Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-12-18
his foot, was seemingly trying its

his foot was seemingly trying its
strength.
Il think it will do" he said in the same
low tone he had used before, ''but you
know the two bodies will be heavy"
AT these words all doubts as to our be-
ing the two who were meant, vanished
Immediately, and terror almost complete
ly unnerved US. To die so young-away
from home and friends, and such a terri
BILE death, too-the thought was horrible.
There seemed 10 be no means of escape
but through the window, and that we
dared not attempt to raise, lest the noise
should alarm the rutfians, and bring them
immediately upon US. In this alternative,
after a whispered consultation, we resOlv-
ed to sell our lives as dearly as possible.
In my valise was a small package of
bullets, which | had placed there so that
we might amuse ourselves by shooting at
a mark, in case game should prove scarce;
but how to get them was the question.
The snap of the lock would alarm our
pleasant neighbOrs, who, meanwhile, were
occupied in making slip-noose upon one
end OF the rope.
However, to our inexpressible relief,
having finished their bloody apparatus,
they both arose and left the room, carry
ing their tools with them. Soon as their
steps died away in the distance, snap
went the lock OF the valise; and, fright
lending US speed, | venture to say never
were two guns dOuble-lOaded, or two indi-
vlduals dressed quicker than we. Placing
two chairs abreast, and resting our pieces
upon them so as to command the door,
with by no means pleasant feelings, We
awaited the issue. For a long time we
kept vigilant watch, till the morning
sun sreamed through our window, bat
saw no trace of our expected assailants.
Soon smell of hot coffee and rolls began
to penetrate the crevices of the door, and
a light step in the adjoining room led us
once more to our lookout. Instead of the
sanguinary ruff1ans we had seen before,
there was a cheerful-looking young female
moving lightly about, and preparing sa-
vorY-looking breakfast.
Sure" said my friend, "such coun-
tenance does not look like one used to
scenes of blood;" and, opening the door,
before | could prevent him, was by her
side. After the interchange of the usual
morning salute, he casually inquired after
the men whom he had seen the night be-
fore.
ooh, said she, ''they are in the barn
ShlHHIuS TWO IOA6S IildG InCy nave JUST
killed; they were caught just before you
came last night"
The merry laugh of my companion
rang out at this explanation of the bloody
mystery. and for my life could not help
Joining with him, to the no small amuse-
ment Of our hostess.
We Immediately proceeded to the barn,
and there, sure enough, were two foxes
with their Threats cut and their hides
almost off. You may believe that we felt
as though relieved of a heavy burden.
Soon the breakfast bell summoned us to
the house, and after partaking of the good
things, settling with our host, and inquir-
ing the way to our destination, we babe
all hands good-Gay, and started merrily
on again.
So ended our adventure, with the ex-
ception that after driving about mile, we
alighted and discharged our guns, rid
ding a fence with much more satisfac-
ton than we should have felt in putting
cold lead into human being.
Suffice it to say, that after a pleasant
ride we reached our destination; but
never to this day can either of US restrain
a smile when recounting that night among
the woods.