The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-01-06
A Western Adventure, or the Coun-
terfeit Bank Note.

In lS4S l was transacting some business
in the state of Wisconsin. 1t became neces-
sary that | should be at Milwaukee by GER
tain day to attend trial, in which was an
important witness. In order to accomplish
this was compelled to travel both night and
day.
One evening about dusk, reached small
village about thirty miles distant from the
capital of the state, and took up my abode a,
the tavern of the place. 1t was wretched
building, anc kept by an old man and wo-
man, the surliest couple ! think, it has ever
been my lot to meet. In answer to my en-
quiry as to whether l could have lodgings
there for the night, noticed that the hos;
gave peculiar look at his wife, and after
some whispering, was informec:'in the most
ungracious manner possible that Icould have
a bed
have frequently in the course Of my life
been obliged to put up with wretched accom-
mediation, SO l did not allow my equarimit!!
of temper to be destroyed by the miserable
fare set before me. and the still more misera-
ble sleeping apartment into which was ush
cred soon after l had concluded my slight
repast.
The chamber was small in size, and was
certainly well ventilated, for could see the
stars peeping through the roof The bed was
simply bag of straw, thrown into one cor.
ner of the room, without sheets or covering
of any kind. This last fact, was however not
of much consequence, as it was summer time
and oppressively hot.
stood for more than an hour gazing ou'
of the opening, which served for window
Before me was spread an immense prairie
the limits of which | could not see. The Ia
vtrn in which had taken up my abode, ap
pearel to be isolated from all other dwelling.
and save th= croak of the tree frogs, and thu
hum Of the locusts, not sound reached my
ears. 1t was beautiful moonlight night
and SO bright that could see to read fine
print.
At last began to grow weary, and throw
ing myself on my pallet, was soon fast asleep
How long l slept, know not, but va
awakened by dull solnd, which resembleC
sume one hammerirg in the distance. sup
pose it was some ptculia ri,y Of the sount
which awoke me, for it was by no mean
loud, but conveyed to me the idea of SOM
one striking iron with a muflied hammer.
rose from my bed and went to window, III
moon was low in the western horizon, b.
which fact knew that it must be near nor
ming. The sound have before referred t
reached me more distinctly than when i'll tn
back part OF the chamber. |, appeared t
come from some out-houses, which were sit
uatrd about a hundred Hurds distant frul
the house.
Now am naturally of an enquiring tur
of mind, and this sound, occurring as it die
in the midd. of the night, in such a remot
out of the way place. piqued my curiosit!
and felt an irresistible desire to 20 and di'
cover the cause of it. This desire. as tn
sound continued. grew upon me with sue
intensity that resolved to CRAFTY it at an
price.
resumed my boots, the only articles o
my attire l had discarded, and cautiousl
opening the door of my chamber, noiselessl
} descended the rickety staircase. A few steI
brought me into the lower apartments, whic
found enlirel. deserted. crept quietly
the door, and untastening it without maxim
) the slightest noise, was soon out in the nool
> light.
Not soul was visible, but the sound sti
continued, and grew more distinct Us | a
preached the place from whence it proceede
: At last found myself before long, 10
building, through the crevices of which
could perceive lurid glare issuing. l stoo
ed down and peered through the key hol
and to my extreme surprise, saw half d
: zen strong looking men with their coats o.
| and sleeves rolled up, performing varie
of strange occupations. Some were workii
at forge, others were experimenting Gu
per- plate printing machine. and some nthe
: were etching on steel In moment Il
whole truth burst upon me. These m,
c were gang of counlerttiters, and my Ian
lord and his wife evidently belonged 10 4
: same band, for in one corner l perceiv
t them emEloyed-the man polishing of Sol
+ half dollar pieces. just turned from the mou
r the woman putting the notes up into pac
q ets
< l had seen enough, and was about to
;, turn to my apartment again when sudden
It felt heavy hand placed on my should
It and turing my head around. to my horr'
!, found myself in the strong grasp of as
le looking scoundrel as ever escaped the &
e lows.
o "Wtat are YOU doing here, my good
J. low ?" he exclaimed in gruff voice, givi
IS me shake.
Taking stroll by moonlight" l repli'
endea, oring to maintain my presence
l. mind.
le well, perhaps you'll just stroll in he
h. will you:'" returned the ruttian, pushing op
N the door, and dragging me in after him.
II All the inmates of the barn imnlediat
ld s.o.l. o..1l Shol &..a.n~la