Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-08-13

there was no legal evidence sufficient to prove
the connection between himself and his prin-
cipals.-- But the odium of fraud cIung to him
Notwithstanding and this Joined with the ab-
surd disappointment at Mary's treatment of
him, are supposed to have filled linn with ven
ON against the whole family. Against CASTOR
also, be entertains the same spite. I do not
know the precise agency which he had in pro-
| ducing our misfortunes, but am told that he
spread the report that your father had treated
certain tory families with great cruelty; and
also that, having professed allegiance to the
British at Charleston, he had, nevertheless,
| taken up arms against thems once more-and
that, too, on the very first opportunity. Doubt
less he managed as insiduously as possible
but the quarter from which the story reached
me, and what l know of the man besides,
leaves me little doubt. Nay" she continued,
casting timorous glance at the securities
which now barred both window and door from
the outer darkness, s:such is the character Of
Eastwood, that did l suspect him to be within
possible reach of this dwelling, should not
feel at ease single moment.''
'.The hypocrite the satanic scoundrcl!''
said the captain to himself, as, with clenched
hands and close set teeth, he walked the room.
so, that had but known this before ~
One or two blows, as of person asking ad-
mittance, were heard on the outside of the
door. Frank went towards it. "Who goes
there ?'' he asked. y musket was instantly
discharged from without; and Frank received
a slight wound, stepped quickly back, while
the door shivercd beneath the axes of the as
sailants.
''My son ! my son I! exclaimed the terrified
mother, throwing her arms around the captain.
The latter, about to grasp his rife, paused
he saw the uselessness of attempting defence.
Therefore, he would so conduct, that the pas
sions of the unopposed assailants might, at the
least, reach no further than himself.
''IIa, good folk ~ cried Dashwood who the
next moment bounded over the Threshold
s'Good evening to you Mistress Harper =
and you, captain ;-and you, Miss Mary" he
added, turning to the poor girl, who stood
breathless as marble at the further extremity
of the room. s.An unexpected meeting, L pre-
sumo, your part, but none the less rejoiced
to see me. Is it not SO, my dear ?''
Mary Harper shuddered and though she |
attempted to speak, the sounds died away on
her lips as she glanced on Eastwood, and
those by whom he was surrounded.
s'What, SO overjoyed that you can't even
speak to me, my dear? IF you but knew what
Il long way have come to meet you. More
than that, have brought the ring, and par
son to see that it is fitted rightly. OF course
you will not refuse mc.-No, no, that would
be impossible. How fortunate, too, that Cap
tain Frank is here to witness the weddiug!"
y choking lump was struggling in Franks
throat during this monologue; and it was per-
haps as we'll that in the meanwhile his arms
were firmly held by two brawny rufiianS, or
they might not have been able to restrain his
hot southern blood within the bounds of pru-
dence. There was savage exultation about
Eastwood, which, coupled with the recent in
formation received by young Harper, made
the blood of the latter fairly Secthe in his
veins. Nevertheless, he SO far controlled
himself as to say
s.Dashwood, if you have any disposition to
return a fay or, remember the fight at Noun
tain Creek, and act accordingly. Had it not
been for me, you would not have lived to be
here. Take our goods and what little money
we have, but spare ourselves" :"
s.By Heaven ~ retorted Dashwood, with a
sullen fury in his face, SsI should think some
lord was giving us his commands! Look ye,
Master Frank Harper, do mean to return the
favor. l want neither to harm you, nor to
take any of your rascally possessions-unless
it may be glass or two of wine, and such odd
silver as you may wish to make present otto
my fellows. But there is thing, Master
Frank, that am determined on; and that is,
that Miss Mary shall consent to be my wife
this very eve or else there'll be such a muss
as was never head before in this house
have brought parson Jones'
But here Franks passion overmastered his
caution and shaking off his sinewy guards as
though they were children, he threw himself
on Eastwood, and bore him to the floor. The
latter was quickly relieved by his companions,
but not before his swarthy face become still
darker from the grip which Frank had placed
on his threat.
ssSeize, seize the scoundrel!'' cried Dash
wood as soon as be was able to artculate.-
.sHe shall swing for it as l live The rope,
Oakman the rope''
This was forthwith produced and regard
Tess of the piteous entreaties of the women,
D~hwood knotted the cord with the readiness
OF ar'7dept, and cast it round the neck of the
prlsone- whose arms were now tightly strap
ped behh' him. An end of the rope was
thrown over, beam which ran above.
''Ihere' Miss'tary,' said Eastwood, coolly,
Hdon,t -aKe on s,i He isn't dead yet and