Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-07-03
HIS FAIR REscuER.
A Story of177e.

In one of the loveliest vallies in the
Blue Mountains of northern New
Jersey, there stood, at the time of the
Revolution, q large and substantial
stone house, known 10 all the country
around as the old Winstead Manor.
1t was built in the solid homely style
Of the 18th century. One side was
situated upon crag, and seemed to
form part Of the cliff upon which it
rested. The base of the cliff was iaved
by q wide aud deep stream.
Captain Ralph Winstead had built
the house some fifty years previous to
the time Of which write-l776. He
had never married-or, at least, he
had never had wife in this country
-and the only members of his house,
hold whom he had admitted 10 share
at all in his companionship had been
his two servants-man and wife
who had come with him from Eng
land. 7sH rs... .a wH-
Two years from the time of his
coming to this valley, he was mur-
dered in his bed. The two servants
were missing; and, as everything of
value, that could be easily carried
away was missing also, it was evident
that they were his murderes.
The house had stood empty ever
since; and now, for several months,
the nelghbors had declared that it was
haunted. Many of them had seen and
heard most frightful things while pass.
ing there after dark, and there were
few who had not rather 60 three
miles out of their way than to pass the
old Winstead Manor in the night
time. ',a D..
The autumn night had set in dark
and stormy, and in one of the rooms,
in the second story of the old Win.
stead Manor, were half a dozen men,
FIVE of whom were sitting around a
table at one end of room, engaged
in playing cards. They were rough,
coarse looking men, and, from their
dress, which somew hat resembled the
British uniform, they were evidently
Tories. The other was a tall, power
fully built young man, about 20 years
of age, was clad in the Continental
uniform. He was restlessly walking
up and down the room.
Frank said one of the Tories,
turning from the table and facing the
young prisoner, for such he evidently
was you and ] we're boys together,
and love you yet. Now, why can't
you give up your foolish notions and
join us7 You are our prisoner, and if
you don't we shall hand you over to
headquarters in few days; while, if
you join us, your fortune is made; for,
with your bravery and talents, you
will soon distinguish yourself in the
royal army, and after the rebellion is
crushed out your course shall be re-
warded by knighthood and promotion
in the army. Now, there are two al.
ternatives; which do you choose?'
4 have told you once before, Albert
Sherman, said the young man, firmly,
shat l had rather be shot down like a
dog, than to be traitor to my coun.
try
well, good night said Albert
Sherman, rising from the table. Il
hope to hear you talk differently to-
morrow. You cannot escape from
this room; and If you call for help,
you will only frighten people away,
for we have taken particular pains to
make them think this house is haunt.
ed. .s. ...
And followed by his four compan-
ions; Sherman left the room.
The sun was shining in at the win
dows when the prisoner awoke next
morning. Rising from his hard
couch on the floor he found loaf of
bread and Jug of water, which had
been brought in while he was asleep,I
on the table. AS a
After 6nishing his frugal breakfast,
he went to the window, and, opening
it leaned out. M
Forty feet below him was D wide
river and beyond that was a prime
val forest, the foliage of which was
dyed with gorgeous hues Of autumn.
HIS gaze, roaming listlessly up the
river, fell upon a gayly- painted boat
"a small pleasure craft, which ap-
peared to be empty, drifting slowly
down the stream as if it had broken
away from its moorings and floated on
aimlessly. .ue
AS the boat drifted nearer to the
mansion. the prisoner saw q young
girl about fourteen years of age, re-
clining upon some cushions comfort
ably arranged in the bottom, SO that
she could enjoy day dream as she
foated down the stream.
The boat drifed directly under the
window, and then the girl sat upright
in the bottom of the craft and looked
around her.
'Oh!' she exclaimed, as if slightly
startled, 4 am drifting right up to the
old manor!'
The heart of the prisoner gave q