Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1858-08-20
THE ROBBERS Roosr.
By JOHN Kennedy.

the Mississippi river. and negIigently tra>
yelled on my way towards Greenfield. =
The cool shade which covered the road,
and the majestic woodland scenery. whiled
away the Time so pleasantly that beiore l
was aware of it. the sun was down and
darkness was gently, dropping its black
veil.
Hooked around me. and became a!arm-
ed at the density of the forest. The sigh
Jog of the wind. the rushing of bush
the thick shades Of almost every tree
imagined wild beast ready to spring
upon me. and from behind the trees
m1nstrous trunks 1 expected some bids
eous animal TO dash furiously at me. /
carried my revolver ready for any emer-
gency. and loosened my heavy knife 10
its scabbard. But little did imagine
that those of 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
light hove in view; and never in my life
did hail its gentle lustre with greater
joy.
When neared the spot. l found dil>
apidated log house. two stories high.
with rickety old porch in front.
couple Of gaunt, ferocious hounds came
rushing at me. and warned the inmates
Of my approach. scrutinized the pre-
misses as closely as could in the dark
uess. and was anything but satisfied with
the result Of my Investigations. B 1t
when looked about me and saw the
heavy gloom which hung upon every
thing. ard the prospect of being devour-
ed bv wolves. concluded first to enquire
the distance TO the next place. and If it
was too far. to remain where l was.
Th. door opened. and husky voice
asked:
WHO'S there 2"
ga stranger" replied. aud followed
by asking how far to the next stop
ping place.
could hear low murmur of voices.
and then reply came
Ten miles or more"
l dismounted, and fastened my horse
tn post. and as | assembled the rckeuy
stairs Of the porch they creaked dismal
dirge. and The gaunt lean hounds nipped
savagely at my heels.
The room which entered presented
SNS'A 4" - PA'SlNS duOOS bhhI SthTb~
ed back with mingled surprise AMI dis
gust. The eyes of several rough. un
cOuth looking individuals were turned
upon me. and felt in heir glance some
thing more of the ferociousnsss of the
wild beast than the gentle gaze of hu-
man beings.
Take seat. stranger p said a bur-
ley. thick set man. as he handed me a
~. ~ L.. :.
in6r'nities. As cast glance upon the
group before me. seemed to hesitate.
which was instantly noted. and the off
! ciating man. who seemed to be landlord
came TO "arfs me and in conciIIatory
tone. and style as gentle as could be
expected. said:
''Surry we cant accommodate you
better. stranger; but make yourself at
home. and we'll do the best by you we
kim"
A significant glance passed among the
men as .he host concluded his hospitabIe |
invitation, which did not escape my no.
Lice.
AT length supper was served. consist
ing of corn. bread and bacon. and for this
meagre fare abundant apologies were of |
tered.
After listening for short time to their
Disgusting conversation, informed my
host wished to retire.
will you leave your saddle bags 2 said
he. with bland smile. as he extended
his mousuous hand TO take them
No. Air.' replied. while a heavy
frown gathered on my brow.
Il have very safe place to keep them.
he rejnined. while his bloodshot eyes |
stabbed me to the heart.
No doubt said with me eaning nod
but prefer taking them with me-
This conclusion was received rather
coolly. and as | prepared to leave the
room. one OF the men espied the handle
of my revolver protrudiug from beneath
my coat.
'I'aIlo. stranger T. he exclaimed 10 a
quick tone. 'IeI's see that there pistol.
will you?' So suddenly had been the
demand. and in such seeming curiosity.
that put my hand back to give it to him.
But second thought decided me, and
replied. that was no great curiosity. and
would show it to him in the morning
BY this time the men had yathe. ed |
around me, amt seeing thin IS looked rath>
er peculiar. backed myseh through the !
door. followed by The host. When the |
door was closed could hear loud mur.
muring. and an oath or two uttered in We
hement tones.
The landlord hurried me up feeble
pair of stairs. aud few yards from the
landing pushed open dour aud bade me
enter. glanced around the apartment,
and showed by my signs that was dis
satisfied with its appearance.
1t is the best can do for you. strau