The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-02-25

ness in his manner, but who rather i'm
pressed me favorably. a.l eHRn n"m
"Woll, squire, this is fine evening"
he remarked, as camo up.
els it," was my response. care you
the owner Of this placer"
"Just about that" was the reply.
"Can you give me supper and place
to sleep tonight" ?" asked.
"Jest like book, ptovided ye kin put
up with our kind of fair" was the ready
response.
followed him into the house, where
found the evening meal, which was very
nicely prepared, smoking upon the table.
After doing it ample justice, we gathered
about the door, and conversed for some
time upon topics of general interest.
Tho family consisted of the man, his
wife and two children. Three years pre-
vious they had moved to their present
home, locating upon tract Of land en-
bracing hundred acres, which they had
succeeded in paying for, and were now get
ting thunder tolerable cultivation.
They expressed great deal of satisfac-
tion in case their children should in any
manner become orphans they would not be
homeless. congratulated them upon
their success, and felt at times tempted to
relate my adventure in the forest. But l
never possessed a disposition to gossip
much of myself, and soon after twilight
faded away, asked that / might be shown
to my sleeping apartment.
AS they were unused to entertaining
visitors, was shown to the children's bed,
upon which fresh sheets had been placed,
presenting very inviting appearance to
my weary limbs. asked that the children
be allowed to occupy their own beds, while
l extemporized one upon the floor, but to
this mine host would not listen. Placing
the candle upon stand of his own man
ufacture, he retired leaving me to the med
itations of slumber might receive.
The apartment was a snug one, and
opening from the principal room of the
cabin. I was speedily in bed, and in few
minutes had quite forgotten myself.
How long had slept don't know, but
was awakened by the opening of the
outer door. Exclamations of surprise es-
capped the husband and wife, who had re-
tired, and after the exchange of few
words, heard the striking of light, and
q moment later its rays penetrated the
crevices of the partition.
Nafurall,y ounuub 7 loolzaI 10 eoa 1ln
cause of the commotion, which could
easily do through the aforementioned
cracks. Imagine my surprise when 1 rec
ognized in the newcomer the person whom
had encountered in the forest, and heard
him addressed as brother by mine host
realized at once that was in the ut
most peril, not only during the night, but
when should attempt to leave the place
be it soon or later. considered the matter
for few minutes, and decided in my owl
mind that should be in the greates
danger if went forth into the darkness il
a region where was totally unacquainted
so l resolved to remain quiet in my room
and wait the progress of events. There
were no means Of fastening the door of m,
room, SO could only make my pistol
ready and dispense with sleep till such tim
as should reach more promising quarters
| The two brothers sat and converset
some time in low tones, and as could no
avoid hearing some of their remarks, learn
ed that they had not met for two year
previous to the present time. They ha'
some things to say in regard to the pas
life Of each, but it was only for shor
time, and then the ruffian made an inquir,
which was assured related to myself.
became very attentive now, and wa
soon convinced that the newcomer wa
urging his brother to join him in my mur
der and robbery, Or allow him to do j
alone. AT first he seemed to refuse, mos
decidedly, but after time his objection
seemed to give way, his brother continuing
to plead his cause most vehemently, thoug
in words so carefully spoken that they di
not reach my ears, even though l listene
pretty anxiously. ..t.
Finally mine host seemed to consent, an
then followed a very quiet preparation
The elder brother took candle, while tn
younger brother, took pistol from hi
pocket and fourished it by the muzzle, q
though weighing the breech in his hand.
Up to the moment when they began mov
ing toward my door, had not determine
on any mode of action. Seeing that the or
sis had arrived, backed into one corner 0
} the little apartment, and held both of m