and fell with his burthsn. The woman
was dead, but the man, though shot in three
vital parts, still lived.
"Butchers!" groaned he, "promise one thing
ere de-"
! "What is it,"
"That we may be buried at the foot of this
tree.n
"Your request shall be fulfilled"
"Enough! The gold you haze stain IT'S to gain
is buried here: BUT you SHALL MEYER ToUCH