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

~'AA~AS''j an" O""h hC1d u" hHC chOi ia
almost beat him frum the path. 1t length,
as the hour told midnight, he crept for shell
ter. under The low copse of thorn bushes
which offered temporary defence.
Suddenly soand rings clear through the
wsilings OF the storm. II 10 the rapid tiamp
of horse dashing at fell speed across the
tnoor'from the South. AS he nesrs the cop
per be rears, for hand is upon the bride
A vivid fash OF lightning at the moment dis
covers the stranger Of the inu."
"Stand, or die p he said and as the
h,rseman endeavored TO reach his srm, the
stranger with firm grasp on his breast,
drew him heavily to the ground.
"The mail !" he said "givo it to me and
thou art safe"
In another moment he swung the leather
bag over his shotilder, and mounting the re-
leased horse, gaioped at full speed across the
common.
The discomftted messenger wended his
way TO the next town, aud with morning
light the news spread rapidly of the robbery
of the mail Many repaired to the spot mud
dilgent search was made for the offender.
| but no trace of the robber found.
As the fidings reached the imprisoned
earl, he lifted his eyes in m ute gratitude, for
the event lenythened his life at least four
teen days, and during that period the peti.
ton might reach the throne. His affection
ate daughter, now his constant companion
sobbed upon his bosom at the recital Of the
tidinss. Said not my father should dot
de2' she exclaimed. Heaven must have
heard the cry Of the afflicted"
The aged Lord Dundonsld had urged his
suit with the con,essor with all fathers
eloqnence ; but the tyrancal James, jealous
affected subjects By an example worthy of
fear, s'ubbornly refused to yield his pardon.
Again he signed his death warrant, and
again the messenger is on his way but well
armed and well mounted, he fears no evil
The suspicious spotis almost passed, and
the echoing tramp Of the horses hoofs have
almost passed the banks of the Tweed, when
a fash of fac CLEANS across the eyes Of the
rider. The horse rearing at the moment,
threw his rider heavily 10 tho ground, Will e
"a form bent over him4 AMI glttering wea-
pom was placed al his throat.
The mail 20 demand the robber sand
young man, travel this way no more, or
thou diest by my hand" Possessing him
self of the leather bag, he added THY
horse mus. be mine alan ard row go and
thank Heaven for thy hfe."
Again Cochrane was respted, and again
his daughter raised her eyes in thanksgiy. .ng
as the captive exclaimed
1.-The hand pf He aven is in this 7"
Ere another fourteen days had expired, the
monarch, struck By the coincidence, had
sighed his pardon, and the earl was free
The great hall of the castle was hung with
garIangn, ani the rctsiners of the earl, with
tears ofjoy. welcomed their master, as, lean
ing on the arm of his father, he moved
through their ranks to meet his Lady Gre
sell but her absence was scarcely noticed,
as the bappy group gathered around the lord
Of the mansion. eNA tt- 'ssr-
Suddenly stranger craved to see Lord
Cochrane. .s. .r
"Admit him." said the earl, none shall be
turned from these doors to-day.
He entered-a tall and graceful figure
habited in the gaIb Of q pearsnt, while his
features were partially concealed BY . feath
which dtooped from his cap.
"MY lord" be ssid, II come to place these
pers in your hand read them and d. strey
them" at
As he spoke, be placed in the hand of
Cochrane his death warrants. It was the
robber of the moor @
My dclverer-uiy generous friend how
can thapk thee ~ Father, children, thank
him for me +" - s-
The strrnger raised bis cap from his fore
head, and the dark tresses of Gresel fell on
her shoulders. as
"My child my beloved daughter Have
you saved my life by rsking thine q"
"Said I not my father should not die 7'-
said the young lady. while all crowde
round her with blessings.
The feeling Of the famlp may be better
| imagined than described:
Suffice it 10 say that Gresell Cochrsne was
shortly after married to one Of Scotland's
proudest peers, and several of its best faml-
lies now count their descent from the Hero
inc Of the Moor, EH