Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1850-09-13
FRIDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER l3. 1850.

tfaVerslng the country at that time, but il
being his duty to hail everything approach
ing his post, he instantly shouted,
Who goes there 20
" Nothing but pedlar," was the reply,
in the regular drawl of down-easter.'
advance and give the countersign,'
continued the sentry.
"Pll advance if yeou want me few. but
I'll be darned if give away anything"
So saying the pedlar approached the
sentry, where he was met by the corporal
OF the guard, who had been attracted to
the spot by the challenge.
What have you got to sell 20 repeated
the corporal
+" Nothin' that yeou want, unless it be
this pint bottle, was the reply, as he held
up pint bottle of rum.
What do you ask for it ?'' demanded
the corporal.
Not much. If yeou let me into the
yard 'mong the soljiers, I'll give it tew
yeou."
g It's bargain" answered the corporal
quickly, whose orders had been positive
to let no one out, but nothing had been
said about not letting people in.
Giving the officer on guard the rum, the
/ pedlar passed into the yard among the SOL
diers, who congregated Immediately around
him.
What have you got to sell. old fei-
low ~ yelled one
" Got any rum ~ cried a second.
/ " Get me out pack Of cards. said a
third.
80 want jack knife, - shouted fourth.
" Go tew thunder, every ono of yeou.''
replied the pedlar in a loud voice, as he
put down his panniers. Darn it, dew
yeou think I've got forty tongues tew an
swer yeou all at once. Who's that want
cd rum"
" Me-" answered the soldier stepping
forward.
Well, | han't got none," retortcd the
Yankee to the crest fallen trooper.--
Who's that wanted cards ," he added.
Me-" said another advancing.
Well, here they be- and the pcdlar |
took them out " They're fifty cents q
pack
Let nae see them," and the trooper
held out his hand.
see the money TO pay for EN-
The man paid the half dollar, and the |
pcdlar was soon busy selling off his things !
to the soldiers, most of whom wanted |
something. When all had been supplied, !
the Yankee approached the fire, where
two men were cooking the supper, and /
displayed his merchandise.
These men unfortunately were out of !
money, and after endeavoring in vain to !
dispose of something to them, he pettishly |
exclaimed
" Wei, if ycou wont buy anything,
can't yeou tell me of somebody who will - !
You see that fellow tied to that tree,
don't you ?" said one of the men, pointing !
to the rebel lover Of Mary, who had been |
bound to a saplmg near the fire.
rather guess dew
Z" He's 10 be hung in the morning, and I
would doubtless like to buy black cap
for the occasion"
" Thank yeou, mister; there's pocket
comb for yeou. I've got one of the black
est caps ever ycou seed"
While speaking, the pedIar had thrown
the comb on the ground, and he Instantly
made oil for the prisoner. As he drew
near, the rebel raised his head and gazed
upon him, but his slouched hat completely
hid his features
"They say yeou arc tew be hung in
the morning, and | tho't yeou'd like to
have black cap tcw put on" exclaimed
the pedlar, first breaking the silence.
" Do you come 10 taunt me % demand
ed the prisoner, quickly
No, but this cap of mine is Il darned
good one, and let the people eff hanging
easy"
The pedlar placed strong emphasis on
the of, which caused the prisoner to again
attempt scrutiny of his features This
time the matter was not so difficult. The
hat was slipped to one side, and the coun-
tenance fully revealed.
" Heavens, can it be possible ?" mur-
INJURED the rebel, in guarded tone.
q Hist, or all may be lost, Buy the
cap, and in its top you will find a knife.
My men are near by, but we number only
your cords when all are asleep, and then
be of.
"But Mary" said the young officer in
a hollow whisper.
g Shall be saved, rest assured of that"
THANK you, General, and may God
bless you for this"
"Well, guess you can have it for that,
though it is little price," exclaimed the
pedlar aloud, observing that one of the
men was approaching the spot at the same
time handing the prisoner the cap
" Take out the knife and put it in your
mouth" he whispered to the youth, :" they
are going to search YOU"
And as he oheyed, the pedlar screened
him with his body, The knife being
small pen-knife, was easily held inside the
taeth