Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1877-10-08
which we're situated about one hundred

Now, l am naturally Of an inquiring
mind, and this sound occurring as it did
in the middle of the night in such re-
mote, out-of-the-way place, piqued my
curiosity, and 1 felt an Irresistible de-
sire to go out and discover the cause of
it. This desire, as the sound continued,
grew upon me with such intensity that
l resolved to crafty it any price.
put on my boots, the only article of
attire l had discarded, and cautiously
opening the door of my chamber. noise
lessly descended the rickety staircase.
A few steps brought me into the lower
apartment, which 1 found entirely de-
serted. | crept quietly to the door. and
unfastening it without making the slight
est noise, was soon in the moonlight.
Not soul was visible, but the sound
still continued, and grew much more
distinct as 1 approached the place from
whence it proceeded. At last I found
myself before a long, low building,
through the crevices of which | could
perceive lurid glare issuing. | stoop-
ed down and peered through the keyhole,
and to my extreme surprise | saw half
a-dozen strengthening men with their
coats off and sleeves turned up perform
ing variety of strange occupations
Some we're working at forge, others
were experimenting the casting of
moulds, and some were engaged in the
process of milling coin. In a moment
the whole truth burst upon me. Here
was the gang of counterfeiters was in
search of, and the landlord and his wife
evidently belonged to the same band,
for in one corner 1 perceived them en-
ployed-the man polishing off some half
dollar pieces just turned from the molds,
while the woman was packing the coin
into rolls.
| had seen enough, and was about to
return to my apartment again, when
suddenly felt heavy hand placed on
my shoulder, and turned my head round,
to my horror, found myself in the grasp
of as Unlocking a scoundrel as ever es-
capped the gallows.
"Well what are you doing here, my
good fellowp" he exclaimed in a gruff
voice, giving me shake.
Taking stroll by moonlight" l re-
piled, endeavoring to retain my presence
of mind.
TroII, POI"oPe, J-.A.
stroll in here, will you ?' returned the
rufian, pushing open the door and drag.
ging me in after him.
All the inmates of the barn immedi-
ately stopped work, and rushed toward
us when they saw me.
"Why, what's this ?" they all ex.
claimed.
ga loafer l found peeping outside,
said the man who had captured me.
"He's traveller that came to the
tavern tonight and asked for lodgings
the last time l saw him he was safe il
bed" said the landlord.
The man withdrew to corner of thu
apartment, leaving one to keep guart
over me. | soon saw they were in ear
nest consultation, and were evidentl,
debating some important question. Th'
man keeping guard over me said moth
ing, but scowled fercely. had no
uttered single word during all tn
time l had been in the barn. l wa
aware that whatever l might say woul'
in all probability do more harm thai
good, and it has always been a maxim
of mine to hold my tongue when in doubt
At last the discussion seemed to be SET
tied, for the blackest and dirtiest of th
whole came forward, and without an
introduction, exclaimed:
al say, stranger, look here-you mus
die l'
did not move a muscle, nor utter
word.
"You have found out our secret, an
dead men tell no tales"
l was still silent.
"We will give you ten minutes to sa
your prayers, and allow you the priv
lege of saying whether you will
hanged or shot"
Suddenly an idea struck me. | r.
membered something that might sa'
my life. l burst into violent tit
laughter, in fact, it was hysterical, b
they did not know that. they looK'
from one to the other in the create
amazement.
swell, he takes it mighty cool, an
how" said one.
II suppose he don't think we are
earnest" said another.
"Come, stranger. you had better s.
your prayers" said the man who b
first spoken, "times fes."
Ny only reply was fit of Taught
more violent than the first.
"The mans mad 70 they exclaimed.
''Or drunk said some.
"Well, boys" l cried, speaking
the first time, 'this is the best JOKE
y ever seed. What, hang pal ?"
ga pal-vou a nal 2"