Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1857-09-08
S SeIPttfs o alt.
A RIVER ADVENTURE.
THRILLING SKETCH

In the summer of 1882, l was engaged
with young man named Lyman Kemp,
IN locating land lots along the Wabash.
IN Indiana. | had gone out partly for
my health, and partly TO accommodate one
who had ever been a noble friend to me,
and who had purchased great deal of
government land. At Loganport, he was
taken sick, and after watching with him a
week, in hopes that he would soon recov-
er, found that he had settled fever,
and, as the physician said he would not
be able TO move on under a month, de-
termlneG 10 push on alone. So obtained
good nurse, and having seen that my
friend would have everything necessary
to his comfort, which money could pro-
cure, left him.
As good fortune would have it, found
party Of SIX men bound on the very
route was going, and waited one day for
the sake Of their company. At length
we set out, with three pack horses to car
ry our luggage, and l soon found that |
had lost nothing by waiting, for my COM
panlons were agreeable and entertaining
They were going on to St. Joseph's where
they had land already located, and where
they had mills upon the river, intending
to get out lumber during the remainder
of the season.
Ga the third day from Loganport, we
reached Walton's settlement, on the Little
River, having left the Wabash on the
morning of that day. Ii was well on into
the evening when we reached the little
Iog-built inn of the settlement, and we
were glad enough of the shelter-for ere
we had fairly got under cover, the rain
commenced to fall in great drops. and
thickly too. And more still had | to be
thankful for. My horse began to show
lameness in one of his hind legs, and
when | leaped from the saddle, found
that his foot panied him much, as | could
tell by the manner IN which he lifted il
from the ground. | ordered the oSlIer to
bathe il with cold water aud then went
into the house, where we found a good
substantial supper, and good comfortable
quarters for the night-that is, comforta-
bic for that section and that time.
About ten o'clock, Just after [ had re-
tired. and just after | was falling into a
grateful browse, ] was startled by the
shouts of men and the barking of dogs,
directly under my window. As the noise
continued, | arose, threw on my clothes,
and went down.
What is q l asked Of the landlord,
who STOOD in the enfry-way.
''Ah-dont you know, stranger z" the
host returning. " You've heard Of Gus
tus Kari, perhaps g.
Who N the west at some time, had not
heard Of him l-the most reckless, daring
and murderous robber, that ever cursed a
country. | told the host l had heard of
him often.
WE'LL" he resumed, "the internal
villain was here only this afternoon, and
murdered and robbed a man just up the
river. We've been out after him, bat
he's gin us the slip. We tracked him as
far as the upper creek, and there he came
out on the bank, fired at US. killed one of
our horses: and then drove into the woods.
We set the dogs on, but they lost him."
'And you've come back hostIess," /
said.
Yes" the landlord growled but"
he added, with a knowing shake of the
head, che can't run clear much longer
The country is in arms, and he'll either
leave these huntins, or be dropped"
"What sort of man is he Z" | asked.
"The very last man in the world you
would take for Gus Karl He is small,
not a bit over five feet, six; with light
and curly hair, smooth white face, and
not very stout, but, Lord love We, he's
quick as lightning, and his eyes got fire
IN It. He dresses IN all sorts of shapes,
but generally like a common hunter.
Ono! He's the very devil, | do believe"
After the tub full of whiskey and
water the host had provided, was all
drank, the crowd began to disperse, and
shortly afterwards went up again to bed;
and this time | slept on uninterrupted till
morning.
| had Just eaten my breakfast and had
gone out to the front door, when horse
man came dashing up TO the place, himself
and animal all covered with mud. 1t had
been raining all night. The first thing
the new conner did, was to inquire for
me. l answered at once to the name,
and he then informed me that Lyman
Kemp could not live, and that he wished
10 see as soon as possible
The doctor says he must die" said
the messenger, "and the poor fellow now
only asks for life long enough to see you"
Poor Lyman | murmurad to myself.
$50 young - SO hopeful = with 50 many
friends, and fond relatives in his far-oti'
home -a and taken down to die in
strange land :" | told the man | would
set out on my return as soon as possible.
He al some breakfast, and then resumed
his journey, being bound up as far as the
Pouawatomie border.
| settled my bill, and then went for my
horse, but bitter disappointment awaited
me. | found the animals foot swollen
very badly, and it panied him 50, that he
could hardly step on it. Had the road
been good, should have tempted to try
him, but knew that on some places the
mud would be deep. went to the host
and asked him if he could lend or sell me
a horse. He could do neither. His only
spare house had been shot the night be-
fore, by the Wabash robber. There was
not horse in the place to be obtained for
any amount Of money. l returned to the
. aIa ar,1 III bt1f ha