The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-03-07
chase on tn, night previous to the one


in the best of spirits.
AS soon rs the table was cleared the
wife and children were ordered off to bed.
"Glear out, away with you," said the
master; 1--WE have business tonight and
want the room to ourselves"
They disappeared, for Steele was man
VINO insisted on being obeyed, and prided
himself On his authority and management,
at home.-His father had come from the
old country when young, and by exam
pie and precept had encouraged his son to
cherish the Englishman's hobby Of domes.
tic rule by absolute power.
"Now, boys" said he, II have plan
which you must know. Don't start if it
seems rather rough; but if we want 10
keep our station something must be done.
hyou are willing TO be trodden under foot
and rode over by an old hypocrite, have
nothing more to say; but if you have
spirit enough to maintain your rights, it
will be well for you to hear my advice.
You know that johnson and his family
consider themselves too good to keep our
company. They are on the side of the
rebels, and think this is a good chance
for us to do the royal cause service. He
is growing rich, and, Ewing so near, makes
our poverty seem worse to our neighbors,
AS well as ourselves. | think we NAV
bring them down trihe, and no one lie
the wiser for it. What do you say,
boysi"
81 am just Of your mind" said Robert,
the Oldest. They are getting quite too
much stuck up to suit my notion. 1t was
only few weeks ago that Ruth refused
my company and swore vengencs agains.
them all at the time. don't mean II shall
be an idle threat"
"You know James is expected back
tomorrow. Let us 90 and stop him in.
the swamp that he will have to pass"
But what shall we do with him." said
Andrew, the youngest.
"Shoot the proud dog, or hang him up
by the neck replied Steele, that is plen-
ty good enough for such conceited rascals
rs he is"
"Agreed," said Robert.
Andrew was rather backward at first,
but by the persuasion of his friends, final
ly consented, and it Was agreed that they
should go different ways, and meet in the
swamp about noon. with all necessary e.
quipments for their nefarious purpose.
There was girl Of about ten who had
lived about five years in the family, and
who was now regarded by Steele as one
Of his own children.
With the curiosity natural to her age,
she had crept to the door and listened to
the conversation without being dsscov-
cred.
II happened that she and Mary had
been greae friends at school, and Jane re-
solved to save her brother.
Fastening to the back door after the
others were all asleep, she set out for the
house Of Mr.. johnson. Itwas after twelve
when this brave and fearless child arrived
and reused the family.
With a presence Of mind which could
not have been expected, she called him
aside, and explained the object Of her
visit.
Johnson, filled with wonder and admi.
ration, pressed her to- his heart, and car.
ried her nearly back in bis arms.
= Telling her to be very careful about get
ting in, or speaking to any ore of what
she had done, he returned to devise means
for avoiding the threatened danger.
After spending the rest Of the night in
anxious thought, he rose early, and taking
his rife, told the family that he thought
Of passing the day in the woods, and then
crossing the hill, he stopped at cottage
which was occupied by two brothers,
who were used to the rife, and fond OF
hunting.
Richard and Hcnery Marsh were old
friends Of his, and such as he thought
worthy Of confidence.
As johnson was good company they
gladly accepted his invitation to spend
the day in their favorite sport.
When they were fairly in the woods,
he made known to them the Information
he had received. At first they zero in
elined TO treat Il lightly; but when all
the circumstances had been duly weigh ID
it Was thought best TO act 10 accordance
with u.
Their fnal conclusion was to 10 In am.