Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1890-05-17
HIS FAIR RESCUER.
A Story Of 1776,
BY j. H. SPENCER.

In one of the loveliest valleys in til
Blue Mountains of Northern Me-
Jersey, there stood, at the time of tn
Revolution, a large and substantis
stone house, known to all the countr
around as the old Winstead Manor.
was built in the solid homely style O
the 18th century. One side was situated
upon crag, and seemed to form par
of the cliff upon which it rested. TIL
base of the cliff was layed by a wild,
and deep stream.
Captain Ralph Winstead had bull
the house some fifty years previous tt
the time of which 1 write-1776. He
had never marTied-or, at least, he haG
never had a wife in this country-anG
the only members of his household
whom he had admitted to share at all
in his companionship had been his two
servants-man and wife-who had come
with him from England.
Two years from the time of his com.
ing to this valley, he was found MUIR
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 murderers.
. The house had stood empty ever
since; and now, for several months.
the neighbors had declared that
1t was haunted. Many of
them had seen and heard most
frightful things while passing there af-
ter dark, and there were few who had
mot rather go three miles out of their
way than pass the old Winstead Manor
in the night time.
The autumn night had set in dark
and stormy, and in one of the rooms, in
the second story, of the old Winstead
Manor, were half dozen men, five of
whom were seated around a table at
one end Of the room, engaged in play
ing cards. They were rough, coarse
looking men, and, from their dress,
which somewhat resembled the British
uniform, they were evidently Tories.
The other was tall, powerfully built
young man, about 20 years of age, who
was clad in the Continental uniform.
He was restlessly walking up aud down
the room.
Frank, b" said one of the Tories, turn
ing from the table and facing the young
prisoner, for such he evidently was. |
sJou and l were boys together, and
love you yet. Now, why can't you give
up your foolish notions and join US?
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 dis
tinguish yourself in the royal army, and
after the rebellion is crushed out your
course shall be rewarded by knighthood
and promotion in the army. Now, there
are two alternatives; which do you
choose"
Il have told you once before, Albert
Sherman" said the young man, firmly,
that had rather be shot down like
dog, than be traitor to my country"
We'll, goodnight" said Albert Sher-
man, rising from the table. I hope to
hear you talk differently tomorrow.
You cannot escape from this room; and
if you call for help, you will only
brighten people away, for we have taken
particular pains to make them think
this house IS haunted"
And, followed by his four companions,
Sherman left the room.
The sun was shining In at the win
dows when the prisoner awoke the next |
morning, Rising from his hard couch |
on the floor he found loaf of bread and |
a Jug of water, which had been brought |
in while he was asleep, on the table.
After finishing his frugal breakfast, |
he went to the window, and, opening it |
leaned out.
Forty feet below him was a wide
river. and beyond that was primeval
forest. the foliage of which was now
dyed with the gorgeous hues of autumn.
His gaze, roaming listlessly up the
river. fell upon a gayly-painted boat-a
small pleasure craft, which appeared to
be empty, drifting slowly down the
stream as if it had broken away from
its moorings and hoated on aimlessly.
As the boat drifted nearer to the
mansion, the prisoner saw young girl
about fourteen years of age, reclining
upon some cushions comfortably ar
ranged in the bottom, so that she could
enjoy day-dream as she hoated down
the stream.
The boat drifted 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, Il am drifting right up to the
old manorp
The heart of the prisoner gave leap
of Joy.
Good morning" he cried.
The girl gazed up at him, too startled
to reply.
do not be afraid, said the prisoner,
noticing the look Of surprise and fear
in her face. Il am in a most distress
ing situation. 1 have been decoyed
unto this house by a party of Tories,
and am now prisoner here; and You