The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1857-07-11

stopping-place, and then drove on.
! did not like the looks of those fellows
nor their actions. But was bound to 60
ahead. hal brace of rcvolvers and nice
knife my money was not in my valise or
my sulky, but in belt round my body. l
drove slow. in hopes that they would 60 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. would have pressed on.
but nv horse needed rest Ihauled 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 nv late client.
When entered. the party recognized me,
and hailed me as an old travelling friend, and
asked me to drink. l respectfully, but firmly,
declined to do so.
"By Cd. YOU shall drink or fight" said
the no;sicst of the party.
"Just as you please; drink shall roy
said !. purposely showing the but of Colt
which kicks six times in rapid succession.
The party intcrposed, and very easily quell-
ed the assaiant. One offered me scgar,
which | reluctantly refused, but glance from
the woman induced me to accept. She ad-
vanced and protiered me light, and in so do
ing slipped note into my hand, which she
must have written moment before. Never
shall forge, the words. They were:
Beware, they are members of the gang
They mean to rob and murder you: Leave
soon: will dctain them
did not feel comfortable just then, but
tried to do SO.
"IIave You any room to put up my horse %
| asked, turning to the woman.
"What-arc You not going on tonight ,"
asked one of the men We arc"
NO" said l. Il shall stay here tonight"
"Wcll all stay then. guess. and make a
night of it :" said another of the cut-throats
You'll have to put up your own horse
here's lantern. said the woman.
Il am used to that" | said. "Gentlcmen,
excuse me minute: Ill join YOU in drink
when come III.
"Good on Your head, More wh;skcy. old
gal. shouted they.
Iwent out. glanced at their wagon; it was
old-fa>hioned, and " Inch pins secured the
wheels. To take out my knife and pry one
from the fore and hind wheels was but the
work ofan instant, and threw them as far
otfn the darkness as could To unite nv
horse ard dash off was the work of moment.
The road lay down steep hill, but my Ian
tern lighted mc somewhat
| had hardly got under full hcadwav. wncn
| heard veil from the party had so uncer-
enormously left. Iput whip to my horse.
The next moment with 4 shout they started.
! threw my light away. and l left nv horse to
pick his way. \ moment later heard a
cra>h-a horrible shrek. The wheels were
off. Then came the rush of the horses tear
ing along with the wreck of the wagon. Fl
nallv they seemed to fetch up in the wood.
One or two >hriekS heard as | swept on.
leaving them far behind. For some time
hurried my horse-,oud better believe !
" rid i was little after midnight when
go 10 iount Vernon.
The next day heard that Moorc's Prai-
RE team had run away. and that two men ou,
of four had been 50 badly hurt that their lives
were dc>paircd of: but didn't crv. Nv cl;-
cnt> got their money: and did mt travel tha,
road any more.