The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-03-04
Paper Hanger,
A TALE OF TIE REVOLUTION.
CHAPTER I.

It was near nine o'clock, one warm
sultry night in the month of September, a
70, that party consisting ofsome one hun
dred horscmcn, dressed in the uniform of
British light. horse, rode rapidly along the
road traversing the right bank of the San
ted river, in South Carolina, and took
their way to the dwelling of Walter Steel.
They were commanded by Hugh Lungs-
ford, bloody and cruel officer in the
English service-ope who had been selcc-
tep and placed in the position he oceu-
pied on account of adamaDtine heart, and
tyrannical disposition, for the express
purpose of teaching the surrounding G in
habitants due obedience to his majesty's s
laws. On many occasions be had exer
cised his authority in the most barbarous
manner, wantoply burning the houses Of
known patriots, and ruthlessly hanging
the owners, without provocatiou, save
their liberal opinions. His name had
become a terror TO all the patriotic In
habitants of the Sa ntee, the more so, as
General Francis Marion, the only rebel
partizan who offered any resistance to the
British troops. had been for some time
absent in North Carolina, leaving Langs-
ford uudisputed sway over tie region.
Walter Steel, towards whose house
Langsford was now making his Way, was
well known sterling patriot, and bad
been heard to advance opinions boldly
in favor Of the revolutionists, and direct
Iy in opposition to King George, many
wondered how be had so long escaped
the vengeance of Langsford; but there
had been charm powerful in its nature
hanging around the dwelling Of the aged
rebel, which bad so far preserved his
home scathless.
Mary Steel had won the admiration of
the Captain, aud this had ripcncd into
love on his part, and as is usual on such
occasion, he wished and strove to appear
in favorable light to her, and of couse
treated her father and his family with all
the lenity in his power.
From the bottom Of her heart Mary
despised the bloody officer, but aware
that her fathers life depended on her ac-
tions, she coquetted with Langsford in
such manuer as to induce him to be-
lieye be was the idol Of her heart. But
he was soon to be undeceived.
He had been called to Charleston, and
had been absent from the Santee about
two weeks, and at the time he is here in
troduced he was returning with fond ex-
pectations to Steel's, having resolved to
become at once united to the object of
his affections.
As be was riding leisurely along the
road, the distance to the farm house be-
ing about three miles, he was suddenly /
accosted by man who sprang from the
bushes by the way, aud placed himself in
front Of bis bore.
"Your mission is bootless," exclaimed
the new conner; return at once to Charles
ton."
"Wbo are you!" demanded Langsford,
in vain endearoring to trace the mans
features in the gloom of the night.
"One who knows Why Captain Langs-
for seeks the house of farmer Steel, (" re-
piled the man. ''But | tell you Mary
marries another and more favored lover,
who is even now at the house"
ben his audaclty shall cost MIN Ills
life" retorted the Captain fercely, as be
put spurs to his horse and galloped on,
followed by bis men.
I" And | rather guess yours will cost
Jou about the same;" exclaimed the man
who had given the information, as he dis
appeared in the bushes.
A half hour suficed for Langsford to
each the house of Steel, which was sur
'ouuded in silence, be having ordered his
men to dismount when soUc distance {
rom the dwelling, aud leaving part in
'harge of the horses, approach with the
emainder on foot.
Having stationed bis troops SO that no
ne could leave the house, be approached
he parlor window, from which light l
hone aud carefully pecped in. Sitting
ut few feet from him he discovered t
larry in conversation with young man
+ some three and twenty years of age, I