The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1873-12-27

"Nay," interposed Major Long, q
wise old soldier; you surely Will not
work at the window in open daylight.
You will be seen from the street below,
and go your hopes will be defeated"
"You say well, Major" was the re-
ply; "but I'll cen mount up and try
which is the soitest stone in the case
ment"
This he did. The sharp corner OF the
buckle soon made an impression upon
the old stone in which the bars were
set. Dudley was satisfied that two
hours work would suffice to open q pas
sage. He made a careful survey OF
the neighborhood, and noticed in what
direction the open country lay nearest
at hand, when he was contented to wait
for night.
The long summer twilight came and
waned. As the shadow grew thick,
the royalist climbed up and began his
task. By and by the moon looked in.
"You will be discovered" BODIED the
old Major. But friendly clouds rolled
I'D and covered the moon save torla few
occasional glimpses.
How goes it now" inquired Elliott,
after what seemed long interval, in
which gentle showers OF dust and lime
had been falling steadily upon mis-
head.
Have little patience, good Elliot"
was the response; this bar is almost
unseated."
Presently the bar was entirely de-
tached from its setting, and g man
could easily pass through the space
thus made.
Ills long leap TO the housetops,
but I'll venture it" said the sturdy
Dudley. Follow me, comrades, as
best you car. There is 60 time for
ceremony"
With that he crept out OF the
opening, and holding to the stone sill
by his hands, lowered himself as far as
possible, then let 90 his hold and fell
upon the ties with q thud that was
heard by his companions in the prison. |
A silence followed.
81 fear he hath taken some hurt"
said Long. HE was ever over-bold.
Climb thou up the window, Elliot, AMI
see il be be dead or alive"
Helped by the others, Elliot did so
ln the darkness he could only dislin-
guish shadow from the window.
Hist" Dudley," he cried, "Are you
hurt, man p
Nay Safe and well so far, and but
waiting for thee aud the rest. lis no
great fall. Come on, and leave the
Rouudhesd ours their empty room"
Major Elliott turned back and held
council with his comrad-s. They unit
ed in urging him to make the attempt
to escape, although they, for many rea>
sons could prosecute it no further
Thus encouraged the colder followed
Dudley's example, and in a few mo-
ments stood beside him.
The city was altogether quiet A
few lights might be seen twinkling
from windows here and there, and the
steeple Of great church was illumina-
ted for some reason; otherwise all was
dark.
These houses continue in direct
line to the city wall, remarked Dudley,
"lf we can but reach that undiscover-
ed, ! make little doubt we can get
away"
"Heave with you" replied Elliott.
lis but bold push, and If we fail
our case can be bat little worse
Creeping carefully along the roofp,
they set forward, and in a few minutes
reached the wall on the southern side
OF the city, not far from the river front.
The street was closed by a gate, where.
at double sentrles were stationed. The
heard their step, the rattle
Of their matCh-locks, even their voices
as they spoke to each other in subducd
tones. When these were hushed they
heard the Severn flowing through The
night. There was a sense of freedom }
in the sound that made them more reso-
lutte than ever 10 obtain their own
liberty.
The only possible way OF escape was
over the wall, aud that was extremely
high. To drop from it involved great
risk Of he or limb. Even if that peril
were esnagel, the noise would Certainly
attract the attention of the vigilant
guard, and swift pursuit, if not death
from their lnatCh-IoCks, was inevitable.
For moment they were brought 10
q pause; bnt Dudiey's fertile mind con-
ceivea an expedieut. lie went 10
window in the root on the slope more
distant from the guards. There was &c
light in the room, nor any sign OF oc.
cupation. lie shook the easement gent
lyi there was no token that any one
heard. The window seemed 10 be se-
cUrely fastened, but Dudley had his
steel buckle, and with it he cut away
the lead that held one OF the diamond
shaped panes in its place. He then re-
moved the glass, thrust his hand
through the opening, and drew the
bolt. He stepped softly into the cham.
Der, The moon was struggling with
the clouds, aud sometimes overcoming
them, 80 that it was not 60 absolutely
dark. With cautious movements the
royalist advanced until his hand rested
upon bed. II it were occupied and
The sleeper, being awakened, should
give the alarm But it was empty.
Dudley stripped of ito sheets and
blankets and carried them to the win
dow, Elliott answered mis- whispered
call and took tRem from his arms.
hngconclng Themselves behind Chin
ney, the two so!diers applied th emselves
10 tearing the articles into strips and
knotilng them firmly together. Soon
they had long and strong rope.
III they be Roundheads we have
-obbe5, It's lawful spoiI Of war whis.
pered Elliott; land If they be on the
Kings side they will coun, it no loss if
t has helped his poor servants in rh.ir
need"
One end OF the rore vss Iss,,,.I