Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1859-05-11
eht Republican


which fed IL, but Il was too late podijoh
MaLepoaco ran after him and dragged
him haclS, half choakcd by tho pcnctra.
ting, lot and smoke.loadcd mir.
Paul llazlchurst, in defiance Of the
black, qsphyXiating vapors, rushed To the
chamber TO closc the door that had been
left open, but sank blinded and ovorpow-
cred upon the thrcshald, TWAS with diff
iiculty that he could rctrace his steps
He was gasping for breath like o drowning
man, when he rejoincd the anxious group
below.
"That door must be shet," said Podi-
.ah, or we shall be smoked TO death, like
rats in hole III shet it, or suilocatc
tryin'. Wax my flax, if | don'tW
The tall form of Podijah disappeared in
the mass of smoke that rolled from above
like thunderclouds. There was a moment
of intense anxiety, then the door was
heard to close. Almost simultaneously
Podijah tumbled down stairs, covered
with cinders. his face and hands bistered,
and some of his white locks withercd to
ashes.
"Bravely donew cried. Jessie. "lf you
have not saved us, you have at least given
us reprieve."
Don't praise me" returned PodUah.
"The praises of gal intoXicates me like
ardent sperit--tho pootier the gal, the
drunken it makes me. never shall git
away from this place alive if there's any
thing desperate | can do"
desperate all is desperate ~ said Hut
tor 1--WE might cut our way through and
save ourselves perhaps, ii there was moth"
in of feminine natuT TO look arter -
but these gals can't stan musket balls,
nor they cant stan fire"
Heavens lp exclaimed Paul. "What
shall we do ?"--not for Ourselves, but for
these poor girls"
Escape as you can through the dark
ness; and as for us girls, we will trust to
the mercy OF the enemy, and Weld our
selves prisoners" answered Jessie. eager
"Yes, we will trust ourselves to the hu-
manity of the Tories" said Judith and
Ruth, hurriedly.
"Yod will find it poor trust" return
ed Hutter, looking mpassionately at the
three girls. "lt'll be miserable mercy
you'll git from them. No! no! we can't
think of that"
''God bless you, Tom Huttcr, no! We
can't indeed think of that We will die,
if it be Heavens will, for these dear and
helpless ones but forsake them never.
A loud shout arose from without. The
Tories were exulting in their success.
"What must be dOne?" asked Paul, in
an agony of anxiety.
ave can do two things, replied HITTER.
"Remain here and be burnt, or rush out
and be shot"
"We1l neither be burnt nor shot !" re-
torted Podijah stoutly.
"Tm bound to live as long as uppers and
unders IL hold together. amt toin' to
knock under in the mornin O. my days,
by gum | know that all flesh is grass,
but don't want my grass cut while it's so
green. III hold on ID existence to the
last gasp, / swow ! Tom Hutter, I'm goin'
to cut Jest about my bigness and the big
ness of one O. these gals through the tar
nal Tories, leetle quicker'n you can load
a load O. hay when there's u thun-
der shower coming up like race-horse ~
Laurel wood House shook with the yio-
lence of the deyouring flame, which had
eaten through the Toofand now enyeloped
tile and rafter. While the group looked
up in alarm, red sword Of fire
was thrust down through the ceiling.
at is the flaming sword it waves US
from Paradise " cried Jessie.
"Nay," said Paul impressiyely, "some of
us may be going to an eternal Paradise. "
The fire above growled angrily in an
swer, and the black smokepurled into the
room like the rank breath of a demon.
"Let each man see that his weapon is
loaded. Take care gals Stand back as
far as you can from the flame and smoke.
There's burnin' cinder on your dress,
Miss Ruth-it blazes"
at is out" said Podijah composedly,
smothering the incipient glow with his
great hand
ave must rush out two abreast" said
Hutter. "Podiah and | will 90 first
Hazelhurst, you and Blinko keep near the
ladies. Blnko, be brave, and use those
large arms of yours to some purpose
Give 'em the contents of the blunderbuss
in the face and eyes, then club it and
break their heads"
"Yes, mars'r Tom. This chile know
what he bout. Habbent fo'git dat hang
in,' yit. Thought rs done for dat time
Oh, golly didn't it hurt when dey run me
up to de limb 'Peared to stop my breff
like. You stood by me, mars'r Tom,
and I'll stand by you. Lor'! won't l make
dis ole blunderbuss spoke to 'em, de min
ute hab time to obsquintify cross de
sights ?" ..-
The parties were now driven to the re-
,motest corner of the room by their new
and irresistible enemy, which was gather
.ing strength and fierceness with rrightful
rapidity. Hutler unfastened the door,
and the fresh access of the air gave addi-
tional fervor so the confagration. lie
stood a moment alone in the outpouring
smoke, but not shot was fired from the
concealed and watching foe.
"There is no help for it" added Tom
1--WE mus. try it now or never, Podijah ~
"At your side !' responded the Yankee
who exposed himself to danger as if he
had been accustomed to it from child
hood.
The walls shook with the vehemence OF
the fire, and there was warning creak
and groan among the crumbling joists and