Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1857-10-29
CHAPTER III.
THE TWO INTERVIEWS.

Langsford was seated beside table on
which a lamp was burning, casting a dim
light over the room, and his head was rest
ing upon his hand, while he appeared so
deeply absorbed in reverie as not to no
tice the entrance of the trooper.
The man passed inside the door, scraped
his feet once or twice, and finally succeed
ed In arousing the captain, who raised up
his head, stared at them moment, and then
uttered in an audible voice,
'Wellr
This is the pedler yeu wanted to see,'
replied the trooper, touching his hat
oh, is it? Well you may retire.
The trooper did as he was directed, and
as the door closed upon the retreating form
Langsford resumed:
Come little nearer, Mr. Pedler, /
want to examine your stock
The pedler obeyed, setting his panniers
down before the officer, and holding The
lamp for him as he examined the goods.
The gloves attracted the Captains eye.
don't know as | want to buy anything
you have got, but there is young lady in
the house who would doubtless like to pur-
chase pair of these, as she is going to be
married tonight.
They're darned fine gloves
No doubt of that. | will send you to
her when get through with you. But /
want to ask you one question: What side
do you take in the present strife between
England and the Colonies p
Me? Why, darn it, tew tell the truth
| rather favor the mother country, though
bein' nothin' but poor pedler, and havin'
tew trade with both sides, l have to be
pretty much neutral
But do your feelings on the side of
loyalty ever prompt you, when opportunity
occurs, to be of service to your kingr
Don't know but they might-never had
a chance tew dew anything for the king
yet
Well, | will give You chance. have
every reason to believe that the arch rebel,
Marion, is lowering net far from this place
at the present time
Il know he is, darn him; I've seen him
this very day.
'When-where 2 demanded Langsford
eagerly Bout FIVE miles from here, on
the upper Santee road. seen him cuttin'
across Ben Bradys farm, with about thirty
men follerin him
Then my plan is laid Go into the
room where Miss Steel is, and pretend
sympathy for her and offer to help her
She will send you to this Marion for aid
Return and guide Inc to the spot and your
fortune is made.
IN dew it, darned to darnation if
don't. III make her believe I'm her best
friend get her tew tell me where this all
fired rebel is campin' and lead you to the
spot
Taking up his things, the pedler left the
apartment Of Langsford, and soon reached
the door of the room where Mary Steel
and her father were sitting. Knocking
upon the door, he soon heard the voice of
Steel demanding who was there.
"A pedler, who wants to sell Miss Steel
some goods, he answered.
A short consultation was heard between
Mary and her father, and then the door
was unlocked, and the pedler admitted.
Advancing directly across the apartment
to where Mary was seated by the table, ne
Immediately made display of his goods
before her, but she instantly exclaimed
II have no wish to purchase anything,
but if you do me service, / will pay you
we'll for it.
What is it ma am Z? asked the pcdler,
pulling his slouched hat still farther over
his face.
4 am about to be forced into marriage
with the Captain who commands the men
now around the house | hate and despise
him. If you will consent to convey mes
sage from me to Gen Marion, he will come
at once to my assistance and prevent it.
Mary Steelp fell from the lips Of the
pedler, in soft, musical voice, which riv-
eted the eyes of the maiden 6xedly on him.
The slouched hat fell slowly off, revealing
to the eyes of the astonished girl the fea-
ture3 o1 Gep. Marion.