Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-01-13
A WESTERN ADVENTURE
OR THn
COUNTERFEIT BAaE R0Tt

COUNTERFEIT BANK NnTE.
In l646 l was transaetRg some bust
ness in the stale of Wisconsin,. Il be
came necessary that I should be in Mil
waukee by certain day 70 attend trial,
in which I was an important sssitness.--
In order to accomplish this j was COM
PEELED to travel night and day.
i One evening about dusk, reached a
small village about thirty miles distant
from the capital Of the State, and took up
my quarters at the tavernlof the place
1t was a wretehed dwelling, and kept by
an old man and woman, the surliest cou-
pie, think, it has ever been my lot TO
meet. In answer to my enquiry as to
whether l could have lodging there for
the night, I noticed that the host gave
peculiar look at his wife, and after some
whispering l was informed in the most
; ungracious manner possible that could
have bed.
| have frequently in the course of my
life been obliged TO put up with wretched
accommodation, SO I did not allow my
equanimity of temper to be destroyed by
the miserable fare set before me, and the
still more miserable sleeping apartment
into which I was ushered after had
concluded my repast.
The chamber was small in size, and
was certainly well ventilated, for could
see the stars peeping through the roof
4, The bed was simply a bag Of straw,
thrown into one corner of the room, with
out sheets. or covering of any kind. This
last fact was, however, not of much con-
/ sequence, as it was summer time and op-
pressively hot.
l stood for more than an hour gazing
: out of the opening, which served for a
t window. Before me was spread an i'm
S mense prairie, the limits of which ] could
+ not see. The tavern in which had
S taken up my abode, appeared to be iso-
lated from all other dwellings, and, save
. the croak of the tree frogs and the hum
Of the locusts, not sound reached my
q ears. 1t was beautiful moonlight night,
6 and so bright that could see TO read fine
!, print.
At last I began to grow weary, and
throwing myself on my pallet, was soon
plunged into deep slumber. How long
I slept I know not; but was awakened
by dull sound, which resembled some
> one hammering in the distance. I sup
II pose it was the popularity of the sound
which awoke me, for it was by no means
0 loud, but conveyed to me the idea of some
i one striking iron with muffled hammer.
: I rose from my bed and went to the win
It dow; the moon was low in the western
: horizon, by which fact I knew that il
,. must be near morning. The sound ]
n have before referred to reached me more
lT distinctly here than when in the back
1t part of the chamber. 1t appeared tc
ie come from some out houses, which were
70 situated about hundred yards distant
le from the house.
d Now I am naturally of an enquirine
enquiring turn of mind, and this sound
!; occurring as it did, in the middle Of the
: night, in such a remote, out of the way
ID place, piqued my curiosity, and felt al
Id irresistible desire to go and discover til,
re cause of it. This desire, as the sounc
or continued, grew upon ME with such inten
W sity that I resolved to CRAFTY It at an.
if price.
er I resumed my boots, the only article
ed of my attire bad discarded, and eau
I'd tiously opening the door of my chamber
noiselessly descended the rickety stair
Sc case. a few steps brought me into tn
ok lower apartment, which ! found entirel
en- deserted. I crept quietly to the door
I'd and unfastening It without making th
as slightest noise, was soon in the moonligh
nd Not soul was visible, but the soun
nd still continued, and grew more distinct q
Sc, I approached the place from whence
proceeded. At last found myself b,
sr- fore long, low building, through til
'ee crevices Of which l could perceive
A lurid glare issuing. stopped down an
We peered through the key hole, and TO N
extreme surprise, ] saw half a doze
ne strong looking men, with their coats o
y and sleeves turned up, performing a v
md riety Of strange occupations. Some wet
ith working at a forge, others we're superi
Iue tending a eopper-plate printing nachin
ted and some others were engaged etching
nj steel. Ina moment the whole truth bug
er- upon me. These men were a gang
ace counterfeiters, and nv landlord and /
ip- wife evidently belongeg 10 the sar