Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-11-20
EBENSBURG. PA. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20. 1861

1
hut, and the privateer suddenly slipped her ca
bic and stood out in chase of the gun boat, the
commander of which having discovered that the
in'ended surprise had been frustrated, and find
ing himself no longer supported by his friends
/ from the shore, sought to make his escape-the
| gun-boat being unable to cope with the privateer
unaided. The two vessels were soon lost to view
but for half an hour the combat the ledge of
rocks ragged furiously. the anxious and terrified
lookerson being quite unable to discern in the
darkness and confusion which party we're tko
vietofs.
At length the struggle ceased, and the combat
tants were seen moving from their position on the
ledge, apparently carrying with them great num-
bers of their wounded and slain.
| Mary's heart sickened within her, and her sa-
ble companions were pale and speechless with
/ alright In q few minutes, however, heavy foot
steps were heard approaching the hut, and pres
emily harsh voice demanded admission, while
one of the party thundered at the door 1t was
opened by the trembling Pete. and two men en-
tered bearing a third, who cried in feeble tones
for water.
Nancy FASTENED to present it but Mary had
recognized the voice of the sufferer, and with a
cry of anguish she rushed towards him.
$ Oh, John !-oh. my Brother!'' she exclaim-
ed, and kneeling before the rude couch on which
they had lain the wounded man, she clasped her
brothers hand and burst into tears.
- Ia! Mary!" exclaimed the young officer
. Good God, where am l How is this ? bade
them bear me to old Nancy's cottage -
.. You are IN Nancg's cottage,' sobbed Mary.
=. But you-how came you here 2" gasped the
.wounded youth.
. Oh, John, never mind me now sobbed Ma
r.. 8 Tell me are you badly wounded ~
q fear am, Mary" answered the yonng man
fceby. - The ball has struck me in the shoul-
der There has been treachery somewhere, or
we should have surprised the cursed tories before
they were prepared to offer resistance"
He spoke feebly, evidently suffering great pain;
but at this moment an officer of rank, accompa-
nied by the surgeon, entered the hut. a guard
Of soldiers followed, bearing wounded prisoner
between them.
The officer spoke kindly and cheerfully to
young Wilder, while the surgeon proceeded to
probe his wound
-. Cheer up, John,'' be said You'll get
over this bout hope. If the raecals had not
received Information of our approach we should
have surprised and taken them without blood
shed. But we have one satisfaction. we have got
hold of the fellow who gave the inforrnation.''
:. lie pointed to the wounded prisoner as he
spoke.
:. This young fellows got hit" he added,
better for him had he been shot dead, for he'll
swing for it now. He must have been spying a
boat our comp"
Young Wilder turned his gaze upon the prison.
er and gIeam Of savage satisfaction lighted his
glazing eyes as he recognized George Bartlett
the object of his btterest animosity.
x Ore of our townsmen too,'' said the cello
mel
Bartlett who seemed but slightly wounded
said not a word hut, he had been recognized by
N airy, who looked at him reproachfully, if SD,
D suspected him Of being the assailant Of her dy
: ing brother. He understood ner look.
. :" Cclonel,', he said, 50 it is true that 1 gav
r the information of the approach of your party
: as the dying sergeant informe you; but 1 am n
e spy, and call Heaven to witness that did no
a fire the shot which struck John Wilder. Nay
he would not now have been living had 1 no
It struck up the arm of the soldier who would hav
e pierced him with his bayonet as he ell.''
V "I am not aware that you charged wit
It wounding my young FRIEND" said the colonel
Is :. but you will find it difficult to prove that yo
4 are not a spy, when you confess 20 have receive
h information of our approach From whom di
t. you receive it ?''
re 3" I cannot tell p replied the young man.
1T Mary had watched him intently as he spok
g She felt that he had stated the truth, and h
lie generosity in refusing to tell from whom he ha
rs received the Information which had partly di
N concerted the patriots plan of attack, caused
ly revulson Of feeling in his favor in her bosom.
Sc '' can prove that George Bartlett is no spy
ye she said. g Unhappily he is a traitor to our
50 1y cause, but know that he is incapable of bas
be ness of espionage"
1t g lou can, young woman," said the colon
he for the first time fixing his attention upon be
he 'pIay how do you-But whatl'' he exclaime
ly recognizing her features can this be Miss W
I'm der, in this guise Good heavens. how car
ICE you here? John, were you aware of your s
sci ters presence in this hut!''
,re d" was not colonel, - feebly replied the won
70 ded youth; 50 nor can l understand wi
to brought her here.''
The sergeant who had concluded his examir
eer ton, insisted that the young officer should
not kept quiet.
lis :. He must be kept free from excitement" s.
, he to the colonel. The wound is serious, bur
pa am glad to say will not prove fatal. All will
lv. pend upon keeping down infamation.''
G a The colonel ordered every one but old Mar
ON to leave the small, congned apartment, but
pa- quested her to remain in attendance upon
Of young man; until daylight, when litter mi: