The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-03-04
"Well !"
"This is the pedlar you wanted to see,

w Gil
"This is the pedlar you wanted to see,
replied the trooper, touching his hat.
ooh, is it? Well, you may retire"
The trooper did as he was directed
and as the door closed upon the retreatins g
form Langsford resumed:
"Come little nearer, Mr. Pedlar,
want to examine your stock"
The pedlar 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
II don't know as want to buy any
thing you have got, but there is young
lady in the house who would doubtless
like to purchase pair of these gloves, as
she is going to be married to night"
"They're darned 6ne gloves"
"No doubt of that. I will send you to
her when get through with you. But
I want to ask you one question: What
side do you take in the present strife be-
tween England and the Colonies !"
"Me? Why darn it, to tell the truth
I rather favor the mother country, though
ben' nothin' but poor pedlar, and hav-
in tew trade with both sides, | have to
be pretty much neutral"
"But do Jour feelings on the side of
loyalty ever prompt you, when opportu-
nifty occurs, to be of service to your kingl"
"Don't know but they might-never
had chance to do anthiDg for the king
yet"
"Well, I will give you chance. [
have every reason to believe that the arch
rebel, Marion, is lowering not far from
this place at the presnt time.;'
II know be is, darn him; I've seen him
this very day."
"When--where I" demanded Langs-
ford eagerly.
"Bout five miles from here, on the up
per Sautee road. l seen him cuttin' a
cross Ben Brady's farm, with about thir-
ty men follerin after him."
"Then my plan is laid Go into the
room where Miss Steel is, and pretend
sympathy for her. She will send you to-
this Marion for. aid. Return and guide
me to the spot and your fortune is made.
an dew it darucd to darnation if l
| don't. I'll make her believe I'm her
best friend, get her tew tell me where this
all fired rebel is oampin' and lead you to
the spot"
Taking up his things, the pedlar left
the apartment of Langsford, and soon
reached the door of the room where Ma
ry Steel and her father were sitting.
Knocking upon the door, he soon heard
the voice of Steele demanding who was
there.
ga pedlar, who wants to sell Miss
Steel some goods" he answered
A short consultation was heard be-
tween Mary and her father, and the door
was unlocked, and the pedlar admitted.
Advancing directly across the apart
ment to where Mary was seated by the
table, he Immediately made a display of
bis goods before her, but she instantly
exclaimed
II have no wish to purchase anything,
but if you do me a sorvise, l will pay you
we'll for it"
"What is it ma'am?" asked the pedlar
pulling his slouohed hat still farther over
his face.
81 am about to be forced into marriage
with the Captain who commands the men
now around the house. | hate and de-
spise him. Ifyou will consent to convey
a message from NE to Gen. Marion be will
come at once to my assistance and pre-
vent it.
"Mary Stecle!'' fell from the lips of the
oedlar, in soft musical voice, which riv-
ted the eyes of the maiden fxedly upon
,im. The slouched hat fell slowly off,
.evealing to the eyes of the astonished
,irl the features of General Marion,
"Oh, Marion, this is too much. Why
un this risk-why jeopardi2e your life
n this manner!" murmured the maiden,
eproachfully.
"Nay, Mary, methinks if your sharp
yes could not pierce my disguise, those :
Who never saw me would not be likely to
make the discovery. l will prevent this
marriage and teach Langsford lesson in !
etters Of bloodl Goodbye for the pres '
nt." And the General, who had resum- t
d the slouehed hat and the panniers, gil
ed from the room. He made his way to c
4angsford's apartment and found that Of
eer impatiently awaiting his return.
"What news?" asked the Captain.
"Good. We've got the darned rebel, q
ure as shootin'." He's just three miles
rom here, on the up-riVer road" I
"Do you know the spot exactly
II guess | dew, can lead you right t
ew it, t
"Well, thon let's be off at once"
And they left the room. '
A quarter of an hour afterwards the t
arty left the house, with the exception of d
iree troopers, who were left to guard the t
cbel lover. t
CHAPTER w. h
For some time the British Captain rode G
n in silence, while the guide strobe before !
n foot, taking up the river route. About 2 b
liles from the house of Steel, the road Y
an between high bluff and the Santee,