Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1858-12-17
MISCELLANY
From the New York Mercury.
Catching q Tartar.


About the year l83- I received intelli-
gence of several skillful and daring rober-
les, which had been committed by some
person or persons unknown, who had left
no trace by which they could be reeog-
nized. According to Instructions, pro-
ceeded sncog. TO the village of E, near
which the exploits had been performed, TO
ferret cut the mystery.
Accordingly, one fine day, in the latter
part Of autumn, / rode up TO the only inn
the village boasted to suit my purpose.
gave out that / was wealthy farmer. re-
turning from the city with the fruits of my
industry. | am something of a Judge of
human nature, and upon entering the tap
room Of the inn. proceeded to read the
various counrenances before me. A single
glance satisfied me of the honesty If INV
host, and proceeded to survey his guests
They were, with one exception, simple look
ing peasants, and felt certain that none of
them had the wit, if the will, to perform
robbery.
This exception instantly marked out as
the only person in the room capable of per-
forming the deeds which had been accom-
plishcd. To casual observer there was
no difference in his appearance from that of
the others, but / observed that The instant
entered Tie room, his keen black eyes
were fastened on me-. ! had filed nv car
pet sack with small coin and to try hin |
gave them a slight jingle. saw the i.-
lows eyes glisttn and slight smile break
oyer his features but, on seeing that xas
observing nIai, ~ appeared confused
As did not wish him 10 saspe6t NEE.
however. asked the landlord for MY room
As if it had been his object TO find out
where ! slept, the fellow soon after left
In my own mind felt sure that he was the,
robber; but, as had no proof and knew
thrt he had accomplices, | let him slip.
retired to my room early, pretending 10 he
weary. i asked he landlord for light.
and, VIXEN alone, proceeded TO examine my
pistols. Having made sure that they were
ready for use, / replaced them in my bo-
som, ard then cast myself on the bed-not
TO sleep, but to listen.
On either side of me the rooms were
empty, and felt certain that the robbers
would attack me through them. One, two,
three hours passed, and no sound broke the
silence. Several times | caught myself
noddng, and it was with the greatest diff
Guilty that / could keep awake. Suddenly
low, grating sound from the next room
broke the silence. Then came muffled
sounds, as Of persons in stocking-feet step
ping on the floor. Then there was the low
sound of voices; and by pressing my ear
closely against the partition, was enabled
| to catch most of their words.
Il say, Bill" said one, in deep, gruf'
voice, though low tone, !" how will we pro-
ceed now J"
"Ill tell yer" answered the other, with
the same cautious manner; :" I'll take the
fellows sack by myself, while you take
care of the horses,
Wouldn'l it be better for both ofos 10
90 into the room?" asked bis companion.
No, Tom !" was the reply; +" if he
wakes this botcie will settle the hash, and
if lie sleeps. one can carry away his ready p
Well just as you please, Bill. Ouly
if you want me just blow that whistle of
yours and I'll be on hand 8"
There was a scrambling sound for few
moments, and then all was still. One OF
the villains had evidently left, and the 9TH
er was listening. At length | could hear
the villain slowly open the door of the 9TH
er chamber. Then all was silent; he was
evidently listening. Then could hear him
cautiously advance to my doori His hand
was upon the latch, and the door was slowly
opened Pistol in hand, stood face TO
face with my friend of the bar-room. When
he saw me prepared, he raised his knife
and would have sprung upon me, but
raised my pistol TO his head and said, qui
! etly, but in a determined tone:
Make single movement and you die ?
The fellow dropped his arm, exclaiming
with a crest fallen air:
! Caught Tartar, by thunderl" +"
). Suddenly he gave peculiar whistle.
], remembered the words of his companion
g and saw that in moment he would hav
assistance. Determined not to be cheate,
;. out of my prey, j adopted ruse to secur
= him. Looking over his shoulder, | ex
2 claimed:
" " Landlord, secure him
u The fellow turned bis head and quick q
= Thought, blow from the butt of my pisi,
laid him senseles. at my feet. Hearing
Sc noise in the next apartment, took my ST;
ton al the door, and as villain No.