The true Democrat., 1856-04-29
Adventure ill the BacI1WOniS

In the summer of 1915, 1 was travelling on huslness m the western part of Tennessee- That portion of the State which lies between the Tennessee and the Mississippi was at that time wild, dreary forest No roads, nothing but horse paths through the woods; and the only marks to guide the traveller upon his jour- ney were the blazes and the notches upon the trees. I was dressed in true backwoods fashion. and 1 rode fiery mustang, with mane and tail as white as snow, beautiful arched neck. and an eye like an eagle. He was a perfect beauty and as fleet the wind. Across his back had thrown pair of saddle bags, containing on one side dozen pones of corn bread and a piece of bacon, and to balance them there was pile of rocks in the shape of two thousand dollars in gold, which 1 had collected, and was transporting to bank in Kentucky, to dispose of for eastern exchange. Two large wooden stir rups hung dangling from my saddle and the holsters in front contained two beauties, in the shape of enormous horse pistols. Over these to keep them dry, was the squirrel skin covers.
 had been riding for several hours, swim ming the rivers that crossed my path, snuffing in the rich perfume of the forest flowers, watch ing the squirrels playing about in the tree tops, and listening 10 the music which issued from the throats of the thousands of bright winged songsters, with which the woods abounded. I had not seen solitary human being since morn- Ing, and night was rapidly approaching; indeed It had already begun to grow dark, and 1 had made up my mind l would have to camp out'' for the night. 1 was looking around to select some good place, when 1 was startled by the nelghing of a horse ahead of me, and presently saw two men approaching on horseback k- They were rough looking fellows, dressed in hunting shirts and with squrrelskin caps on their heads. did not like their looks and unseen by them, drew up my pistols, and cock ing them, replaced them in the holsters and casting my eyes ahead, I saw one of the men make motion did not like I resolved that if they proved to be what I suspected, I would give them hard fight and die game.
 "Pashaw! what fool I was?'' thought I. as they rode up and bid me good evening. We conversed about five minutes, when one of them said:
 "My youngster, what have you got in your saddle bags that rattles sop
 "Nals," replied.
 Nails" said he; "Hey Bill, let's examine the article!" and he seized my horse by the bit.
 Quick as lightning, I drew my pistols, and pointing a muzzel to each of their hearts said:
 Gentlemen, make motion to draw wea- pon and that motion seals your fate!'
 J wheeling their horses around, they struck off into the forest. After getting few rods of, one of them raised his fist in a threatening at- titude. 1 drew the trigger of my right hand pistol, and the villains arm fell upon his saddles; and uttering yell of agony, they darted off into the woods. I reloaded my pistol struck my spurs into my horses side, and after ten miles of the fastest riding I ever experienced, reached a log house where put up for the night.
 Two years after the incident just noted took place. was travelling down the Mississippi on an old fashioned boat, when my attention was at tracted towards an individual on board, whom 1 thought had met before but where could not tell. was determined to follow him up and see if could not call to mind where we had met and under what circumstances. At last found an opportunity to get good look at him, as he was seated upon an old barrel head earnestly engaged in game of "seven up." stepped up and looking over his shoul- der, perceived that two fingers of his right hand were missing. The game progressed, until in an excited moment, he arose, and shaking his fist in the face of his opponent, in answer to some remark of the latter concerning the game exclaimed:
 !" swear you lie!''
 placed my hand upon his shoulder, and turning him around
 "Ah! hal" exclaimed, we've met before!'
 Lifting his maimed hand, his face turned white as sheet: and, hoarse with passion, ht vociferated:
 "Yes, we have met before, in the woods o