Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1860-12-28
MOSES OR tN
CHAPTER l
TIE HEsr II THE ToN-IT


ger who was large, stOut-locking man, heavil
bearded, paused before the door that led into III
oar-room, ahd peeped inquisitive!y in; seeing
small group sitting around the table, be walke
very Ielsurely toward them, introducing himsel
"a frank, easy style.
"a good evening gentlemen. to you all,
abe company, who were earnestly engaged il
conversing, hardly noticed his entrance bu
~aen he poke, they instantly paused and gree te'
the newcomer with look p'ainly expressive o
surprise, curiosity and anger. One Of the party
who had less sinister and surly face than tht
rest, gravely advanced toward him, eying hin
sharply, as he said
''You wish lodgings, my man ,"
Certainly do, Mr.. Beg (who at the mention
Of his own name vsibly started); what else should
I stop here for ? There's my pony wants the same
thing; attend TO him first, and in tho meanwhile
] will make myself at home"
So saying, the stranger, scarcely needing the
general scowl which greeted him es he said this
coolly lit his cegar, and forthwith stretched him.
self in easy posture In Tim Beg's favorite arm
chair, much TO the sstonishmsnt Of that gentle.
man, who slowly moved toward the door, winkine
siyly 20 his companions as be did so.
Inc stranger commenced to smoke, eying the
company with a nonchalance and familiarity that
took them completely by surprise.
Vot yer doing here for 2" growled dark-vis-
aged ugly-lOokiHg scoundrel, whose po1-marked
face was half obscured by dirty cap. He rose a.
he spoke, and drew out a sharp knife.
"Oh, ho = laughed the stranger, sending I'D a
long spiral column Of smoke, and regarding the
other with half sneer. "Don,t attempt to fiigh-
ten me; aint your name Dick alton ?"
Scarcely had he asked the question, before the
Whole party sprang instantaneously to their feet,
and Confronted him with the rage Of tigers-and a
iaare precious crew Of cut-throets could hardly
hsve been found.
XIII him kali him p was the general cry
Pistols and bowie knives were promiscuouslv
drawn, and one could that they longed to Lap
tee blood Of an unfortunate man, as they crowded
F9ard their victim. Dick Hstton, with an ugly
grin, interposed.
"Stop, boys, the fellow is safe. want 10 cate
elise him sfoTe he's made lnince neat OF. Come.
ocw who are ye ,"
During ali the tumeit occasoned by his remark.
the stranger had kept his easy, haf-reculnbent
position, regardless Of the menacing group. con-
tinuIDg % smoke with the most astonishing cool
ness and eying them all with sort of sancy
Fzli!e mat was absolutely provoking.
Come, now, who are We ?" r peated Dick Hat
ton. tightening his grasp On his bouie-knife
The Tgfians pressed nearer, dozen knives were
rslIed, but still the stranger manifested not the
slightest symptom Of slarm. Carelesslv divestipg
himself ct has oear3, he proceeded in the same
quiet way 10 dispiaec black curling wig. In one
sceona MORE the gang had hurst into wild hal
loo, which sent Tim Beg rushing back.
'Biow my eyes = exclaimed he, letting his nine
fall from his mouth, in his amaaement. eWbv.
it's the T0utit -
Nobody tlse," replied that individual, who
had not changed his position, but was putting Wig
oTOGs.y at his cigar. '.You're bright eorIe sIl
Of you, pon ny word; row, Beg, see if you can
trot back to the stable aad Put my horse ia better
quarters than you at first intended ard hearken,
sad, tell that spoony Of q wife Of yours TO fix Ed
something hot; I'm blasted hungry Now then,
what are you all gaping ct me toT ," added the
Iomtlt, surveying the group with a deris;ve
smile. DIDN'T know me, when I've cheated you
SO often Nice fellows -
The gang indeed looked rcry foolish, al the IN =
expected denoument; their weapons we're once
once more returned 70 their hiding places, and
they stood staring at their chief scarcely believing
:5eir own eyes.
Their devil 'imseif would fad it ard to tell &C.,
( bserved Dick sllki,y. Ivy, Beg, as knows ev-
cry body, with Won eye, gets taken in; but, Tom
at. vots the news p
"Never you trouble your head for that, it will
come in good time, replied the Tomtit, draining
a glass ofale, oftciously placed before him. CIV
erythng just as suspected; the police
our track at Candies, but fixed EN- With
this brief synopsis Of news, the Tomtit leaned
back in his chair, and continued 20 smoke in a
thoughtful, meditating manner.
In about fifteen minutes, Mrs. Beg, a portiy,
red haired lady announced that supper was ready,
and the gang adjourned to a small apartment In
the rear part Of the building, where a rude meal
was served up; a roast pig forming the principal
feature of the entertainment, which was quick
Is washed down with liberal supply of whis-
key.
,Now, then," said the Tomtit after he had
ia isied his hunger, and was stirring the cOmpon-
en,s O. a second glas>ful Of punch "now, then,
hogs l 10 ready TO tell the news. In the first place
Cuo has been cribbed."
Nv bat '' calculated the gang with one voice,
Crib uabbed 8
"Ciib is cribbed. and that's the short and long
oi it, observed The Tomtit, gloomily. "once
was the time the trade could b carried on, and
none Of US run the least bit Of a risk; even
Nest wasn't necessary; now the thing gets every
day more dangerous, and the profits grow
smaller
gut what about Crib p inquired several Of the
gang, anxiously.
Crib" continued the Tomtit, "acted like
precious fool; / told him all the boys had left
tut him. but be was so blasted confident he kept
tagging, and putting of, till he got cribbcd. lie
would inst close his peppers, and walk into the
pit without any one helping him in; confound
him. be nearly drag eyed me with him"
The company now pressed the Tomtit for more
detailed information, from which 1t appeared that
that unlucky individual had INDUCED IN spree,
and having boasted pretty freely OF his achieve
ments in The burglary line, was incontinently
pounced upon by the Philadelphia police, who
had long been on the lockout for him.
He Won't peach 1 'ope," observed Dick Hatton.
Il would be a VERY bad blow-up arter all the
trouble of ouse keepirg,nOt saying nothing about
aviag nc private conweniences, and place for to
'ide when tn er Wind blows 'igl.'
f'IIe amt going to peach, said Mr.. Beg. a u
hortatiyely, "not he, know bimto be a bull
man"
80 DO I, go Dc J., exclaimed several voices at
once
"As to the matter Of that" remarked Tcmtit,
hell keep things dirks and may be set them On
the wrong scent-let him alone for that. But
blast me-" continued the gentleman, chat isn't
the thing VIC can't spare Crib why the whole
twelve OF US are wanted for next weeks iob, and
Crib was such locksnith that his services we're
next to gold, but Il is 1st confounded luck"
The Tomtit, With his brief reference TO the valu-
a5ie qualifications OF Mr.. Crib, proceeded to mix
taird glass Of whiskey puncn, aad 10 swallow
;-e same with look Of becoming sorrow and re-
ss1alioa.
As he's gone" continued the Tontit rlrsingly,
suppose it's best 70 try different plan tell
you What boys l have great mind TO postpone
lac visit 70 old Van Checkers for fortnight at
east til can get ore of US in some way connect
% vita the house beard the other day that
'-s oa gentleman wanted coachman, and If
La Somebody q perso1ate one, why IT would be
..Fy run thing t. &C; him IL there, and then.
sGiih7
Eydalt you 20, Torltit, yer would make a
- - e1ae1ee. yer would - suggested Dick with
Why, as 10 that, suppose / might salt ths
Ga gentleman 70 hair" returned tho Toptit
o2-piacenty "but have something important
% manage; no, I'll tell you what boys, I've good
lad to send ole o! you.'
'doOd,' said several voices
l know" continued the Ton.tit, ''all sbo-t the
2case, as far that goes for have visited every
nook and corner nysclf. but stli il would he very
eo2venient to have som BODY TO let us in Crib
could have opened the back door easily, but see
-ag he's Gagged, well have 10 give rp getting IN
that way"
"Hist - suddenly e, claimed Mr. Beg, describ
ms with hio finger 4 rap "a movement in the DIR
ection Of j window. The burglars started and
pricEed up theii a. they distinctly heard the
sound Of an approaching vehicle it was iutt
wheeling up before tue tavern, ard Mr. Beg, who
Lad been sent 20 reconncitre, quickly returned 10
report TO the anxio1s gang that it was only
traveller VITO rad lost his way aud wished to stay
over night, "he's Jolly looking 'un ard has 4
b;g carpet osg, whispered Mr.. Beg
This lntoiiigtnc nee caused uncnert.ry excite
Gcnt the Burglars started Up. their ferce eyes
sparkling with eager delight, but meeting the
-s-e oftheir chiet 'hey sullenly resumed their
seats.