Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1865-12-02

iui moonlight night 80 bright that could
see to read the smallest print.
At last began TO grow weary, and
throwing myself On my pallet, l was soon
plunged in deep slumber. How long
slept know not, but was awakened by
a dull sound, which resemblcd some one
hammering in the distance. / suppose it
was the popularity Of the sound which
awoke me, for it was by no means loud,
but conveyed TO Inc the idea Of some one
striking iron with a muffled hammer.
rose from my bed and went to the window.
The moon was now in the western hori-
zon, by which fact knew that it mus, be
near morning. The sound | had before
referred 10 reached me more distinctly
than when in the back part Of the cham.
ber. 1t appeared to come from some out.
houses Which were situated hundred
yards from the house.
Now l am naturally of an inqairipg
mind, and this sound, occurring as it did
in the middle Of the night, piqued my Gu
riosjty, and l felt an irrepressblc desire to
and discover the cause of it. This desire,
as the sound continued, grew upon me
with such intensity, that l resolved to
crafty it at any price,
put Gu my boots, the only article of
attire | had discarded, and cautiously
opened the door OF my chamber and noise
essly descended the rickety staircase. A
few steps brought Inc into the lower apart
ment, which | found entirely deserted. !
crept quietly to the window, and uuIast'
ening it without making the slightest noise,
was soon in the moonlight.
Not soul was visable, but the sound l
have mentioned grew much more distinct
as l approached the place from whence i,
proceeded. At last | found myself before
a long, low building, through the crevice
Of which | could perceive laird glare is
suing. stopped down aud peeped throug gb
the key hole, aud 20 my extreme surprise
saw half dozen men, with their coat:
of aud sleeves up, performing variety
Of strange occupations. Some were work
ing at forge, others were experimenting
the costing Of moulds, and some were en-.
gagged in the process of mining coio. lr
moment the whole truth burst upon me
Here was the gang of coun,erfeitcrs | wa
in search Of, and the landlord and hi
wife evidently belonged 10 the san band
for in one corncr perceived them en-
ployed, the men polishing off some bali
dollar pieces, and the woman was Packin,
. the fui,hed coin into rolls.
, | had seen enough and was about TO re
'urn To my apartment, when l suddcDl
: felt heavy hand placed Oh my should
t aul turning my head around. 10 my hor
ror found myself IN she grasp of as i'll
| looking a scoundrel as ever escaped th
y gallows.
S "What are you doing here, my goo
f fellow 7" he exclaimed giving me shak
It Taking stroll by mon light" | II
d piled, cudeayoring to retain my comp'
- sure.
e "Well, perhaps you will just take
e stroll inside, will you p returned the ru
d fsn, pushing open the door, and dral
ging meiu after him.
p. All the inmates of the barn mmcdiat
r j. stopped work and rushed toward
Is when they saw me,
1t why, what's all this !! they exclaiu
'. ed,
NJ "A loarcr found pecpin' outside, sa
a my captor.
if 'IIe's traveller that came to the tave
,r last Il ght and asked Tor lodging the Ia
at | saw of him lie was safe in bed, said t
ar landlord,
+. The men withdrew to a corner of t
l. apartment, leaving one 10 keep guard ov
me. l soon saw they were IN earnest co
sultatIon, and we've evidently debati
~ some important question. The man kcc
ID ing guard over me said nothing but scov
ny ed Gcroely. l had not said a single wo
by during all the time had been in the bal
to l was aware that whatever might s
ed would in all probability do more ha
than good, aud it has always been a ma
nd i'm of mine to hold my tongue when
zee doubt. AT last tho discussion seemed
as be ended, for the bIae kest Of the VIII
ne came forward, and without any introdu
" tion, exclaimed,-
W. L say, stranger, look here, you m
it die 7
did not move muscle or utter wo
ing You have found out our secret, {
H. dead men tell no tales.
rie ! was silent
'he we will give YOU ten minutes TO say VI