Litchfield enquirer., 1856-01-10
10 go az far - she village Of Mount yernol
that night.

l had cot along at a fair pace about ter
or twelve miles. when / noticed double
. team Of splendid horses coming up behind
attached TO light wagon, in which were
seated four men, evidently Of the high
strung order. They swept past me as if 70
show how easy they could do it, then
shortened in, and allowed me to cor up.
They hailed me, and asked me to et.'
o.. In other words. TO diminish the contents
Of jug Of old rye they had aboard, but
excused myself ON the plea that | had
plenty. They asked how far was going ;
] told them rs far as Mount Vernon. If my
horse did not tire. They mentioned a
pleasant tavern ten or twelve miles ahead
~ nice stopping place and then drove on.
! did not like the looks of those fellows,
or their actions. But was bound to go
ahead. l had brace Of revolvers, nice
knife, and my money was not in my valise
in my sulkey, but in a belt around my
body. drove slow in hopes that they
would 90 on, and ] should see them no
more IL was nearly dark when saw a
tavern sign ahead. At the same time saw
that their wagon stood before the door. l
woaij have passed on, but my horse need
ed rest. hauled up and woman came
TO the door. She turned pale as clean
sheet when she saw me-she did not speak,
bat with meaning look she put her finger
on her lip and beckoned me in. The wo-
man was the wife Of my late client.
When ! entered, the party recognizing
me, hailed me as if had been an old
travelling friend, and asked me to drink
] respectfully but firmly declined to do SO.
by - you shall drink or fight !"
said the noisiest Of the party
Just as I please; drink will not"
said ]. purposely showing the butt Of
I" Colt" which kicks six times in rapid
succession.
The others interfered. and very easily
quelIed my opponent. One offered me a
cigar, which would have refused, but a
giance Of ensreaty from the woman induced
me TO accept il. She advanced to prefer
me light, and in doing 80 slipped line
Into my hand, which she must have writ
ten in pencil but the momsnt before -
Never shall forge. the words, they were
-" Beware! they are members Of the
gang. They mean to rob and murder you.
Leave soon-l viii try 10 detain them !"
] didn', feel comfortable just then, but ]
tried to look 90
Have you room TO put up my horsel
asked Of the woman.
What, are you not going on Tonight"
asked one Of the men =. We are"
=. No." said l, ~ shalt stay here"
"We'll all stay, / reckon, and make
night Of it," said another 3D..
You'll have 10 put up your own horse
here's a laniern," said the woman.
:" am used TO that" said /. Gentle
men, excuse me moment, Ill join you in
d dIink when come in -
"Gocd on your head more whiskey,"
shouted they.
| went ou.-glaneed at their wagon il
was old Observation-Disclosures secured the
wheels. To Ia e out my Knife and pry one
from the fore and hind wheels was the
work of an Instant. ] threw them as far
of in the darkness as could then I'M
tied my own horse and dashed of. The
road laid down very steep hill, but my
lantern lighted me somewhat.
l had hardly got under full Roadway,
when heard yell from the party had
left SO unceremoniously. put whip TO my
horse The mex, moment, with q shout,
they started. threw my light away, and
left my horse to pick hts way. A moment
later heard crasi-a horrible Shrek
The wheels were of. Then came the rush
Of tho horses. tearing along after me with
the wreck Of the wagon. Finally they
fetched up in the woods. One or two
shrieks heard, rs swept on. leaving them
Gar behind. For some time hurried my
horse-you'd better believe did. II was
. little after midnight when got to Mount
Vernon.
The next day / heard that Moore
Prairie team had run away, and that two
men out Of four had been SO badly hurt
that their lives were desraired Of. did
no, cry. My clients got their money, but
| did not travel that road any more.