Smyrna times., 1862-03-06
SELECT STORY.
THE ROBBERS RoOST ;
Or Hans Last Victim.
BIZ JOHN KENNEDY.

Il was q sultry atte rnoOn, that crossed the .
Mississippi river, and negligently travelled on
uy wsy toward Greenfield. The cool shades
winch covered the road, and the majestic wood.
laad sceaery. whlled away the time so pleas
sally that before was aware OF il, the sun was
down and darkness was gently dropping its ,
back veil
I looked about me. AMI became alarmed at |
the deaslty Of the forest. The signing of the |
wind, the rustllng of bush, the hootlng Of an
owl startled ne. In the thick shades OF almost
eVsry Tree imagined a wild beast ready to
spring upoa me, and from the trees mOnstroas
trunks, expected some hideous animal to dash
tsFIously at me. | carried my revolver ready
for any emergency; and loosGned my heavy
knlie 10 its scabbard. But little did ina CINE
that, having passed the dangers of the woods,
thOss of a more fearful and awful character
awaited me.
The darkness had become intense, and it was
with the greatest difficulty could pursue nv
Course. At length a light hove IN view and
never in my life did hail its gentle luslre with
greater Jay.
When neared the spOt. | found dilapidated
leg house, two stories high, with a rickety
cid porch in front. A couple of gaunt, fero-
cIoas hosads came rushing d me, and warned
IAe Inmates Of my approach. | scrutinized the
premises as closely as could ia the darkness,
and vas anything but satisfied with the result
efmy Investigations. But when looked about
me and saw the heavy gloom which hung upon
everything. and The prospect of being devoured
b. wolves, concluded TO inquire the distance
10 The next stopping place, and if it was too
TAT 10 remain where | was.
The door opened, aud husky voice said,
shose Ihere!'
"A stranger replied, and followed up by
asking. how far to the next stepping placer
could hear a low murmer of voices, and
then a reply came, ten miles or more.
IdisrBOunted, and fastened my horse TO post
sad as sscended the old rckrty stairs of the
porch, they creaked a dismal dirge, aud the
gaunt, lean hounds nipped savagely at my
heels.
Tie room which entered, presented suct
repVlsive appearance, that | started bacI
with mingled surprise and disgust. The eye
OF several rough, uncOuth looking individual
Sss turned apoB me, and felt in their glance
sosaething more Of the foreclosures of the wilt
beast. than the gentle gaze of human beings.
Take seat, Stranger said a burly thick
set man, as he handed me chair which grOan
ed PI,eOusly with iIs inhrmities. AS cast
glance upon the group before me, seemed t
hesitate, which was instantly noticed, and tn
ene.aiIRg man who SCENE to be landlord, cam
lowsrd the, and Ia as concIlIating a tone an
nyie ss could be expected, said:
'SOrry can't accommodate you better stranger
sut make yourself at home we'll DO the best b
Fss we k,n'
Asignl6csnt glance passed among the me
a. the hnsI c included his hnspitahle invitation
Sh'sh did not escape ny netce.
AZ length supper was served, consisting
cora bread and bacon. and tor this meagre far,
sounaant apologies were offered.
After listening a short time TO their disgus
iag eonversation, ] informed my host | woul
like 10 retire.
Will yeu leave ysur saddle bags = said b
wnh bland smile, as he extended his moi
ssreus hand to take them.
No SIR | replied, while a heavy frow
gathered on my brow.
u have very safe place to keep them
felsined. while his blood shot eyes stabbed n
20 The heart.
mo doubt said I, with a meaning nod b.
wsnld prefer taking them with me-
rhls conclusion was received rather cool
sad as | was preparing to leave the room, o
OF TIE mea espied the handle of my revolv
P'o'Tuding from beneath my coat.
Hello, stranger he exclaimed in qui
t0ne, lei's see that ere pistol, will you :
sSdden had the demand, and 10 such seem
Iaaosent curiosity, that put my hand back
give u 10 him. But a second thought decid
ins.and rrl ed, that il wac no great curi'
Wy, and w0lld show il TO him ia the mornin
by this time the men had gathered sros
ne. and seeing things looked father peculiar
eseted myself thrsSgh the door. followed
ne host When the door vas closed. COZ
asar loud murmering, and an oath or two,
Il 'rrcd ia vehement tone
4 The landlord hurried me up feeble paiI
4 Ss'rs. and lev yards from the landing, pusl
4 ePeH DOOR and babe me enter. CLAN
as"updihe apartment, and showed by my act
A ~'t was dissatisfied with it's appearance.
A ~ is the best can do tor yeu, strsng
4 s'a ne, 'you needn't be afraid of the tell
A sws s'srs. they won't hart anybody
dshail not be alarmed replied, as
s~d the door aud descended the steps
\ -" somewhat annoyed at the sppcarsnc