Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-10-26

tention to run him off.
It's Elwood's horse, isn't it!'
Yes answered Driscol, somewhat sur
prised at Grayson's GOODNESS.
When was he stoen!' asked the notified
Last night answered the official Il sup
pose you know very well without being told.
DO you, indeed 2 said Grayson, smiling
absently And then he bent his eyes upon
the ground, and seemed lost in thought for
some minutes.
'Well, well,' said he at length, raising his
eyes again, Il didn't steal the horse, Driscol,
but | suppose you regulors know best who
ought to be allowed to remain in the settle
ment, so Of course | shall have to obey
am glad to find you so reasonable said
Driscol, making movement to ride away.
Stop! stop' cried Grayson don't be in
hurry. [ shall be gone before the ten days
are up, and you and I may not meet again for
long time so get down and come in let us
take parting drink together. have some
excellent whiskey, just brought home'
Now, the worthy functionary, as we have
intimated, or as the aforesaid nose bore wit
ness, was quite partial to this description of
produce-some of his acquaintance even in
sinuating that he took sometimes "a drop too
much'-and though he felt some uisgivings
about remaining in Grayson's company longer
than his official duties required, the temptation
bo Isl l.
fears, he sprang to the ground
Tie your horse to the fence, there, said
Grayson, { and come in
Driscol obeyed, and it was not long before
he was seated in the cabin, with tin cup in
his hand, and its generous contents finding
their way down his capacious throat.
'Whskey is pleasant drink, after all,
isn't it said Grayson, smiling at the gusto
with which Driscel dwelt upon the draught,
and at the same moment he rose to set his cup
on the table behind the official.
Very pleasant, indeed, said Driscol in re-
ply; and to prove his sincerity, he raised his
cup again to his lips.
But this time he was not destined to take its
contents. 1t was suddenly dashed from his
hand-a saddle girth was thrown over his
arms and body-and, before he was aware of
what was being done, he found himself Sc
passed around his legs and tied in like manner
behind, so that he could, literally, move
neither hand nor foot
He made furious effort to break away. but
he would not have been more secure had he
been in the Od-fashioned stocks He was
fairly -entrapped, and though he foamed, and
swore, and threatened, it all did no manner of
good. OF this he at last became sensible, and
grinding his teeth in impotent rage, he re-
lapsed into dogged silence. Having thorough
ly secured his prisoner, Grayson, who was
something of wag, poured out small guam
tity of the seductive liquor, and coming round
in front Of the ill-used officer, smiled gracious
ly in his face, and drank health -
4" Success to you, Mr.. Driscol, said he,
and long may you continue an ornament to
the distinguished company Of which you are
an honored member.
Drscol ground his teeth, but made no re-
ply, and the toast was drunk, like some of
those impressive sentiments given at public
dinners, in profound silence =
Having drained the cup, Grayson deposited
it upon table, and himself in chair, and
drawing the latter up towards his companion,
opened the conference thus -
think l have you pretty safe, Driscol,
eh = The Lieutenant made no reply.
| see you are not in very sociable humor,'
continued Grayson, and to tell you the truth,
am not much that way inclined myself, but
am determined 10 see the bottom Of this af-
fair before you leave the house. am sure
you know all about it, and if you don't tell
why, the worse for you, that's all
What do you mean? 9 demanded Driscol,
speaking for the first time.
| mean this Grayson answered sternly,
did not take that horse from ElwoOd Shut
you did, saw you do it. But since my tes-
timony will not be received, / am determined
that you shall give me certificate in writing
that such is the fact. You needn't look so
obstinate, for by Him that made us both you
shall not leave that chair alive unless you do
as say.
Grayson was large, rather feshy man,
with light complexion and blue eyes and
though good natured and hard to rouse, when
once in earnest, as now, like all men Of his
stamp, he both looked and was fully capable
Of carrying his threat into execution. The
imprisoned functionary did not at all like the
expression Of his eye, he quailed before it in
fear and shame. He was, however, resolved
not to yield, except upon the greatest ex-
tremity.
Come said Grayson, producing materials
for writing here are pen, ink, and paper
are you willing to write as | dictate!'
No. said Driscol, doggedly.
We'll see if | can't make you willing,
then, muttered his captor, and going to the
other end of the cabin, he took down coil of
rope which hung upon peg, and returned to
his captive. Forming moose at one end, he
placed it about Driscol's neck, and threw the
other end over beam which supported the
roof.