Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1853-08-04
THE DOGS AND THE ROBBERS.


A traglCal story is told of an adventure that
happened TO the monks Of St. Bernard in the
days when their dogs were at their full perfec-
ton. No less than thirty robbers, TO whom the
supposed possessions of the monastery offered a
rich booty, had by degrees introduced themselves
into the retreat arriving in parties at intervals,
and were always received in q most friendly
manner. As soon as the whole band was assem-
bled, they threw off their concealment, and sum-
moned the abot to produce the keys Of the
treasury. The monk was fortunately man of
more resolute character than usually occurred
in these places Of seclusion, and did not lose
his presence of mind lie observed TO them
midldly that their conduct was unworthy, and an
ill return for the hospitable attention they had
received. The robbers as may be supposed,
were deaf to this appeal, and continued their
demand.
"If it must be so," said the superior, ''as we
have no means Of defending ourselves, | must
submit; follow me, therefore, to the spot where
our treasure is kept"
He led the way, and was tumultuously atten-
ded by the eager band. He placed his hand on
ia door, but before he turned the key he turned
back and made another appeal; he was answered
with execrations, and no choice being left him,
he threw the door wide open. 1t was the den
in which the dogs were kept he raised his
voice, to which loud yell responded, then gave
a rapid signal, and in an instant the powerful
animals bounded forth upon their prey, tearing
some, startling others, and sending the few Of
the robbers who escaped their attack flying for
their lives headlong down the mountain, in fran
tic terror, TO be dashed to pieces over the prec-
pice which yawned before them.
CONNECTED WITH DAN RICEs HIPP0DRoME
/ 4 al / / 4 - /. L
| five thousand pounds. Dams establishment is
conveyed from point TO point by steamboat, and
exhibiting, as he does, under tent on shore, his
wits are at times puzzled TO get his big OK ashore
without having it seen by the big crowd which
are invariably on the ground about as soon as
| Dan is. 1t happened while he was here last
month that three or four hundred persons were
collected around his tent before said OK had been
brought from the boat. Dan made up his mind
to frustrate this design, and he did it complete
Ily. Accordingly he stepped on board his craft,
and in few minutes an awful rumpus was
heard-and Dams voice ringing above the din,
I"Kill the scoundrel kill him !" Presently a
man half covered with blood came rushing ashore
followed by two other persons whe were hurl-
ing bludgeons and oaths at him in the most saw
age manner Imaginable. The bloody man
ran for dear life, apparently, the other
two after him, until all three had gain
ed the cover of the exhibition pavilion, where
the former was OveThaued, knocked down, and
trounced most scientifically. The crowd gath
cred around, but were shut out by Dams men,
who formed a ring around the combatants. "Cut
! his throat, stab him TO the heart!" cried one
"Stand back, gentlemen!--dash his brains outl''
cried another. "Foul play! separate emf yell
ed the crowd, and and at that moment hundred
men broke the ring, and tore apart the belger-
ents. Dan Rice was one of that hundred, and
he gained their centre, and threw himself into
one Of the laughable attitudes for which he is so
noted aud with his finger to his nose, announced
the big OK ashore and ready for exhibition at
two dimes sight! Such yell as then went
up for Dan Rioe's "one horse shcw,S was never
heard here before on any occasion. ltrang loud
and long and almost ierrihc.
The bloody man stepped to the river, washed
the blood from his face, which proved to be
beeFs blood, and in an hour afterwards was
cutting no mean figure among Dams equestrians.
RI Evansville Journal,