Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1862-03-06
gelerteh Miscellany.
THE ROBBERS ROOST; or HANS LAST
VICTIM.
By j. Kennedy.

It was sultry afternoon. that I crossed
the Mississippi iriver. and negligently travel
ed on nay way towards Greenfield The
cool shades which covered the road, and the
majestic woodland scenery. whiled away the
.,uIe - Psvasau1tJ oc.sss~ a4as
of it the sun was down and darkness was
gently dropping its black veil.
I looked about me, and became alarmed
at the density of the forest. The sighing
of the wind, the rustling of bush, the hoot-
ing of an owl startled me. In the thick
shades of almost every tree l imagined a
wild beast ready to spring upon me, and
from behind the trees monstrous trunks, l
expected some hideous animal to dash furi-
ously at me. carried my revolver ready
for any emergency; and loosened my heavy
knife in its scabbard But little did ina
gine 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 l could pur-
sue my course. At length light hove in
view; and never in my life did hail its gen.
tie lustre with greater joy.
When | neared the spot, I found dilapi-
dated log house, two stories high. with a
rickety old porch in front. A couple of
gaunt, ferocous hounds came rushing at me.
and warned the inmates of my approach.
scrutinized the premises as closely as could
in the darkness, and was anything but salts
fed with the result of my investigations -
But when looked about me and saw the
heavy gloom which hung upon everything,
and the prospect Of being devoured by wolves.
I concluded to first inquire the distance to
the next stopping place, and if it was too far
to remain where was.
The door opened. and husky voice said.
"whose there?"
"a stranger" replied. and followed
up by asking, "how far to the next stop
ping place p
I could bear a low murmur of voices.
and then reply came, ten miles or
more"
I dismounted, and fastened my horse to a
post, and as ascended the old rickety stairs
Of the porch. they creaked dismal dirge.
and the gaunt, lean hounds nipped savagely
at my heels.
The room which entered. presented suoh
a repuisive appearance. that l started back
with mingled surprise and disgust. The
eyes Of several rough, uncouth looking in
dividuals was turned upon me, and felt in
their glance something more of the ferocious-
ness of the wild beast, than the gentle gaze
of human beings.
Take seat, stranger" said burly.
thick set man. as he handed mo q chair
which groaned piteously with its infirmities
AS cast a. glance upon the group before
me, [ seemed to hesitate. which was instant
ly noticed. and the officiating man who
seemed to be landlord. came toward ne, and
in as conciliatory 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 his hospitable
invitation, which did not escape my notice.
At length supper was served. co assisting
of corn bread and bacon. and for this mca-
gre fare, abundant apologies were offered.
After listening short time to their dis
gustins conversation. I informed my hos.
w0ui liis. 20 rn;ir...