Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-02-23
4 Glcurr 5kctrI).
BARNHILL, THE FREEBOOTER
ARat Trap on a Large Scale.

AT the loot OF an aSsemblage of beautiful
picturesque rocks, called Mingo Crags, that
overlook the vale of Teviot, there are the
remains of an old square tower of prodl.
gious strength, but OF the simplest and ru-
dest form.
This tower was the residence, in remote
times, of fierce outlaw, or Border riever,
of the name Of Barnhill, of whom the fol-
lowing story is told. Having been much
annoyed and interrupted in his forays into
Cumberland by the captain, or military GO
vernon of Bewcastle, in that country, he
determined to rid himself, BY contrivance
no less bold than ingenious, at once and for
ever of this troublesome enemy. Barnhill's
tower, though it might be described as we
have already described it--nameIy, as a
simple square building-yet there was a
slight departure from this simplicity of
form, occasioned by small area or court
yard in front of the structure, formed by
four very high walls, and through which
only was the tower accessible.
The first movement in Barnhill's con-
trvance to effect the purpose alluded to,
was to have similar iastenings attached to
the outside of the door which led into the
courtyard spoken Of with those by which
1t was secured on the inside, so that per-
son from without could fasten the door as
efectually as person within, and thus pre-
vent all egress from the building. This
done, Barnhill, attended by some followers,
rode into Cumberland, and committed such
depredatons on the governor of Bewcasle
as he knew would lead to immediate reprl-
sails. Having effected this part of his OBJ
ject, he returned homewards, sending his
retainers on before him, with the booty
which had been taken from the governor.
Barnhill, as has been said, calculated on
being attacked in turn by the party whom
he had spoiled; and he concluded rightly
but it happened that this retribution came
upon him d little sooner than he had ex-
pected; although, as the sequel will show,
this circumstance did not IN the least mar
the success of his plot. Happening TO look
back as he was leisurely about to turn the
brow Of hill, within two or three miles
OF his own resiG%nce, and where he con-
sidered himself in perfect safety, he saw a
party OF eight or ten horsemen coming as
hard as they could drive in the direction in
which he was, and Immediately after heard
the deep baying of bloodhound
''lf We be the captain Of Bewcastle," said
Barnhll to himself, as he looked at the
horscmen,' 'fhis is mair than | bargaincd
for"
The captain of Bewcastle it certainly
was, and Barnhill was indeed the object of
his pursut-a fact which the latter soon
discovered, and Immediately took to his
heels for he was al this moment on foot,
having, not half an hour before, sent for
ward his horse by the only retainer he had
kept about him, with the booty with which
it was loaded. But, though BarnhiIl might
have defed the horSemen, by taking TO in
accessible places, such proceeding would
have been of no service whatever in secur-
ing him from the pursuit of the dog, who
was fast gaining on him, and whose fcro-
cious growl was becoming every moment
more and more audible.
There was but one way of arresting the
career of these savage animals, when in
pursuit OF their prey; and this way, Barn
hill, from long experience, knew very
well. 1t was 10 spill some blood in the
way Of the hound, which has the effect Of
destroying his scent. Aware of this, as
we have said, the courageous outlaw quickly
barred his left arm, drew knife from his
BELT, and inflicted several deep wounds on
his arm, and steadily passed the streaming
limb over several yards of ground, until he
thought he had made such track of blood
as wocld certainly arrest the progress of
the dog.
This done, he proceeded in bis fight
In few minutes afterwards, the hound,
keeping the precise track of the object OF
his pursuit, came upon the blood, and was,
as matter of course, instantly thrown out.
The bafiled dog was shortly joined by the
horsemen; and, for some time, the whole
party were at fault. Soon discovering,
however, the cause ofthe interruption, they
resumed the pursuit. but the time lost ena-
bled Barnhill to gain his castle before they
could make up to him. 1t was a close run,
however; for the former had but little
more time than TO enter his own gate, be-
fore his purSuers were upon him. These,
; on arriving before the tower, hastily dis
mounted from their horses and knowing
they were close on Barnhill's heels, for
they saw hun enter the gate, rushed sword
in hand, and with loud shouts OF exultation
into the little courtyard; already described
in front of the castle, thinking that, as the
gate had been left open, which they at
tributed to the hurry Of the fugitve's flight
: they would find easy access to the interior
of the building. Full Of this idea, they
rushed on the door which, opening from
: the court, led Immediately into the tower
but were rather disconnected on finding il
7 well secured For some time, however
: they endeavored to force it open; but
finding this vain, they were about to retire
to consult on some other plan of getting
into the building, when, 10 to their uttel
CONSERVATION and dismay, they found the
: outer gate smut, and no means of egress left
them! They discovered, in short, thai
they were fairly entrapped. While they
r had been employed in attempting to force
the inner door, Barnhill had slung a mar
down with a rope from one of the win
$ dows from The back of the tower; and thi,
g person having stolen round to the front gate
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