Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1859-10-21
THE ROBBERS RoosT
UHi
HAMS LAST VICTIM.

It was a sultry afternoon when | cross
ed the Mississippi, and negligently trav-
eled on my way toward Greenfield. 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 dark
veil
/ looked about me and became alarmed
at the density of the forest. The sighing
of tho wind, the rustling of a bush, the
hooting of an OWL startled me- In the
thick shades Of almost every tree imagin-
ed wild beast ready to spring upon me,
and, from behind the trees monstrous
trunks, / expected some hideous animal
TO dash furiously at me. ] carried my re-
volver ready for any emergency, and loos-
ened my heavy knife in the 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
twas with the greatest difficulty that
could pursue my course. IGH
At length, However, light hove in
view, and never in my life did hail its
gentle lustro with greater JOY than at that
moment
When / nearcd the spot found a di
lapidated log house, two stories high, with
rickety old porch in front A couple of
gaunt, ferocious hounds came rushing at
me, and warned the inmates of my APP
proach. l scrutinized the premises as
closely as | could in the dark, and was
anything but satisfied at the result of my
Investigations But when looked about
me and saw the heavy gloom which hung
upon everything, and the prospect of be-
ing devoured by wolves, | concluded to
first inquire the distance to the next stop
ping place, and if it was too far. to remain
where | was. The door opened and a
husky voice said
WHO'S there 2
"A stranger, | replied, and then fol-
lowed up by asking, how far to the uext
stopping placer
| could hear low murmur of voices
and then reply came.
Ten miles or more.
dismounted and fastened my horse to
post, and as L ascegded the old lickety
stairs of the porch. ey creaked dismal
dirge, and the gau lean hounds npped
savagely at my heels.
The room which / entered presented so
repulsive an appearance, that | started
back with mingled surprise and disgust
The eyes Of several rough, uncouth look
ing individuals were turned upon me, |
felt in their glanees something more of
tho feroeiousness of wild beasts than the
pcnte gaze of human beings.
Take q seat stranger, said a burly,
thick set man, as he handed me a chair,
which groaned piteously at its inlirmities
As cast glance upon the group before
me, | seemed to hesitate, which was in
stantly noticed and the officiating man.
who seemed to be a landlord, came toward
me, and. in conciliatory tone, and as
gentle as could be expected, said
Sorry cant accommodate you better,
stranger, but make yourself at home, well
do the best we kin
A significant glance passed among the
men as the host concluded his hospitable
Invitations, which did not escape my no.
tice.
At length supper was served, consist
ing of corn bread and bacon, and for this
meagre fare abundant apologies were Of
fered.
After listening awhile to their disgust
ing conversation, | Informed my host |
would like to retire.
will you leave your addle-bagsP he
said, with a bland smile, as he extended
his monstrous hand to take them.
No, sir replied with heavy frown
gathering on my brow.
Il have very safe place to keep them,
he rejoined, while his blood shot eyes
stabbed me to the heart.
No doubt said |, with meaning nod,
'but would prefer taking them with me,
This conclusion was received rather
coolly, and as prepared to leave the room
one of the men cspied the handle Of my
revolver protruding from beneath my
coat.
Halo, stranger, he exclaimed in a
quick tone, let's see that ar pistol, will
youY
SO sudden had been the demand, and
in such seeming innocent curiosity, that
put my hand back to give it to him. But
a second thought decided me, and | repli-
ed that il was no great curiosity, and that
l would show it to him in the morning.
BY this time the men had gathered
around me, aud seeing things looked rath-
or peculiar, backed myself through the
door, followed by the host, When the
door was closed, could hear loud muir,
murings, and an oath uttered in loud
tones.
The landlord hurried me up a feeble
pair of stairs, and in few yards from the
landing pushed open door aud bade mt
enter. glanced around the apartment
aud showed by my actions that | was dis
satisfied by its nasty appearance.
1t is the best can do for you, stran
ger, said he, and you needn't be sfgaiC