Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1857-08-15

Wnen L noLced Splendld team OF uOuble
horses attached to light wagon, in which
were seated four men, evidently of the
highNstrung order. They swept past, as
if TO show how easily they could do it
They shortened in, and allowed me to
come up with them, and hailed me, asked
me to .'wet,' or, in other words, diminish
the contents of jug of old rye they had
aboard; but excused myself with the plea
that had plenty on board. They asked
me how far was going? | told them as
far as Mount Vernon, if my horse didn't
tire out. They mentioned pleasant tav-
ern ten or twelve miles ahead, as a good
stopping place, and then drove on.
did not like the looks Of those fellows,
nor their actions. But was bound to 60
ahead. had brace of revolvers and a
nice knife; my money was not in my va
lise or my sulky, but in belt round my
body. | drove slow, in hopes that they
would go on, and should see them no
more. 1t was nearly dark when I saw
tavern sign ahead. At the same time
sawt their wagon standing before the door.
] would have pressed on, but my horse
needed rest. | hauled up, and woman
came to. the door. She turned as pale as
sheet when she saw me; she did not
speak, but with meaning look she put
her finger on her lips, and beckoned me
in; she was the wife Of my late cIiant.
When | entered, the party recognised
me, hailed me as an old travelling friend,
and asked me to drink. ] respectfully
but firmly declined to do so.
BY, you shall drink or Gght!' said
the noisest of the party.
Just as you please; drink ! shall not!'
said I, proposely showing the butt Of "a
Colt which kicks six times in rapid sue
cession.
The party interposed, and very easily
quelled the assailant. OtSe offered me a
cigar, which I reluctantly refused, but a
glance from the waman induced me to &C.
cept. She advanced and proffered me a
light, and in doing so slipped a note into
my hand, which she must have written a
moment before. Never shall forget the
words. They were: ..
Beware! they are members of the gang.
They mean to rob and murder you!
Leave soon; will detain them!'
| did not feel comfortable just then, but
tried to do SO.
Have you any room to put up my
horse?' asked, turning to the woman.
'What, are you not going on tonight
asked one of the men; I'VE are.'
NO. said |; i shall stay here tonight
sWe'll all stay, then guess, and make
night of it, said another of the cut
! throats.
/ you'll have to put up your own horse,
here's lanthern,' said the woman.
Il am nsed to that l said. Gentle
men, excuse me minute; I'll join you
in drink when | come in
Good on your head! More whiskey,
old gal, shouted they.
went out, glanced at their wagon; ii
was old-fashioned, and 'lynch-pins' secur-
ed the wheels. To take out my knife,
and pry one from the fore and hind wheels,
was but the work of an instant, and |
threw them as far off in the darkness as
could. To unite my horse and dash off
was the work of a moment. The road
lay down steep hill, but my lantern light
ed me somewhat.
had hardly got under full headway;
when heard a yell from the party had
so uncerimoniously left. | put whip to
my horse. The next moment, with a
shout, they started. / threw my light
away, and left my horse to pick his way
A moment later heard crash, horri-
bic sbriek. The wheels were off. Then
Ecame the rush of the horses tearing along
with the wreck of the wagon. Finally
they seemed to fetch up in the wood. One
or two shrieks heard as swept on, leav-
ing them far behind. For some time
hurried my horse, you'd better believe
srid!' It was a little after midnight when
/ got to Mount Vernon.
THE next day heard that Moore's
prairie team had run away, and that two
men out Of four had been SO badly hurt
that their lives were despaired OF; but
didn't cry. My clients got their money
and didn't travel that road any more.
LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS. Next to
the slavery of intemperance, what slavery
on earth is more CALLING than that of poy'