The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1870-10-11

iio NiiSSbiOuo. ICo, liit jlcCll ulkNu
ont here into this by-road for the worst
of purposes. l had hardly come to this
conclusion when l was startled by a
football close beside me, and before 1
could make move in defense, a figure
clad in black seized my horse by the bri-
die, and a second figure, in whom I dis
tinguished my informant on the road,
placed the cold muzzle of a pistol to my
forehead, SAYING: se
"Ha! ha! my chum. Your right
hand road has led you into something
of a box, eh! l say, -.cap'n, can't you
tell a right hand road? Well, seeing
that you hare been mistaken, my friend
and I will help you out. First, let's re-
lieve you of the belt that has led you
into all this trouble No larks now, or
by all the saints in the calendar I'll send
you along the road to kingdom come !!
I know you, and you know me; if not l
can enlighten you. I am Border Jake,
of whom you've no doubt heard. So
fork over the tinn'
As may be expected, this knowledge
did not serve to tighten my fears. |
could scarcely reconcile myself to the
fact that / was now in the power of q
man whose very name was known as a
terror all over the western frontier. In
deed my case seemed desperate; but ]
had no time to conjecture long on the
probability Of my escape. There was
stern necessity for immediate action.
Reaching my hand under my waist
coat, / fambled for my pistol. 1t seem
ed that he OWNED my intention, howev
er, and exclaimed:
ssNone of that. Do you hear Chat 2"
and drawing back. the hammer to his
pistol he again presented it to my head
Il tell you, stranger, that your times
come il you don't do as told you. If
yon yield quietly to my terms, you are
safe; but if you don't, I'll not answer
for yohr life an instant.
Seeing that the outlaw was not to be
triaed with, / hesitated but a moment
longer, then unstrapping the belt that
held my treasure, / watched his every
motion, and handed it to him. He
leaned forward to take it, and as he did
so the pistol was removed for an instant
from contact with my head. Now was
my tune. Selling my pistol with one
hand, and still retaining my grasp on the
belt, fred directly into his face. He
staggered, and with a gfoan, released his
hold of my treasure, fell backward to
the ground. His companion, who had
not spoken thus far, darted his hand un,
der, bis coat for his pistol, and fred a
point blank shot at my head. The bull
let flew wide Of its mark, embedding it.
self in q tree close by. Striking my
horse smart blow with my whip,l sped
off down the path like an ar low.
A moment later the crash of horses
hoofs sounding rapidly behind told that
the OUTLAW had mounted his steed, and
was pursuing my tracks like the wind.
And now commenced q race for life
On, on through the black stormy night /
sped / could just see my follower dash
ing wildly on, with his head barred and
his long hair streaming in the wind. An
occasional cold glitter told me that he
had his pistol in hand, only waiting a
fair view Of me to discharge his leaden
messenger in pursuit Of my flying steed.
also drew my revolver and, leaning
forward, urged my horse on-on till his
breath came pantingly, and he reared
and plunged madly.
Evidently this pursuit could not be
kept up long. My pursuer was gaining
slowly but surely. OF that there could
be no doubt His horse was compare
lively fresh, while mine was exhausted
AT last drew up my steed. 1t was use
less to attempt to evade him longer
Clutching my weapon in an iron grasp |
wheeled and waited him. Madly he
came, until when not more than ten
yards distant, he drew up his pistol and
fired. The ball struck my left arm, and
it sunk helpless by my side.
With prayer for my safety | answer
ed his shot. ~ W !.
.Whizm sped the ball, burying itself
in the outlaws body. With a despailfng
cry iAe tarew up his arms, and losing his
balance toppled and fell. My ball had
gone home, and the rllllian was defeat-
ed.
I reached my destination in safety,
though my wound proved more danger
ous than had at first supposed.