Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-10-21
CAPT. ROLLS STORY.
From "Harper's Weekly"

mons IN 1000 VIC uScu W SSuile Int
evenings by different stories of adven-
lures. Captain Rolf of the 18th Reg
ulars was generally grave and silent
man: but one evening, being hard pres
sed. he told the following story:
1t was on the close of sultry eve
ning in August that | took my way a.
Iopr woodland road that led to the
town of W, in the State of Virginia.
The extreme sultriness of the weather
had wearied me more than either the
length Of the way or the roughness of
the road; and when at length | came
in sight Of comfortable inn, nesting
among the trees along the roadside, [
felt extreme delight. 1t was small
house. but clean one; and the gener-
al air of neatness which characterized
It was most attractive to the weary
traveller.
The western part of Virginia had a
bout this time been much troubled by
a gang Of desperadoes, whose robberies
and acts of violence had both startled
and horriied the community. All eff
forts 10 catch them had been in vain,
and the road which | was travelling
enjoyed the unenviable notoriety of
having been the scene of by far the
greater number of their crimes. 1t
was, therefore, with feelings Of deep
satisfaction that | entered the door of
this peaceful cottage.
The interior corresponded with the
exterior. Nothing but cleanliness and
ncatness met the eye. l was encoun-
tered at the door by woman of very
Prepossessing appearance, who courte-
ously invited me into the parlor. in-
formed her that | proposed passing the
niglt at this house, and asked her if
siie had accommodations for my horse
She answered in the affirmative, and
went clgt 20 cal! the hostler. In few
minutes tell, Unlocking man came
forward, and proceeded to lead my
horse away, not however before 1 hid
removed the saddle-bags and taken
them under ny own particular care.
The woman soon came in, and busted
herself with arrangements about my
dinner. ! noticed that she had a trou-
blei expression and frequently east un-
easy glanccs al me. This did not no
tee particularly at first, or rather / at
t.i5utel II to the ordinary anxiety
which any careful landlady might feel
ahou; The success of her dinner.
Dinncr passed over very well, and |
adjourned to the chief room of the inn
To take my post-prandial smoke. I
fgunl there several men of sinister as
lecr sitting around the fireplace. The
moment ! entered they stopped talking
and relapscd into silence.
These men were evidently habitues
Of the house How this modest-look-
Ia- woman ever came into connection
v.tl such men I could not imagine.
However, there it was. These men,
Who We're nearly dozen in number,
We're certainly about the widest set of
a"speratoes in appearance that | ever
saw. After some minutes of silence
jaeyrose one by one and left the room.
had carried my saddle-bags with
lie q, | entered the room, and l noticed
'~lt my care of them attracted the no.
lice Of these men. | soon finished my
smoke, and then, rising. | took my
langs and inquired for my bedroom.
lie woman took the light and led the
way. Is l came to the door she turn
ell around and faced me. Handing me
"e hight She suddenly clutched my arm,
ant with pale face, and in thrilling
whisper, She said:
"tor Gods sake take care. They're
gong to Kill and rob you!'
Before could recover from the start
"-ich her words gave me she was gone.
mechanically entered the room, put
''"A the light, and stood like one stu
leiIed. What words are these? xiii
-e. rob me- What did the woman
mean. As | thought of these words
''s belief forced itself upon me that
"''> house, Notwithstanding its simple
','a'hess, was somehow connected with
Aese very brigands of whom 1 had
-'"fd so much. For moment / felt
garalyzcd.
lou may we'll believe it was fearful
,'''neht. Here was I, alone, in lone
!. part Of the country, completely in
'le power of those Villains A. 70 tho