Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1871-03-01

huu III SSttIuS 10 q icStuiO iIOuf tHo
Board. We were deeply annoyed this
time. and though it did not change our
friendship for him, we both vowed We
would iu some manner and at some time
get even with him.
'Tnat opportunity did not occur dur
ing our remaining days of college life,
and then we parted. George and myself
entered into our present business. and
Price took up his residence South, where
be renamed for number of years, dur
ing which time we did not meet. On
his return to the city he called upon US,
and finding him the same noble, unset
fish, thougtless Price, all our old affec-
ton for him returned, aud we were hap
py in living over again those college days.
We had many hearty laughs over the
memory of the tricks be loved TO play on
us; and then he recalled the parting one,
and our long forgotten promise to get
even with him.
.Ah my old fellows, he said, slapping
me on the back, in playful badinage,
you haven't the heads for these things,
you know, though | would love to have
you try your hands at H.
Now, this implied challenge was also
forgotten until week after. when he
called upon us to cash a draft for some
thousands Of dollars. He was going out
to what was then the Far W est, though
il is now almost next door neighbor to
US, with view Of purchasing some lands
and therefore his need of this money!
Then | remembered our threat, and his
recent allusion to it.
George | remarked to my partner,
suppose we do get even on Price for
that ugly joke of his on which he prides
himself so much
| would like to- he replied, 'if only
to convince him tha; we can do it. But
| do no: see how it can be done.
Easily. We have only to slip a
thousand or two of hose spurious notes
among this package of genuine money;
and III wager they will give an account
of themselves
You will please understand that some
weeks prior to this time heavy haul of
counteifeiter and their work had been
made. Several thousands of this coun
terfeit paper had been left with US rs sx
ceilent specimens of the counterfeitiDg
art. 1t was an amount of this stuff, rep
resenting a thousand dollars in value,
that proposed to surrnplitiously inclose
IN Prices package, relying on his usual
carelessness in money matters, that be
would not discover its presence at once.
Ii had given the matter moments
serious thought, would not have done
this. but barrel, mentioned the idea and
received Georges approval, when Price
made his appearance to receive his money
and say farewell. When be left us. that
package of spurious notes was with the
genuine notes in bis pocket book. Then
wished them back when it was too late.
Ny only purpose in placing them with
his genuine money was that he might
present one Of them for use, and the an
noyance he would suffer in extricating
himself from tue dilemma would be re
sufficient for his old college
pranks.
Yes was not satisfied that | had
done wise thing, or even an excuseable
one, though | tried to content myself
with the thought that even if suspicion
rested upon him, and SO large an amount
of these notes were found on his person,
he need only to notify me to secure full
lest vindication. No harm could befall
him, but | was nervously anxious to have
a letter from from him. l wanted the
assurance from himself that all was we'll
with him, and because it did not come ]
was in fever of self accusation and fear
In the mean time he had proceeded on
his way without Interruption. Having
reached border settlement, he remained
a couple of weeks among the rough, har-
DIV, impulsive spirits whom he found set
tied there, and finding several tracts of
land to please him, be purchased them.
The papers of conveyance were delivered
and the purchase money paid over on
the evening before his contemplated re
turn east.
On The following morning he took a
cordial leave of his new made friends,
and started forth on his return. He
travelled leisurely during the day, and at
night, found accommodation for himself
and horse at settlers house. During
the night he was startled by An alarming
noise outside, and, before he was fairly
awake, he found himself dragged from
his bed by moi of armed men, among
whom be recognized those he had pur-
chased the lands from, and many others
from the same settlement. Without be-
ing permitted to demonstrate he was Sc
curely bound upon the back of his horse,
and guarded by the mob, was rapidly
borne back TO the settlement.
Not until he arrived there and was
safely lodged in the primitive Jail, care
fully guarded, was be informed that be
was charged with being counterfeiter
He was indignant and demanded the full
lest investigation. This only revealed TO
his speeches. astonshment the presence
on his person of nearly four hundred
dollars in counterfeit notes, and it was
revealed to him that over six hundred
dollars of the money he had paid for The
lands was also spurious.
The proof Of his guilt seemed over
wheltning. His evident haste to leave
the settlement Immediately. after he had
maud ont this monev yyas construad into