Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-07-29
Jntnsstinp storg,
HAMS LAST VICTIM.
BY JOHN KENNEDY.

Iii ed the Mississippi river and negli.
WS gently travelled on my way toward
Greenfield. The cool shades which Gov
cred the majestic woodland scenery,
whiled away the time SO pleasantly, that
before | vas aware of it, the sun was
down and darkness was gently dropping
its black veil.
looked around me, and became alarm
ed at the density of the forest. The
signing of the wind, the resting of a
bush, the hooting of an owl started me.
In the thick shades of almost every tree
| imagined a wild beast ready to spring
upon me, and from behind the trees mon,
strous trunks, | expected some hideous
animal to dash furiously at me. carried
my revolver ready for an emergency, and
loosened my heavy knife in it's scabbard.
But little did | imagine that having pass
ed the dangers Of the woods, those Of a
more fearful and awful character awaited
me.
The darkness had become intense, and
it was with the greatest difficulty | could
pursue my course. At'length, however,
a light hove in view and never in my
life did | hail lis gentle lustre with grea-
ter joy.
When [ neared the spot, | found a d.
l~apidated log house, two stories high
with a riekety old porch in front. Il cou.
pie of gauns fefodsYa u hounds larne
rushing at me, and warned the inmates
of my approach. l scrutinized the prem
ises as closely as | could in the darkness,
and was anything but satisfied with the
result of my Investigations. But when l
looked about me and saw the heavy gloom
which hung upon everything, and the
prospect of being deyoured by wolves, |
concluded to first inquire the distance to
the next stopping place, and if it was
too far, to remain where | was.
The door opened, and a husky voice
said, Who's there Z"
"a stranger" | replied, and followed
up by asking how far to the next stop
ping place?
l could hear a low murmur Of voices,
and then a reply came, ten miles or
more
/ "dismounted, and fastened my horse to
a post, and as ] assembled the old ricketty
stairs Of the porch, they creaked a dismal
dirge, and the gaunt, lean hounds nipped
savagely at my heels.
The room which | entered, presented
such q repulsiye appearance, that | star
ted back with mingled surprise and dis
gust. The eyes of several rough, uneouth
looking individuals were turned upon
me, and I felt in their glance something
more of the foreclosures Of the wild
beast. than the gentle gaze of human be-
ings.
"Take a seat, stranger p said a burly,
thick set man, as he handed me a chair,
Which groaned piteously with its infirmi7
ties. AS | cast a glance upon the group
before me, | seemed to hesitate, which
was instantly noticed, and the officiating
man who seemed to be landlord, came to
ward me, and in as conctliatory tone ard
style as could be expected, said
Sorry can't accommodate you better,
stranger, but make yourself at home,
we'll do the best by you we kim"
A significant glance passed among the
men as the host concluded his hespitable
invitation, which did not escape my no
tice.
At length supper was served, consisting
of corr bread and bacon, and for this
meagre fare, abundant apologies were Of
fered.
After listening q short time to their
disgusting conversation, | informed my
host would like to retire.
"Will you leave your saddle bags ?"
said he, with a bland smile, as he extern
ded his monstrous hand to take them.
No, sir" | replied, while a heavy
frown gathered on my brow.
II have.a safe place to keep them, ne
~rejoined, while his blood shot eyes stab.
bed me to the heart.
"No doubt" said 1, with a meaning
nod, but / would prefer taking them
with me-"
phis CONCLUSION vas received rather
codllyr and as | prepared to leave the
room, one of the men espied the handle
Of my revolver pFotruding from beneath
my coat.
! "a Hello, strangsr?' he exclaimed IN Q
quick tone let's see that 'ese pistol, will
you"
SO egddea had been the demand, ane
In such seeming innoeent curiosity. tha'
Iputsmy hand back to give it to him.
Butla second thought decided, and ! re
Piled, that it was no great curiosity
and that i would show it to him IN thu
morning"
BY this time the men had gathered