The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1872-04-02
THE ROBBERS RO0ST
HANS LAST VEGVERE.

1t was very sultry afternoon, that
crossed the Mississippi River, and neg
Iligently travelled on my way towar6
Greenville The cool shade which GOV.
cred the road, and the majestic wood
land scenery, whiled away the time SC
pleasantly, that before | WAS aware Of it,
the sun was down, and darkness gently
dropping its dark veil.
| looked about me and became alarm
cd at the density of the forest. The
signing wind, the rustling OF a bush, the
hooting of an owl startled me. in the
thick shade of almost every tree imag.
ined wild beast ready to spring upon
me, and behind the trees monstrous
trunks, I expected some hideous animal
to dash furioasly at me. I carried 9
revolver ready for any emergency, and
loosencd my heavy knife in its scabbard
But little did l imagine that, having
passed the dangers of the woods, those
of more fearful and awful character
awaited me-
The darkness had become 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 gentle lustre with q
greater joy.
When | reached The spot, l found q
dilapidated log house, two stories high,
with riciOty old porch in front. y
couple of gaunt, ferocious hounds came
rushing at me, and warned the inmates
Of my approach. l scrutinizod the
premises as closely as l could in the
darkness, and was anything but satisfied
with the result of my investigation. But
when l looked about me, and saw the
heavy gloom which hung upon every
thing and the prospect Of being devour-
ed by wo,ves,I concluded to first inquire
the distance to the next stopping-place,
and if it was too far, to remain where l
was
The door opened. and husky voice
said: "Who is there ?"
GA stranger" Ireplied, and followed
up by asking how far to the next stop
lping place.
I could hear a low murmur of voices
and then reply came, ''tcn miles: OF
more"
dismounted and fastened my horse
to post, and as I assembled the old
rickety stairs of the porch. they creaked
dismal dirge, and the gaunt, lean
hounds nipped savagely at my heels.
The room which l entered presented
such repulsive appearance that start
ed back with mingled surprise and dis
gust. The eyes Of several rough, un-
couth looking individuals were turned
upon me,and 1 felt in their glance some
thing more Of the ferociousness Of the
wild beast than the gentlencss of human
beings.
"Take a seat stranger" said burly,
thick-set man, as he handed me a chair
which groaned piteously with It's infrm.
tiles As l cast glance upon the
group before me, ! seemed to hesitate,
which was instantly noticed, and the off
eiating man who seemed to be the land
lord came toward me, and in a concilia-
tory tone and style, and as gentle as
could be expected, said:
"Sorry we can't accommodate you
any better; but make yourself at home,
we'll do the best by YOU wo kim
A significant glance passed among
the men, as the host concluded his hos
pitable invitation, which did not escape
my notice.
AT length supper was served, consist
ing Of corn bread and bacon; and for
this meagre fare abundant apologies
were offered.
After listening q short time to their
disgusting conversation, | informed the
host that would like to retire.
"Will you leave your saddle-bags ?'
said he with q bland smile, as lie extend,
ed his monstrous hand to take them.
mo, SIR" l replied, while . heavy
frown gathered on my brow.
81 have a safe place to keep them" he
reioined, while his bloodshot eyes stab
bed me to the heart.
"No doubt" said /, with meaning
nod, "but l prefer taking them with
me-"
This conclusion was received rather
coldly, and as l prepared to leave the
room, one of the men espied the handle
of my revolver protruding from beneath
my coat.F
"Hello, stranger!,' he exclaimed in a
quick tone, "let's see that ere pistol, will
you?" So sudden had been the demand,
and in such seeming innocent curiosity,
that l put my hand back to give it to
him. But second thought decided me,
and l replied that it was no great curl
osity and | would show it to him in the
morning.
BY this time the men had gathered
around me, and seeing things looked
rather peculiar, backed myself through
the door, followed by the host When
the door was closed, could hear low
murmurings, and an oath or two uttered
in vehement tones.
The landlord hurried me up feeble
pair of stairs, and few yards from the
landing pushed open door and bade
me enter I Iglanced around the apart
ment, and showed by my action that
was dissatisfied with its appearance.
"It is the best can do for EQUESTRIAN
ger" said he; and you needn't be afraid
of them fellows down stairs; they won'i
hurt anybody"
II shall not be alarmed l replied, as
he closed the door and descended tht
steps. was somewhat annoyed at the
appearance Of things, and determined Lc
place myself in the best possible posi-
ton of defense. | examined my quar-
ters closely, and found the door had nc
: fastening whatever, nor was there any
thing convenient with which it could b.
: secured.
!, Determined not to be ballled, | tore ;
strip of board from the wall and will
my knife cut piece sufficiently long t(
!, make brace from the lower cleft Of th'
: door to the floor Then with my pocA
} et-knife | bored holes in the casing at TIL
! upper end, and drawing several nail
| from the wall, l drove them with tn
handle of my large knife. Having eZ
aminpd the walls md anOrchentinT ni