The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1871-01-05

when they sounded distant sprang to
my feet. My first idea was flight, but a
moments consideration told me that
that would be certain death. 1 crept to
the door and peeped through the chinks
in the wall. The storm still ragged, and
by the constant flashing of the light
ming was enabled to see for some dis
tance. Silas was coming toward the
hut, carrying "A heavy burden on his
shoulders. He stopped by the side of a
pond about ten yards from the build
ing, and threw down his load-it was
the body of man. Silas then took
some cords from his pocket, and with
them bound huge stone to the body.
When this was done be picked up the
ghastly object, and with more than hu-
man strength hurled it into the pond.
The lightning cleaned out brightly; the
pale, ghastly face seemed turning one
appealing look to heaven for revenge :;
the cold, dull waters closed over it, and
all was still again.
Struck with horror, L could scarcely
move, and with difficulty regained my
position by the fire before Silas returned.
Quietly taking off his own coat and
waistcoat, which were as bad as they
could be, he threw them into one corner
of the room, and then, with all the cool
ness imaginable, dressed himself in my
garments. He again left the hut with
my saddle-bags, and few minutes af-
terward heard the ring of my horses
feet as he galloped away.
In a moment had seized his coat, and
putting it on, dashed from the hut in
pursuit.
ran until almost ready to drop. Still
pressed on; the spirit Of revenge had
entered my soul, and bore me up. At
last saw horseman crossing the hill.
knew the figure but too well-it was
Silas Cass.
Till morning lodged from bush to
bush, keeping as close to him as dared.
Had had pistol with me fear Silas
would have stood very poor chance.
At last 1 perceived a party of horsemen
riding toward us, and in minute 1
burst from my hiding-place and COM
menced shouting as loudly as could.
"Stop him, stop him !! he is mur-
derer!"
Silas looked quietly behind him, and,
seeing me running, drew his revolver,
presented and fired. The bullet whistled
close to my head, but did no damage.
By this time the horsemen had heard
my cries and were close upon Silas, who
hesitated for moment whether to at
tack me or not, but seeing the party of
horsemen were armed, he turned his
horses head as if to galop across country;
but the leader of the horsemen swung
his rifle round, and presenting it at
Silas, called upon him to stop.
81 guess this is a pretty shindy," said
Silas, coolly, "all about a fellow who
has lost his money at poker"
"Stop that man." 1 cried; "he has
robbed me of my money, horse and
clothes"
why, you darred viper" said Silas,
"didn't you lose them TO me fairly at
poker, in the block-hut?"
NO" cried "he robbed me there,
and call upon you all to help me arrest
him for having committed murder. 1
saw him throw the body into pond by
the log-hut last night. Expecting the
same fate, wrote on an envelope these
words: Il have been robbed and MUIR
dered by Silas Cass-James Ansel.' You
will find it in slit in the lining of my
coat, which that man now wears, for he
is Silas Cass."
Scarcely had the words escaped my
lips when Silas again presented his pis-
tol, and this time with better effect, for
the bullet pierced my arm, but at the
same instant one of the horsemen dealt
Cass heavy blow with his rifle, and
laid him senseless on the ground.
Silas was handed over to the authori-
ties and searched my envelope was
found upon him. The body was found
in the pond as L described. My story
was told and proved true, and in few
days had the satisfaction of knowing
that Silas Cass was no more.