American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1855-08-09

there he, had passed all his life. But what
could he do? Nothing.
Presently thick black smoke arose and
burst from each door and window This
was followed by brilliant fame that shot
far into the sky, and the cracking of the
well-seasoned timber, dry with century
preparation, could be heard a great dis,
tance.
There will be one rebel shelter less to-
night. Iti a pity they were not all burn
ed down; then the king would have more
friends this side of the water. These reb.
els are like dogs, a good whipping makes
them better nalured. The house is nearly
consumed, for the embers are beginning
to fly before the evening breeze. BY files,
to the right face trot'
Fifty guineas, you say Colonel, if l take
Van Dyke?' asked Classen again.
Yes fifty guineas.'
'Tlen l will leave you here and keep a
watch around. He may return here be-
fore great while. Where shall you halt?'
AT the Oaks, five miles off, and stop for
an hour or two for forage party. If any
thing should occur within that time YOU
know where 10 find me- The officer and
troops rode away.
Classen fingered around, and gradually
approached the building which, with the
exception of the brick wall, was heap Of
ruins.
so John Classcn, you have glutted
your vengeance upon me, and this is your
work, viper, wretch'
Cassen turned and beheld within six
feet OF him, Van Dyke, leaning on his mus
ket.
No, no, Peter the wretch mutered,
trembling as he spoke, IT was the British
officer You know | wouldn't injure you.
Speak not another word liar, or | shall
forget myself and blow your brains out.
heard all-you are to have fifty guineas for
apprehending me. am everything that
is bad. came to burn your house down,
but fled when your friends approached
Wretch, l saved your dwelling and your
reward
Peter, dear Peter
'Scoundrel, do not apply the word dear
to me. 1t sounds worse than the hiss o.
snake. Listen, John Cassen the chic
reason ofyour auimosity to me is because
Kale Vessels preferred my hand 10 yours
Thank God! she and her father are botl
safe from your persecution for they are
now within the American lines. Now hcal
me: spare You this time, for you are un
armed but when next we meet, be it il
town or village; forest or road, at wedding
or funeral, it is your life or mine. Go!'
Classen waited for no second bidding
but disappeared in the direction taken by
the soldiers, in double quick time, his hail
standing on end for, like all other rogues
he was as cowardly as he was bad
Van Dyke paused moment, and thus
pondered in his own mind-'That scoun
drel will bring some of those hOrsemeI
back for he will imagine that | may linge
two or three hours around this old place
Yes, yes, l will after some twenty of ou
lads are prepared in ambush for Them
Fifty guineas will draw Classen any
where, coward as he is, especially whel
backed by the red coats
1t was not long before Van Dyke return
ed with his party, whom he gathered by
signal; and as night had fallen, they tool
their stations amid the willows by til,
banks of the brook. where they could re
main unperceived. For the space of al
hour all was still, when the distant tram
of horses was heard on the road.
Here they come, said Van Dyke
Each choose his man, but leave Classel
TO me; you will give the word when tt
fire.
In short time the borsemen rode VI
by the willows, and true enough they wer
red coats, headed by Lieutenant, witt
Classen.
'FireP shouted Van Dyke.
So sudden and deadly was the aim, tina
not more than half dozen remained il
their saddles, and they wheeled and thei
horses fled as quick as possible. Val
Dyke had intentionally aimed at the hors
with his rider. To secure Classen was tn
work of moment.
Now. laos, bring out the rope and throw
it over that willow branch. We have a
larmed the enemy and he will be down up
on us.
Mercy mercv!' cried Classen.
All is in vain. The moose was slippe,
over his head, they strung him up, an
there he was left corpse. The burning
of the Willows had been avenged.
BE GAY.-A little mirth mixes We