The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1858-02-17
q Gbrillins Abpentnre.
THE ROBBER OF THE WABASH.

Indiana. | had gone out partly for my
health and partly 10 accommodate one who
had ever been noble friend TO me, who
had purchased great deal of government
land. At Davenport he was taken sick, and
after watching him week, in hopes that
he would soon recover, found that he had
a settled fever; and, as the physician said
he would not be able 10 move on under a
month, determined to push on alone. So
obtained good nurse, and, having seen
that my friend would have everything nec-
essary TO his comfort, which money could
procure, left him.
AS good fortune would have it, found a
party of six men bound on the very route
that was going, and | waited one day for
the sake of their company. At length we
sot out, with three pack-horses to carry our
luggage, and soon found lost nothing by
waiting, for my companions were agreeable
and entertaining. They were going TO St.
Joseph, where they had land already loca-
ted, and where they had mills upon the
river intending to get out lumber the re-
malnder OF the season.
On the third day from Loganspot we
reached Walton's Settlement, on Little Riv-
er-having left the Wabash on the morning
of that day. 1t was well on into the even
ing when we reached the little log built inn
of the settlement, and we were glad enough
of the shelter, for, ere we were fairly under
cover, the rain commenced to fall in great
drops, and thickly, too. And more still
had 10 be thankful, for my horse began to
show lameless in one of his hind legs, and
when leaped from the saddle, found that
his foot panied him very much, as could
tell by the manner in which he lifted it
from the ground. ] ordered the ostler 10
balhe it with cold water, and then went in
10 the house, where we found a good sub
stantial supper, and comfortable quarters for
the night-that is, comfortable quarters for
that country at that time.
About ten o'clock, just after I had retired,
and just as I was falling into grateful
browse, was startled by the shouts of men
and barking of dogs, directly under my
window. AS the noise continued arose,
threw on my clothes, and went down.
''What is 1t 2" asked of the landlord, who
stood in the c1try-way.
"Ah don't you know, stranger 2" said the
host, returning, "You've heard of Gustus
Karl, perhaps ~
Who, in the west, at that time, had not
heard of him the most reckless, daring,
and murderous robber that ever cursed a
country. ] told the host that had heard of
/ him often.
"Well," he resumed, sthe internal villain
was here only this afternoon, and murdered
and robbed man just up the river We've
been out after him; but 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, and 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 horseless," [
said.
"Yies,n the landlord growled. "But," he
added, with knowing shake of his 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 a man is he ?" l 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 curly hair,
a smooth white face, and not very Stout
But, Lord love ye, 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. Ohio he's the very devil,
l do believe.n
After the tub full of whiskey and water
which the host had provided, was all drank,
the crowd began to disperse, and shortly
afterwards went up again to bed; an 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.
answered at once 10 the name, and he then
informed me that Lyman Kemp could moi
live, and he wished to see me 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 !'' | murmured TO myself
$50 young, so hopeful, with so many friends
and fond relatives in his lar off homeland
taken down TO die in a strange land"
told the man | would set out on my return
as quick as possible. He ate some break
fast and resumed his journey, being bound
as far up as the Pottawattemie border.
settled my bill, and then sent for my
horse; but a'bitter disappointment awaited
me. found the animals foot swollen very
badly, and itpained him so he could hardly
step upon it. Had the road been good
should have been tempted 10 try him; but
knew that in some places the mud woult
be deep. went to the host and asked hin
if he could lend or sell me horse. Hi
could do neither His only spare horse hat
been shot by the Wabash robber. There
was not horse in the place TO be obtained
for any amount OF money. l returned t
J the stable and let out my horse, but HI
J could not even walk with any degree o