Year: 1865

took up my quarters at the only tavern in
the place. 1t was q wretched dwelling,
and kept by an old man and woman, the
surliest couple, I think, it has ever been
my lot to meet. In answer to whether /
could have lodging there that night, I
noticed that the host gave particular
look at his wife, and after some whisper
ing l was informed in the most ungracious
manner possible that / could have bed.


have frequently in the course of my
life been obliged to put up with wretched
accommodations, 30 did not allow my
squanimity Of temper to be destroyed by
the miserable sleeping apartments into
which ! was ushered after had finished
my rspast.


The chamber was of small size, and GER
tainly well ventilated, for could see the
stars through the roof. The bed was sim
ply bag Of straw, thrown into one corner
OF the room, without sheet or covering of
any kind. This last fact, however, was
not much consequence, as it was summer
and oppressively hot.


stood for more than an hour gazing
out of the opening which served for win.
dow. Before me was an immense prairie,
the limits of which I could not see. The
tavern in which / had taken up my abode
appeared to be isolated from al other
dwellings, and save the croak Of the tree
toad and the hum of the locust, not
sound reached my ear. 1t was beauti-
ful moonlight night, 80 bright that could
see to read tho smallest print.


At last / began to grow weary, and
throwing myself on my pallet was soon
plunged in deep slumber., How long I
slept know not, but was awakened by
q dull sound, which resembled some one
hammering in the distance. I suppose it
was the peculiarly of the sound which
awoke me, for 1t was by no means loud,
but conveyed to me the idea of some one
striking iron with q muf1ed hammer. /
rose from my bed and went to the window.
The moon was now in the western horizon,
by which fact knew that it must be near
morning. The sound have before referr-
ed to reached me more distinctly than
when in the back part Of the chamber. It
appeared to come from some outhouses
which were situated hundred yards from
the house.


Now I am naturally of an inquiring
mind, and this sound, occurring as it did
in the middle of the night, piqued my
curiosity, and I felt an irrepressible de-
sire to 60 out and discover the cause of it.
The desire, as the sound continued, grew
upon me with such intensity that l re-
solved to crafty it at any price.


I put on my boots, the only article of
attire l had discarded, and cautiously
opened the door of my chamber and noise
lessly descended the rickety staircase. A
few steps brought me into the lower ap-
partment, which found entirely deserted.
l crept quietly to the window, and unfast-
ening it without making the slightest
noise, was soon in the moonlight.


Not soul was visible, but tho sound /
have mentioned grew much more distinct
as approached the place from whence it
proceeded. At last / found myself before
long, low building, through the crevices
Of which could peroeive . lurid glare
issuing. l stopped down and pseped
through the key-hole, and to my extreme
surprise ! saw half dozen men, with their
coats off and sleeves up, performing va
riety Of strange occupations. Some were
working at q forge, others were superin-
tending the casting Of moulds, and some
were engaged in the process Of mining
coin. In moment the whole truth burst
upon me. Here was the gang of coun-
terfeiters / was in search OF, and the land
lord and his wife evidently belonged to
the same band, for in one corner / per-
ceived them employed,-the man polish
ing off some half dollar pieces, and the
woman was packing the finished coin into
rolls.


had seen enough and was about to re-
turn to my apartment, when l suddenly
felt heavy hand pressed on my shoulder,
and turning nay head around, to my hor-
ror found myself in the grasp of as i'll
looking scoundrel as ever escaped the
gallows.


"What are you doing here, my good
fellow?" be exclaimed giving me shake.


Taking stroll by moonlight" / re-
piled, endeavoring to retain my compo-
sure.


"Well, perhaps you will just take 8
stroll inside, will your" returned the ruff
han, pushing open the door, and dragging
me in after him.


All the inmates of the barn Immediate
ly stopped wsrk and rushed toward us
when they saw me.


"Why, what's all this ?" they exclaimed.


"a leafer found peepin' outside, Z" said
my captor.


He's traveller that came to the tav-
ern last night and asked for lodging; the
last saw Of him he was safe in bed, said
the landlord.


The men withdrew to corner of the
apartment, leaving one to keep guard over
me. l soon saw they were in earnest
consultation, and were evidently debating
some important question. The man keep
ing guard over me said nothing, but scowl-
| ed fercely. had not said single word