Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-22

on table in front of the chalEman. In about
half an hour after Bradley's arrival he was
placed before the chairman for examination
The old mans arms were pinioned, bat never
theless he cast defiant look upon those
around him.
Bradley, this is grave charge against
you. What have yoa to say {" said the chair
man.
What authority have you to ask 2" de-
mandad the smth, fercely eyeing his later
rogator.
" The authority of the people of Teunes-
see," was the reply. ......-
Il deny it."
Your deniaIs amount to nothing You are
accused OF harboriug Uuiouist, and the pen
atty of that you know is death. What have
you to say to the charge Z"
say that it is lie, and be who utterS
such charges against me is scoundrel."
Simpson" said the chairman to the lead
er of the band that had captured Bradley, and
who DOW appeared with bandage about his
head, to bind up wound which was the re-
suit of blow from the fist of Bradley
Simpson" the chairman continued, " what
have you to say Z"
The leader then stated that he had tracked
the preacher TO the blacksmith shop, aud
that Bradley had resisted his arrest. and that
upon their return he could not be found and
that the prisoner refused to give any intor-
nation coucerning him.
Do you hear that, Bradley Z" said the
chairman.
IL do what of it 2" was the reply.
" Is il true Z"
"Yes"
Where is the preacher p
That is noHe OF your business"
" Mr. Bradley, this tribunal is not to be
insulted with impunity. again demand
to know where Mr.. Peters is. Will you
tell :"
mo"
" Mr.. Bradley it is we'll known that you
are not only member but an eXhorter 10 Mr..
Peters chuch, aud therefore some little ex.
cuse is to he made for your zeal i'll defending
hiw. he is from the North, aud has long
been suspected, and is now accused Of being
UnioniSt and dangerous man. \ Iou do
not deny shellerng him, and refusing to give
him up. If you persist in this you must take
the consequences. | ask you for the last
time if you will inform Us Of his wher
abouts p
a nd again / answer no"
" Mr.. Bradley, there is also another serious
charge against you, and your conduct in this
instance confirms it You are accused of
giving comfort to the enemies of your country.
What have you TO say to that %
" say it is false, and who make it is a
william ?"
/ accuse him of being q traitor, aiding
the cause of the Union" said Simpson.
" If my adherence to the Union merits for
me the name of a traitor, then | am proud of
it. have been for the Union---I am still for
ne Unon-and will be for the Uuion GS long
as life lasts !"
At these words the chairman clutched
pistol that lay on the table before him, and
the bright gleem of Simpsons bowieknife
glittered near Bradleys breast bat before
he could make the fatal blow a swit.winged
messenger Of death laid him dead at the feet
of his intended victim which at the same in
stant another plunged into the heart of the
chairman, and he fell forward over the table,
extinguiShjng the light aad leaving them in
darkness Confusion reigned The inmates
OF the room were panic-stricken. In the
midst OF the CONSERVATION firm hand rested
upon Bradley's shoulder his bonds were
severed, and he huFried out of the open win
dow. He was again "a free man, but was
FASTENED forward into the woods at tho back
of the tavern aud throu Oh them TO road
quarter Of a mie distant, then into wagon
and driven rapidly off. In half an hour the
smith made Que of the party at midnight
across the mountains.
d" JohD," said the smith, as he grasped the
hand OF Lis rescuer, while his eyes glistened
and tear courSed down his furrowed cheek,
Il should liko to see Matte before l CO."
You Shall" was The reply
In another hour the blacksmith clasped his
daughter to his bosom
1t was an affecting scene--there, in that
lone house in the wilderness, surrounded by men
who had been driven from their homes for
their attachment to the principles for which
the patriotic fathers fought and bed-the
sturdy old smith, type Of the heroes Of other
days, pressing bis daughter to his breast, while
the tears coused down bis furrowed cheeks
He felt that perhaps it was to be his last en-
brace for bis resoiute heart had sacrificed
his all upon the altar of his country, and be
could no longer watch over the safety of his
only child Was she to be left to the mercy
of The parricidal wretches who were attempt
ing to destroy the country that had given
them birth, nursed their infancy, and opened
wide field for them TO display. the abilities
with which nature had endowed them2
Mr. Bradley" said his rescuer, after a
short pause, Gas you leave the State it will
be necessary, in these troublesome times, for
Matte to have protector, and have thought
that our marriage had better take place to-
uight"
:. We'll, Jobu," be said as be reliDquished |
his embrace and gazed with fond look at her
who was SO dear TO him, +" shall not object if
Matte is willing"
OhIwe arranged that aswe came along"