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

the interview we have mentioned, a
wayfaring man crossed the bridge at
berwick, from the North and proceded
duwn Marygate, snt down On bencll
by the door of an hosiery on the side
OF the Street nearly fronting where
what was called the Main guard. p
lie did not enter the inn for it was
above his apparent condition, being
that which Oliver Cromwell had made
his headquarters a 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 travel.
ler wore coarse jerkin, fastened round
his body by leathern gi,dle, and
over it small cloak. composed of
equally plain materials. He, was ev-
identity a young man, but his beaver
was drawn down, SO rs almost to con-
ceal his features. In one hand he car.
ricd small bundle and in the other a
pilgrims staff. Having called for
glass of wine, he took crust of bread
from his bundle, and after resting n
few minutes rose to depart. The
shades of night were citing in, and
threatened to be n 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 Iace of
tho Tweed was troubled.
Heaven help thee il thou intendest
to 60 far in such night as this" said
Tie sentinel at tue English gate, as he
traveller passed him and proceeded to
cross the bridge.
In few minutes he was unon the
borders OF the wide, desolate and drea
ry moor of Twecdmouth, which for
miles presented desert ofwhite, fern
slunted heath, here and there covered
with thick brush wood. lie slowly
to'led over thu steep hill, Drawing the
storm, which now ragged in its widest
fury. The eraili teil in torrents, and the
wind howled as legion of tamished
wolves, hurting 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 the crab and brambIe bushes
by the way sido. Nearly an hour hud
passed since he sought this imperfect
refuge and the storm hnd increased
together, when 4 horses feet was heard
sPiashlng along the road. The rider
bent his head to the blast. Suddenly
his horse was grasped by the head, and
the t avcIlcr stood before him, hold
ing Il pistol to his breast.
"Dismount !" cried the stranger
sternly.
The horseman bcnumed and strick
encd with fear, made an effort to reach
his arms, but in moment, the hand
Ut the ro3ber Quilted the bride, grasp
ing the breast OF the rider, and drag
gel him to the ground. He fell heayi-
~ on his face and for several minutes
remained scnscle>s. The stranger
seized the leathern bag which contain
cd the m Ill from the north and 6iup
ing it on his shoulder, he'd across
the heath.
Early on the following morning the
inhabitants of Berwic were hurr wing
III groups to the spot where the robbery
had been committed, but no trace OF
the bber could be obtained.
Three days had passed, and Sir John
Cochrane 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, the Earl OF Dun
donald, with the Kings conlessor
might be successful. Glizel 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 bo
som of the prisoner became more bit
ter than MS first despair. But even
that hope bitter rs it was, pcrishcd.-
The intercession Of his father had been
unsuccessiul-and a second time the
big'ted and would be dcspotc mon.
arch signed the warrant for his dea;h.
and in little more than one day that
warrant for his death would reach the
pliSon.
':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 a 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 ghast.
ly light over the heath rendering desc.
lation visible and giving 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.
y and hp ,uoc Ir;yop FROM, ,h, ,.lll