Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-10-26

OtoP sup He eACIdILHSu Ill voice re-
duced to mere wheeze-and Grayson eased
off, to hear him.
Won't anything else satisfy you but
written certificate! 2 he asked-speaking with
difficulty, and making motions as if endeavor-
ing to swallow something too large to pass the
gate of the throat
Nothing but that answered Grayson, de-
cidedly; and if you don't give it to me, when
your friends arrive, instead of me, they will
find you, swinging from this beam by the
neck And seeing his victim hesitate, he
again tugged at the rope, until the same symp-
toms were exhibited as before, only little
more apparently.
Ho-hold, Grayson, begged the frightened
lieutenant, and as his executioner again re-
laxed little, he continued, just let me up,
and I'll do anything you want
That is to say laughed Grayson; you
had rather take the chances of fight than
to be hung up like sheep-stealing dog Let
you up, ndeed!' And once more he dragged
the rope down more vigorously than ever.
'I-didn't-mean that-indeed!' gulped
the unhappy official, this time almost strangIed
in earnest.
What did you mean, then = sternIy de-
manded Grayson, relaxing a little once again.
will write the certificate, moaned the
unfortunate lieutenant, if you will let one
arm loose and won't tell anybody until the ten
days are out
Why do you want it kept secret'
If give such certificate as yon demand,
mournfully answered the dsconsolate officer,
/ shall have to leave the country-and |
want time to get away
Oh that's it, is it, Well-very WE'LL
About an hour after this Driscol issued from
the house; and, springing upon his horse,
rode away at gallop toward Elwood's. Here
he left the animal, but declined TO enter, tell
ing Hannah, who happened 10 be in the yard,
to say to her father that it was all right,
he pushed on toward home, tenderly rubbing
his throat, first with his right hand, and then
with his left, all the way. Three days after
wards, he disappeared from the settlement and
was heard Of no more.
Grayson waited until near nightfall, and
then took his way, as usual, TO little clump
of trees that stood near Elwood's enclosures,
to meet Hannah. Here he stayed more than
an hour, detailing the circumstances of the
accusation against him, and laughing with her
over the ridiculous figure cut by her fathers
respectable lieutenant. Before they parted
their plans were all arranged, and Grayson
went home in excellent humor What these
plans were will be seen in the sequel
Eight days went by without any event i'm
portant to our story-Hannah and Grayson
meeting each evening in the grove, and part
ing again undiscovered. On the ninth day,
the former went to the house of neighbor,
where it was understood that she was to re-
main during the night, and return home on
the following morning. Grayson remained at
his farm until near sunset, when he mounted
his horse and rode away. This was the last
of his days of grace and those who saw him
passing along the road, concluded that he had
yielded to the dictates Of prudence, and was
leaving the field.
On the following morning, the regulators
assembled to see that their orders had been
obeyed and, though Elwood was disconcert-
ed by the absence Of Driscol, since it was un-
derstood that Grayson had left the country,
the meeting was only considered formal one
and the presence of the worthy lieutenant was
not indispensable. They proceeded in high
spirits to the premises, expecting to find the
house deserted and waiting for an occupant.
Elwood was to take immediate possession,
and all the way across the prairie was
felicitating himself upon the ease and rapidity
of his triumph. What was their surprise,
then, on approaching the house, to see smoke
issuing from the chimney as usual-the door
thrown wide open, and Grayson standing
quietly in front Of it The party halted and
a council was called, but its deliberations
were by no means tedious; it was forthwith
determined that Grayson stood in defiance Of
the law, and must be punished is lynch
ed without delay. The object of this fierce
decree, all unarmed as he was, still stood be-
fore the door, while the company slowly ap-
preached the fence. He then advanced and
addressed them.
/ think the ten days are not yet up, gentle
men, said he mildly.
Yes they are answered Elwood, quickly !;
and we have come here TO know whether you
intend to obey the authorities, and leave the
country
l think, Elwood, said the young man
not directly replying, this matter can be set
tied between you and me, without boodshed,
and even without trouble. If you will come
in, with John and George, (his sons,) Twill
introduce you to my wife, and we can talk it
over with glass Of whiskey.'
Another consultation ensued, when, in or
der to prove their dignifed moderation, they
agreed that EIwood and his sons should 90
in and hear what he had to say
Elwood, the elder, entering first, directly
before him, holding her sides and shaking
with laughter, stood his rosy daughter Han
nah
My aoife, gentlemen said Grayson, grave