The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1872-03-13


to the window. and unfastened it withou,
making the slightest. noise and was soon in
Not II soul was visible but
have mentioned grew much more
distinct as l approached the place from
whence it proceeded. AT length found
myself before long, low building, through
the crevices of which | could perceive a
lurid glare issuing. l stopped down and
peeped through the keyhole, and to my ex-
treme surprise l saw half dozen men. with
their sleeves up and coats of, perfoImin a
variety of occupations Some were work
ing at a forge. others were superintending
the casting of moulds, aud some were en-
gagged in milling coin. In a momept the
whole truth burst uron.ma, Hers was tn.
fang of yzun,rrfeterS A14s in srarcss or
and the landlord and his wife evidently be-
longsd to the same band. for in one corner
saw them emplOyed-ths man polishing off
some half dollsr pieces. and the woman was
packing the finished coin into rolls.
had seen enough, and was about to re-
turn to my apartment, when l suddenly felt
q heavy hand placed on my shoulder. and
turning my head around. to my horror found
myself in the grasp of as ill-lookiDg
scoundrel as ever escaped the gallows.
"What are you doing here. my good fel
low. he exclaimed I! giving me shake.
Taking stroll by moonlight replied,
endesvoring to retain my composure,
swell. perhaps you will just take a
stroll inside, will you , returned the rufiian.
pushing open the door and dragging me in
after him.
All the inmates of the barn Immediately
stopped work and rushed toward US when
they saw me.
"Why, what's all this > they exclaimed
"A loafer found peepin' outside said
my captor.
"He's traveller that came to tho 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. l soon saw they were in earnest con-
sultation, and were evidently debating some
important question.
The man keeping guard over me said
nothing. but scowled fercely. l had not
said a single word during all the time had
been in the barn. l was aware that what
ever might say would in all probability do
more harm than good. and it has always been
i maxim of mine to hold my tongue when in
doubt. At last the consultation seemed to
be ended. for the bIackest of the party came
forward, and without any introduction. ex-
claimed:
II say stranger, look here, you must
lie.'
I did not move a muscle nor utter word.
"You have found out our secret. and
dead men iell no tales
We will give you ten minutes to say
your prayers. and also allow you the priv
lege Of being shot or hung
: SHddenly-raaaD aDes Qqu amRns
bered something that mis.A save aly life.
burst into a violent fit Of iau hter; in fr~'.
it was hysterical. but they did not know s
they looked at one another in amaz m-nt.
We'll. he takes it mighty cool, anyhow
said one.
Suppose he don't think we are in earnest.
said another.
Come stranger. you had better say your
prayers said the man ": o had first spoke n,
time hies.'
My only reply was ct of laughter more
violent than the first.
That mans mad they exclaimed.
Or drunk said somes~
We'll, boys cried for the first time,
this is the best joke ever saw. What,
hang a pal =
"A pal-you pal!'
4 amt nothin' else,' was my elegant re
joinder.
What is your name 2
Did you e:er hear of Ned Willett? = /
replied.
You may be certain of that. Amt he
the head of our profession
We'll, then I'm Ned
sYou Ned. Willett = Icy all exclaimed.
You may bet your kse on that i! ex-
claimed, staggering up to the corner where
I had seen the old woman counting and
packing the counterfeit half dollars.
Fortune favored me.t None of the men
present had ever seen Ned Willett. although
bis reputation was we'll known to them, and
nv staggering. insolent manner had some
what thrown them off their guard; yet
could plainly see that their doubts were not
all removed.
And you call these things we'll done do
you!' l asked taking 6p roll of money.
well, all have to say Is that if you cant
do better than this, you had better shut up
Can you show US any better 2 asked one
of the men.
hang myself
Let's see it, they cried
This was my last coup, apd one on which
my life depended.
Look here, gentlsmsa.s I exclaimed
taking one of the counfe aeit bait dollars
froah my pocket 49, zen Rejected a.
the bank. Here is mysiast job; what do
you think of it =
Il was handed from hand to hand. some
saying it was no counterfeit at all, and
Others saying it was. -
How will you prove il is counterfeit
asked one.
BY weighing it with genuine one,'
replied.
The plan was Immediately adopted. and
its character proved.
Perhaps be got this BY accident heard
man whisper to another.
TRY these l said. taking the other two
out of my pocket.
All their doubts vanished.
.Beautiful!' exclaimed some. Very splen
did = sale others.
When they examined them to their salts
faction they all cordially took me by the
hand, every particle of doubt having van
isbed from their minds carried on my
part we'll. Some questions were occasion
ally asked me involving some technicslitie'
of the business these, however. l avoided
by stating that I was on journey. ant
would rather that glass vas produced. ant
| We made a nightsofit. 1t was not unit
morning dawned that we separated.
The next day l returned to Chicago ant
| atn au(