Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1850-09-20

Harry threw up the sash, and the man
outside sprang into the apartment. He
was full six feet high, dressed in hunt
ing shirt of deep blue, and carried long
rifle in his hand. For an instant he gazed
around him, and then exclaimed
You must all leave the house at once
Has Marion been defeated, then -
asked Mary in breathless alarm.
No, Miss, but portion of the fogged
British will make this house place Of de-
fence, and in case of that kind you were
better out of it,
But we can fasten them out said
Steel, resoutely.
Nay, better let them trap themselves
in it, replied Brady calmly. There is a
ladder at the window, which you can all
go down. and in my opinion the sooner
the better. | hear the British coming al
ready
As he finished speaking, the distant tread
OF horses feet were heard galloping down
the road towards the house.
BE it So replied Steel passing through
the window on to the ladder. Let Mary
come next
The maiden followed her father, and
the two reached the ground
Stand close to the house in the dark
shade there said Brady, speaking to those
below, and as they obeyed him, the sound
of the advancing horse nen grew fearfully
near.
Down with you, Harry-be quick =
exclaimed the scout and hurried thus by
his companion, Bodman stood behind Ma
ry and her father.
Brady followed, and upon reaching the
ground, hurried forward to a large log "
ing in the yard directly in front of the
window, behind which he ensconced him
self. pointing the muzzle of his rifle toward
the house.
This had scarcely been done before the
troopers reached the house, sprang from
their horses, and in few moments the
scout saw the head of Langsford thrust
from the window. To level and fire with
the effect already noted, was the work of
an instant; and, as the Captain fell heavi-
ly back upon the floor, the tramp of more
horses was heard, and the rebel band of
w tliC
The noise of barring doors and securing
the first story windows of the dwelling
was heard for a few moments after the ar
rival Of the Americans in front of the house
and then all relapsed into silence. The
men of Marion had dismounted and sur
rounded the house, but the shade of the
night was so gloomy where Bodman, Steel
and Mary stood, aided by the shadow of
the building, that they had remained undis-
covered by either friend or foe.
Ben Brady, the scout, still crouched be-
hind the log, with the muzzle of his gun
directed toward the window out of which
he had escaped, within the room of which
the light was still burning.
Suddenly the moon was covered BY
rloud, and darkness rested like pail upon
everything around. Then the voice of
Brady rose gradually upon the air, as he
exclaimed
Hist, Bodman, come this way, and
bring the girl and her father with you.-
Quick, rs the moon will soon be out again. |
Bodman grasped Mary by the arm. and I
rlided from the shade of the house, but had
scarcely proceeded twenty Steps when the
nuzzles of two carbines were thrust out
he window and pointed toward them in
he gloom, while the dusky figures Of the
roopers who held them were plainly per-
evable within the apartment.
The rifle of Brad ) was raised in a twink
ing TO his eye, and the three pieces belch-
d forth their contents together. A wild
hriek instantly rang upon the air, and
hat voice of agony was recognized by ev-
ry rebel soldier as belonging to Mary
Steel
There was an instant of death-like ST.
ance again broken by the walls of the
Wounded girl, but this time they were
rowned by the yclls of vengeance which
urst from the lips of Marion's men as like
0 many blood-hounds, they rushed TO the
sSault.
Spare not man. shouted a well
nown musical voice, rising high above
he din and tumult of the conflict. Death
D our oppressors
Down with the Bliiish-on!' =
And The sound of heavy blows filling
pom every door, mingled with the sharp
rack of rifles and the curses of the COM
atants, as the assault progressed.
In the midst of the conflict, and ere an
ntrance had been gained, Harry Bodman,
'llowed by Ben Brady, suddenly appeared
elore Marion.
A dozen men' said the youth hoarsc-
For what!'