Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-04-09
LOVELAUGHSAT OPPOSITION
OR
The Way GEN. jackson Oapfurea
the Robbers.
nv william Jared Hall.


oHAPTrR ].
AS the sun vas setting one pleasant
evening in the month of May, of the
year 1872, on road leading through ar
slmost wilderness, some ten miles west
from the city OF Tallahassee, in the terri
tory of FioIids, two men on horseback
were riding slowly forward in westerl,
direction.
One of these persons was short, thick
and powerfully built, with wide chest and
broad shoulders-.he characteristics of 8
strong man. His habilimenss consisted OF
checked shirt. brown linen pants, heavy
boots, and straw hat. His name was
Don Soto, and he was blacksmith OF
Tallahassee "a man of good repute in the
city.
His companion was of medium size
and well proportioned. There was a
thoughtful expression upon his features,
4 naughty, consequential air in his man
ners, with flashing eye, and quick,
active motion. His apparel was compos-
ed of dark pants, dark vest and dark
cost, light leather shoes, and wide
brimmed leghorn hat This man was
Leneaigo De Monte, an extensive mer-
chant of Tallahassee, and one OF the hrst
citizens of that toWn--at least he was so
considered.
They had pursued their course in ST.
lence for nearly an hour, and there was
marked difference in their appearance
as they rode side by side.
Don Soto was careless in his manner,
sleepy in his look, and needless of what
might be passing around, while De Monte
held the reins firmly in his hand, and his
keen, quick eye scanned every surround
ing object. Not leaf moved nor twig
bent, that his eagle glance did not detect
"What time do you expect the man
viii overtake us9" inquired Don Soto,
suddenly rousing himself from the half
stupor into which he had fallen, and ad-
dressing his companion.
81 would not be surprised if il was
twelve O'clock" was the reply. ''He
has gone to see his lady-loye, and time
win fly fast" There was almost fiend-
ish expression upon the features of the
speaker. s''ris best that he should tar
ry," he continued, ''for it is the last time
he viii ever visit her.
'sBravo for you, De Monte !" loosely
exclaimed his companion. 'One would
suppose, to hear you talk, that you had
fallen in love with some fair one, and
wSs now endeavoring TO capture rival,
for fear that he would be more success
full than yourself, and carry off the prize.
Ia, hs, la isn't that the case z Now
own up ike man"
sfSpeak on,n interrupted De Monte,
moodily. ''Speak out; don't be afraid.
1 will listen"
Snow isn't that sensible for q man like
you to get mad at such trifles2 What's
the use in flying into a foolish passion
every time words dropped9"
'eWho is in a passicnl" Intercepted
De Monte. ''Your remarks don't apply
TO me. But come, here is the spot had
chosen for the ambush. Let us dismount
and secure our horses in the swamp, then
we can conceal ourselves in some thicket
near the beaten track, and wait till he
comes.
'k.ny way to suit, and getyou in good
temper again. You're so pesky snsppish
that it's almost dangerous to speak loud
in your presence. I've come out here for
the express purpose of capturing some
body, whom l suppose you've got q
grudge against I'd be fool to ask any
questions about il, unless there should
happen to be favorable change in your
temper. l say, De Monte, what sort of
a chap is this Frank GillispieG
'sHe is person that you will find to
be not easily caught, unless by cautious
and shrewd managing. would not have
a hair of his head injured. The time for
his death has not yet come"
Say, De Monte, I'll just wager new
cigar that can capture him, alone, and
have everything secure before he knows
he's trapped. What do you say-will
you DO it?'
'sNo. l have purpose of no small
moment in this matter, and / don't want
any silly blunders by way of expert
ments."
ssHave your own way, then," answer
ed Don Soto, little angry by the
insinuations rejecting upon his abil-
ily to do what he had proposed.
By this time the horses had been Sc
cured in the thick bushes of the swamp,
which lay directly on their left, and a
convenient position near the beaten track
had been found, where the men placed
themselves. and, like wild beasts of prey,
were ready TO spring upon their unsus-
pecting victim and plunge the dagger to
his heart or compel him to endure q liy-
ing death, far down in some deep cavern
of the earth.
Leaving these two men in ambush,
watching for the appearance of Frank
Gillispie, we viii return TO the city OF
Tallahassee; and in dong 80, we shall go
back in the course of our narrative some
six hours, TO three O'Clock in the after
noon.
On one of the principal streets in the
city aforesaid, was a large frame resi-
.1ence. 1t was situated q sort distance
back from the sidewalk, leaving diminu.
tive front yard, with few shrubs and
ornamental trees, whije in the rear was g
small garden well cultivated. The whole
lot was not large, and the owner was q
man too extensively engaged in mercan-
tile business to allow any time for-as he
termed it-useless labor upon the ground,
fro,a which no benefit could be derived
Dr. Guilford, the proprietor of the res
idepee sisove alluded TO, was man OF
some ffty gGsrs of age, and he was sur,
rounded with quite numerous family OF
children. There were six boys in all
ranging from ten to twenty-five years Of
age, and one daughter, who was in he
eighteenth year.
DIR. Guilford was wealthy. In former
wears he had practiced medicine, and wal
generally successful; but supposing tina
there could be more money accumulated
in mercantile pursuits, he had thrown VI
an extensive practice end entered tn
counting-room. Hence the appeliatlen
Or. Guilferd.
There was one trait of his characte
which above all others was the mos
prominent. He was wilful and stubborn
when once set upon accomplishing an
given object. He was extremely passion
ate when crossed in any of his desires, fly
ing into the most violent fit of rage, an
N the heat of such moments woul
scarcely appear to realize what he said o
performed.
He differed in some respects from man
who we're as favorably situated as he wa
Instead Of bringing his boys up in idlt
ness--allowiag them to run at large
Il, &c f1crIQllU do