Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1862-02-21
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THE ROBBERS ROOST !;
OR,
HANS LAST VICTIM.
BY j. KENNEDY.

1t was sultry afternoon, that cross
ed the Mississippi river, and negligently
travelled on my way towards Greenfield
The cool shades which covered the road
and the majestic woodland scenery, whiled
away the time so pleasantly that before
| was aware of it, the sun was down and
darkness was gently dropping its black
veil.
| looked about me, and became alarm.
ed at the destiny of the forest. The
signing of the wind, the rustling of a
bush, the hooting of an owl startled me.
In the thick shades of almost every tree
| imagined wild beast ready to spring
upon me, and from behind the trees
monstrous trunks, expected some hid
eous animal to dash furiously at me. |
carried my revolver ready for any emer-
gency; and loosened my heavy knife in
its scabbard. But little did / imagine
that, having passed the dangers of the
woods, those of more fearful and awful
character awaited me.
The darkness had become intense, and
it was with the greatest difficulty | could
pursue my course. At length a light
hove in view aud never in my life did
hail its gentle lustre with greater Joy.
When | neared the spot, l found a
dilapidated log house, two stories high,
with rickety old porch in front. A
couple Of gaunt, ferocious hounds came
rushing at me, and warned tho inmates
of my approach. scrutinized the pre-
misses as closely as | could in the dark
ness, and was anything but satisfied with
the result of my Investigations. But
when l looked about me and saw the
heavy gloom which hung upon every
thing, and the prospect of being devour-
ed by wolves, | concluded to first inquire
the distance to the next stopping place,
and if il was too far to remain where |
was.
The door opened, and husky voice
said, whose there ?"
"a stranger" replied, and followed
up by asking, chow far to the next stop
ping place 2"
| could hear a low murmur of voices,
and then a reply came, ten miles or
more"
I dismounted, and fastened my horse
to a post, and as assembled the old rick =
ETY. stairs of the porch, they creaked a
dismal dirge, and the gaunt, lean hounds
uipped savagely at my heels
The room which entered, presented
such repulsive appearance. that start
ed back with mingled surprise and dis
gust. The eyes of several rough, I'M
couth looking individuals was turned
upon me, ana ] felt in their glance some
thing more Of the foreclosures of the
wild beast, than the gentle gaze of hu-
man beings
Take scat, stranger" said burly,
thick-set man, as he handed me chair
which groaned pitcously with its infrmi-
ties. As | cast glance upon the group
before me, seemed to hesitate, which
was instantly noticed, and the officiating
man who seemed to be landlord, came
toward me, and in as cohciliatory a tone
and style as could be expected, said:
Sorry can't accommodate you better
stranger, but make yourself at home,
we'll do the best by you we kin"
A significant glance passed among the
men as the host concluded bis hospitable
invitation, which did not escape my
notice.
AT length supper was served, consist
ing Of corn bread and bacon, and for this
meagre fare, abundant apologies were
offered.
After listening short time to their
disgusting conversation, / informed my
host | would like TO retire.
"Will you leave your saddle bags ?"
said be, with bland smile, as be extend
cd his monstrous band TO take them.
no SIR" replied, while heavy
irowu gathered On my brow.