The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1872-08-09
THE ROBBERS ROOST.

crossed the Mississippi River, and
negligently travelled on my way to-
wards Greenville. The cool shade
which covered the road, and the ma.
jestic woodland scenery, whiled away
the time so pleasantly, that before |
was aware of it, the sun was down,
and darkness gently dropping back its
black veil.
l looked about me. and became
alarmed at the density of the forest
The sighing of the wind, the rustling
OF bush, the hooting of an owl,
startled me. In the thick shades of
almost every tree, imagined wild
beast ready to spring upon me, and
behind the trees monstrous trunks, /
expected some hideous animal to dash
furiously at me. carried my revol-
yer ready for any emergency, and
loosened my knife in its scabbard.-
But little did imagine that having
passed the danger of the woods those
of more fearful and awful character
awaited me.
The darkness had became intense
and it was with the greatest difficulty
| could pursue my course. At
length, however, light hove in view,
and never in my life did l hail its gen.
tie lustre with greater joy.
When | neared the spot, found a
dilapidated log house, two stories
high, with a rickety old porch IN front.
A couple of gaunt terocious hounds
came rushing at me, and warned the
inmates of my approach. / scruti-
nized the premises as closely rs |
could in the darkness, and was any
thing but satisfied with the result of
my ivestigations. But when looked
about me, and saw the heavy gloom
which hung upon everything, and the
prospect of being devoured by wolves
| concluded to first inquire the dis
tance to the stopping place, and if it
was too far, TO remain where | was.
The door opened, and husky voice
said, WHO'S there?'
"A stranger l replied, and the fol-
lowed up by asking, how far to the
next stopping place."
| could hear a low murmur of
voices, and then reply came "ten
miles or more
| dismounted. and fastened nv
horse to post and IS ! ascended the
old rickety stairs of the porch, they
creaked dismal dirge, and the gaunt
lean hounds nipped savageiy at my
heels>
The room which / entered present.
ed such repulsive appearance, that ]
started back with mingled surprise
aud disgust. The eyes of several
rough, uncouth looking individuals
were turned upon me, and felt in
their glances something more of the
ferociousness of the wild beasts, than
the gentleness of human beings.
Take seat, stranger" said bur.
ly, thick-set man, as he handed me a
chair. which groaned piteously with
its infirmities. As cast a glance up
on the group before me, ! seemed to
hesitate, which was instantly noticed,
and the officiating man, who seemed
to be the landlord, came toward me,
and in concilatory tone and style as
gentle as could be expected, said:
Sorry We can't accommodate you
better, stranger; but make yourself
at home, we'll do the best by you we
| kin"
A significant glace passed among
the men, as the host concluded his
hospitable ivltation, which did not es-
cape my notice.
At length, supper was served, con-
slsting OF corn bread and bacon; and
for this meagre fare, abundant apollo
gies were offered.
After listening short time to their
disgusting conversation, | informed
my host [ would like to retire.
"Will you leave your saddle-bags?'
said he, with bland smile, as he ex-
tended his monstrous hand to take
them.
No, SIR" l replied, while heavy
frown gathered on my brow.
Il have very safe place TO keep
them" he rejoined, while his blood
shot eyes stabbed me to the heart.
mo doubt" said |, with a meaning
nod, "but l would prefer taking thep
with me-
This conclusion was received rather
coolly; as | prepared to leave the
room, one of the men espied the han.
die OF my revolver protruding from
beneath my coat.
"Hello, stranger he exclaimed in
a quick tone, LETS see that ERE pis
tol, will you?" So sudden had been
the demand and IN such seeming in
nocent curiosity, that | put my hand
back to give it to him. But second
thought decided me, and / replied
that it was no great curiosity, and ]
would show it to him in the morning
BY this time the men had gathered
around me, and seeing things looked
rather peculiar, l backed mysel
through door, followed by the host
When the door was closed, l coult
hear loud murmurings, and an oath d
two uttered in vehement tones.
! The landlord hurried me up fee
BILE pair of stairs, and few yard
from the landing, pushing open ,h'
door, and bade enter. I glanced
around the apartment, and showed
by nay action, that I was dissatisfied
with its appearance.
at is the best that we can do fo
you, stranger" said he; "and yo1
needn't be afraid of them fellers dow
stairs, they won't hurt anybody"
|. II shall not be alarmed" | replied
as be closed the door, and descende'
the steps. I was somewhat annoyed
at the appearance of things, and de
8 tarmined tn nIace mvseIf in tho has