The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-02-25
The Peddler's Story.
TwENTY YEARS AGO, when l was


Il younger than am now, and had seen
less of the world was travelling through
portion of the west which was then con-
sidered quite remote, but is now almost the
heart of the country. l had then some
hopes of preparing myself for life of use
fulness, though may not have realized so
much as then anticipated.
had somemoney, but that my rather ex-
tended travels might not cost me too much,
took a small trunk of jewelry, for which
found toerable demand, the profits of my
sales fully paying my expenses.
The section of country through which I
was passing was very sparsely settled. In
deed, il would seem at times as though l
had passed the limits of civilization, and
might bo tending towards the abode of
"Lo the poor Indian ~
But few miles travel would bring me
to the cabin of some lone settler, or, per-
chance, in the midst of the wilderness, q
prosperous village would be found growing
up.
ODOn bnO udy VI WlllCu l. dht dbOub W
speak was passing through such reach
of the wilderness. had made five miles
at least since leaving the last habitation,
and was beginning to wonder what should
emerge upon next, if ever came out at
all, when my speculations were cut short
by a rough looking person, who emerged
from the forest and joined me, proceeding
along the trail by my side.
He looked me over, eyed my trunk at
tentively, and then began arandom CONVEX
sation. He informed me that had about
two miles to walk before reaching any set
tlement; and as he seemed very agreeable
person, rather congratulated myself upon
having fallen in with him.
Perhaps you may imagine the change in
my feelings when he suddenly stopped in
front of me, and held pistol to my face.
"I'll thank ye for that little chest OF
jewelry and sich money as ye may have
about ye," he said, in tones which admitted
of no misinterpretation.
knew not what to do. felt certain OF
being immensely the superior of my an
tagonist in strength and skill, having sell
dom met my match physically. had two
trusty pistols in my possession, but before
/ could produce one of them, it would be
too late to use it. In this dilemma under
took to parley few moments with the
desperado hoping to throw him off his
guard.
"You would not take my all, and allow
me no means of paying my way or return
, ing to my friends ?" said, feigning more
alarm than really felt, and not quite a
ease in my mind regarding the matter.
"Jest fork over" was the emphatic re
sponse, cor I'll put streak of cold leaC
through yer face"
care you in earnest ?" asked, keeping
myself calm with some effort.
"See here" and villainous earnestnes
marked every syllable, "if you ask anothe
question before you fork over, I'll blow
> your brains out Now, hand along ye
duds.''
drew from my vest pocket quantit.
e OF loose change which carried there, anc
handed it to him. This was readily stowe'
away, the pistol being presented all tn
while.
Snow, the chist."
$ AS handed this toward him he mad
' the very move l had been so anxiousl.
waiting for. His attention was distracte'
!, from the pistol and his aim momentaril.
4 lost Before he could recover it / gave hi
arm furious kick, which sent the weapo
whirling some twenty feet through the all
!, The fellow was surprised, but not defeated
With an agility and power for which ha
, not given him credit, the rnffian sprani
upon me, and I received blow in the fore
head which sent me reeling two or thre
!, PAGES from the spot where Stood Mex
! instant he was upon me again with furiou
q kick, which avoided and grasp his foo
F! After a short struggle succeeded in gel
ting him upon his back, where was abb
to hold him with comparative ease.
EThis done, lost no time in getting oil
one of my bistols, which ! pointed at I'll
desperado'sl head, remarking in tonC
re which suspect were rather forcible.
~ Now, sir, I'll trouble you for thos
loose pieces of silver"
He produced them with sullen scow
and when they were safe within my po
session, asked him if he would peaceabl
n n leave the place, and never molest me agail
"a if would spare his life. He seemed qui
willing to make these terms. and when