Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1854-10-19
The RObber of HaIstcd Wood.


Our scene opens upon highway, nearly
three miles from London. The shades ofeven-
ing were fast settling, when horseman bestri-
ding noble steedwho seemed quite exhausted
by his days journey, entered the avenue lead
ing through Halsted Wood; and the eyoung man
for he seemed scarcely twenty-five years of
age-as he entered the Forest now made gloomy
by The darkness Of the falling night, drew from
his head the richly embroidered cap of velvet,
and as he wiped The perspiratiOn from bis brow,
murmured
But short distance, now, my good steed,
and our journey is ended IT'S long time
since l left the city Of my birth, and my parents
and sweet sister--God forbid that aught sho'd
have befallen them during my absence-will
scarcely know me. But will give them a sur
prise--ah that will be delightful" and he again
placed the cap upon his head, and started on
ward at brisker pace.
But scarcely had he proceeded ten rods when
from thicket on his right, a man whose foa-
| lures were udShGuy luohSu llOuA hlo NOhNS"A-
ment, and ere the traveller was aware of his
presence, seized the horse by the bride, and
with powerful jerk, nearly threw him upon
his launches then leveling directly at the
strangers breast heavy pistol he exclaimed
Instantly deliver up the money in your pos,
session, or your life will pay the forfeit"
The young mans eyes flashed with passion
for moment, then spurring his horse, which
gave a spring forward, he leaped with bound
from his saddle, and ere the robber, whose a..
tention had been for an instant directed to the
horse, could prevent it, or before his arm cod
be raised, one hand of the traveller was fairly
upon his throat and the other pinioning the
arm which held the pistol.
Fiercely did che robber struggle in his en-.
deavors to free himself from the young mans
hold, but it was all in vain--he might as well
have attempted to move rock. Soon his face
turned to purple hue, and as he vainly en-
deavored to utter sentence, he opened his
hand, the pistol dropped upon the ground, and
be turned an imploring look upon his captor.-
Nor was it unheeded, for the young man un.
loosed his hold on the robbers throat, and draw
ing from his pocket handkerchief, he firmly
bound the hands of his captive; and then Ia
king the loaded pistol from the ground, he pla
ced it within his own bosom,
The robber, as his captor stepped from him.
sank upon the turf, and to the astOnishment o
the young man, buried his face in his bound
hands, and burst into food of tears.
"Alas poor Marian" he sobbed, you mus
now starve, and I, oh, heavens shall not bt
near you !
Marian + repeated the young man, whose
astonishment was great, by all that is good,
have a sister by that name, and she Of whom
you speak shall not starve. Tell me, my goo'
man, why did you attempt to rob me ? Yol
seem not like a common villain 2
Neither am l, said the rObber, lifting hi
head at the words of the young man.
t Then why, again ask, did you attempt m
; robbery =
L will tell you, as you desire it, and Go
knows it is all truth. Two years ago was
: clerk in the employ of a wealthy. inhuentii
f firm in London. At the mansion Of the junic
! partner, I one evening made the acquaintanc
Of beautiful young lady, daughter of a ric
merchant. Our intimacy ripened into love
e and we became pledged to one another Thu
our affairs stood, when the father of Maria
!, became acquainted with the fact, and forbid m
the house.
: was but an humble clerk, he said, and nt
| match for her whose affections had gainet