The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-07-02

have mentioned grew much more distinct
as approached the place from whence it
proceeded. At length / found myself before
log, low building, through the crevices of
which could perceive lurid glare issu-
ing. / stopped down and peeped through
the keyhole. To my extreme surprise, saw
half-a-dozen men, with their coats off and
sleeves up, performing variety of occupa-
tions. Some were working at forge,
others were experimenting the casting of
molds, and some were engaged in milling
coin. In moment the whole truth burst
upon me. Here was the gang of counter
feiters ] was in search of, and the landlord
and his wife evidently belonged to the same
band, for in one corner saw them employ
ed-the man polishing off some half-dollar
pieces, and the woman was packing the
finished coin into rolls
had seen enough, and was about to
return to my apartment, when l suddenly
felt a heavy hand placed upon my shoulder,
and turning my head around, to my horror
l found myself in the grasp ofas i'll looking
scoundrel as ever escaped the gallows
"What are you doing here, my good fel-
low P' he exclaimed giving me shake.
"Taking stroll by moonlight" ! re-
piled, endeavoring TO retain my composure.
Well, perhaps you will just take
stroll inside, will youP" returned the ruff
fan, pushing open the door, and dragging
me in after him.
All the inmates of the barn Immediately
stopped work and rushed towards us when
they saw me. ...........
"Why what's all this?" they exclaimed.
GA loafer l found peepin' outside" said
my captor. .. -..
"He's traveller that came to the tavern
last night and asked for lodging the last
saw of him he was safe in bed," said the
landlord. .....
The,men withdrew to corner of the
apartment, leaving one to keep guard over
me. I soon saw they were in earnest con-
sultation, and were evidently debating
some important question.
The man keeping guard over me said
nothing, but scowle6 flercely. had not
said single word during all the time had
been in the barn. ] was aware that what
ever l might say would in all probability
do more harm than good, and it has always
when in doubt. At last the consultation
seemed to be ended, for the blackest. of the
party came forward, and without any in
PRODUCTION exclaimed: . ........
81 say, stranger, look here, you must
die p ....... lu.,
did not move muscle or utter a word
"You have found out my secret and
dead men tell no tales" .....s. ...
was silent, ..
"We will give you ten minutes to say
your prayers, and also allow you the privi-
lege of being shot or hung"
Suddenly an idea struck me. l remem-
bered something that might save my life.
burst into violent fit of laughter ; in fact
it was hysterical, but they did not know it;
they looked at one another in amazement.
Swell, he takes it mighty cool, any
how" said one. ...
"Suppose he don't think we are in
earnest" said another
" Come, stranger, You had better say
your prayers" said the man who had first
spoken, time flies" g.1.l
My only reply was fit of laughter more
violent that the first. M
"The mans mad" they exclaimed.
"Or drunk" said some Ht.9
swell, boys" cried /, speaking for the
the first time, "this is the best joke have
ever seen. What, hang apalP'
GA pal-you pale" 1850.
81 amt nothing else,p was my elegant
reioinder. o. teu 4f nl i..n
"Did you ever hear of Ned Willett %
replied" toa,s
" You may be certain of that, amt he the
head of our profession?'
I" Well, then, I'm Ned,' ,.
"You Ned Willett9' they all exclaimed
"You may bet your life on that" / ex
claimed, staggering up to the corner where
] had seen the old woman counting ant
packing the counterfeit halfdollars.
Fortune favored me. None Of the mel
present had ever seen Ned Willett, al
though his reputation was known to them
and my staggering, insolent manner ha'
somewhat thrown them off their guard ye
, could plainly see that their doubts wer
not all removed. liaaa
"And you call these things well done d
D youP'' / asked taking up roll of money
AZ EUu III I ha,,a %, .a.y 10 tla& 20 ,yo, On ,,i