The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-12-24
MOSES DRAM;
Or
81 II B u X CLAIR s. NE T."
By gro. CLARENCE BLANCHARD.
CHAPTER !.

Near the close cold day in October traveller dis
mounted from his jaded horse and entered little hostel
ry tavern situated in the then widest region Penn
sylvania The stranger who was large stout-ookine
man. heavily bearded paused before the door that led in
to the barroom and peeped inquisitiyey in seeing
small group sitting around the table, he walked very
leisureiy toward them, introducing himself in frank
easy style.
"A good evening, gentlemen, to you al,'
The company who were earnestly engaged in convers
ing, hardly noticed his entrance but when he spoke
they instantly paused and greeted the with
look plainly expressive Of surprise curiosity and anger
One Of the party who had less sinister and sury face
than the rest gravely advanced toward him, cycling him
sharply as he said
You wish lodgings, my man ?'
Certainly do, Mr. Beg (who at the mention of his
visiby started); what else should stop here
for? There's my pony wants the same thing attend to
him first and in the meanwhile will make myself at
home'
So saying the stranger scarcely needing the general
scowl which greeted him as he said this, cooly lit his
cigar and forthwith stretched himself in easy pos.
ture in Tom Beg's favorite chair much to the as
tonshmen Of that gentleman, who slowly moved toward
tG uoor winklng silly to his companions he did So
The stranger commenced to smoke eyeing the company
with 9onchalance and familiarity that took them com
'Vot yer doing here for ?" growIed dark-visaced pc
yooking scouudre whose pox marked face was half oh
scured by dirty cap He rose as he spoke and drew
"oh, ohr laughed the stranger sending up long
spiral column Of smoke, and regarding the other with
nan sneer Don't attempt to frghten me- amt your
name Dick IIattOn ?'' '
Scarcely had he asked the question: before the whole
party sprang instananeousy their feet and confront
ed him with the rage of tgersand precious crew
or cut throatS could hardly have
"Kill him kill him - was the general cry Pistols
and bOwe-kniy,s were promiscuously drawn, and one
could see they longed lap the blood unfortunate
man, as they crowded round their victim. Dick Hat
ton, with an ugly grin, interposed.
stop boys, the fellow is safe. want to catachse i'm
atore he's made mince-meat Of Come, now. who are
YEP"
During all the tumut occasioned by his remark the
stranger had kept his easy, hafrecumbent position re-
gardless of the menacing group, continuing to smoke
with the most astonishing cooneSs, and eyeing them all
with sort of saucy smile that absolutely provoking
Come, now, who are ye2' repeated Dick Hatton
Tightening his grasp on his bowie-knfe.
The rutlians pressed nearer dozen knives were
raised, but still the stranger manifested slightest
symptoms of alarm. Careessly divesung himself of his
beard he proceeded in the quiet way to dispace
black curling wig. In one second more, the gang had
burst into wild halioo, which sent Tim Beg rushing
back.
"Blow my eyes !" exclaimed he letting his pipe fail
from his mouth in his amazement. "Why, it's the Tom
'Nobedy else replied that individual who had not
cigar You're bright people all Of you pon my word:
now Beg You tr0t back to the stable and nut
my horse in better quarters than you first intended
and hearken lad tell that spoony of wife of yours to
fix up something hot I'm blasted hungry Now then,
what are you all gaping at me for? added the Tomtt
surveying the group with derisive smile. Didn't
lows!"
The gang indeed looked very foolish at the unexpect.
ed denouemenE their weapons were once more
turned to their hiding places and they staring at
their chief, scarcely believing their own eyes.
'Ther devil imsef would find it ard to tell We oh
served Dick sulkiy. IVY, Beg, as knows everybody
with Won eye, gets taken in; but, Tomtit, vots the
news?'
Never You trouble your head for t. at it will come in
good time, replied the Tomtt, draining glass of ale
oiiiciousy placed before him Everything Just as
suspected the police were track at Candles but
fixed EN-" With this brief synopsis ofnews the Tom
tit leaned back in his chair and continued to smoke in
thoughtful, meditating manner.
In about fifteen minutes, Mrs. Beg portly red haired
lady, announced that supper was ready and the gang
adjourned to small apartment in the rear part of the
building, where rude meal served up roast pig
forming the principal feature of the enterainment
n1 orpit
Whiskey.
Vow then, said the Tomtt, after he had satisfied
his hunger, and stirring the components of second
glassul of puncl now, then boys, I'm ready to tell the
news. In the first place, Crib has been cribbtdn
nabbed ?n ' O'''
Crib is crbbed, and that's the short and long of it,,
observed the Tomtt g!oomy. "once the time the
ue could be carried on and none of the least
OF risk; Nest wasn't necessary; now the thing
smaller'' i e
But what about Crib " inquired several of the gang.
anXously. e7'
Crib continued the Tomti ssacted like precious
fool told him all the boys had left but him. but he was
so blasted confident he kept tagging, and putting Off till
he got crbbed He would Just close his neepers and
walk into the pit without any helping him in con
found him, he nearly dragged me with him"
Ihe company now pressed the Tomtit for de
tailed ntorTaton from which it cared that that un
lucky individual had INDUCED in a SPREE and having
boasted pretty freely Of his achievements in the burglary
hne, was ncontinently pounced upon by the Phiiade
pha police, who had long been the lookout for him.
He Won't peach I'ope,n observed Dick Hatton "It
would be VERY bad blow arter all the of
ouse keeping not saying nothing about 'avng no pr
Ee and place for to idc when ther Wind
"He aint going to peach said Mr. Beg authoritative
ly, mot he, know him to be bully a man.
80 DO !, so do - exclaimed several voices at once
keep thns dark and NAY be n t . thS % On 5he
the gentleman, that isn't the thing; can't spare
Crib why the whole twelve Of us wanted for next
vices were next to gold but is just our confounded
luck"
The Tomtf with this brief reference to the valuable
qualifications of Mr. Crib proceeded to mix third glass
of whiskey punch. and to swallow the same with look
of becoming and resignation.
LAS he's gone" continued the Tomtit musngly, 81
suppose it's best to try different plan; tell what
boys, have great mind to postpone the visit to old
Van Checkers for might at least till get
us in way connected with the house; heard the
other day that the old gentleman wanted a coachman,
and il had somebody to personate one why it would be
a yery rum thing to get him in there and then don,t
you see, there would be no need of a locksmith'
IVY don't you 60, Iomtit, yer would make
coachee, yer vouid?o suggested Dick with grin.
why, as to that, suppose might suit the old gen.
tleman to ahair,, returned the romtt compacently;
"but have something important to manage; no,
I'll tell you what boys, Eve good mind to send one of
you"
Good " said several voices.
"lknow,' continued the Tomtit, 'a about the house,
as far that goes, for have visited every and
corner myself but still it would be very convenient to
have somebody to let us in Crib could have opened the
back door easily but seeing he's Gagged we'll have
give up getting in that way"
Hist" suddenly exclaimed Mr.. Beg describing with
his finger rapid movement in the direction of the win
dow The burglars started and pcked up their as
they distinctly heard the an approaching vehicle
it was just wheeling up before the tavern and Mr. Beg
who had been sent to reconnOre quickly
port the anxious gang that it was only traveller
who had lost his way and wished to stay over night
He's jolly looking 'un and has a big carpet bag
whispered Mr. Beg.
This intelligence caused Tnomentarv excitement. the
burglars started up their fierce eyes sparkling with
delight hut meeting the gaze Of their chief they
sulIenly resumed their seas.
"Isit AVERY comfortable looking bag?n enquired
DICK rubbing his hands IN expectation of pIunder.
Beg, but what shall do with the owner?''
-Four tallow candles brought into the room
and t!ie burglars held hurried conversation to how
they should dispose ofther visitor for dis
patching him at Others for making away with
him silently but as prolonged discussion seemed like.
~ to arise Mr. Beg commissioned to see to the per-
sonal comfort of the gentleman provide him with sup
per- and make ready his apartment, which last direction
caused Mr.. Beg to grin from ear to
"Mind,o said Dick, Ito put i'm in the vots got
the trapdoor, vch is the VERY model Of convenience
and the comfortab!est room in ther 'ouse.n
Mr.. Beg laughed apIrovingy at Mr.. Hatton's huror-
Gus auson to the trap door, and left his friends to
tinue their consultation.
My advice said Dick 'is to run i'm down ven he's
snoozing, and drop i'm in ther vat dead men doesn't
tell tales
Dead does tell tales though, interrupted one OF
the burglars lowering his voice to impressive wins
trouble"
i think So too chined in another who was known
by the soubrquet of Molecat they'll come sometimes
its very announcement and troublesome Nonce
ven wos doing business in the pad line in York we
cotched fellow night who very lushy. 1t wos
very good haul, an some on us wos for letting him
but lie kept such hoerin' and threatening, that
arter parieyiug eee, Bill Hedges gives him knock
the head vch silenced him. vel him
in ther river Bill ties big rock to his neck to prevent
his coming mp and breeding lot O. nasty questions
but the VERY next morning the spitefu corpse
ashore without the rock and holding tight onto piece
of Bill Hedges jacket, vich means of conwictins
him and sending him to the gallows."
Mr. MoecatS record of his personal experience seemed
make but little impression on his listeners for thu
main subject under consideration was resumed and {
Lively debate sprung up, which was, however, not par
ticpated in by the Tomtit.
That gentleman sat quietly listening to the various
opinions delgnng no other comment than occasional
nod of his head It waseyden that the burglars were
unanimously in favor of instantly destroying the
traveller; though they essentially varied in their pro-
Mr. Dick Hatton watched his leaders, countenance du
ring the progress of the conversation but looked stod
ly Indifferent.
''Wots yer opinion, Tomtit?r inquired anxiously-
"Aint yer going to say nothing?'
"Of course am, replied Tomtit, planting his legs de
family on the table, my opnons the opinion that's
to be adopted and no chatterng Now look here,'' con
tinued he fixing his restless eyes the group, you
want to make way with this traveller?'
''That's So" exclaimed the burglars.
"And ~ continued Tomtit, cody, "am for letting hir
60"
It would impossible describe the effect produce
by this decision The burglars jumped up, and oats
imprecation Of every description showered the
leader.
ing attitude OF his men, she shall go free-not hair
his head shall be touched; and who dares obect? Fl
stern, gray eyes glanced from burglar to burglar, an
they inyountarily quailed before their defiant geam
''Now listen, you fools, to my reasons' continued til
Tomt angy, as the overawed villains shrank back in
to their seats. You all know next week we DO a heav
job in the wholesale line; after it's done must kee
dark the Nest is he only place we are safe in and her
must remain till the matter blows over; but if th
is missed between that and the job theren be sue
hue and cry raised that we won't dare to show ou
nI-.v d.