Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1857-10-29
CHAPTER ".
THE PEDLER TURNS GENERAL

THE PEDLER TURNS GENERAL.
For some time the British Captain rode
ON in silence, while the guide strobe before
on foot, taking the up-riyer route About
/ two miles from the house of Steel the road
ran between high bluff and the Santee
skirting the foot of the hill, and leaving
but a few feet between it and the stream.
This pass extended for nearly a mile, when
the bluff abruptly ceased, and lovely val
ley, nearly half mile wide, spread out
from the river.
1t was bright moonlight night, and the
sable hills glittered in the silvery rays, and
the measured tread of the horses hoofs
sounded out plainly upon the midnight air,
as the band swept down the hill and enter
ed the black pass. Here all became dark,
the tall trees which grew on the side of the
bluff effeetually screening the road and
shutting out the moonlight, save where
! here and there struggling ray fell athwart
/ the path and lit up for an instant the
dreary road.
/ Just half through the pass there is a
narrower spot than elsewhere, and ravine
comes down from the highlands and emp
ties into the Santee. Across this rude
way had been dug by excavating the bank,
and the road, after gaining. the bottom,
turned down it as though going directly
into the river The bottom of this ravine
was as dark as pitch, and as Langsford and
his men followed the pedler down into its
depths they lost sight of him altogether.
Ordering halt, the Captain hailed in
low voice, calling for the guide, but no an
swer came. Again and again did he sum-
mon the pedler, each time in louder key,
| but in yain and, with a muttered curse
upon the stupidity of the guide, Langsford
ordered his men to advance.
Scarcely had the body once more began
to move, than loud crash was heard in
the ravine above them; something came
tearing its way through the brush which
lined the steep hill side, aud a. large stone
bounded into the ranks, crushing horse
and rider as it fell.
A moment of confusion ensued, amid
which the groans of the wounded trooper
could be heard, when loud voice, which
thrilled like molten lead upon the hearts of
| the British, was heard eXclaiming:
Right, lads-give them the others"
And like the rush of destructive tor
nado large quantity of rocks came thun-
dering down the hill, landing with fearful
accuracy among the excited troopers, and
creating sad havoc among the horsemen.
Sold 7 shouted Langsford, in a voice
which rose far above the din and tumult
around them, sold by pedler Retreat
| in the rear there, and let all follow as fast
as possible.
AVE, sold,' thundered a voice in reply,
as the Captain ceased, 'and the blood of
those you have foully murdered during our
absence calls loudly for vengeance. Up
on them, comrades, and spare not man J!
! Darned tew darnation if | give quarter
tew darned one,' squeaked out the well
known tones of the pedler. Hurra for
Yankee Doodle Dandy, and won't We dew
'em up so handy. Shute, boys, and be
darned tew 'emp
A volley of rifles followed the lastorder
and blaze ran along the hill side, while
the messengers of death sped without mer-
CIV into the troopers ranks, killing many
and creating terrible tumult and dismay.
Some few of those farthest In the rear
made hasty retreat, among whom was
Langsford, he having pushed his way back
when the first volley of stones was rolled
down upon his men, and fled as fast as
horse speed would carry him back to SteePs,
accompanied by about dozen men.
Upon reaching the house he dismounted
from his steed and rushed to the door,
which he found was fastened; but few
knocks brought person to it who threw il
open, displaying one of his own troopers
The Captain entered, followed by the mer
who escaped with him, and the door was
again secured.
| This done, Langsford fastened up stairs
and knocked upon the door of Mary Steers
room, No answer came, and he knocked