The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-10-01
p SIXTEENTH vOLUME--NUMBER 1871

their actions. But was bound 10 90 ahead.
/ had brace of revolvers aud nice knife; my
money was in belt around my body. drove
slow in hopes that they would 60 on, and I
should see them no more. 1t was nearly dark
when saw the tavern sign ahead. At the
same time | saw their wagon before the door.
would have passed on, but my horse needed
rest. hauled up, aud q woman came to the
door. She turned as pale as q sheet when she
saw me. She did not speak, but with mean
ing look she put her finger on her lips, and beck
client. tNtl
When entered, the party recognized me,
and hailed me as an old travelling friend, aud
asked me to take drink. respectfully but
firmly declined. ,s'
"But you'll drink or fight" said the noisiest
of the party. I "a
"Just as you please; drink shall notp' said
l, purposely showing the butt of Colt thas
kicks six times in rapid succession. "'
The others interposed aud very easily quieted
my opponent. Oue offered me cigar, which
should not have received, bat glance at the
woman induced me to accept it. She advanced
and proffered me light, aud in doing SO slipped
note into my hand, which she must have writ
ten the moment before; it was written with
pencil. Never shall forget the words they
were: ..rlaE 81
"Beware-they are members of the gang.
They mean to rob and murder you. Leave
soon, and will manage to detain them" -- f''a
did not feel comfortable just then, but tried
to look so. -
"Have you any room to put my horse?"
asked, turning to the woman.
"What! you are not going to stay here to-
night" asked one of the men; "we are going
on" ms -
81 think shall stay" replied. t
"We'll all stay, then, guess, and make
night of it," said one of the cut-throats. .a
"You vii! have to put up your own boss;
here's lantern" said the woman. s. =.
81 am used to that" / said. "Gentlemeu,
excuse mel will join you in q drink when
come in" .r...-... -..,r
''Good on your head! more whiskey, old gal,"
shouted they.
went out and glanced at their wagon. Il
was old-fashioucd, and Inch pins secured the
wheels. To take Cut my knife and pry one
from the fore and hind wheels was but the work
of moment, and threw them in the darkness
as far as l could. To unite my horse and dash
off was but the work of an instant. The road
lay down steep hill, but my lantern lighted me
somewhat. a..
had hardly got under good headway before
heard yell from the party had SO uncere-
moniously left. l put the whip to, my horse.
The next moment they started. threw my
light away, and left my horse to pick his way.
A moment afterward l heard crash-a horrid
shrek. The wheels we're off Then came the
rush of horses, tearing along with the wreck of
the wagon. Finally they seemed to fetch up in
the woods. One or two shrieks head as
swept on, leaving them far behind For some
time hurried my horse-you'd better believe
l Grid" 1t was little after midnight when I
got to Mount Vernon.
The next day heard that Moore's prairie
team had run away, and two meu of the four
had been SO badly hurt that their lives were des-
paired Of; but did not cry. My clients got
the money, but didn't travel that road any
more.