Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1859-11-09
EDENSBURG, Pa, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1859.

same pistols; and SuSpectlng tnaG sne mign1
have been tampering with them he drew the
charges and reloaded them carefully. This
done, he logged on again as before
He had ridden about ten miles, when he
came to a wooden bridge that there was in
those days over Avon Just beyond it rose
stol6sh hill, at the top of which was sud-
den bend in the road Just as my father
reached this turn, masked horseman sud-
denly wheeled upon him. and bade him stand
and deliUerp It was Tom Rocket In
second my fathers pistols were out, cooked
and snapped within yard of the highway
mans chest; but, one after the other they
missed fire! The pretty barmaid-a special
favorite of Tom's-was too sharp to rely upon
the old dodge of drawing the balls. or damp
ing the charge; she thursts pin into each
tuch- hole, and broke it short off
"Any more?' Tom inquired, as coolly as
you please, when my fathers second pistol
flashed in the pan.
"Yes!" shouted my father in a fury, 'one
on your nob! And seizing the weapon last
used by the muzzie, he hurled it with all his
might and main at Rockets head. Tom
dueked, the pistol few over the hedge, and
my father, thrown out of balance by his ex-
ertion. lost his seat, and fell heavily on the
grass by the roadside. In less time than it
takes to say So Tom Gismounted, seized my
father by the collar, and presenting a pistol
within an inch of bis face as he lay, bade him
be quiet. or it would be worse for him
You've given me deal of trouble, said
Tom. $50 just hand over your purse with
out any more ado, or by Cd I'll send a
bullet through your skull-just there" and
laid thecold muzzle of his pistol on my ia
theirs forehead just between his eyes.
- &c hoI 70 70
barrel of loded firearms upon full cock. with
a highway mans finger upon the trigger;
out to have the cold muzzle pressed slowly
upon your ead-ugh!-it makes me creep to
think it.
My father made virtue Of necessity, and
quietly gave up his purse.
Much good may it do you" he said; ''for
there's only three and six pence in it,
Now for your pocket book" said Tom,
not hearing him.
'.Pocket-book!'' inquired my father, tur-
ming little pale.
''Aye, pocket book" Tom repeated; "a
thick black one; it is in the left hand pocket
of your riding coat"
''Here it is, said my father, you know
SO much shout it that perhaps you can tell
what its contents are worth?'
"Tll see," Tom replied. quietly taking out
and unfolding halfa dozen legal looking doc
uments.
They are law papers-not worth cent
| to you or any one else," said my father.
Then" Tom replied. Il can tear them
up" and he made as though he would do so
tHold! on your lifep' my father shouted,
struggling hard. but in vain to rise.
ooh! they are worth something then, y
said Tom, with grin.
at would take deal of trouble to make
them out again, my father replied su!kily-
that's all
.'How much trouble?" Tom inquired. with
meaning look.
''Wel" my father answered, 81 suppose
know what you are driving at. Hand me
| them back and let me go, and pI omise tx
send you hundred pounds when and where
you please"
''You know very well that these papers
are worth more than hundred" said Tom.
"a hundred and fifty, them" said my ia
ther.
Go on" said Tom
'sI tell you what it is, you scoundrel,
cried my father, ''I'll stake FIVE hundred a
gainst them. if you'll lose your hold and 6gh
me fairly for it,
Tom only chuckled.
"Why what ninny you must take M
for.'' he said; "why should / bother mysel
fighting for what [ even get without
you're cur, that's what you are m
father shouted in fury.
Don't be cross" said Tom, sit don't be
come you to look red in the face. Now at
tend to me-" he continued in an altered tone
''do you see that bridge? Well! there's
heap of stones in the centre is'E there?-
Very good . If you will place five hundre
guineas in gold, in bag, amongst shose stone
at twelve o'clock at night this day week, yo1
shall find your pocket-book and all its con
tents in the same place two hours afterwards
'How am I to know that you will kee
your word?" my father enquired, little soft
ened by the nope of regaining, even at S
t heavy price, the papers that were SO valua
, Bile to him
! I'm Tom Rocket" replied the roDber
, securing the pocket-boo upon his person
: s'and what I mean say; and what | say.
stick to. Now, get up, and mind" he adde
as my father sprang to his feet, ''n'y pisto
7 don't miss fire. -
81 shall live to see you hanged" my Fl
ther muttered, adjusting his disordered dres
Shall help you to catch your horsei
Tom asked politely.
q 'I'll never rest till lodge you in Jail,
: said my father, savagely.
It "Give my compliments to your wife, sal
d Tom, mounting his horse.
Il "Confound your impudence, howled m
t father.
y Good night" said Tom, with wave
. his hand. and turning sharp around, he jun
= ed his horse over the fence and was out
e sight in moment.
l. 1t was not quite fair of my father. mu
v own, but he was determined to set a trap f
J. Tom Rocket, baited with the five hundr,
k guineas, at the bridge. He posted up
1t London, saw Bradshaw, famous Bow sire
10 runner, and arranged that he and his m