New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-03-18
THE DEMON REFUGEE.
BY DION HACO.
AurHoR or CHxAvHAn THE SWAMP DRAGONS" Pm
DIrL TIE DEx0s's DAUGHTER" ETC, ETC
CHAPTER !.
THg PLOTIRRs AND THE SHADOW.

| OuIihS the earlier portion OF the heuelnoH,
long before had burst forth in open strife number
OF men we're to be passing along path, amid tho
darkness. toward the Cumberland Mountains on the
Tennessee side. near Cumberland Gap These men had
come from different directions until they reached the
path, when it became evident that they had the same
business to transact for their steps were all turned
ward similar spot.
One single word was spoken by each of the myste-
rious personages to who seemed to act as seDi
mel at the head Of the path; and as ths verbal
preston the in each instance 1t was without
doubt the countersign Of the party who had been
moned to attend the midnight meeting. FL.
At last 1t appeard II al the expected persons had
passed by for the sentinel left his post and foowedh the
others into cave. Shortly after he had disappeared
person who had been concealed in bush at hand.
emerged from the hiding place. and stepped into the
path.
There is something wicked going on" soHloquised
the individual and am bound to find it out When,
ever see that fellow moving about with lot Of other
characters as bad himse-for they cannot be
Il make up my mind that mischief is in the wind. I'll
follow them"
Going along the pAh with q noiseess tread thu
speaker reached the mouth Of the cave which then ioI
the first time perceived lighted up ct the furtheS
end by few lanterns which brought the assembled
party in strong relief against the rough walls CT the
back part OF the cave leaving the rest Of it in total
darkness.
That fellow appears to be the leader Of the gang
remarked the shadow in faint whisper. ~ am curl.
Gus TO know what brings them to such outof-the.
way place at this late hour Of the night"
The shadow observed that the princi'.il among
the gang gestc ulating with great ehemence; but
that distance nothing could be heard his reuafk
To enter the without being seen would be an easy
task all the lights too far of to cast refec
ton upon the entrance; but it not quite certain
that sentinel had not been posted short distance oil
to prevent strangers from nerrupting the proceedngs
Should this be the the would-be eayesdropper
felt certain that accidentally stumbling the guard
would cause general alarm. and death would be the
natural consequence.
Something must be risked IL anything 10 to be-
geined and perhaps the knowledge acquired may pay
for the venture f
Thus reasoning the shadow steathily passed into thu
cave, and pleased to End that although sentinel
had been placed with the intention Of guarding against
spies oyerhearBg the conversation his attention vas 50
crossed in the matter under discussion that he had
entirely forgotten his duty and had advanced quito
near TO the rest Of the gang
1T must be done this very night" the principal
speaker heard to state. IL tits necessary fon
the good Of our cause. The fellow is worse than
Yankee and unless he got out of the way We shall be
found out The old man must be kled-nind say.
mnss-but no harm is to be done 10 the girl III taks
care Of her myself
But the disappearance OF the man will cause rs soma
trouble remarked another of the gang. HE is well
known about these parts and the East Tennessee
ana are yet very firm in their opposition secession"
..r al hat Had Ladder Of the Darfy.
"but tell me- who likely suspect connection
with the affair, When i. u all you can dsperss
to the place whence you came. and reach your homes
long before the news arrive there"
How rsn ynn carry on the girl. or where can you
conceal her 20 prevent - uvs sesssnars xy~H
you - asked another.
"Iaays that to me- replied the leader. Il have my
plans on that part Of the matter"
'But the attack may not succeed" remarked the
other.
1T cannot fail" asserted the leader with great EN-
srgy IF You will but follow the directions have
lust laid down. say these followers OF the hypocri
cal Parson Brownlow must be removed from our path
il not in body at least singly. Is Is no use urginG
further objections. j have made up my mind to DO
tonight and if YOU will not assist me- viii 90 1t BY
myself"
Some Of the party appauded the spirited remarks
but as they made noise than the leader thought
consistent with the secrecy Of their movement he so'
rup,ly checked their enthusiasm.
Hush. hush" said he. I'VE may attract the affen'
ton Of some casual passerby.'
THAT can scarcely be likely" replied one lin this
unciyizcd region Besides We have sentinel at the
entrance
The guard noiscessy took his way back to the mouth
Of the cave when he heard himself thus alluded TO- or
fear some OF the party might be inclined TO see whether
he was attentive to bis duty or not His preeauuoh'
however was no, necessary.
The shadow had by this time taken up position IN
large fssure Of the caves rocky wills from which he
couM hear aud see without being detected by any,
thing else than a direct search.
"WiIl you accompany me OF mott inquired leader
Of the gang
The majority gave an affirmative answer, hut ett
tbcre were two or three who objected TO the movement
NJ pcrilous and of but little general advantage.
1T is for me TO judge Of the advantages to DO gained
hy this expedition said the leader in authoritive
tone OF voice. When you joined this organization,
the obligation was to do all in your power to aid and
carry out the will Of the majority. and have nota
doubt YOU are acquainted with the penalty OF refusal
The word death" came from the Threats OF nearly
ALL but it was not openly spoken. 1t was in the shape
Of a loud but solemn whisper.
YES said the leader in a frI, deep tone. ":hs
penalty is, DEATH
The last word appeared to be taken mp by sumecr
Of voices for it repeated over aud over
again until died away in the futhermost pars VI INC
gloomy cave. -, a., .,,,
% III tho word repeated