The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1864-1911, 1867-07-31
AN Outlaws GRATITUDE.

| had been travelling through section o
country remarkably uncultivated With ,
jaded horse at my heels, at the close of
remarkably stormy day in the sprirg, | wa,
endeavorlng to hunt up some kind of &C
commodations tor the night. | had no
met with any kind Of game during the day
excepting few wild geese and those | die
not care to waste shot upon. The idea O
sleeping on the wet ground with an empt,
stomach, was not very agreeable, and
thought the sooner had some kind of
shelter arranged, the better.
was about crossing small stream wher
cry as If from some human being in dis
tress arrested my movements. and caused
me to glance sharply about me.
| What sight met my gael A man, hold
ing above his head rife, stood awaiting
the attack OF huge mountain panther.
| comprehended all in moment, but before
could render him the least assistance the
animal was upon him. He drew back q
pace, whirled his rife above his head, and
with tremr rndous crash, brought it down
upon bis adver, arys back This only in
turlated the panther, and with a savage
growl he rushed upon his victim.
There was not a moment to be lost-aim-
ing well between his eyes, | fred, and as
the smoke cleared away before me, | could
see the long body of the panther lying life.
less upon the ground, and the man lei ming
against the trunk of tree, apparently un-
hurt. As | approached him he extended
his hand and in gruff voice said:
You have saved my life, stranger"
His appearance was not in the least pre-
possessing, his whole aspect was loathesome,
and | regarded him with feeling of dread.
| had saved his life, however, and perhaps
| might gain from him some information
respecting place OF shelter,
My friend, do you live in this neigh.
borhocd?' | inquired.
He replied that he did.
Then perhaps you can direct me TO
some place where | can obtain shelter for
myself and beast?''
There is not cabin within ten miles of
here" he replied
'Not cabin within ten miles? Why just
now you said you lived near here y
so | do,,' he replied. evasively. "But
it's nothing but mere cave.
II don't care for that" | said, ''any
place Is better than spending a hight in the
storm.
mo, no." he returned, taking up his
rifle, YOU had better stay in the storm to
mig hit than go with me. y
And turning upon his heel he disappear
ed in the woods.
This was gratitude. almost censured
myself for having saved his life, and so
with heavy heart, | mounted my weary
beast and rode on.
The night was So dark that could hardly
discern object three feet before me. Large
drops of rain were beginning to descend
from above, striking with dull pat:or up
on the dry leaves beaped about the road
| rode thus fully ten minutes, when a
light embling some twipkling star, told
me that shelter was at hand Never did a
shipwrecked mariner hail distant sail with
m re re apture than did that dim, flicker
ing light.
Press on, old fellow" | said, patting
my horse upon the neck; we will soon be
at rest.
He seemed to comprchan my meaning
for oft he started, shaking his name and
neighing Justify.
1t was not long before | drew up at the
door of miserable looking shanty, and
dismounting gave three or four loud raps.
1t was opened by woman whose appear
ance did not favorably impress ne.
81 seek sh h.lter from the Storm" said
to her. Can you lodge me and my beast
till mornine?"
She scanned me from top to toe, and
then bade me enter. needed no second
invitation. Giving my horse in charge Of
a man, whom she represented to be her son,
[ strobe into the room.
When | had placed my rifle upon the
floor, l removed my heavy coat and drew a
chair near the blazing fire.
Stormy night, [ said to my hostess,
who was preparing some supper for me.
She grunted some kind of an an wer, and
invited me to partake of dish of rye
bread and some mush. This did with
will, and after swallowing mug of ale,
lit my pipe and sat listening to the wild
roaring Of the wind.
Suddenly the door was rudely thrown
open and two men, armed almost to the
teeth, stalked in, and without uttering
word, threw themselves upon the foor
near where was sitting.
This movement somewhat surprised me,
but thinking that prudence was the better
part OF vaior, remained quiet To add to
my discomfort, ont of the ruhians took ny
rifle and cody removed the caps. | was
about to expostulate against this, when the
door was second time opened, and three
of the most repulsive looking Williams | had
ever set eyes upon, rudely entered the
ROOM The unaccountable behavior of the
first couple, and the unlocked for appear
ance of the new corners made me surmise
that | had taken refuge in den of thieves.
| tried to laugh at the idea, but everv
thing about me impressed the horrid fact
upon my mind.
Resolved to sell my life as dearly as pos.
iblc, felt for my revolver; but it was not
in my belt; | had left it in my saddle. My
trusty rifle lay few feet from ME, but what
service could that render me without any
cap upon it?
The gang was grouped in corner of the
hut, engaged in low conversation, and |
entertained not doubt but that they were
planning. ny death. / expected every mo-
meut to be hurled to the floor and murder
ed
My first impulse was to leap toward the
door and run. for my life. | would have
acted upon this, but heavy hand was laid
upon my shoulder and was rudely thrown
to the ground. Lesping to my feet. ] uu-
sheathed my knife. They anticipated my
intention, and with infuriated yeils spraug
toward me. srs..tfl .0.
1t was now life or death with me. Plac.
ing my foot firmly against the sideboard. |
ava led the q lack. They closed with me.
They knife was knocked from my hand,
and almost dozen hands clutched me by
the throat. struggled and tried to cry
out, but all to no avail. With one blow /
was struck to the ground, q foot stamped
upon my breast, knife flashed above me.
| closed my eyes aud breathed short pray
er. But hark! The door is thrown open
with crash, and voice Of authority thun-
dels .-.......... -.
"Holdl you cowardIy williams! Harm
one hair Of that man S head and you diel''
The wretches released me and skunk dor
gedly away. With one bound was upon
my feet, Grasping my preserver by The