Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1867-08-16

lantic Ocean. 81
While taking a hurried cast thro'
some broken ground, we met little
boy herding cattle. He could not
speak English, but we managed to as.
certain that stranger had given him
a penny the day before to run down
the hill for lighted turf; when he
returned, the man was gone, and he
had not seen him since.
The scent was getting hot, and our
spirits rose as we commenced on the
sea side of the mountain. There
were caves in several of the platforms
and these we agreed to search togeth-
er. They were very narrow, scarcely
admitting one person abreast; and il
was nervous work feeling our way
onward, not knowing the moment
when the darkness would be illumin
ated by the flash of a pistol, which
must have proved the death sigma
for the one or the other. Frank al
ways insisted on going first, and omit
ted no precaution in examining the
outside carefully for tracks and send
ing the dogs forward. The latter
however, were SO tired after three
days continuous work as to be of lit.
tie use.
We had reached the last shelf but
one, and as it contained no caves, and
was nearly all visible from the plat.
form Immediately above, which had
just been searched, | Twas about to pass
on to the lower one, just over the sea
when a mark in the fresh earth scraped
from a rabbit hole across the path
attracted my attention, and, on closer
view, could distinctly see traces of
a mans foot. Frank was by my side
in few seconds, and down on his
knees examining the track. There
was no mistake about it; there il
was, plainly visible, leading inward
and no signs Of returning. Some one
was there; whether the man we were
in search of or not, remained to be
seen. Frank rose from his knees and
drew long breath.
"Any outlet from this ?" he asked
"None whatever. 1t stops sudden.
ly about one hundred yards further
on. The rock above and below is
thirty feet high, and as smooth as
marble. Now that remember, there
is large stone just where a man
might lie. If he were anywhere else
| must have seen him from the upper
one.
We walked on silent and cautious
for some distance until we reached 6
projecting rock. I touched Frank.
"When we have turned that corner We
will be within ten rods of the end"
He made no reply but put his gur
under his arm and sauntered careless
ly around. AS he did so | saw hin
stop suddenly and draw himselfup tt
his full height.
Standing alongside, | could see thu
figure of man crouching like wil(
bear behind the stone; his head wa
Just visible above it, and the long bar
rel ola cavalry pistol was pointed
directly at us. The dogs now spran9
forward and commenced baying furi
ously. The man was the first t,
speak.
"Call off your dogs" he shouted
'av yer care for them"
"Let the dogs alone, Ryan" sai'
Frank, coolly. IL have warrant fo
you for the murder of Captain -
Put your pistol down and come for
ward"
The fellow gave savage laugh.
Come step nearer, Butler, ant
see if your warrant can stop a ball !!
Franks eyes flashed at the threat
but restraining himself, he drew bacl
to the shelter of the angle.
, "We must give the fellow time t.
think, Harry. If we rush at him now
he is sure to knock one or the othe
of US over, and | don't like shootin
him, if it can be helped"
"Had you not better 60 for some oi
, your fellows? | will keep guard Ill
til you return"
"No, dead or alive, l shall not leav
this place without him p
, He stepped back few spaces an
scanned the rock above attentively.
"Do you see that holly bush righ
over him Harry? Could you ge
to that without being seen ?"
Easily, but what good could | d
there ?"
"Leave that to me, old fellow; hi
flank will be turned, at all events, an
) you will have him under your gun.-
Z Don't fire till you see me down; the
use your own discretion"
With some reluctance | consente
to 60 round. Taking off my shoes,
/ crept cautiously down and peere
over. | had scarcely done so whe
} Frank stepped out again with hi
7 watch in his hand. He spoke low
/ but every word fell on my ear distinc
ly.
II shall give you five minutes
e Ryan if you don't throw down you
arms then and come out, expect n
$ mercy, for you will get none. l wi
: shoot you as | would a mad dog
s "Then say your prayers in the meal
: time," said the rufian, jeeringly; ayo
j. will want them if you lift that gun
your shoulder"
Y The five minutes which ensue
t were the longest | ever spent in m
| life. 1t was a glorious Summer ev,
; ming. The sun was going down thr'
a flood of light on the ocean far b.
a low and the white wings of the sc