Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1872-04-22
The Robbers ROOSt.

ly travelled ON my way towards Green
vile. The cool shade which covered the
road, and the majestic woodland scenery,
whiled away the time so pleasantly. that
before was aware Of it, the sun was
down, and darkness gently dropping it's
black veil
l looked about me, and became alarm
ed at the density Of the forest. The
signing of the wind, the rustling of the
bush, the hooting of an owl, startled me.
In the thick shades of almost every tree.
[ imagined a wild beast ready to spring
upon me, and behind the trees mon
strous trunks, l expected some hideous
animal to dash furiously at me. | car
ried my revolver ready for any emergen
cy, and loosened my heavy knife in its
scabbard. But little did imagine that
having passed the dangers of the woods
those of more fearful and awful char
!
The darkness had become intense and
it was with the greatest difficulty I could
pursue my course. At length, however,
light hove in view, and never in my
life did hail its gentle lustre with
greater joy.
When 7 neared the spot, l found a di-
lapidated log house, two stories high,
with rickety old porch in front. A
couple of gaunt ferocious hounds came
rushing at me- and warned the inmates
of my approach. l scrutinized the prem
ises as closely as l could in the darkness,
and was anything but satisfied with the
result of my Investigations 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 distance
to the next stopping place, and if it was
too far, to remain where | was.
The door opened and a husky voice
said, "Who is there
ga stranger" replied, and then
followed up by asking, show far to the
next stopping place p
could hear low murmur of voices,
and then reply came, 'ten miles or
more"
l dismounted and fastened my horse
to a post, and as I ascended the old
rickety stairs of the porch, they creaked
a dismal dirge, and the gaunt, lean
hounds nipped savagely at my heels.
The room which [ entered presented a
repulsive appearance, and | started back
with mingled surprise and 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 burly
thick set man, as he handed me chair,
which groaned piteously with its infrm-
tiles. AS | cast a glance upon 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 conciliatory
tone and style as gentle as could be ex-
pected, 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 glance passed among the
men, as the host concluded his hospita-
BILE invitation, which did not escape my
, notice.
AT length, supper was served, consist
ing of corn bread and bacon; and for
7 this meagre fare, abundant apologies
were offered.
} After listening short time to theil
disgusting conversation, informed my
host would like to retire.
"Will you leave your saddle bags o
l said he, with a bland smile, as he ex
, tended his monstrous hand to take them
7 mo, sir, replied, while a heavy
= frown gathered on my brow.
: 81 have very safe place to keel
5 them" he rejoined, while his bloodshot
eyes stabbed me to the heart
5 'No doubt" said [, with meaning
7 nod, ''but | would prefer taking then
with me-
This conclusion was received rather
r coolly, as prepared to leave the room
| one of the men espied the handle of ny
e revolver protruding from beneath m,
| coat.
!, '.Hello, stranger p he exclaimed in
J, quick tone, ''lets see that ere pistol. will
: you ?" So sudden had been the demanc
and in such seeming innocent curiosity
: that l put my hand back to give it t
e him. But a second thought decided me
r and replied that it was no great Gu
# riosity, and I would show it to him i
o the morning.
d By this time the men had gathers
: around me, and seeing things look rath
If er peculiar, l backed myself throug
lie the door, followed by the host. Whe
s, the door was closed l could hear mul
e murings, and an oath or two uttered i
TO vehement tones.
IS The landlord hurried me up feebl