Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-06-29

well his errand, and the IaUe LnaI probably
awaited himself. The intruder was man still
young in years, but his lineaments bespoke
mind long agitated by evil passions. His dress
was of the meanest materials, and ragged
and unseemly as to give him the appearance
of studied poverty This man was a well-known
leader of one of those gangs of marauders who
infested the county with a semblance of patriot
ISM and who were guilty of every grade of of
Tense, from simple theft up to murder. Behind
him stood several other figures clad in a similar
manner, but whose countenances expressed
nothing more than the Indifference of brutal
insensibity. They were well armed with mus
kets and bayonets. and provided with the usual
implements of foot soldiers.
Harvey knew resistance to be vain, and quiet
ly submitted to their directions In the twink
ling of an eye both he and Caesar were stripped
of their decent garments, and made to exchange
clothes with two of She filthiest Of the band.
They were then placed in separate corners of
q the room, and. under muzze of the muskets, re-
uuired faithfully to answer such interrOgatories
as were put to them.
Where is your packY' was the first question
to the pedder.
Hear me- said Birch, trembling with ag-
tation: gin the next room is my father. now in
the agonies of death let me go to him, receive
his blessing and close his eyes, and you shall
have all-aye, all"
Give us your gold" exclaimed the other
furiously, pricking the peddler with his bayO-
net until the blood followed his pushes in
streams. At this instant a slight movement
was heard in the adjoining room and Harvey
cried imploringly:
LET me-let me go to my father, and you
shall have ALL"
81 swear you shall go then" said the Skinner
Here take the trash" cried Birch, as he
threw aside the purse which he had contriVed
to conceal, Notwithstanding the change in his
garments.
The robber raised it from the floor with a
hellish laugh.
aye, but it shall be to your father in
heaven"
Monster! Have you no feeling no faith, no
honestly"
ITO hear him one would think there was not
a rope around his neck already said the other
laughing. There is no necessity for your be
ing uneasy. Mr. Birch; If the old man gets
a few hours the start of you in the Journey
you viii be sure to follow him before noon to-
morrow"
This unfeeling communication had no effect
on the peddler, who listened with gasping
breath to every sound from the room of his
parent, until he heard his own name spoken in
the hollow, sepulchre tones of death Birch
could endure no more, and shrieking out
Father! Hush, father l come. / come"
lie udFIeu ny his Keeper, anu was the next mo
ment pinned to the wall by the bayonet of an
other of the band. Fortunately, his quick mo-
ton had caused him to escape a thrust aimed
at his life, and it was by his clothes only that
he was confined.
mo; Mr.. Birch" said the Skinner, I'VE know
you too well for a slippery rascal, to trust you
out of sight-your gold. your gold -
You have it," said the peddler, writing
with agony.
AYE, we have the purse, but you have more
purses. King George is a prompt paymaster
and you have done him many a piece of good
service. Where is your hoard? Without it
You will never see your father"
Remove the stone underneath the woman"
cried the peddler eagerly-"remove the stone"
HE raves He raves :" said Katy. instinc-
lively moving her position to different stone
from the one which she had been standing
In a moment it was torn from its bed and
nothing but earth was seen beneath.
"He raves! You have driven him from his
right mind" continued the trembling spinster;