Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1859-02-24
anterestino Storp.
ROBBERS ROOST;
HAMS LAST WlCTIM
By JOHN 3. KENNEDY.

1t was sultry afternoon when Icrossed
the Mississippi, and negligently travelled
on my way toward Greepfield. The cool
shades which covered the road, and the
majestic woodland scenery, whiled away
the time so pleasantly, that before was
aware of it, the sun was down and darkness
was gently dropping its black veil. -
I'd 1 looked about me and became alarmed
at the density of the forest. The signing
of the wind, the rustling of bush, the
hooting of an owl startled me. In the
thick shades of almost every tree | imagined
. wild beast ready to spring upon me, and
from behind the trees monstrous trunks, l
expected some hideous animal to dash fu-
riously at me. carried my revolver ready
for my emergency, and loosened my heavy
knife in its scabbard. But little did i'm
agine that, having passed the dangers of
the woods, those of more fearful and aw
To- ful character awaited me. 5--,
7r The darkness had become intense, and
it was with the greatest difficulty could
pursue my course.
AT length, however, light bove in view
and never in ny life did hail its gentle
luster with greater joy than at that mo-
ment.
When / neared, the spot found di-
lapidated log house, two stories high, with
a rickety old porch in front. A couple of
gaunt, ferocious hounds came rushing at
me, and warned the inmates of my ap-
proach. scrutinized the premises as close
ly as could in the dark, and was anything
but satisfied with the result of my investi
CATIONS. But wbtn looked about Inc and
saw the heavy gloom which hung upon eve
.rything, and the prospect of being devonr-
ed by wolves, l 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 husky voice said:
''Who's there?"
"a stranger" 1 replied and then follow
ed up by asking show far to the uext stop
ing place"
could hear low murmur of voices,
and then reply came:
'sTen miles or more"
l dismounted, and fastened my horse to
a post, and as l ascended the old rickety
stairs of the porch, they creaked dismal
dirge, and the gaunt, lean hounds nipped
.savagely at my heels.
The room which / entered presented so
repulsive an appearance that l started back
with mingled surprise and disgust. The
eyes Of several rough, uncouth looking in
dividuals were turned upon me, felt in
their glance something more of the fero-
'ciousness of wild beasts, than the gentle
gaze of human beings.
"Take seat, stranger| said burly
thick set man, as he handed me chair,
which groaned piteously with its in6rmi
ties. As l cast glance upon the group
before me, seemed 10 hesitate, which was
instantly noticed, and the officiating man,
who seemed 10 be landlord, came toward
me, and in conciliatory tone, and as gen.
tie as could be expected, said:
"Sory can't accommodate you better,
stranger; but make yourself at home, we'll
do the best we kim
= A significant glance passed among the
men as the host concluded his hospitable
invitations, which did not escape my notice.
q Atlength supper was served, consisting
of corn bread and bacon, and for this mea-
ger fare abundant apologies were offered. 4
AFTER listening awhile to their disgusting
conversation, / informed my host would
ike to retire. .asa e..ea- .i.a-.
Z sWill leave your saddle bags" said he
with bland smile, as he extended his mon
strous heed to take them.
"No, sir" replied with heavy frown
gathered on my brow.
> 81 have very safe place to keep them"
he rejoined, while his blood shot eyes stab
bed me to the heart.
.No doubt" said with meaning nod,
shut would prefer taking them with me-"
This conclusion was receivd rather coolly,
and as l prepared to leave the room one
of the men espied the handle of my revol-
yer protruding from beneath my coat.
20 HHollo, s.rangerw he exclaimed, in a
quick tone, "let's see that ere pistol, will
your >.
So sudden had been the demand, and in
such seeming innocent curiosity, that l put
INV hand back TO give it to him. But a
second thought decided me, and | replied
that it was no great curiosity, and l would
show il to him in the morning. ,s. .a.
By this time the men had gathered
around me, and seeing things looked rath-
er peculiar, backed myself through the
door, followed by the host When the
the door was closed could hear loud mur-
murings, and an oath uttered in vehement
tones. IA ,.a AXIS 5-l
The landlord hurried me up feeble
pair of stairs, and in few yards from the
landing, pushed open door and bade me
enter. / glanced around the apartment,
and showed by my actions that was dis
satisfied with its appearance.
at is the best 1 can do for you, stran-
ger" said be, sand you needn't be afraid
Of them fellows down stairs, they won't
hurt anybody"
81 shall not be alarmed" I replied, as
he closed the door and descended the steps.
I was somewhat annoyed at the appear
auce of things, and determined to place
myself in the best possible position Of de-
enss. Iexamined my quarters closely, and
found the door had no fastening whatever,
nor was there anything convenient with
which it could be secured. r. o..
Determined not 10 baffied, / tore a strip |
OF board from the wall, and with my knife |
cut out piece sufficiently long to make a
brace from the lower clete of The door to
the floor Then with M. n