The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-01-06

said nothing but scowlsd tiercely. had not
uttered single word during all the time l
had been in the barn. was aware that
whatever might say would, in ali probabli-
ty, only do more harm than good, and it has
always been a maxim of mine to hold my
tongue when in doubt.
At last the discussion seemed to be settled
for the tlackest and dirtiest of the whole
came forward, and without any introduction,
exclaimed:
Il say, stranger, look here. You've got to
die"
did rot move muscle, nor utter one
word.
"You have found out our secret-and dead
men tel no tales"
l was still silent.
ave give you ten minutes to say your
prayers, and will also allow you the privi
lege of saying whether you will be hanged
or shot"
Suddenly an idea struck me. l remem-
bered something that might save my life. l
burst into violent Fl, Of laughter-in fact it
vas hysterical. but they did not notice that.
They looked from one to another in the
greatest amazement.
"Well, he takes it mighty cool, anyhow"
said one.
Il suppose he don't think we're in earnest
said another.
"Come, stranger, you had better say your
prayers" said the man who had first spoken
| time flies
My only reply was fit of laughter more
violent than the first.
The mans mad" they exclaimed.
"Or drunk" said some.
well, boys" l cried, speaking for the
first time, "this is the best joke l ever seed
what, hang pal?"
"A pal-you pal?"
"Why, certainly AM"
'What's your name?"
did you ever hear of Dick Bradshaw ?"
asked.
You may be certain of that. Amt he at
the head of our profession
"Well, then. I'm Dick Bradshaw"
"You are Dick Bradshaw ?" they all ex-
claimed.
"iou may bet your life on that" l replied.
staggering up to the corner where | had
seen the old woman counting and packing
the notes.
Fortune favored me. None Of the men
present had ever seen Dick Bradshaw, and
my staggering, insolent manner had in q
great measure thrown them off their guard
Yet could plainly see that all their doubts
were rot removed.
And YOU call these ere flimseys well done
do you p l asked, taking up packet Of the
counterfeit notes. We'll, all ! can say i.
that if you can't do better than this, you had
better shut up shop"
Can you show US anything better - ask
I'd one of the men.
Il rayther think can. If couldn't Ii
90 and hang myself"
Lets see it, they all cried.
This was my last coup, and one on which
knew my lie depended. 1t So happened
that on that very day had u counterfeit te,
dollar bill passed on me. 1t was perfect,
new bill, and so beautifully executed that
who am an excellent judge of paper money
did not hesitate to take it. 1t was only from
the fact Of having genuine bill on the Sam
bank that had been able to tell it was
counterfeit.
Look here, gentlemen, II exclaimed, "her
is my last job. Examine it well, and tell m
what you think of H."
So saying, pulled out the counterfeit bill
y and handed it to them.
1t was passed from hand to hand, and
variety Of opinions passed on it-some sa!
ing it was no counterfeit at al.-others say
y ing that it was.
, "How will you prove it's a counterfeit
asked one Of the men.
by comparing i. with this genuine note
l returned, handing it to the speaker.
The moment they compared the two tt
gether all their doubts vanished. "Beaut
full" exclaimed some, Splendid :" said o,I
= ', ers. When they had examined it to the
satisfaction, they all Of them shook me CO..
daily by the hand, every particle Of dout
having vanished from their minds. carrie
y out M, part we'll. Some questions were o.
casionally asked me, involving some Of ii
techncalities Of the business these, howe
er, avoided, by stating that Twas on jou
ney of pleasure, and would much rath'
> drink glass Of whisky than answer que
- tions.
~ The whisky was produced, and We made
III night of it, and it was not until morning ha
u dawned that We separated.
The next day by ten o'clock in the NOR
Il ing was in Milwaukee,, and immediate
e lodged information at the police Office as
the gang Of counterfeiters. They were a
H. rested the next evening, the den was broke
u up. and most of them condemned to serve
term Of years in the States prison.
e. have that counterfeit ten dollar bill y
Z" in my possession, and will never part with
for it was the means OF saving my life.
ly ---.------
40 A Skating CHALLENGE The New Yn