The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1877-12-14


'oftened off things, and at late hour de-
parted for home, taking a bride path which |
led down three or four fields to the main |
road, which, though it ran close to Sieby's |
house, curved around it almost in the shape |
Of the letter S. As the Squire rode along |
the path he heard the sound of horses hoofs |
on the road, but they apparently soon passed |
out of hearing. As the Squire turned fron}4
the path to the main road, he found him.
self suddenly confronted with two mounted
men. One of them seized his bride rein,
and the Squire instantly drew his sword.
To his surprise however, he found that the
blade was broken off within six inches of
the handle. Before he could recover from
his amazement the other horseman made
thrust at his breast with his sword, which
came in contact with the prayer-book that
was still in his pocket, as he had found Sill
eby already supplied with one. His assai-
lants weapon was broken with the force of
the blow, and he fell forward against the
Squire. The 'Squires horse started, and
the man at the rein released his hold. At
the same instant the Squire struck spurs,
and his horse bounded away and carried his
rider home in safety.
Who the 'Squire's assailants were was
mystery but as highwayman infested the
country and it was no uncommon thing for
wayfarers to be robbed and sometimes MUIR
dered in broad daylight, the occurrence Gre
ated little surprise.
Less than week after this the Squire re-
ceived a letter from Sieby stating that he
had happily recovered, and that he was
about to quit the neighborhood, and to lead
new life.
1t has already been said that George Py-
colt was engaged to be married to young
lady. She was his second cousin, and resi-
ded few miles from the Hall with her
mother Her father had recently died, and
it was so arranged that George should wed
her as soon as possible, and manage the
small estate or which she dwelt On No
vember 10, l762, the wedding took :pace,
and in the evening there was supper at
the brides house, where the couple were to
reside thenceforth.
After the guests had departed and Squire
| Pycott and his daughter were about to take
leave, three men, with blackened faces, and
otherwise disguised suddenly entered. the
dwelling by the main entrance, and with
drawn swords rushed on the Squire and his
son, as they stood with the bride and groom
in the vestibue. Both drew and gallantly
defended themselves, and the women, by
their directions, took refuge in an adjoining
| room.
The Squire fell, run through the breast
George was seriously wounded, and the rut
fans were about to force an entrance int
the room where the women were, when tn
sound of approaching wheels was heard OIL
the graveled walks outside. The three mel
hastily decamped, and when the newcomer
reached the hallway they found the 'Squir
and son weltering in blood. The two gen
tlemen who had thus unexpectedly come OIL
the scene had been guests at the weddin,
and had started homeward, but on reachin!
the river had found the waters out and tn
ford indispensable. They were therefor
compelled to return and seek shelter unit
daylight.
The 'Squire's wound which was throug
the right lung, had already proved fatal, an
he was a corpse Georges injuries were Sc
we're, but not necessarily dangerous and
surgeon was at once sent for.
As soon as the wounded were attended tc
two mounted constables started in pursuit o
the three assassins. As the river was dow
it was thought unlikely that they would at
tempt to cross, and therefore the pursuer
took the only other road of escape-ths
which led to Birmingham. Before they ha
come far they found that they were on tn
light track. BY daylight they reached BIZ
mingham, and they tracked the three men t
the Wheat Sheaf Inn, where they had bate
whence they had departed only half an hou
ahead Of their pursuers. Here the latte
communicated with the authorities of tn
town, and three officers properly mounte
and equipped took up the chase. After fou
hours hard riding they found themselvt
close on the heels of the fugitives, who wei
evidently taking it lesurely, supposing tha
their pursuers, if they had any, were eithe
far enough behind, or tired out before thf
time. When they discovered three noun
ed men mile in their rear, they suspecte
their true character and pushed on briskl.
AS the pursuers quickened their gait tn
pursued did the same, but the former gair
ed rapidly on the fugtives, and it was cleg
that they must either be overtaken or escar
by strategy.
As the two parties of horsemen tore dow
=, long hill, the London stage coach came
sight. The driver and passengers soon too
in the situation, for it was no uncommo
thing in those days, when there were L
railroads or telegraphs, for the officers of tt
law to pursue fugitives from justice for da!
along the highways of England, the pursue
and pursued often stopping for refreshmen
| within few miles of each other, and chan
ing horses as often as the jaded beasts ga'
| out.
The driver of the coach on the present o
: casion was IA plucky man, and had had mo
t than one rencontre with gentlemen of Il
i road. Taking in the situation at once, Il
: driver, with the hearty consent of his pa
G sengers drew his coach across the road al
2 blocked the path. Within twenty yards
IL Il Il e H. g.. II /,
r ditch and made across the fields to Gro,
f road beyond the coach. The third, ,hOwev,
+ who rode splendid beast, dashed forwar
e aud putting spurs to his steed, the noble a
: imal rose at the touch like bird, and we
/ clean over the horses as they stood acr,
e the road So astonshed were the occupal
tt of the coach at his daring feat that thou
dozen of them held pistols in their gra
not a weapon was discharged until the be