Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-07-11
BRATTLEBORO, VT: JULY IL, 1857.

fore they had an idea of the trap laid, had The
property, which they were about TO assign be-
fore they broke under attachment Finding
was neck ahead and bound to win, they "caved
in" and "forked over" three thousand seven
hundred and ninety-fuur dollars and eighteen
cents, (per memorandum book, y in good money.
They lived in Shawneetown, about 35 or 40
miles southeast of Moore's prairie. received
the funds just after bank opening, but other
business detained me till after dinner then
started for C, intending to go as far as the
village of Mt. Vernon that night.
had gone along ten or twelve miles, when
noticed a splendid team Of double horses at
tached to light wagon, in which we're seated
four men, evidently Of the high strung 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 hailng me ask
ed me 10 "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 Mt. Vernon,
if my horse didn't tire out. They mentioned
a pleasant tavern ten or twelve miles ahead, as
a nice stopping place, and then drove on.
did not like the looks of those fellows nor
their actions. But was bound to go ahead.
had brace of revolvers and a nice knife !;
my money was not in my valise OF my sulky,
but in belt around my body. drove slow
in hopes that they would go on, and should
see them no more. 1t was nearly dark when
saw tavern sign ahead. At the same time
saw their wagon stood before the door, She
turned as pale as a 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 client.
When entered, the party recognized me,
and hailed me as an old travelling friend, and
asked me to drink. respectfully but firmly
declined to do so.
"By Cd, you shall drink or fight" said
the nosiest of the party.
"Just as you please, drink | shall not ~
said ], purposely showing the butt of a colt
which kicks six times in rapid succession.
The party interposed and very easily quell-
ed the assaani. One offered me cigar which
! reluctantly refused, but glance from the
woman induced me to accept. She advanced
and proffeled me light, and in doing so slip
ped a note into my hand, which she must have
written with pencil the 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, bu, tried
to do so.
"Have you any room to put up my horse o.
asked, turning TO the woman.
"What-are you going on tonight" asked
one Of the men 1--WE are"
"No," said !, Il shall stay here tonight. y
"We'll all stay then, guess, and make a
night of it - said another of the cut.ihroats
"You'll have to pu, up your own horse
here's lantern," said the woman.
81 am used to that" said. "Gentlemen
excuse me a minute I'll join you in drinl
iOhen / come IN
Good on your head more whiskey, ole
gal" shouted they.
| went out, glanced at their wagon, it was
old fashioned; and "linch pins" secured 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 of
in the darkness as ! could. To unite IN,
horse and dash off was the work of moment
The road lay down steep hill, but my Lantern
lighted me somewhat.
had hardly got under full headway, wher
heard yell from The party had SO uncere
moniously left Iput whip ITO my horse. The
next moment with a shout they started
threw my light away, and left my horse to pick
his way. moment later, heard a crash
a horrible shrek. The wheels were off,
Then came the rush of the horses tearing alont
with the wreck of the wagon. Finally they
seemed to fetch up in the wood. One or two
shrieks heard as swept on, leaving them fal
behind. For some time | hurried my horse
you'd better believe "rid!" 1t was little
after midnight when got to Mt. Vernon.
The next day heard that a Moore's prairie
team had run away, and that two men out o
four had been so badly hurt that their live:
were despared of; but didn't cry My eli
ents got their money-but didn't travel tina
road anv more