The Washington critic., 1885-07-28
THE MAIL ROBBER.

1t was on q dismal, stormy evening
in the year lG--, that rough-loOking
traveller passed over the bridge and
through the gate of the old English city
OF Berwick. Approaching the sentinel,
who was patiently walking his lonely
beat, he sat down, took crust of bread
out of his pocket and commenced eat
ing with an apparent relish. To the
guard he seemed to be young artisan,
although he could not see the mans
features, they being entirely overshad.
owed by the broad brim of his hat.
The rain commenced coming down
in torrents and the wind to blow furi-
ously, while the black clouds gathered
as If prepared for regular tempest.
1t was just the kind Of u night brigands
would select for the execution Of their
dark deeds.
"IIcaven guide You If you are going
to travel on such night as this!" said
the sentinel, as the man rose from the
settee to continue his journey.
"rhank you!" was the strangers s
ouly answer, and, taking his heavy
cane, he was soon on the dcsOlatc heath
which stretches out for miles along the
Tweed. Having worked his way through
the mud and mire for an hour or so,
he stopped, and after looking around to
select II place, he hid himself in the
bushes along the road. After having
Ia, l,p L. lao
cicnt shelter, he heard tho sound Of a
horses hoofs approaching, at which
sound he slightly raised himself, as ifpre-
pairing for an attack. The horsemau was
bent over the stccd's neck to break the
force of the wind, and was speeding
along as fast Us the condition of the road
would permit.
Suddenly, however, he felt some one
seize the reins aud stop his horse
Raising himself, his hands were helt
and u pistol pointed at his head, while
calm and rather mild voice told hin
to Come down. Although stifl' with
cold and frightened through surprise,
he made an effort to take out hi;
weapons, but as soon as he did so he
was unccrcmoniously thrown from his
horse, aud before he recovered himself
from the shock his horse and the mail
bag had disappeared with his assaiant
The day following the rObbing OF the
mail for the north OF the British King
dom was the day set apart for the exc
cution of one OF King James Oppo,
ncnts, Sir John Cochrane, who was
awaiting his death in a dark prison cell
at Berwick.
Sir John had identified himself with
the party which opposed James H., aud,
being one of the leaders, he had been
! taken by force and sentenced to death.
He had taken leave Of all his friends
and relatives except his Oldest daughter,
who, for some unknown reason, had
thus far rcfraincd from making use OF
the privilege of visiting him.
AS Sir John was speculatlng in his
mind on the probable reason OF his
daughters motives the door of his cell
opened and the jailer, accompanied by
II handsome young woman, entered.
"Sir John" said the jailcr, "the mail
bag which contained the kings warrant
was stolen from the postman last night,
and in consequence your execution will
be postponed"
"rhank you," said Sir John, hardly
knowing what to say for Joy Of seeing
his daughter, to whom he turned, say.
ing, ,o, oo.,,,,,o, NJ, o,,,,,,
daughtorw
"My dear father" said Gertrude
when they were alone, "take courage;
you shall not die"
"We have no reason for expecting
pardon, my daughter. My lie may
have been prolonged a few days, but the
king will sign another warrant"
"a few days, father? Why, there is
hope as long as there is life. Is not
grandfather friend Of Father Peters,
the kings cOnfcssor and counsellor"
"Alas, yes; but that will not save my
life. DO not beguile your heart with a
false hope. 1t is the Lords will.'
"Amcn W answered Gertrude.
Nevertheless, father, you shall not
: die"
The jailer opened the door, saying
that the time allowed for her visit had
expired, and Sir John was again alone
: Two weeks had passed since the rob,
bling Of the mail, and again it is night
1t is brilliant Right, however, and the
) moon is throwing fantastic shadows
The mail carrier is again crossing the
( heath of the Tweed, approaching B5r
| wick with alert eyes and his right band
on his pistol.
just as he turned around bush in q
bend Of the road pistol shot breaks the
silence OF the night, and he feels the
ball grazing his hair. He grasps hi
own weapon, but his trembling hold o.
: it made it 90 off without aim.
, The sudden noise of the shots in sucl
> rapid succession frightcns his horse
who throws his rider off aud starts tt
run; but it is checked by the hand o
the same mysterious stranger Of u fort
night ago.
' "Your weapons or your life ~ say
the same mild voice, continuing, afte
having received the pistol: Tcave M
your horse and bag, and do not stir til
| am out OF sight IL you value your life.
The bandit jumped into the saddle
t and disappeared as il on wings.
For the second time were all th
preparations necessary for Sir JOIN
!, Cochrane's execution made, and ii only
) awaited the arrival OF the mail, whel
again the robbery was announced
and consequently Sir Johns life wa
once more prolonged.
; At the daily visit of his daughter tina
morning, Sir John said:
"Surely Gods hand Is visible in this.
/ Eyes, father" answered Gertrude
! weeping 81 told you that my fathe
!. should not die"