Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-02-03
I rebel lover of Mary, who had been bound to

| -1ie ) 10 De HuHS IN tne morning, ana WOuid
doubtless like to buy black cap for the occa-
| sion.'' -9fl E- t1ss. aF f.+ =
s'Thank yeou, mister, there's pocket comb
for yeou. Eve got one of the daIndest black
| caps you ever seed.''
While speaking the pedler had thrown the
comb on the ground, and he instantly made
Uti for the prisoner. AS he drew near the rebel
raised his head and gazed upon him. but his
slouched hat completely hid his features.
'IThey said yeou was tew be hung in the
morning, and thought yeou'd like to have
| black cap tew put ou,'' exclaimed the pedlcr,
first breaking the silence.
| ''Do you come to taunt me r. demanded,
| the prisoner quickly.
sth darned if | dew, but this cap of mine
is darned good one, and let's people off hang
| ing SO easy
| The pedler placed strong emphasis on the
word off, which caused the prisoner again to
| attempt a scrutiny of his features. This time
the matter was not difficult. His hat was slip
ped to one side and the countenance fully re-
| vealed.
s:God of Heavenl can it be possible -
murmured the rebel in guarded tone.
s'ilist or all will be lost. Buy the cap, and
| in its top you will find knife. My men are
near by, but number only thirty. S.ratagem
must be used. Cut your cords whea all are
asleep, and then be off,
''Bnt Mary" said the young man in hollow
| whisper.
''Thank you General, and may God bless
| you for this"
| s'WeIl guess you can have 1t for that. tho
/ its darned little price," exclaimed the pedler
| aloud, observing that one of the men ap-
preaching the spot, at the same time handing
| the prisoner the cap. ssTakc ont the knife and
| put it in your month"; he whispered to the
youth. 'sThey are going TO search you.''
And as he obeyed, the pedler screened him
with his body. The knife being small was
| easily held inside the teeth.
'-Darn your picturs, give the money say ?''
shouted the peder, in excited voice, as the
| trooper came up beside him.
.sWhat did you sell him ?'' asked the soldier.
''That black cap to be hung in, darn him."
ssGood. He'll need it in the morning.
Come away with me and I'll take you to the
captain, who'll settle the biil.''
ssWill he Well, he's darn clever fellow
then, sure as shootin'. Dew yeou think can
sell him anything ?'' HE.
S'More than likely. He is to be married to-
night
sis he I've got some of the handsumust
gloves ever you seed, white as thunder all oyer.'
'sThen think he'll buy pair
sDew you? Well yeou're clever fellow,
and here's pocket comb for yeou.''
They had by this time reached the door of
the Captains room, and the pedler was usher
ed into the presence of Langsford.
CHAPTER III.
Langsford was seated beside table on which
lamp was burning, casting dim light over
the room, and his head was resting upon his
hand, while he appeared so deeply absorbed
in a reverie as not to notice the entrance Of
the trooper.
The man passed inside the door, scraped
his feet once or twice, and finally succeeded
arousing the captain, who raised mp his head,
stared at them moment, and then uttered in
an audible voice:
s.Wclli''
s.This is the pedler you wanted to see,'' re-
piled the trooper touching his hat.
ooh, is it +? Wei, you may retire.
The trooper did rs he was directed, and as
the door closed upon the retreating form
Langsford resumed:
ssCome little nearer, Mr.. Pedler, want to
examine your stock"
The pedIcr 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.
81 don't know as want to buy anything you
have got, but there is young lady in the
house who would doubtless like to purchase a
pair of these gloves, as she is going to be mar
ried to- night.''
e.They're darned fine gloves.'
ssNo doubt of that l will send you to her
when / get through with you. But l want to
ask you one question: What side do you take
in the present strife between England and the
Colonies !''
ssMe? Why, darn it, tew tell the truth l
rather favor the mother country, though bein'
nethin' but poor pedler, and havin' teIy
trade with both sides L have to be pretty much
neutral.''
f.But do your feelings the side of loyal
ty ever prompt you, when opportunity occurs,
to be of service to your king ~
Don't know but they might--never had a
chance tew dew anything for the king YETI
.EWell, will give you a chance. have ev-
cry reason to believe that the arch rebel, Ma
rion, is lowering not far from this place at the
present time
81 know he is, darn him j; I've seen him
this very day"
ssWhen-wherc ?'' demanded Langsford ca
gerly.
ss'Bout five miles from here, on the upper
Santee road. | seen him cuttin' across Ben
Brady's farm, with about thirty men follerin'
after him.
s.Thcr 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 me
to tho spot and your fortune is made.'' s9
ssI;ll dew it darned to darnation if l 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 a.
partment 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.
ga pedler, who wants to sell MISS Steel
some goods,'' he answered.
A short consultation was heard between Ma |
rv and her father, and the door was unlocked,
and the pedler admitted.
Advancing directly across the apartment to
where Mary was seated by the table, he imme
diately made display of his goods before her,
but she instantly exclaimed