North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-25
THERoBBER oFTHE TWEED

In the stormy period which marked the
succession of James tie Second, the discon-
tent OF the people, ever swelling in an under
current, broke out in occasional acts of vio-
lence in the North. Headed by the reform.
ed gentry. such tumult threatened civil coin-
motion.
Among the most active opponent to crown
was SIR Sames Cochran, - whose high family,
Marked talents and popularity with the
lower orders rendered him a dangerous foe
The premature disclosure of scheme for
raising the clans subjected him to the v,o-
lence of,he laws. He was trei, found gull
ty of treason, and nothing stood between the
unfor nobleman and death, save the
royal warrant, which few hours would
bring, and which would immediately
consgu him to the hands of the execution
er.
The friends and family had taken their
last farewell of the dooued man; the weep
ing children had clustered around the knees
of their beloved parent, and al. had given h i'm
their last look all but greSelI the eldest and
best beloved daughter Of the Earl. She came
not and the solitary captive waited hour af-
ter hour foI her appearance in vain.
1t was drawing towards the close Of the
last day which the captive was to spend on
earth, when the door of his prison chamber
swung slowly on its hinges, and lady, veil
ed according to the fashion Of the times, en-
tered. Her graceful and commanding figure
cnntrasted stri ningly with the harsh outlines
of the prison wall the heavy, dark tresses
which fell from their confinement, swept q
neck of snow and as she flung back the
veil, revealing features Of exquisite oveiness
the captive earl sprang to her side, ezclaitn
ing:
Ny own--iny beloved"
Gresei fell on the bosom IF her .ffection-
ale father, while food Of tears told her ur-
spoken misery.
"My father-my dear father" exclaim-
ed the daughter, shall not die Heaven
will hear the prayer Of the broken heart
eds"
NAY, dearest, we must part yet am |
comforted to leave my blessing with thee, nv
last--"
His voice failed, and even the iron fea-
lures of the jailor worked with intense feel
inc.
"You must be Brief" he said, "a few mo.
ments is all that is allowed 70 you.,,
The harfh sound of the iron door grated
as he left them, and the father and daughter
were alone in their sorrow.
"My father" continued he lady, have
coue to cheer pou. My grandfather, the
Earl Dundenald, is the dear friend of the
family. All were gathered there save the
Kings confessor, aud is now on his way to
the capital to entroat the holy father to
use his influence with the King for your
life.
"The death warrant will arrive in two
days" said the noblernan, Fand ere my fa-
thcr shall have reached the court, my chill
dren will be orphans"
"Say not so, my dearest f.,her," contin-
ued the young lady. "NoW must tear my
self frorlri thee but first-she knelt, and
the dark tresses swept the hand of her fa-
ther-" thy blessing, but not thy last"
My child, you have my warmest bene-
distion yet whrt wouldst my daughter ev-
en- now,"
" Ask me not, not now, my father. Heav.
en- will speed me since have thy blessing"
A moment more and she was gone, and
the prisoner was left alone to his musings.
1t was in the evening of the second day af
ter the events above related, when traveller
Of uspretending appearance stopped at q
small inn by the high road which traversed
the direction Of the Tweed. His dress vas
OF the most ordinary materials a coarse
doublet and cloak, such as was worn by the
better class of peasantry of the period, to-
gether with bonnet Of blue cloth, pulled
deep over his forehead. The only ornament
of his dress consisted of . long dropping
feather, which nearly concealed the wearer's
features. He seemed a young man of su-
perior bearing, while his unpretending man
ner gave him the appearance OF poverty.
Refusing all communication with the group
of idlsrs usually found clustered at the door
Of a small inn, our traveller sat on q low
bench or stoup, as it is called, discussing a
small portion Of bread, and the hard, unsavo
ry cheese which formed the flodof the peas
antry, regarding with interest the clouds
which -acked in masses of black vapor thro'
the heavens. His frugal meal finished, he