Plymouth banner. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1852-1855, 1854-02-09

third OK. Now. when the man came bach
and found he had lost this OK too, he was
SO wild that there was many days before
he dared 20 home; for he was afraid les,
his old dame should kill him outright or
the spot.
As for the robbers. they were not very
we'll pleased either. when they had tc
own that the youth wos master over the
whole band. So ons day they thought
they would try their hands at something
which he was no; man enough to do; sc
they set off, altogether. every man Jack
of them, and left him alone at home.
Now. the first thing that he did when
they were all we'll clear OF the house. was
TO drive the oxen out to the road, so that
they might run back 10 the man from
whom he had stolen them; and right glad
Was he TO sec them, as you might fancy.
Next he took all the horses which the
robbers had. and loaded them with the
best things he could lay his hands on; gold
and silver. and clothes and other fine
things; and then he babe the old dame
to greet the robbers when they came back.
they would have hard work to find him
again; and with that. off he started.
After a good bit. he came to the road
along which he was going when he fell
among the robbers, and when he got near
home. and could see his fathers cottage.
he put OF uniform which he had found
among the clothes he had taken from the
robbers, and which was made just like a
generals. SO he drove up to the door as
il he were any other great man. After
that he went in and asked if he could have
a lodging. No; that he couldn't.at any
price.
How ever should l be able" said the
man, Ito make room in my house for
such fine gentleman-l. who scarce
have rag to lie upon. and miserable
rags too
You were always stingy old hunk. "
said the youth. "and so you are still.
when you won. take your son in"
"What. you my son!' said the man.
Don't you know me again:" soid the
youth Well. after little while he did
know him again.
"But what have you been turning your
hand to. that you have made yourself SO
great man in sush haste?" asked the
man.
"Oh. I'll soon tell you." said the youth.
You said might take to any trade
chose; and SO bound myself apprentice
to some thieves anu robbers, and now I've
served my time out. and am become "a
Master Thief"
Now there lived Squire close by TO
his fathers cottage; and he had such a
great house. and such heaps of money.
that he could not tell how much he had.
He had daughter. too. and smart
and pretty girl she was. So the Master
Thief Sc, his heart upon having her to
wife: and he told his father TO 90 to the
Squire and ask for his daughter for aim
III he asks by what trade get my
living you can say | am a Master Thief. y
Il think you've lost your wits" said
the man, fcr you can't De in your right
mind when you think of such nonsense.
No! he had not lost his wits; father
must and should go up to the Squire and
ask for his daughter.
May, but tell you. daren't go 10 the
Squire and be your spokesman: he who is
so rich. and has so much money" said
the man.
Yes, there was no help for it. said the
Master Thief: he should go whe ther he
would Of no; and if he did no, go by fair
means, he would soon make him go by
foul. But the man was still loathe 10
go; so he stepped after him, and rubbed
him down with good birch cudgel. and
kept on till the man came crying and
sobbing inside the Squire's door.
"How now. my man? What tails your
said The Squire.
So he told him the whole story; how
he had three sons who set off one day, and
how he had given them leave TO go whilh-
ersoever they would. and TO follow what
ever calling they chose. "And here now
is the youngest come home. and has beat
en- me till he has made me come TO you
and ask for you' daughter for him to wife;
and he bids me say. besides. that he is a
Master Thief" And so he fell TO cry
ing and sobbing again.
Never mind. my man." said the
Squire. laughing. Just go back aud tell
him for me. that he must prove his skill
first. Ii he can steal the roast from the
spit in the kitchen on Sunday. while all
the household are looking afterit, he shall
have my daughter. Just 60 and tell him
that"
SO he went back and toll the youth
who thought it would be an easy job
So he set about and caught three hares
alive. and put them into bag. and dress
ed himself in some old rags. until he
looked so poor and filthy that it made
ones heart bleed 10 see; and then he
sneaked into the passage at the back door