Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-02-10
"A TALE OF THE REVOLUTION.
(Concladcd from IGst iresht.)


"a TALE or THE REVOLUTION.
(Concladcd from !cst weeh.)
cuApTER ".
For some time the British Captain rode on
in silence while the guide strobe before on
foot, taking up the river 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 few feet
between it and The stream. This pass exten-
ded for nearly mile, when the bluff abruptly
ceased, and lovely valley, nearly half mile
wide, spread out from the river. ..
1t was bright moonlight night, and the
sable hills giittsred IN the silyery rays, ahd the
measured tread OF the horses hoois sounded
out plainly upon the midnight air us the band
swept down the hill and entered the black
pass. Here all became daril, the tall trees
which grew on the side of the bluff efiGctualiy
screening the road and shutting out the moon
light, save where here aud E ere a struggling
ray fell attwart the path and lit up for in
slant the dreary road.
Just half through the pass there is narrower
spot than elsewhere. and rSvine comes down
from the highlands and CInpti:s into the SanIee.
Across this a rude way had been dug 10y ex-
cavating the bank. and the road, after gaming
the bottom turned down it as though going di
reetiy into the river. The bottom of this ra-
vine was as dark as pitch, and as Langsiord
and his men followed the pedicr down into its
Ordering u halt, the Captain hailed in a low
voice, calling for the guide, but answer
came. Again and again did he summon the
guide, each time in a louder key, but in vain !;
aud, with nuttcred curse upon the stupidity
Of the guide, I-angsford ordered his men to
advance. -----
Scarcely had the body once more began TO
move, than loud crash was heard in the
vine above them something came tearing its
way through the brush which lined the steep
hill SIDE. and 4 large stone bounded into the
ranks, crushing q horse and rider as II fell.
moment Of confusion ensucd, amid which
.be groans of the wounded trooper cold be
heard. when loud voice, which thrilled like
molten lead upon the hearts of the British,
was heard eXcaiming:
ssRight, lads-givc them the others -
And like the rush of destructive tornado
large quantity of rocks came laundering
down the hill, landing with fearful accuracy
among the excited troopers, and creating sad
havoc among the horsemen.
ssSold.'' shouted LaDgsford, in voice which
rose far above the din and tumult around them,
s.sold by a pedler! Retreat in the rear there,
and let all follow as fast as possiblc.''
"Aye, sold,'' Numbered 4 voice in reply, as
the Captain ceased, ssand the blood of those
you have fouliy murdered during our absence
calls loudly for vengeance.' Upon them, coui-
rsdes. and spare not man 20
ssDarned few darnation if / give quarters
tcW Il uaTUSu one, sHGSdAtu Out it.c Ncli
kncwn tones of the pedIcr. s.IIurra for Yam
kee Doodle Dandy, aud won't we dew 'em up
80 handy. Shute, boys and be darned tew
'em 20
4 voiley of rifles followed the last order
and a blaze ran along the hill side, while ihc
messengers of death speed without mercy into
the troopers ranks. killing many and creating
terrible tumuit and disInay.
Some few OF those farthcst IN the rear made
hasty retreat, among whom was Langsford. he
having pushed his way back, when the first
volley of stones rolled down upon his men,
and fled fast as horses speed would carry
him back TO StecFs accompanied by about y
dozen men.
Upon reaching the house he dismountcd
from his steed and rushed TO the door, which
he found was fastened; but few knocks
brought a person to it who threw it wide open
displaying one of his own troopers. The Cap.
tain entered, followed by the men who esca-
ped with him, and the door was again secured
This done, LangsfOrd fastened mp stairs and
knocked upon the door of Mary -Steel's room
No answer came, and lie Knocked more rud.ly
than before, but in vain; all wthin was 81
lent as tho grave. He shook the door, but il
was firmly fastened upon the inside, and i1t
ordered man to bring him an AK which stood
at the stairs. With this he soon forced ar
entrance. by splitting the pannels into pieces
and sprang ike a famIshcd tiger into the room
But it was empty-the prey had escaped and
open window, out of which he thrust his head.
AS he did SO, the sharp crack Of rifle was
heard, and staggering back, the Captain fel
rpou the floor, with the blood slowly oozins
from. bullet hole in the centre of his fore
head.
CHAPTER Y.
emust now return to the rebel lover o.
Eary whom we left bound to the sapling, with
the Pen-knife given him by the pedler secured
IN his mouth. =.--
After the departure of Langsford, the three
men who had been left to guard him took thei
stations not many feet from him. and for
few moments attentively watched every move
Ioent ne made. But the troopers had ridder
naFd and far that day, and it was soon proposed
Tat two OF the party lay down and rest, while
the third Kept watch for an hour, when b,
should rouse one of the sleepers to take hi
place. Lots were drawn and the first guart
fell upon one of the three called Lazy John
from well known Propensity he had of goinl
TO sleep without being aware of so doing. :
ssTake care, John, or You viii be asleep be
5prs We are" said one Of ths men A. he stretch