Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1868-04-10
The Murderer's Hut.
A FEARFUL FIGHT FOR LIFE.


of eighteen months, in the ship Wand
erer, of which | was master, and part
owner. The voyage was a success
ful one, it being a trading trip, and
many dollars were realized for the
danger and toll that | encountered.
For eighteen months [ had risked
my life on the dcceitful ocean, in or
der to support my family. During
the voyage, we had encountered a
violent typhoon and were dismasted,
Twice was the ship attacked by pi-
rates, and once we narrowly escaped
shipwreck, a long list of disasters,
and truly eventful voyage. But a
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hair breadth escapes, and he soon
grows careless and callous to dan
gers, before which a landsman would
shrink appalled,.
The following adventure befell me
not on salt water, but ashore among
land sharks, and of the two species,
the one that swims, and the one that
walks. | should prefertruSting my
self with the one that claims the
ocean for home.
The Wanderer, after a long pas
sage, finally sighted the Highlands,
and, taking pilot | was relieved from
all further care and responsibility.
Retiring to my cabin, | donned my
60 ashore togs, and leaving the ship
off the Battery | took a shore boat
and proceeded at once to the Office
where | was welcomed home by my
brother-in-law, who was also my part
ner.
AS quickly as possible | settled up
my business and squared accounts foI
the voyage, leaving the mate in charge
of the vessel, and also to supcrintend
the discharging of the cargo.
After depositing in the bank the
bulk Of the proceeds resulting from
the voyage, | reserved one thousand
dollars in gold for the personal anC
travelling expenses, securing it arounC
my body by a belt.
The little village where | resided
was situated some distance from the
city, and the road was a confoundeC
pokerish and lonely one; it led di
rectly through a wood, and at The
time | lett home not a single house
cheefed the sight of the traveller.
While in New York | remained at ;
hotel, and it was hard on to weeE
before | found myself iD readiness tt
get underway in the direction Of my
home, and it was late in the Afternoon
when descended to t1e Office an(
lord and myself were old friends, anC
had known each other for a grea
many years.
you are not going to start fol
H, to night, are you?'' inquired
the landlord.
"Yes, | am anxious to get home
and | want the fastest nag you hav
in the stable"
At the time this sketch treats oi
there were but four railroads in th
country, and travellers had to depenC
on the stage coach, or any kind of
= vehicle that could be had for money.
"But, Capt. Boltrope, this is nor
sense, sheer nonsense why not wal
, till morning and take the stage ?"
because, Mason, | am anxious t.
get home, | tell you.
4 man who has not seen his famil
for eighteen months, must feel some
what inpatient to once more clasp t
I his heart a loving and tender wife, t
: say nothing of two or three little Bo
r tropes, who are anXiOusly eXpectin
r me home, so there is no use Of you
trying to diS8uade me; I'm bound t
D go, and that Immediately"
4 "Well, Captain, | am sorry yo
g are so head strong and wish yo
: would listen to my advice. OF lat
e several travellers who have gon
q over this road have unaccountabl
5 disappeared, and never been hear
t of since. Again, [ say, wait till tn
|, morning.
= "Give me my BILL [ demanded
S losing all patience an leave you
r house, and see if can get horse {
) some other place"
= Mason disappeared, and shortl
+ afterward re-appeared, and reporte
s the horse ready at the door.
T. "Now, Boltrope, do be careful
l. beg of you, and here take this weal
- on" and he spoke in a whisper, as |
/ silly slid in my pocket, fine pisto
Il all loaded and capped.
n "What an old fool you are, Mason
}. do you suppose l shall want tn;
s. thing ?"
d "You may, and you may not, at a
); events you had better be prepare
o for any danger that you may encou
h ter"
II was about to jump into the vel
', Gle when the landlord re-appeare
&c bringing with him a gentleman, who
% he introduced to me as a Mr.. Wilso
ot and said that he was a resident of Il
e. same little town as myself.
% "He is as anxious to get home ;
you are, and | hope you will not o
ject to companion p
is "No, Mason, | will not. Jump
y Mr.. Wilson, and am glad you ha'
y spunk enough to travel in the dar
I'd So good by, Mason, and take care I
u yourself"
T, Gathering up the reins, we startt
rs at a rapid rate for H.
in The night was very dark, the
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