Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1859-06-11
CHAPTER vi.

!
| The scene now changes. II is night, but
the moon is shining brightly and the stars are
piering forth from the Heavens, through her
rays with sickly CLEAN.
| A man Of midling stature, is standing in
the shade OF a large oak tree along the New
port road, in what is called the folly woods.
This lonely woods is situated about three
miles from Wilmington, OH the turnpike lead
ing to Newport, and has always been place
noted for depredations of various kinds. 1t
was a wonder that person should be seen
in that place at night.
He evidently avoids being seen by any
stragler that may chance to pass that unfre-
quented spot.
| As the moon raises higher in the Heavens,
and discloses his hiding place he changes po-
sition, always taking great pains to keep in
the shade.
At the time of which We speak, there was
but few places in Delaware, that has been the
scene of as many crimes and depredations as
this lonely and unfrequented spot. The road
is lined on both sides by forests OF swamp
oaks, with here and there an occasional hiok-
ory which raise their giant heads ON high,
and almost form an arch OF their branches
across the turnpike.
But few people travelled through that lone
iy place, yet person could scarcely pass
through this arch Of foliage after night in per-
feet safety.
Robberies had often been perpetrated there,
even in day time with impunity; 80 dense
was the covering and so ample the places Of
concealment. Some had went so far AZ to
whisper that murder had also been committed
within its shades without detection.
1t was drawing towards midnight and not 8
living thing had passed the stranger; but
still he kept concealed. Ever and anon the
shrieking OF an owl would make him start
from his hiding place but it was only mo-
mentary, and then he would assume his for
mer lurking position again.
As far as the eye could carry, either way,
nothing could lie seen through the long lane
of trees that hemmed the road.
The bright rays of the moon would fire.
quently be obscured by the oyerhanging
branches, and as the night grew later, they
would penetrate rs far as the road.
At length a rough looking man made his
appearance and walked cautiously up TO the
person hid in the shade.
| A glance of recognition was sufficient to
satisfy each of the others identity, and they
commenced low conversation upon sub
ject evidently of Importance.
Have you seen anything of him since
left you 20 inquired the person just arrived
In an under tone.
"N0' said the other. al have stood
here ever since you went away, but mo one
has appeared, and l am getting tired of wait
ing. Suppose we walk together as far as
Newport, and see if we can know anything
about him.
81 1t is not worth while" rejoined the other,
for have been all through it, and can see
nothing of him, and don't suppose both of
US can see any better than l cam"
/ To keep the reader from forming false con-
lectures concerning the two strangers, that
we have thus introduced, and in order to car
ry on the conversation with more ease, it is
expedent to inform him that the one conceal
ed in the woods, was no other than Roger
Wilson, and the one who had been out ON a
reconnoitre was Charley Baxter; particular
favorite of old Mag's, and one of her trusty
emisaries.
Now, we have introduced the gentlemen, ii
will be well enough to proceed with portion
Of the conversation, in order to eicite the
purpose of their visit to this lonely place at
this hour of the night.
"Chariey, you don't seem disposed to fol-
low out this enterprise with much alacrity.
What do you suppose old Mag will say ii We
return without doing anything to night''
"Say what in the devil do you suppose
care for what she says If she puts us on
the wrong scent and don't get anything;
don't think she has right to say much.
Didn't she tell us that he would have to pass
this way tonight before ten o'clock, and
! haven't We waited here until Il is now twelve
o'clock, and he hasn't made his appearance
yet. It is pretty note indeed that that old
sarpent should say anything about i'll II
anybody has a right to complain, it is u.s.
Then pausing moment, he exclaimed
''By the eternal Pm going home without
waiting any longerl"
Good as his word, Charley started towards
Wilmington, and Roger unwilling to undcr-
take great enterprise-as he would term it
in such place by himself, followed quickly
the receding footsteps of his savage accom-
plice.
The first mile was passed in perfect silence
not word escaping either of their lips.
At length, as If new idea had struck him,
in rather sarcastic manner, Charley pro-
ceeded;
''Roger, how will your share OF the enter
prise terminate-will you be entitled to the
cOoped chick for merely walking out here with
out procuring snythings"