Smyrna times., 1859-10-06
ern ten or twelve miles ahead as nice stop

ern ten or twelve miles ahead as a nice stop
ping place, and then drove on.
did not like the looks of those fellows--no
their actions. But was bound to go ahead
l had brace of revolvers, nice knife, and m,
money was not in the valise in my sulkey, bu
In belt around my body. drove slowly il
hopes they would go on and I should see then
no more. 1t was nearly dark when | saw 8
tavern sign ahead. At the same time [ saw
their wagon standing before the door. IwoulC
have passed on but my horse needed rest.
hauled up, aud woman came to the door -
She turned pale as a clean sheet when she sa W
me-she did not speak, but with a meaning
look she put her finger on her lip and beckoned
me 10. The woman was the wife of nv late
client.
When entered, the party recognized me as
IT had been an old travelling friend, and asked
me to drink | respectfully but firmly refused
to do so.
BY G.! you shall drink or fight - said
the nolslest of the party
"Just as / pease-drink will not" said |,
purposely showing the butt of a colt" which
kicks six times in rapid SUCCESSION.
The others interfered and very easily quelled
my opponent. One offered me a segar, wAlcn
would have refused but a glance Of entreaty
from the woman induced me to accept it, She
advanced to proflcr me light, and IN doing so
slipped a line into my hand, which she must
have written in pencil but the moment before.
Never shall forget the words They were :
d" Beware they are members of the gang
lhey mean TO roo and murder you leave soon :
will try to deain them"
didn't feel comfortable just then, but tried
to look so.
Have you room to put up my horse 7"
asked he woman.
=" What, are you not going on to night o.
asked one of the men. I'VE are"
No." said |; d" | shall stay here"
Wen all stay, reckon, and make a night
OF it ~ said another.
You'll have TO put up your own horse
here's lantern !" said the woman.
I'm used to that" said l, "Gentlemen,
excuse me moment, I'll join you in drink
t0hen come in -
Good on your head more whisky, old gal"
shouted they.
went out, glanced at their wagon; ; it was
od fashioned; Inch pins secured the wheels
10 take out my knife and pry one from the fore
and hlnd wheels only took me an instant. |
threw them as far off in the darkness as could.
10 unite my horse and dash off, was but the
hull, but my lantern aided me somewhat.
had Lardly got under full headway, when |
heard yell from The party | had left so uncere.
monIously. put my whip to my horse. The
next moment with shout they started. |
threw my light away, and let my horse choose
his own course. A moment later | heard a
crash-a horrible shrek. The wheels came off.
Then came the rush of horses tearing along
after me with the wreck of the wagon. Final
ly they seemed to fetch up in the woods. One
or two shrleks | heard as swept on, leaving
them far behind. For some time hurried nv
horse-you better believe rid! 1t was a little
after midnight when got to Mount Vernon.
The next day heard that Moore Prairie
team had run away, and that two men out of
four bad been SO badly hurt that their lives
were despaired Of | didn't cry. My clients
got their money--but, 1 didn't travel that road
any more!