The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-11-01
W0ODSFIELD, MONROE COUNTY, OHIO. NOVEMBER l. 1854.

by the sentinels Of the main body of the
detachment; who, as she neared the shore
we're on rapid but quiet march towards
the spot where she plainly proposed to
come to anchor. And, at the moment the
sleepy trio near her had discovered the
schooner, their friends from below were
approaching the spot with all possible
despatch.
/ In brief space of time, the barge from
well-armed men, and commanded by the
Captain in person, left the vessels side
with valuable quantity of goods. which
he purposed to secret in sealed cavern
short distance above their landing. His
surprise may be conceived-as the boat
touched the rock, and his foremost men
lleaped ashore-to hear sudden signal ol
alarm given!
The little barge had grounded upon the
rock. in the midst of this unexpected con-
fusion, and in consequence of the still
moving swell-and though old Bertram
had no means of knowing how great was
the probable force he had to oppose, he
sprang instantly ashore, cutlass in hand
to the aid of his men, and at the same
time blew silver whistle. which hung
from his vest, fercely and repeatedly
This signal was heard on board the schoon-
er; and score Of stalwart fellows sprang
to their boats, forthwith, in response to it.
The "rear guard" OF soldiers did not
arrive in time! The barge was extricated
from her plight, and the skirfnish proved a
sharp, but brief rencontre. The boat re.
turned to the schooner with her precious
freight, and as the soldiers from below
hove in sight, orders had been given on
board the Red Bird to put out into the
channel for the present. Under command
of her first officer, she quickly put away
therefore, while old Bertram, with well
dressed and comely prisoner in his custo-
dy, was moving slowly on towards his
own cottage, three or four miles to the
northward.
LILLE AND HER WHITE CHARGER.
The prisoner in custody of the Captain
of the Red Bird proved to be young
| Lieutenant in the revenue service. One
Of his two companions had been struck
down in the melee, and the other had es-
capped, when it was seen that the SNUG
glers were too strong handed, and that
their comrades did not come up 10 their
aid seasonably.
The sturdy Bertram caused him to be
pinioned, and then ordered him to 60 for
ward peaceably at his peril.
"Harry Bertrand" said the young man
boldly, II knou you, mark! And this
nights work viii cost you dearly, fear. y
"Move on, sir!'' said Bertram. "You
have claimed to know my name. and since
\ you have spoken it, let me tell you, Viii.
liam Vernet, that l know you; so we are
now on equal terms, except that | am al
this moment your superior officer. For.
ward, then!"
There was no resisting this command
and young Vernet put firm face upon
the dilemma, and did as he was ordered
The prisoner was conducted to the cot.
Itage Of the smuggler, where he was shown
into neatly furnished sleeping apartment
at once-and where Bertram, with his
own hands, few minutes after their arri
val, waited on him with draught Of ex'
cellent wine and dish OF dried fruit. His
4 manacles were then removed, the guard
was sent back to the shore, and the prison
er was locked up for the night. He found
a comfortable mattress in the room. enc
after an hours reflection upon the oddity
of his present prsdicament, he retired to
/ "sleep upon it!''
# When he woke next morning. the sur
j was already up. He arose and hastily
adjusted his toilette-a brief task unde
the circumstances-andt then withdrew tn,
1clear white curtain. for the purpose of sur
lyeying the neighborhood of his prison
house. He found that the vicinity wa
very sparsely inhabited, but two or three
small hamlets appearing in sight; but th'
Landscape beyond was really beautiful.
| A wide plain spread out before him, ant
to the eastward lay a deep and extensive
forest. On his right a small stream mean
| ldered down towards the shore; while a
the left, bold line of rocky land arose
{ casting a wide shadow along its base 10
mile or more. AS he gazed out upol
the fair scene before him, his attention wa
suddenly arrested by the appearance of
Isplendid white horse emerging from tn
!, forest at rapid gallop. mounted by
, beautiful and graceful female, some eigh
, teen years Of age apparently.
r "By Jove!" exclaimed the Lieutenant
catching his breath, "she rides like
Diana! Where the deuce can she hav
!, acquired such skill? Who can she be
J She is coming this way. as I'm soldier
Fair too, is she, very! A Venus as well a
> Diana!
"Hey!" But that was leap, to be sure!
: continued the prisonergto himself, as b
I, observed the reckless pace at which tn
bold rider approached, now urging on he
: beautiful white charger at headIong spec
I. now pressing him forward over hilloc
: and mound--and now darling along at
,lreckless gait up the half-made path whic
q led to the cottage; while she sat as easll
1 in the saddle as if she were but lolling i
8 q cradle!
r "Here she comes-here she is!' contir
: ued Vernet. more quietly. but still! cur
Q lously. And moment afierward, Lilli
p Bertram, who had been out for mornin
n exercise, leaped from her horse, and er
!, tered the cottage of her father.
Ell se.; *.sc ~ sas*sI .lz*s69 +
The Lieutenant had been prisone