The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1873-01-23
ON TIE RIVER.
A Thrilling skefh.

In the summer of Isl was engaged
with young man named Lyman Knapp
in locating land lots along the Wabash,
in Indiana. | had gone out partly tor
my health, and partly to accommodate
one who had ever been noble friend to
me, and who had purchased great
deal of Government land At Daven
port he was taken sick, and, after watch
ing with him week, in hopes that he
would soon recover. | found that he
had a settled fever, and, as the physi-
clans said that he would not probably be
able to move under a month, | deter
mined to move on alone So obtained
q good nurse, and, having seen that my
friend would have everything necessary
to his comfort which money could pro-
cure, l left him.
As good fortune would have it, l
found a party of six men bound on the
very route | was going on, and | waited
one day for the sake of their company.
At length we set out, with three pack
horses to carry our luggage, and soon I
found | had lost nothing by waiting, for
my companions were agreeable and en-
tertaining. They were going on to St.
Joseph's, were they had land already
located, and where they had mills upon
the river, intending to get out lumber
during the remainder of the season.
On the third day from Logansport we
reached Walters settlement on the Lit
tie River, having left the Wabash on
into evening when we reached the little
log-built inn of the settlement, and we
were glad enough of the shelter for,
ere we were fairly under cover, the rain
began to fall in big drops. and thickly,
too. And more still had | to be thank
full for. My horse began to show
lameness in one of his hind legs. and
when | leaped from the saddle | found
that his foot panied him much, as |
could tell by the manner in which he
lifted it from the ground. | ordered the
hostler to battle it in cold water, and |
then went into the house, where we |
found good substantial supper, and |
comfortable quarters for the night--that
is, comfortable quarters for that section
and that time.
About ten clock, Just after l had re-
tired, and just as l was falling into a
grateful browse, [ was startled by the
shouts of men and barking of dogs d.
rectly unner my window. As the noise
| arose and threw on my
clothes and went down.
"What is it?" I asked Of the land
lord, who stood in the doorway.
''Ah don't yon know. stranger ?"
said the host, turning. "Yo've heard of
Gustus Karl. perhaps?"
Wha in the West had not heard of
him at that time-the most reckless and
murdeious robber that ever cursed a
country? l told the host | had heard
of him often.
swell, he resumed. "the villain was
here only this afternoon, and murdered
o man just up the river. We've been
out after him, but he's gin US the slip.
We tracked him as far as the upper
creek; there he came out On the bank,
fired at US and killed Que of our horses,
and then dove into the woods. We set
the dogs on. but they lost him." I,
And You had to come back horse
less % I said.
Yes" the landlord growlcd. But"
he added, With knowing shake of the
head, ''he can't run clear much longer.
The country is up in arms, and he'll
either leave these huntin's or be dror-
ped
What sort of man is lie ?" 1
asked. f
The very last man in the world you
you'd take for Gus Kari. He is small
not a bit over FIVE feet, with light, curly
hair, and smooth, white face, ard not
very stout. But, love ye. he's quick as
lightning, and his eyes got fire in il.
He dresses IN all shades. but generally
hike common hunter. O,he's the very /
devil, l 90 believed"
After the tubful of whiskey and water
which the landlord bad provided was all
drank; the crowd began to dispense, and