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

there was no legal evidence sufficient to prove
the connection between himself and his prin-
cipals. But the odium Of fraud clung to him
notwithstanding and this, Joined with the alb
surd disappointment at Mary's treatment of
him, are supposed to have filed him with ven
ON against the whole family. Against CASTOR
also, he entertains the same spite. | 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 them once more-and
that, too, on the very first opportunity. Doubt
less he managed as insduously 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 a timorous glance at the securities
which now barred both window and door from
the outer darkness, ':such is the character of
Eastwood, that did 1 suspect him to be within
possible reach of this dwelling, | should not
feel at ease single moment.''
''The hypocrite the satanic scoundreI!''
said the captain to himself, as, with clenched
hands and close set teeth, he walked the room.
80, 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. .sIYho goes
there % he asked. \ musket was instantly
discharged from without; and Frank received
a slight wound, stepped quickly back, while
h., 10, .l,,,
sailants.
E'My son my SON. exclaimed The terrified
mother, throwing her arms around the captain.
The latter, about to grasp his rifle, paused
he saw the uselessness of attempting defence.
Therefore, he would conduct, that the p9s-
sions of the unopposed assailants might, at the
least, reach no further than himself
.sHa, good folk =" cried Dashwood, who the
next moment bounded over the threshold-
''Good evening to you Mistress Harper :
and you, captain ;-and you, Miss Mary he
added, turning to the poor girl, who stood
breathess as marble at the further extremity
of the room. ''An unexpected meeting, I pre-
sumo, on your part, but none the less rejoiced
to see me. Is it not SO, my dear 2''
Mary Harper shuddered; and though she
attempted to speak, the sounds died away on
her lips as she glanced on Dashwood, 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 L 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 me.-No, no, that would
be impossible. How fortunate, too, that Cap
tain Frank is here to witness the weddiug!''
A choking lump was struggling in Franks
throat during this monologue; and it was per-
haps as well that in the meanwhile his arms
were firmly held by two brawny ruffianS, or
they might not have been able to restrain his
hot southern blood within the bounds of pru-
dence. There was a savage eXultation about
Eastwood, which, coupled with the recent in
formation received by young Harper, made
the blood of the latter fairly seethe in his
veins. Nevertheless, he SO far controlled
himself as to say:
':Dashwood, if you have any disposition to
return favor, 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!''
ssBy Heaven - retorted Dashwood, with a
sullcn fury in his face, 81 should think some
lord was giving us his commands! Look ye,
Master Frank Harper, do mean to return the
favor. / want neither to harm you, nor to
take any of your rascally possessious-unless
it may be glass or two of wine, and such odd
silver as you may wish to make present of to
my fellows. But there is one thing, Master
Frank, that am determined on; and that is,
that Miss Mary shall consent to be my wife
this very eve else there'll be such muss
as was never head before in this house l
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 throat.
ssSeize, seize the scOundrel 20 cried Dash
wood, as soon as he was able TO articulate.-
..He shall swing for it as 1 live! The rope,
Oakman the rope -
This was forthwith produced and regard
less of the piteous .entreaties of the women,
Dashwood knotted the cord with the readiness
of an adept, and cast it round the neck of the
prisoner. whose arms were now tightly strap
ned behind him. An end of the rope was
| thrown over beam which ran above.
..There, Miss Mary" said Dashwood, cooly,
ssson,+ tolxa on so He isn't dead vet; and
| for your sake viii let him CO. notwithstand-