American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1861-07-06
CANTON, MISS, SATURDAY MORNING, JULY 6, 1861.
Nay, you had best retire.
Are you armed p inquired the girl.
well armed replied the youth. {

4sdy3 y bu dau beSt fctifc
Are you armed p inquired the girl.
well armed replied the youth. otis
nearly one o'clock. Good night
| Good night, brave young protector said
the girl, as she turned away. sNettie Will
bur will go to her chamber and pray
For Ralph Manner added the youth, IS
the blushing girl withdrew.
She's perfect little fairyr exclaimed the
gentleman, as he drew from his pockets two
silver mounted revolvers, and examined
them. sl'm afraid shall lose my heart if
escape with my life. All, well il fall I'll
die in good cause, that's one point for sat-
lisfaction.'
lie thrust the revolvers back into his
4 pockets, and taking the candle in his hand,
he went into the hall to look about him.
i aha here's door under the stairs I'll
open it. A cosy little nook for me to hide
imp
i With these words the traveller stepped in
and closed the door behind him.
For Long time be waited patiently for
the arrival Of the two villains. Seated on a
trunk listening, the minutes seemed like
hours. At last he heard them enter the
bar-room; and presently they came into tb e
hall; they began to ascend the stairs.
i 4 guess she's asleep said one. Hush |!
we'll make her get up and put on her riding
dress; and when you have her safely mount
ed on one of the horses: you'll have no
trouble
The youth heard no more. His plans were
changed. He hurried from the closet, pass
ed through the bar-room, and went out of
the inn. The storm had passed over, and
the stars were shining brightly above. Two
horses were tied to a tree that stood before
the door, and Ralph saw that one of them
had side-saddie on its back. He was not
long in getting his own good steed from the
stable. Springing lightly into the saddle, he
rode short distance from the inn and halted
by the roadside.
/ Twenty minutes passed by, and then the
door of the inn was opened. The two vii
lains came forth with their victim. She ut
tered no cry; she offered no opposition, but
suffered her uncle to lift her into the saddle.
A few whispered sentences were exchanged
between Blinky Ben and himself, and then
the villain seized the maiden's bride rein
and rode off. The inn door closed, and Ralph
heard the sound of horses footsteps APP
preaching. The young man braced himself
firmly in the saddle, drew forth one of his
revolvers, and waited his time. Slowly they
came up, and passed by without noticing the
horseman by the roadside. Ralph put the
spurs to FREELY, and the spirited animal
bounded forward. Quickly he thrust the
revolver into his pocket, and grasped his rid
ing whip firmly in bis right hand The vii
lain heard the noise behind him, and he
turned quickly to see who was coming.
Ralph Manners was upon him-the whip
descended heavily and so truly was the blow
aimed, Blinky Ben fell from the back of Lis
steed on the ground. The youth grasped
the maiden's horse, and saying, Keep firm
seat, Miss Wilbur ? started at rapid pace
along the muddy road.
Daylight was slowly breaking in the east
when the young man and his companion
halted before small hostelric in the village
of De Sioux. After seeing the maiden COM
Ifortably provided for, he went Immediately
to the house of the constable, and told his
tale; in half an hour that officer in company
with Ralph and three stout backwoodsmen,
were on their way to Thomas Wilbur's inn-
When they arrived they found the landlord
in his chamber, ready equipped for fight.
i lie was arrested, and put under the care
of the aids, while the constable and Ralph
ransacked the writing-desk of the villanous
landlord The will could not be found.
They next searched the landlord, and, like
EAndre,' he had the important document in
, his boots. The prisoner was taken to the
village and tried. He was sentenced to
; serve a term of imprisonment for ten years.
He is now there paying the penalty Of his
crime Binky Ben made . home rum to
, the Aountains, and he has never been heard
7 from 6nce.
On examination, it was found Mr.. Wilbur
!. had all she money belonging to his niece de-
. posted IN bank in Cincinnati; the young
[ lady's clam to the property was substan-
g tiated by Tie will, and everything now was
/ at her own disposal.
q There is small, neatly sanded parlor in
. the humble hn of the village; and seated
: side by side, "a lounge near one Of the
= windows, are lslph Manners and Miss Will
J, bur.
! know cannot repay you for your kind
= ness and the daneer you have gone through
for my sake the fair girl was saying; BUT
8 sir, shall always think of you, and your
{ name shall be remembered in an orphans
!, prayers
# 4 have done no more than any Other
!, brave man would hare DONE replied the
: young man !; and yen can repay me, aye
: more than repay me, you WILL
Q I'm what way, my generous and brave
}, protector Half my fptune shall be yours
Iif you ask it
IS i have wealth enough Of nv own,' saie