The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-03-04
NO II,

Twenty minotcs went bY, and the two
men who had stretched themselves upon
: the ground gave uudoubtcd signs OF being
J fat asleep. John, however, still remain
!, ed seated upon the log, vith his head mid,
MD, noddiu." and bis body occasionally
Iurchins to auA fro, in a strate Of drowsi-
ness which ma- the next think to sleep, but
which slight pose woud have throwo
off and awakeaed him fully.
1t vas at this state OF affairs that Ha9.
ry Bodman, the prisoner, began bis prep
arations to escape. The knife was taken
from bis mouth, aud the keen blade soon
severed the cord. which fastened him to
the tree lie then stopped down, and
drawing of his boots. taking one in each
hand, noiscicssly made his way to the
door of the house. It was partly aiar.
and 90 entering he quickly asccnded the
stairs, when he paused and drew on bis
boots, then advanced TO the entrance of
Marys apartment and knocked upon the
door.
Who's there" demanded tho we'll
known voice Of Steel
"Walter, let ne in, he answered.
The key turned instantly in the lock.
the door opened, and lie glided into the
1vup.
"How did you escarel" murn urcd Ma
~, as he FASTENED to her side.
you saw the pcdlar!'
General Mariop-he was n this ROOM
she answered.
ole furnished me with knife to cut
the cords that bound me, and while all
the men left to watch me slept, took ad-
vantage of the opportunity to come into
the house. But hark.''
/ They listened in breathless silence, and
could plainly hear the sound of heavy fir
ing up the Santee, which told the foetnen
were engaged.
"May god defend the right" fcrvently
calculated Mary.
Amen responded deep voice cut
side the window, aud three distinct taps
we're upon the pane.
"Who's theret' demanded Harry Bod
man, as he strobe to the spot.
Brady" replied the same voice
Hoist the window, Bodman; you've no
time to loose"
Harry threw up the sash, and tie man
outside sprang into the apartment. He
was full six feet high, dressed in hunt
ing shirt of deep Llue, aud carried long
rife in bis band. For an instant he gaz-
ed around him, and thea exclaimed:
"You must all leave the house at once"
"Has Marion been defeated, theu?"
asked Mary in breathless alarm.
"No, Miss, but portion of the fogged
British will make this house a place of
defence, aud in case Of that kind you
arc better out of it
"l}ut We can fasten them out" said
Steele, rcsoiGtely.
Nay. better let them trap themselves iu
it." replied Brady, calmIy. There is a
ladder at the window by which you can
go down, and in my opinion the sooner
the better. hear the British coming al
ready"
As he finished speaking, the distant
tread of horses feet were heard coming
down the road toward the house
"Be it SO, replied Steele, passing thro'
the window on the ladder. 'Let Mary
come down first"
The maiden followed her father, and
the two soon reached the ground.
"Stand close to the house in the dark
shade there" said Brady, speaking to
those who were with him, and at the same
time pointing his rifle towards the house.
This had scarcely been done before the
troopers reached the house, sprang from
their horses, and in few momeuts the
scouts saw the head of Langsford thrust
from the window. To level and fire with
the effect already noted, was bat the work
Of an instant; and as the Captain fell
heavily back upon the floor, the tramp of
more horses was heard, and the rebel
band Of Marion galloped to the spot.
CHAPTER VI.
The noise of barring doors and secur-
ing the first story windows Of the dwell
ling was heard for few moments after
he arrival of the Amercans in front OF
the house, and then all rclapsed iato ST.
ence. The men Of Marion had dsmount-
d and surroundo1 the house, but the
hade of the night was so gloomy where
Bodmau, Steele and Mary stood, undis-
covered By either friend or foe.
Ben Brady. the scout, still croucbed be-
lind the lcs, with the muzzle of the gun
directed toward the window out of which
le had escaped, within the room of which
be light was still burning
Suddenly the moon was covered by
loud and darkness rested like pail u
,on everything around. Then the voice
# Brady rose gradually on the air as be
reclaimed:
"Hist, BOdman-como this way, and
ring the girl aud her father With you
quick, as the moon will soon be out a
,ain.'
Bodman grasped Mary By the arm,
md gIidfd from the shade o! the house,
tut bad scarcely proceeded twenty steps
shcn the muzzles of two csrbines were
hrust On, OF the window and pointed to
voxA fl..ir haeiny paptiVres vhom thev