The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1871-06-14

a profusion Of short, sandy hair and
beard.
Viewing the fellow there by the fire
light, he had more the appearance of a
cut throat than follower of the peace
full avocation of which his garb indica-
ted him to be.
The woman, who was dirty, SLOW
emily creature, was engaged in prepar-
ing supper. An oven was upon the
fire, and she divided her attention be-
tween this and a huge slice of venison
ham, that was broiling on some Goals
drawn out from the hearth.
81 have been belated," said, 1sand
am very tired and hungry, and would
crave nights lodging with yon."
81 reckon you can stay, stranger
he replied, casting sidelong glance at
his wife. 5g $50 -..a+.;
'Haye you come far to-day ~ he
asked, after a moments silence.
eyes" And / acquainted him with
whom had staid over night. 49,.
"Twas a good long ride" lie said
"But come, your horse must be tired,
and hungry, too, and will show you
where to feed him." II taa s>i'i
At this solicitation of my host, who
gave his name as Dallis DAYTON, fol-
lowed him out into the yard, and, tax
ing my horse by the bride, led him to
the rear of the hut, where I found a
stable, or rather, shed, to secure him
in. After feeding him plcntifully with
shelled corn, which the man DAYTON
had brought, we returned to the cabin.
Supper was Immediately served, and
partook heartily of their rude fare,
which l relished keehly. Then, after
chatting a couple of hours, or more,
with mine host, he, at my request, TAX
ing flaming torch from the fire, con-
ducted me to my place of retirement,
which was in the rude loft of the cabin,
accessible from the lower floor by a
rough ladder, no doubt of his own man
ufacture. h41 8LlhaA
My bed was only heap of bear
skins, piled up in one corner of the
place, but which, when had composed
myself within them, served admirably
well; seeming as soft and comforta-
BILE as a bed Of down, after my fatigu-
ing ride. r-- ,;.a. 49,,
Aud soon the Pickering freight that
stole up from below, through the
crevices of the floor, and which grotes-
quely streaked and illuminated the
walls and roof of the cabin, slowly,
softly faded from my vision then the
low, humming voices of the man and
woman, as they conversed in half
inaudible tones, died out upon my ear
and then, entirely overcome, / sunk
into that sweet, delicious repose that
only the truly tired man can know.
How long slept l know not-though
it must have been some hours when
I suddenly awoke with start. For a
moment could not comprehend where
1 was at, and I lay quite still till had
satisfied myself on this point, by re-
calling the events of the day. was
about to compose myself to sleep again
when voice below attracted my at
tention. It was that of Dallis Daw-
ton. knew well his harsh, surely
tones.
Giles sound asleep, boys; I even
touched him, and it not in the least bit
disturbed him." he said. @ =
'"Then Dawton, blast yer ugly pic
tur,' came another rough voice, evil
IDENTIFY mans, too "Why didn't you
do the work for him?"
"Plenty o'time yet" returned the
first, with a growl.
"D'ye suppose he has anything OF
any consequence about him, DAYTON 2
asked a third.
81 rather think he has," was the re-
joinder.
| "And the horse, what of the horse q
"Worth all our trouble, whether We
get anything else or not"
"Hush! not SO loud, men," said tn,
second, cautiously. "He might hap
pen to wake up and hear you"
] "This injunction was quickly OBJ
served, for they began to converse il
tones that were inaudible to my ear
save a low, murmuring sound. But
had heard enough to acquaint me witt
their intentions, and I sat bolt uprigh
in the bed.
1 had unluckily fallen into a nest o
thieves, and il was plainly evident
from what little of their conversation
heard over head, that they intended tc
murder and rob me.
| For a minute OF longer sat Their
without moving, nay, scarcely breath
ing. This truth had burst upon me s.
suddenly that was more like man il
a dream than one that was awake.
| A faint light was yet burning below
for it was still creeping up throug
the crevices, of the loft floor and paint