The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-11-19


in was. But at length my senses returned
and l moved slowly forward. discovered
the light which shone from the window,
approached the cabin, but paused at hear
ing the sound of voices. Taking few
more noiseless steps was enabled to glance
through the rude window. Two men and
two women we're within.
could hear their voices plainly from
where I stood, and listened to see if
could not gain some clue tothe character of
the inmates
al am quite confident that we shall sue
ceed," said one.
"The reward is worth trying for, any
way" returned the other.
"What will be done with him If he
should be caught ?" asked the younger of
the two females.
" No matter lthey won't be likely to let
him go again" said the elder man, with
significant shrug of the shoulders.
"He'll be treated as spies usually are,
probably" remarked the middle-aged wo-
man who had not before spoken.
The younger shuddered and looked
thoughtful. 81 wish there was no such
thing as war; it so brutalizes human ma
ture," she said earnestly, after pause.
"The sooner the Yanks is conquered the
the quicker it will be ended" said the
youngest man. so you see it's our duty
to catch this fellow who is said TO be We ry
cunning and useful in his way. He can't
be great ways off and the sooner we get
started after him, the sooner we shall hunt
him down"
The other gave his hearty assent to this
proposal, and after talking over their plans
together, both men left the cabin and pas
ed so near to where l stood, that by raising
my hand could have touched them. But
fortune favored me, and the darkness
which succeeded the moons departure, hid
me from their sight.
Waiting until they were out of hearing,
stepped to the cabin door and tapped.
The latch was raised, and voice de-
manded, "Who's thereP"
GA friend; one, at least, who has not the
power to harm you," l replied.
The door opened WIDER and the woman
scrutinized me closely.
81 am mrsick, hungry and sorely pressed
by my enemies; am the spy for whom the
reward is offered. / am in distress. You
can save me or deliver me into the hands
of your husband, or those who have gone
in pursuit of me-"
The mother and daughter exchanged
glances but neither spoke, and anxiously
waited the decision.
The woman who opened the door, mo-
was placed for me by the daughter, whose
sympathies were obviously enlisted.
"We can give you food, but our protec
tion will avail but little after my husband
return" said the woman.
"Can you not conceal me?' / asked
earnestly. "Heaven will surely reward
you"
The mother looked at her daughter anC
they conversed together in low tone.
We will do what we can" I" said the for
mer, briefly, as she placed food and drinl
before me and signed me to eat.
"Do not talk" she added quickly, as
endeavored to express my gratitude. =
"There is no time to lose, and food will d'
you more good than anything else.'
did not wait for a second bidding, AM
the nutritious beverage soon had the effec
to renew my strength and inspire fresl
courage. My head felt less giddy, tn
cheerful fire warmed my stiflened limbs
and would certainly have fallen asleep il
my chair had not feeling of dread lest tn
men should suddenly return, caused me t
look often anxiously toward the window.
"They will be gone two hours" sal
the youngest, as if to reassure me on tina
point.
signifled my thanks and looked at tn
fair speaker SO attentively that a crimso
glow stole over her countenace, making he
look still more interesting. | forgot fo
the moment my illness, the danger ha
incurred, the risk now ran, everything il
contemplating her symmetrical figure reg
ularity of features, and the benevolen
kindness that beamed from her eloquen
eyes. My rapture was of short duration
the barking of a dog, and the exclamation
of my deliverer, You are lost" brougl
me to my senses. nupl
"Father must be near, for that is hi
dog" / started to my feet and locke
btr,iadlu ahout for eon,af uaana of oacof y
} besides the door which / entered.