The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-02-08
THE RoBBER OF rae ROCK HOUSE,
BY WILLIAM CLINTON CASTON
AUTHOR or r
V0LU NJ E II.
y ROMANCE OF TIE BLUERIDGE

Ten miles to the east rough and un
even road led from Je rGrson to Wilkes.
borough. On this route, resided one of
the strikers, aud whenever wagon load
Cd with produce, or drove Of beef.cattIc
would happen to pass along to market, it
was his business to inform his colaborcrs
oi the circumstance, who were ALWAYS
like blood-hounds, Keen for an adventure.
As soon as information was received at
the Rock House, they usually went off
IN quest Of the prize, leaving only two of
their number in the cave to guard it, and
togivs the alarmif any danger threatened
them. Sometimes after taking herd OF
cattle IN this way, they weuld slaughter
one and leave it SO haggled as to induce
the belief that wolves or other vernin
had destroyed the owner, whose clothes
were rent into shreds, and rolled in the
gore OF the butchcred bullock.
The heath and fern SO ,lr,,sely covered
The earth that not single Footprint
couId be dis!ingui>hable. From this
place, without delay, they returned with
their acquired stock to Cove Creek, near
the Rock House, where they were enclosed
until the Mounlaineer was ready to take
them OF and sell them. This was solely
his business. He had a share in the can.
tnre, but he was no less culpab!e than
they. lie was on an expedition of this
KIND, when " att met with him at Nor
canton. lie always sold their booty, and
every three months made return to the
company, when there was II dividend ac-
cording to the stipulations of the club.
One or more aided him to get to mar.
ket with their stolen goods. The striker.
ut whose house Watt and his "CHepalier
dhonneur" refreshed tlen,elves, had
been IN company with the latter, but hav
ing sold out, was dismissed before Watt
made lis acquaintance. however, he was
looking for the Mouniaineer that evening,
and was not surprised at his appearing
there at the time, but Watt of course was
stranger.
Near the Rock House, on the west, was
another road, leading from Jonesborou9h
to Morganton, which was q thorourhfarc
for horse-droyers. II was the most d;rec,
route from that part of Tennessee to the
south, and generally afforded rich opp6r.
!unIties Tor the exercise Of i,igii-ws, rob
berry.
In the direction Of Jefferson, however.
our hero first tried his skill as y robber
though successful, it did not prove very
heavy draw. The case was wagoner
froa Ashe, hauling venison hams, brandy
and other articles Of produce, which he
hoped, no doubt, would yield him sum
OF money to hoard DIP for the payment of
land that he formerly purchased TO en-
large his firn.
True to his trust, the striker on that
road, as soon rs he discovered that the
wagoner had struck up camp, posted off
for the Rock House to inform his Captain.
Coming within one quarter of mile Of
The cave, he gave the signal, which was
answered by the sentinel at the Hollow
Chestnut, Immediately he Was ushercd
ia, and in great haste relates his errand.
Captain Watt says he, ''near my house,
~ the spring, WAGNER from Ashe is
eafnped, with load Of various articles.
aud z you aud Gur o. Eve men 90 with
me- we eaa takO him easy,- somewh q
etnphnsizing die last, easy.e a. Il h..
were experienced N testing his manhoo.l.
Tho Captain, knowing on who,a te
rely To- u jrmetre u his kia.i, select.
four of his choice men, aud being soon |
prepared, were on shcir jouacs. silroaub |