The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1849-08-15
said-whether she actually wished to

"AASsnSA "uo sAStudity NisuSu W
bo released from the tyranny of her
husband and SO with them--and whetll.
or she was ready to resign herself to one
of them, to himself for instance, during
the few peaceful days they could enjoy!
Having replied in the affirmative to all
those notwithstanding not only suf:
fered the warm embrace of the robber,
but returned it--for what will not ne.
cessity excuse? He at length said,
'Come along, then, and lead us round.
The-trust you ladies of rank, but
we'll venture for once. But let me tell
you, beforehand, that were you ten
times as handsome, this weapon shall
cleave your skull tho moment we see the
least disposition to escape or betray us. ,
'Then it will be safe cnough--and
were this the only condition of my death
| should outlivc you all, and even the
Wandering Jew HIMSELF The baro-
ness smiled when she pronounced these
words, hastily snatched up the nearest
light, as though she had been as anx-
ious as any Of them to collect the piun.
der and be gone, conducted the whole
company through every apartment,
opened. unaskod every door, every
drawer and chest; assisted in emptying
them and packing up the valuablcs;
looked with the utmost indifference
over the manged bodies; spoke with
tho familiarity ofan old acquaintance
to each of the horrid troop; and willing
ly aided, with hor delicate hands, in the
most labolious occupation.
Plate, money, jewels, and other val
uablcs now collected together, and the
captain of the banditti was already civ
ing the order for the march, when his
destined bride suddenly caug ght him by
the arm. did not tell you said she
sthat you should not rercnt making a
friend of me, for sparing my life? You
may, indeed, have your fill in places
you find open; but it is pity that you
cannot come at treasures that are a lit
tie concealed. What! do you suppose
that among Golfers SO full of the most
valuable effects there are no secret p,a-
ces! Look here, and then you will be
convinced to the contrary
She pointed to secret spring in the
baron's writing-desk. They pressed
upon it, and out fell six rouleaus, each
containing two hundred dollars.
Zounds!' cried the leader of the rob-
bcrs, 'now see you are an incompara.
bic woman. l will keep you for this
like Duchess
'And, perhaps, better STILL replied
she, laughing, when I tell you of one
thing more. lam we'll aware you must
have spies who informed you of the alb
sencc of my tyrant; but they did not
tell you oft the four hundred guildcrs he
received yesterday?'
Not sysllable; where arc they?'
%, safe enough under half dozen
locks and bolts. You would certainly
not have found them and the iron chest
had it not been for me. Come along,
comrades; we have finished above
ground, and now we'll sec what is to be
done under it. Come along with me,
| say, into the collar
The robbers followed, but not with
out prccaution. At the entrance of
the cellar, provided with a strong trap
door, man was posted as sentinel.
The baroness did not take tho least
notice Of this.
She conducted the whole troop to q
vault at the farthcst extremity oc the
cellar. She unlocked it, and in the
corner of this recess stood the chest she
had described. Here said she, civ.
ing the captain a bunch of keys, 'here,
unlock it, and take what you find as
a wedding gift, if you can obtain the
consent of your companions as readily
as you have gained mine
The robber tried one key after an
other, but none would fit lie grew
impatient, and the baroness seemed
still moro so.
Lend me them,' said she, Il shall
find the way sooner. Indeed, if we
don't make haste the morning will over
take ms. Ha, only think, the reason
none of us could unlock it is clca.
enough. AS welcome as your visit is
to me, yet | have no scruplcs to con
Tess that the arrival Of great pleasure
has furricd me little. l have brought
the wrong bunch Of keys. A moments
patience, and I'll soon set things to
rights.
She ran up stairs, and presently they