The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1865-10-10
A MISTAKE AND ITS RESULTS.
A TALE THREE CHAPTERS
CHAPTER III.

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CHAPTER III.
To take swift advantage OF so unex-
nscted turn in the tide of danger was
nv foremost Thought; and l was just
about to glide out of my hiding place,
when I remembered that considerable
caution was necessary with reference to
the youth Sweeny, who, utterly uncon.
scious of my being ia the apartment,
might in his surprise give expression to
some sound that would arouse the sleep
ers, and destroy us both. To release MN
from his bondage and peril l was Oh
conrse az resolved on as to extricate my,
self. l crept out as gently as couiu' ana
stood for moment on the nGol, ~ 80
if l could attract his notice l was Ju'e
by the bed where the Ola woman l"!,
propinquinity that l oreaoeu' 49,.
SIasn than seemed to have locked the
two rnffians at the fire. Still the young
man remained with closed eyes, and 1t
cas- only as was just beside him that
he started with bound, and glared upon |
me with a new terror in his face.
doubt not but that he thought, as rose
up so unexpectedly before him in that
dusky light, that was spirit from the
other world ;.
"Hush!" 1 whispered, putting my lips
to his ears "not wcrd," pointing 10
the men. Il was over there; know all
about you. Wait till cut these cords
When with my penknife l had done so,
il was for some minutes before he could
use his freed limbs 1t required but few
words to enjoin speed and caution
do you unbar the door," again whis-
pered, land for your life, take care OF
sound"
Slowly and softly we moved on. l pos
sessed myself Of the loaded pistol that
Law by one of the sleepers asI passed him,
But our chief difficulty lay in getting the
door open. The iron bar that crossed it
was fixed in staple, and fitted so tight
Nv as to require considerable effort for its
release, while the nervousness with
which his whole frame shook made
Sweeny but clumsy hand.
Let me try" l said at last, in dis
pair
had Just succeeded in drawing out
the bar, with scarcely a sound, when my
companion in Mortified tone cried:
"For Gods sake, hurry / hear the old
woman stirring"
instantly pulled the bolt back more
rapidly, and it fell with heavy clang
on the earthen foo. l hardly know now
what at that moment we did. There
was an instantaneous rustling movement
from the bed; but we waited for Moth
ing. All can recollcct is, that quick as
lightning we were both out upon the
heath.
"Tll hold to you / don't know the
way" gasped, as | dreaded that my
companion might only think of himself,
and desert me / am SIRE that he never
dreamed of doing so. He seized me tight
ly by the arm; and on we went head
long, plunging through swamps, and
ueTe than onoo falling over some unseen
impediment.
The night was very dark, and trusted
entirely to nv guide Want of breath at
last compelled us to halt, and we stood
uauting for moment. Not a sound OF
any kind was heard. If pursued, our
foes must have been at fault, as we heard
nothing CT them
"Tell me what was to- be done tonight
at the Colonies ?" | asked Sweeny.
Fire and murder" was his expressive
answer
"Come on there at Oncr-you know the
,ay. Wilt you ?" asked.
yes" Ire answered and without any
mere hesitation, diverging little from
the course we bad been pursuing, we
again hurried forward with fresh speed.
We soon reached the Termination OF the
bog, crossed road, and got into some
fields.
"Over there" whispered Sveeny, lis
the Coloners.
Colonel who ?" asked.
Colonel Grey. What are you going
TO do there ~
"To warn them-to save them, TO be
sure" answered. And never fear"
continued, as / noticed some reluctance
on the part of the lad, Il saved you al
ready, and I'll take care of you still no
harm shall come TO you"
We continued on our course through
two or three fields, and turned out on
what appeared 10 me to be a narrow by
road, when suddenly, as it from the ditch
close to us, hoarse voice gave chsl-
lenge: "Who goes there p
"May. never" calculated Sweeny, in
a trembling whisper, IF it isn't the boys
they're waiting for the rest, to go up to
the Celonel's"
Answer them boldly whispered,
Sweeny replied to the challenge, when
rapid cross-questloning ensued, and
some passwords were demanded and
given.
"Who's with you2" asked the speaker
who challenged us, now standing out ill
she road aud who seemed to be the leader
of the party who were still concealed i'll
the ditch.
A momentary hesitation nearly proved
fatal to us.
'Oh, tits Bill sure" he answered. and
his voice shook I'VE are To go on Bar
ney said, and see that ali's right, and
give You the signal"
You had better stay here" gruitiy re-
sponded the speaker. eco on, indeed
What signal ?"
Just whistle, andIuo more mast
be ruled by Barney, as he's the leader
to night" replied Sweeny, with aa at
fectation of sulkiness in his tone. that
showed more presence of mind than had
hoped for.
well, on with you then; and if you
spoil it all, it's not my doing"
And to my infinite relief the speaker
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