Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-12-18

| lGdQlQg 10 the SCuOOl must, Nnere he
was fortunate enough to find the teacher.
| What kind of a man was it came for
Alice?n he asked. "a tall, dark-complex
toned man, with heavy black whiskers,''
replied the teacher. Il should not have
let her go" she continued, "but he said
your wife had sent for her?"
q What sort of a horse did he driver"
"a large pray one. have seen him
often, and believe he is owned by some
man in the village"
Then away to Galena the father posted
with all possible speed. Upon finding
the man who owned the horse, he in
qufred if he had let him to any stranger
that day.
eyes, did; and he agreed to be back
by three O'Clock, and now it is almost
| six. He said he was going out to vour
house, so l thought it was all right; but
why do you ask?"
The "boss !" proceeded to relate what
is already known.
at may oe a trick of one of those
rascally horse-thieves up the river, and if
so he has probably struck for the Missis-
! sippi. That we can easily ascertain by
inquiring along the road-but you say he
took your oldest girl! What could he
possibly want of herr"
"Oh, do not know! Neither can |
| imagine who he can be. But come.
mount horse, and let US see if we can
get track of him. said the agonized
father
"All right" replied the stablekeeper.
| Wait till | get my shooting irons, so
| that If we come across him | can give
| justice without a trial"
At farm house few miles from town
| they made inquiry, and learned that such
horse had passed there about two
o'clock that afternoon, with tall, we'll
dressed man driving, and accompanied
by little girl who appeared to be weep
ing.
All the way along their route similar
answers were given to their inquiries, I'M
til the fact was established beyond a
doubt that the stranger was making for
the Mississippi, and forcing their horses
to their utmost speed they pushed on. But
tlteg aoere too late!
Arriving at the river they found the
horse tied to tree, while upon the seat
of the carriage was the following letter.
addressed to the owner of the horse:
| DEAR SIR: am sorry to put you to SO much
trouble in coming for your horse, but perhaps the
inclosed bank note will repay you for your anxiety
| and your journey here. Please tell John Emerson,
the boss at the mines, that l have not forgotten
my oath, and that after l have DESTROYED his
family one at time will kill him. as have sworn
/ to do. RICHARD SMALLEY.n
Then the boss knew who had his child,
and why she had been stolen; but, unre-
hitting as was his search, no trace of her
could be found
Another year went past, and another
child, who had been sent after the COWS,
was missing.
| The hills were searched, and old
mineral holes were explored in the ex-
pectation of finding her there; while the
| poor father was nearly frantic. He fear
ed the worst, and believed it to be the
| work of Smalley To confirm his belief
| he received a letter from Smalley, again
reminding him of his oath. In fear and
trembling the time passed away. Every
care was taken of the remaining child,
and the father was never out of sight of
| his house.
One day the stable-keeper from Galena
| called and said: Il have some news for
you. The fellow who ran away with my
| horse and your daughter is in Galena.
He came on the boat this morning, and /
recognized him and had him arrested.
You must come to town to appear against
| him.
In the morning Mr. Emerson went to
|
with the villain Smalley.
"For Gods sake, tell me what you have
done with my girls!" exclaimed the
father
"Ha! hP! Don't you wish you knew?
Just wait until get out of here, and I'll
show you trick you will not soon forget!"
Entreaties were of no avail-the hard
| hearted wretch could not be prevailed
upon to make known the Whereabouts of
the missing girls. A few hours later he
was taken to the courtroom, which was
crowded to its fullest capacity, and there
| arraigned for the crime of abduction.
In answer to the charge, he replied:
well, own up; and now what are you
going to do about it?"
This was question more easily asked
than answered; however, after a consulta-
ton with Mr.. Emerson, the Judge replied
81 will tell you. If you will restore the
children to their father, and promise never
to modest him again, you can go free.'
"And what if [ won't?"
"Then you must suffer the penalty of
your crimer'
The Judge had hoped that the prisoner
might be induced to give up the girls; but
his hope failed him. Thinking that
another nights confinement would bring
VIC ~ AooLICI W ttIHIS, Tue y uIg6 I6ulduuSu
him to Jail to remain until the following
day. But he did not remain
Ia the middle of the night the jailor
was seized, bound and gagged; the Jail
broken open, and the prisoner removed.
Half an hour afterward crowd of men
appeared at the house of Mr. Emerson,
with the prisoner in charge.
"You see, we thought we would take
the law into our own hands; so we've
brought him out here, and intend to hang
| him"
But if you do that [ shall never find
my children" said Mr.. Emerson.
Eyes you will, tool Just wait and see
! if we don't make him confess. Give US
rope and we will show your
A long rope was procured, and, tying
an end to each of the prisoners thumbs,
it was thrown over the limb of small