The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1854-05-24

the interview we have mentioned. n
wayfaring man crossed the bridge at
Berwick, from the North and proceeded
down Marygate, snt down on bench
by the door of an hostlery on the side
of the Street nearly fronting where
what was called the "Maiu guard" -
He did not enter the inn for it was
above his apparent condition, being
that which Oliver Cromwell had made
his headquarters few years before,
and where at some earlier period,
James the Sixth had taken up his resi-
dence when on his way to enter the
sovereignt. of England. The t,aveI-
ler wore coarse jerkin, fastened round
his body by lea,hcrn girdlc, and
over it small cloak. composed of
equally plain materials. He, was ev-
identity young man, but his beaver
was drawn down, SO rs almost to con-
ceal his features. In one hand he car.
ricd Il small bundle and in the other
Pilgrims staff. Having called for a
glass OF wine, he took crust of bread
from his bundle, and after resting a
few minutes rose to depart. The
shades Of night were citing in, and
threatened TO be night OF storm. the
Heavens were gathering black, the
clouds were rushing from the sea, sud.
den gusts of wind were moaning along
the streets accompanied by heavy
successive drops Of rain and the ace of
tho weed ,yoS tr,,uI1,d
llea, Ell help thee il thou intendest
to 60 'ar III such a night as this" said
the sentinel ut the English gate, as he
traveller passed him aud proceeded to
cross the bridge.
In few minutes he was upon the
borders Of the wide, desolate and drea.
ry moor of Twecdmouth, whicn for
miles presented a desert of white. fern
stunted heath, here and there covered
with thick brush.wood. lie SLOWLY
to'led over the steep hill, Drawing the
storm, which now ragged in its widest
fury. Tho rain tell in torrents, and the
wind howled as legion of tamishcd
wolves, hurling its hungry echoes over
the heath. Still the stranger pushed
onward until he proceeded two or three
miles from Berwick, when as if to
brave the storm, he sought shelter
amidst lhe crab and hrambIc buslir,
by the way sido. Nearly an hour hud
passed since he sought this imperfect
refuge and the storm had increased
together, when horses feet was heard
sPiashlng along the road. The rider
bent his head to the blast. Suddenly
his horse was grasprd by the head and
the avellcr stood before him, hold
ing pistol to his breast
Dismount! !" cried the stranger
sternly.
The horseman benumcd and strick
ened with fear, made an effort to reach
hls arms, but in moment, the hand
ct the roaber Quilted the bride, grasp
ing the breast OF the rider, and drau
gcI him to the ground. He fell hcavi-
ly on his face and tor several minutes
remained senseIe>s. The stranger
seized the leathcrn bag which contain
cd the m Ill from the north and fling
ing it on his shoulder, H., he'd across
the heath.
Early on the following morning the
inhabitants of Bcrwic were hurrying
III groups to the spot where the robbery
htd been committed, but no trace OF
the bber could be obtained
Three days had passed, and Sir ohm
Cochranc yet lived. The mail which
Contained his death warrant had been
robbed, and before another order for
his execution could be given the inter.
cess."n ofhis father, he Earl OF Dun.
donald, with the Kings coniessor
might be successful. G,izcl now be
came his constant companion in prs
on: and spoke to him words Of com
fort. Nearly fourteen days had pass.
ed since the protractcd hope in the DO
sum of the prisoner became more bit
ter than nis first despair. But even
that hope bitter rs it was, pcrishcd. -
The intercession Of his father had been
unsuccessinl-and a second time the
big'ted and would be dcspotic mon.
arch signed the warrant for his dea,h,
and in little more THAI one day that
warrant for his death would reach the
p'son.
The will of Heaven be done %
groaned the Captive.
Amen" returned Grizel with wild
vehemence, but my father shall not
die!"
Again the rider with the mail reach
ed Iweedmouth, and second time he
bore with him the doom of Cochrane.
He spurred his horse to his utmost
speed; he looked cautiously before and
behind, and around him, and in his
hand he carried pistol ready to de.
fend himself The moon shed a ehast.
ly light over the heath rendering desc
lation visible and giving a spiritual
embodiment of every shrub. He was
turning the angle Of afstraggling copse
when his horse reared at the report OF
a pistol, the fire Of which seemed to
dash right in its ears. AT tho same
moment his horse reared more violent