Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-11-09
2 GENTLEMAN DICK f;
OR,
The Robber of the Mountains.
BY EDWARD A. COBLEIGH.

| Who laundering comes on blackest steed
With slackened Bit and hoof of speed ?-Byron.
Several years ago, the caves of the
Rocky Mountains were inhabited by
outlaws, robbers and desperadoes OF
all kinds. These men infested the
roads and country for miles around,
often making excursions into the neigh
boring territories and states, carrying
off immense amounts of plumber and
frightening travellers generally. The
greatest trouble with them was that
their retreats could never be found,
and although Uncle Sans boys often
pursued them clear up to the foot Of
the mountains, they invariably escaped,
and continued to commit depredations
on the unlucky travellers who fell into
their hands.
One of the most notorious among
these cut-thrOats was Gentleman Dick,
as he was familiarly called by his as
Sociates. He was one of those men
who, when they take to a life Of crime,
are most to be dreaded. Polished in
manner, commanding in figure, grace
fully but powerfully built, we'll educat.
ed and cunning, he could elude the
most experienced trapper, and commit
deeds at which common villains would
tremble. He was a young man in
years, but an old offender in crime,
and was descended from one of the
most respectable and arristocratic
families in New York. He had in bis
youth, taken to bad associates, and at
last was obliged to fly from the iron
hand of the law, because in a passion
he had killed a man at the gambling
! table.
I learned these things long before
the incidents am about to relate took
place, for I was an officer in the army
with the title of captain, and had often
chased Dick into his mountain fast.
ness, only to return in chagrin at
having failed to trap him. Gentle
man Dick knew me, too, for several
times, under different diSguises and
as many aliases, he had entered my
camp. Once he came as a United
States officer, and even went so far as
to occupy my bed with me. Another
time he came to me and offered to tell
me where | might find the notorious
cut-throat and robber, Gentleman Dick
on condition that would pay him one
hundred dollars in advance. | did
this, and as he had come on foot, fur
niShed him horse to ride. Riding
up to me, he grasped my hand and
whispered in my ear: am the man
you seek, and before | could do a
thing to stop him, he was off like a
flash, and out of sight Where he dis
appeared so suddenly | could never
find out, although | beat about in the
bushes that lined the road for hours
seeking to find the path be had taken
One day took notion to ride over
to the fort nearest ours to see some
old friends who were then stopping
there. They were on their way tc
Oregon and had stopped to wait fol
the train which they had started with
but from which they had parted foul
days before their arrival at the fort
Saddling one of my best horses
set out on my journey. The fort was
some twenty-five miles distant, and
desired to reach it by dark, so started
at daylight. The road was good one
being the regular emigrant route, anC
the prairie looked most superb.
rode slowly, enjoying the beautiful
scene around me, until noon, when
halted to eat my dinner. had come
to the bank of a small stream, and, a:
my horse was tired, and the grass wa;
exceedingly inviting, | unbridIed the
noble animal and let him eat.
Havins selected a good, shady spot
where little spring came out from
under the roots of tree, | seated my
self and began a vigorous attack up
on the contents of my haver8ack.
, was hungry and over ate myself, bu
did not feel the effects of my indiscre
ton Immediately.
After dinner was always smokin!
: time with me, and when | had finished
my meal drew from my vest pocle
anelegantlycarved meerschaum which
[ | had received as a parting gift from
a young lady friend just before lef
the peace and quiet of civilized com
munIty to battle with tie wild man o
the prairie and wilder man of th,
J, mountains, Having filed this pre-
f cious piece of property with som,
choice Old Kentucky | settled my
self for quiet smoke, and soon fel
j asleep. Ny long ride and hearty mea
had so played me out that l slep
\ three long hours. But as everything
| has an end,so did my nap, and l awok
to find that my horse was gone.
1t took me another hour to find m
stray animal, and by the time | 90
fairly under way again it was half-paS
a four o'clock. | knew that | could nc
5 reach my destination before dark, an
9 | also knew that the roads were dal
I gerous after nightfall for persons ira,
J cling alone like myself. But | had
b couple of " Colts sevens and wa
# not much afraid.
J. had gone but little way when
; member OF my company came dashin
y up the road from the direction of on
Is camp. His horse was covered a
h over with sweat and breathing hart
d | reined in "Cay bank" and awaite
i, his approach.
y. "a What's up now?" I demanded, &
o he gained my side.
g Why we have caught Gentlema
.e Dick" he exclaimed, breathlessly, fC
l rider as well as horse, were well tire
e, out. awe thought you had near
d reached the fort by this time, but Il
m lieutenant wanted you at camp +;
d. soon as possible, and sent me imm
d diately after you. He is afraid Dick
ID band will attempt his rescue, and
&c wants to know what to do with him
at "Good I'm glad you have trappt
as the villain at last. But how did "
n catch him, Marshall ?"
Id BY this time we were On our VIZ
at back at an easy eanter. l could go 1
es farther that dag, when i had such
a consummate scoundrel in my power
/ Gan n.alr Vanl T