Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-01-15
Eli Z ROB b ER'S OOST;
Or, Hans, Last yietjm -


which covered the road, and the IN sjestic wood
land scenery, whi!ed away the time so pleasant
ly that before was aware Of it, the sun was
down and darkness was gently dropping its
black veil.
looked about me, and became alarmed at
the density Of the forest. The sighing of the
wind, the rustling of bush, the hooting of an
owl startled me. In the thick shades of almost
every tree l imagined 9 wild beast ready to
spring upon me, and from behind the trees
monstrous trunks, I expected some hideous
animal to dash furiously at me. carried my
revolver ready for any emergency, and loosened
my heavy knife in its scabbard But little did
the woods, those of more fearful and awful
character awited me.
Ihe darkness had become intense and il was
with the greatest difficulty could pursue nv
course. At length, however, a light hove in
view; and never in my life did hail its gentle
lustre with greater Joy.
When l neared the spot, found a dilapi-
dated log house two stories high. with a rickety
old porch In front. A couple Of gaunt, fero-
cious hounds came rushing at me, and warned
the inmates OF my approach. scrutinized the
premises as closely as 1 could in the darkness,
and was any thing but satisfied with the result
cf my Investigations. But when locke ed about
me aud saw tho heavy gloom which hung upon
everything, and the prospect Of being devoured
oy wolves, concluded to first inquire the dis
tance to the next stopping place, and if it was
too far, to remain where was
lhe door opened, and a husky voice said,
who's there ?''
"A stranger" replied, and followed up by
asking : how tar to the next stopping place ?''
could hear a low murmur of voices and
then reply came, :" ten miles or more"
dismounted, and fastened my horse to a
post, and as ascended the old rickety stairs
OF the porch they creaked a dismal dirge, and
the gaunt, lean hounds nipped savagely at my
heels.
The room which entered presented such a
repulsive appearance, that started back with
mingled surprise and disgust The ewes of
several rough, uncOuth looking individuals
were turned upon me, and felt in their
glance, something more of the ferooiousness of
the wild beast, than the gentle gaze of human
beings.
Take seat, stranger" said burly, thick
set man, as he handed me a chair. which
groaned piteously with its infrmities As I
cast glance upon the group before me. I
seemed to hesitate, which was instantly no.
tlced, and the officiating man, who seemed to
De a landlord, came toward me- and in a con-
ciIiatory tone, and style as gentle as could bo
expected said;
Sorry can { accommodate you better, stran-
ger but make yourself at homo, we'll do the
best by you we kin"
A significant glance passed among the mon
which did not escape my notice.
At length supper was served, consisting of
corn bread and bacon, and for this meagre fare
abundant apologies were offered
After listening short time to their disgust
ing conversation, informed my host would
like to retire.
will you leave your saddle bags ~ said he.
with bland smile, as he extended his hand to
take them
No, SIR" replied, while a heavy frovn
gathered on my brow.
L have a very safe place to keep them. - he
rejoined, while his blOOd-shot eyes stabbed me
to the heart
but would prefer taking them with me. -
This conclusion was received rather coolIy,
and as prepared to leave the room one of the
men espied the handle Of my revolver protru-
ding from beneath my coat.
Hello, stranger" he exclaimed, in a quick
tone, " let's see that ere pistol will you ?''
So sudden hsd been the demand, anil in such
seeming innocent curiosity, that 1 put nv hand
back to give 1t 10 him. But a second thought
decided me, and replied that ii was no great
curiosity, and would show it to him in the
morning.
By this time the men had gathered around
me, and seeing things looked rather peculiar,
backed myself through the door, followed by
the bost. When the door was closed could
hear loud murmuring, and an oath or two ut
tered In vehement tones.
The landlord hurried me ND a feeble nair
Of stairs, and, few yards from the landing.
pushed open a door and bade me enter. /
glanced around the apartment, and showed by
my action, that was dissatisfied with its an
pearance.
" Ii is the best can do for you, stranger" /"
said he, "and you needn't be afraid of them
fellows down stairs, they won hurt any BODY. ~
Il shall not be alarmed" l replied, as he
closed the door and descended the steps L
was somewhat annoyed at the appearance of
things, and determined to place myself in the
best possible position Of defence. / examined
my quarters closely, and found the door had no
fastening Whatever, nor was there ANYTHING
convenient with which it could be secured.
Determined not to be baffled tore a strip
Of board from the wall, and with my knife cut
outa piece sufficiently long to make a brace
from the lower clete Of the door to the floor
Then with my pOcketknife 1 bored holes in
the casing at the upper end, and drawing
several nails from the wall, drove them in
with the handle Of my large knife. Having
examined the walls, and apprehending no
trsachery from them, secured the window,
and then turned my attention to the floor
Beneath the bed discovered a trap-door, and
its discovery made my hair stand on end I
found il opened downward, ard the possibility
Of securing it strongly seemed hopeless.
once 1 thought of removing the bed, and
tneu Watching, as trapper does hole IN the
ice for game. But that would not do, for
should successfully repulse the first Intruder
for had no longer doubt of being in
Robbers Roost-it would leave q hole open
which would expose me TO their ire. Atlength
a plan came to my relief. 1 moved the bed
from over the door, and taking the clothes of,
threw the chaf bed upon the floor, and di-
rectly over the suspected trap. But, oh, hor-
ror, what discovery made The bed was
saturated with blood and in MANY places bar
from the gore which had dried in it
Having thus fortified myself, took seat
on one end Of the bed, with my saddle bags
close by me, my knife in one hand, and INV re
yOlVer in the other, and my ammunition con-
venient, in case should need It. / blew out
my light, and in darkness awaited the denouo.
msnt Of the plot. How long / had waited
could not tell, but in spite Of my periIous situ-
alton, my eyes grew heavy, and was almost
overcome with sleep. But an easy moving Of
the bed aroused all my perceptive faculties,
aud IN an instant | was wide awake. Ii moved
a .I Iii