The Grand Haven news., 1865-12-06


see. The tavern in which. ! had taken
up my abode appeared to be isolated
from all other dwellings, and, save the
croak Of the tree-toad and hum Of the
locust, not sound reached my ear. II
WAS beautiful moonlight night, so
bright that could see TO read the small
est print.
At last | began to grow weary, and
throwing myself on my pallet was soon
plunged in deep slumber. How long /
slept know not, but was awakened by
dull sound, which resemblcd some one
hammering In the distance. | suppose
it was the peculiarly of the sound which
awoke me, for it was by no means loud,
but conveyed TO me the idea of some one
striking iron with mufiled hammer. l
rose from my bed and went to the win
dow. The moon was now in the west
ern horizon, by which fact knew it must
be near morning. The sound l above re-
ferred to reached me more distinctly than
when in the back part of the chamber
II appeared to come from some out-
houses which wero situated a hundred
Yards from the house.
Now | am of naturally an inquiring
mind and this sound, occurring as it did
in the middle Of tho night, piqued my Gu
riosity, and felt an irrepressible desire
to 90 out and discover the cause Of it,
This desire, as the sound continued, grew
upon me with such intensity, that re-
solved TO crafty it at any price.
/ put on my boots, the only article of
attire had discarded, and cautiously
opened the door of my chamber and noise
lessly descended the ricketv Staircase
A few steps brought me TO the lower de-
partment, which ] found entirely deserted.
| crept quietly to the window, and unfast-
enipg it without making the slightest
noise, was soon in the moonlight.
Not soul was visible, bui the sound
] have mentioned grew much more dis
tinct as | approached the place from
whence it proceeded. AT last / found
myself before long, low building thro'
the crcvice of which | could perceive q
lurid glare issuing. i stopped down and
peeped through the key-hole, and to my
extreme surprise ! saw half dozen men,
with their coats off and sleeves up, per-
forming variety of strange occupations.
Some were working al a forge, others
were experimenting the casting Of monlds,
and some were engaged in the process of
milling coin. In moment the whole
truth burst upon me. Here was The gang
of counterfeiters | was in search of, and
the landlord and his wife evidently belong
ed to the same band, for in one corner |
perceived them employed--the man. pol
ishiDg off some half dollar pieces, and
the woman was packing the finished coin
into rolls.
had seen enough Of il and was about
to return to my apartment, when sud
denly felt heavy hand placed on my
shoulder, and turning my head around,
to my horror found myself in the grasp
Of as Unlocking scoundrcl as ever escap-
ed the galows.
What are you doing here, my good
fellow ?" he exclaimed giving me severe
shake.
"Taking a stroll by moonlight" re-
piled endeavoring to retain my compos-
Ire.
"Well, perhaps you will take stroll
inside, will you!" returned The ruffian,
pushing open the door, and dragging me
in after him."
All the inmates Of the barn immedi
ately stopped work and rushed towards
US when they saw me. a M
"Why, what's all thisi" they exclaim-
ed. le r
"A loafer l found peepiu' outside"
said my capsor. aaa
"He's traveller that came to the tav-
eru last night and asked for lodging; the
last saw of him he was safe in bed"
said the landlord. s1 m
The men withdrew to corner of the
apartment, leaving one TO keep guard
over me. soon saw they were in ear
nest conversation, and were evidently de-
batting some important question. The
man keeping guard over me said nothing,
but scowled fiereely. ] had not said a
single word during all the time had been
In the barn. / was aware that whatever
| might say would in all probability do
more harm than good, and it has always
been maxim of mine, to hold my tongue
when in doubt. AT last the discussion
seemed 10 be ended, for the blackest Of
the whole came forward, and without any
introduction, exclaimed giai hfa Ire