The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1865-11-24

1 ultSVNdbte elecplHk NpOlWontS INTO WnlCl I
was ushered, after had finished my re-
past.
The chamber was Of small size, and Ger
tainly well ventilated, for could see tile
stars through the roof. The bed was sim.
| ply bag of straw thrown into one corner
of the room, without sheet or covering OF
any kind. The hast fact, however was not
of much consequence, as il was summer and
oppressivelv hot.
| | stood for more than an hour gazing out
of the opening which served for window.
Before mo was an immense prairie, the lim
it's of which could not see. The tavern in
which had taken up my abode appeared
to bo isolated from all other dwellings,, and
save the creak of the treo toad and the hum
| of the locust, not sound reached my ear.
II was beautiful moonlight night, so bright
that | could see to read the smallest 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 u
dull sound, which resembled some one ham.
mering in the distance. ! suppose il was
the peculiarly of the sound which awoke
me, for il was by no means loud, but con
veyed to me the idea of some enc stirling
iron with muilled hammer. rose from
my bed and went to the window. The
moon was now in the western horizon, by
which fact knew that ii must be near
morning. The sound have before referred
to reached me moro distinctly than when in
the dark part of the chamber. II appeared
to come from some outhouses which were
situated q hundred yards from the house.
| Now amnaturally of an inquiring mind,
and this sound, occurring as il did in the
middle Of the night piqued my curiosity,
and felt an irrepressible desiye 80 go out
and discover the cause of it. This desire,
as the sound continued, grew uponme with
such intensity that resolved to crafty it
at any price. aHU
| put on my boots, the only article of at
tire had discarded, and cautiously opened
the door Of my chamber, and noislessly de-
| scended the rckety staircase. A few steps
brought me into the lower apartment, which
found entirely deserted, ] crept quietly
to the window, and unfustening It without
making the slightest noise, was soon in the
moonlight.
Not soul was visible, but TIE sound !
have mentioned grew much more distinct
as approached the place fron whence It
! proceeded. At last, found myself be ore
long, low building, through the crevioes
u
suing. stopped down and peeped through
the keyhole, aud to my extreme surprise /
saw half dozen men with their coats of
| and sleeves up, performing variety OF
strange occupations Some were working
at a forge, others wore experimenting the
casting of moulds, and some were engaged
in the process of mining coin. LII u moment
the whole truth burst upon me. Here WAS
| the gang of counterleiters was in search
of, and the landlord and his wife evidently
belonged to the same band, for in one cor.
ner perceived them Employed man
polishing off some half-dollar pieces, and
the woman was packing tho finished coin
into rolls.
had seen eaough, and was about to re.
turn to my apartment whenI suddenly felt
heavy hand placed on my shoulder, and
tur,ing my head around, tD nay horror
found myself in tho grasp of as i'll looking
a scoimdrel as ever escaped the gallows.
What are you doing h,re, my good fell
low?" he exclaimed, giving me u shake. s4
"raking stroll by moonlight Ireplied,
endeavoring to retain nay eomposure.
; Well, perhaps You will just take stroll
Inside, will your" returned tho rulliian,
pushing open the door, and dragging me in
after him. td
All the inmates of the barn Immediately
opped work and rushed toward us when
they saw me.
"Why, what's all this?" they exclaimed
"a loafer Ifound pecpin outside, . said
my captor. e"
"iIe's traveller that came to the tavern
last night and asked for lodging, tho last !
saw of him he was safe ia bed, said the
landlord. a 4aj. b..
The men Withdrew to o corner of the
apartment, leaving one to keep guard over
me. ] soon saw they were in earnest con-
sullaton, and were evidently debating some
important question. The man Keeping
guard oyer me said nothing. but scowled
fierce1y had not said single Word dur
ing ali 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 "a maxim of mine, to
hold my tongue when in doubt. At last the
discussion seemed to be ended for the
blackest of the whole came forward, and
without any introduction, exclaimed
/ say stranger, look hero, you must
die!"i 0aH
! did not moye muscle or utter word
You have found out our secret, and dead
men tell no tales
| was sllent
We will give you ten minutes to say
your prayers, and also allow you the priyil.
ege of being shot or hung"
Suddenly an idea struck me. remem.
bered something that might save my life.
burst into violent fit OF laughter, III fact.
it was historical, but they did not know X.
They looked at Que another in amazement
We'll, he takes it mighty cool anyhow"
said Une.
Suppose he don't think we are in earn
est, said another. fa q
Come, stranger, you had better say your
prayers" said the man who had FIRST spo-
ken, "time flies"
Ny only reply was fit of laughter more
violent than the first.
"The mans mad" they exclaimed.
Or drunk, said some.
We'll, boys" cried !, speaking for tie
first time. "this is the best joke have ever
seen What, hang pa7
a pal-you pal =
{" / ANT nothln else" was my elegant re-
joinder.
aSWhat is your name .
Did you ever hear of Ned Wi'let?P i
replied.
Z You may be certain of that. Aia't he
the head of our profession
Well, then, am Ned,
You Ned Willet :" they all exclaimed.
p H You may bet your life on that" | re-
turned swaggeling mp to- the corner where
had seen The old woman counting and
packing the counterfeit half dollars.
L. q. - q sf