Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1862-03-06
AN INTERESTING STORY.
HOW I BECAME RICH.

middle fork of Boulder Greek. was a
rancho that went by the name Of Bloom
Fallow. An exceedingly retired man,
surmised to be an Englishmsn, named
Kent, lived there in seclusion with his
single servant, an old man, who owned
and that is all you could get him to
own. too-the name Of Jerry. As to
when Kent came there, or how he made
a living-there being no appearance of
farming or stock-raising going on-no-
body knew. Happening myself, how
ever, to become possessed somewhat
singularly OF interesting particulars on
that subject. 1 will lay them before you
to form your own conclusions:
1 had been prospecting in that vicin-
ity for several days with Indifferent sue
cess, when one evening. finding myself
near his house, which l had never seen
before, and much preferriDg a roof
over my head if I could have found it,
] walked up to the door and knocked,
determined 10 have permission to spread
my blanket on the floor for the night.
I heard a voice within direct GERRY"
to open the door. Then it was opened,
and I was admitted by the old man. 1
proffered my request, but he bent his
ear as il he did not understand. l re-
peated it in a louder tone, when a man
/ had not before observed, croucbed
over a low fire, without turning, an
swered me in the affirmative. I en-
tered, spread my blankets, took bag
containing gold dust from my pack.
and placed it under my pillow, and
then began eating few biscuits l had
with me for supper. when slight noise
against the thin partition at my elbow,
made me turn my head in that diree-
tioD. There was a knot-hole about
two feet from the ground, and looking
through it was an eye as red as a game
cocks. A moment more, and it was
gone. I heard the subdued sound Of
retreating footsteps, and door gently
closed.
A little while after, old Jerry came in
from out doors, and sat down by the
fire without speaking. 1 ventured a
few remarks. hoping to start conver-
satiou, but receiving no reply. gave up
the attempt, and rolling myself in my
blanket, endeavored to go to sleep
There was some singularity in the con-
duct of my hosts, 1 thought. but I was
used to singular people; and as for
fear. so long as my two Colts we're in
order. did not know what it was. l
troubled myself but little with these or
any other reflections, however. and
was soon worshipping the "drowsy
god." How long slept 1 do not
know. Ny next recollections we're Of
state of half consciousness, in which
1 seemed to be struggling violently to
wake, without the power to do so; as
if uude6nable but imminent danger was
near me-that 1 should perish il l
slept. Suddenly l awoke. 1 think it
was the sound Of galloping steps Of a
horse approaching the dwelling that
caused me TO regain my consciousness;
at any rate, that was the noise that first
struck my ear as / opened my eyes
But did not devote much time TO re-
Election, can assure you; for as l did
SO, the first object l saw was the figure
of old Jerry bending over me, while
the moonlight. which slanted through
the single broken pane, glittered upon
the white steel blade of huge bowie
knife, which he held uplifted, just in
the act of striking. Imust own con-
sidered myself gone, for there was not
even time for me to cock a pistol; but
luckily. while the villain had not seen
me awake, the noise outside suddenly
called off his attention. The delay
was a renewal of life to me, and fatal
to him. In an instant more l covered
him with a pistol; and in another, a
f1ash-a report--a cloud Of smoke. and
he fell dead, shot through the brain.
Almost simultaneously 1 heard the
horse stop at the door. Some one dis
mounted, and tried to force the door.
1t was immovable. Next / heard ef-
forts at the door in the rear. communi-
eating with the psrtitioned department
have made reference to. At last ]
heard it give way, and some one whose
tread fancied seemed too light for a
mans, entered. There was breathless
silence for moment, during which the
steed's restless champing Of his bits
outside seemed a painful contrast
Then heard singularly sweet voice,
which, however contradictory it may
appear, had yet with it tone of in
tense ferocity. uttering the following
with slight Spanish accent:
"William Kent, you are in this housel
You cannot escape by the other door.
for l have tied it with my lsriatl You
cannot pass this. for l guard it. !
know that you are hearing me. !
know that you recognize my voice. l
am Juabita. You entered my fathers
house and received his hospitality
You cruelty murdered him--you and
your villainous companion. You heart
lessly deceived me, his daughter. You
thought you we're safe; but you were
mistaken. I have followed you six
hundred miles. 1 have been on your
trail for three years. Ihave found you
at last. Will the bloodhound forego
to rend his prey? Do you think |
will lose my revenge now? Canaan
bul Mol"
As she concluded, as II some one