The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-08-18
A MODEL BANDIT.

Ties OF u ceTLdLn LoEu H. GA AnSiish
nobleman, now dead, who figured for long
time in the saloons of Paris as one of the
most honorable representatives OF English
eccentricity. Travelling once in Italy, at
a date when the banditti-who, whatever
skeptics may say, have never entirely dis
appeared-were in fun activity, Lord H
ventured one day alone in a postchase upon
a road of very bad repute, not having even
his body servant, whom he had sent else
where ON an errand. He did not ksow that
the soldiery were at this time on vigorous
| hunt through this region, and was none the
less tranquil for his ignorance; when SD
| denly there sprang towards the carriage,
| from thicket, man whose picturesque
dress but too clearly indicated his profess
sion. Lord Il took pistol and cool
| aim at the brigand, who shouted:
Mercy! was not attacking you; sur
render. l am pursued. Save me -
The galloping of horses was heard at no
great distance. The nobleman thought it
quite piquant that bandit should solicit a
travellers protection on the highway the
confidence touched him the simplicity
amused him.
$50 be it, said he; Jump on the seat !;
wrap my cloak around you, and draw this
cap over your eyes"
The soldiers appeared. Have you seen
man running this way-a bandit we are
after % they asked. n
The traveller made sign in the negative;
the postillion-always on good terms with
bandtti, and often their accomplice-was
careful not to bctray the secret; so the
pursuers went on.
"Ah, my lord, you have saved my life.
But for your mercy, l should have been
hung"
"Then you have committed many crimes?'
''No bad ones. But l ask nothing better
than chance to be an honest man. Would
you take me into your service -
This proposition, which would have made
an ordinary traveller jump, was favorably
received by the eccentric Englishman. 81
should like to do so,'' he answered "you
interest me-"
Thanks, my lord. 1t is agreed, then
You will take me for your servant?'
mo, l have one and, really,I don't
very well know what place to give you l
have but one vacant; have just discharg-
ed my steward"
'Why Z"
"He robbed me-
1.-The wretch -
That word pronounced by that man,
pleased the noble lord. He left Italy with
his new retainer, who established himself
entirely in the masters good graces. Ii
was such an irresistible oddity to give
bandit place of trust. The rich English
man thought it extremely original to give
the keys of his cash and the care of his
money matters to man who had been used
to stripping travellers on the highways
but, what is more extraordinary, he never
had occasion to repent it for the ex-ban
dit, wrought to enthusiasm by SO prodigious
a mark Of confidence, persisted in the good
resolutions which the Englishman had judg-
ed to be sincere. Far from continuing his
former trade in the propitious situation of
steward, he became model of probity,
disinterestedness, and delicacy, and his
noble masters fortune prospered in his
loyal care.
A KIDNAPPER ABROAD.-A letter from
Rev. J. n Barker to the Editor, communi-
Gates the following: Not long since negro
girl was kidnapped, in the neighborhood of
Elk Spur p. O. in Wilkes county, by some
person unknown.
About the same time an attempt was
made to steal another negro girl, sister of
the first; but the lady of the house, Mrs.
Harris came upon the thief, and the attempt
failed. The man who was detected in the
second instance is supposed to be the same
who kidnapped the negro girls sister. His
name is not known: he is of medium size,
of dark complexion, has short black hair,
black eyes, and very white teeth. The
negro girl stol len by him, is only four or
five years old, and is well grown. Her
name is Plutina, but she is usually called
"Tine." 1t is suspected in the neighbor-
hood that the rogue sold his prey in Sails
bury.
We comply with the request to publish |
this account, in the hope that it may possi-
by lead to the detection of the thief. Any |
information should be directed to Neigh |
bors,'' or the Post Master at Elk Spur, |
Wilkes county, n. C.-Raleigh Age.
The happiest man in the world is the man
with just wealth enough to keep him in
spirits, and just children enough to make
him industrious.
The other day an old lady rushed into
the garden in search of her daughter, on
being told that the young lady had gone