The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-02-13
THE BR|GANDS OF THE WEST,
OR
JOHN LONG,
The Wolf of the Prairies,


The three brgands caroused Justify that night
at the table of old Hunt. The wind whistled
around the corners OF the hut, and the storm
which had lowred at the close OF the afternoon
beat loudly against the roof; but the red glare
OF the cheerful fire made them rejoice by con-
trast, and the clink of their glasses was an ac-
compartment which converted into music the
roar Of the majestic organ which with but its
single strain filled the outer air. The bnrly
figure OF the host sat at the head OF the board,
beef fanked by two bottles OF spirits and large
piles Of bread and cheese. At a respectful dis
tance sat the hosts two sons, one eighteen and
the other nineteen years OF age. both listening
attentively to all that passed at the table, and
taking share in the festivities by an occasional
glass which, with the reluctant consent of the
father was pressed upon them by Birch. After
while. at a sign from the old man, they re-
tired 20 bed. and the three brigands and their
entertainer had the board to themselves.
a" There are some things which it is not lit
that youngsters like them should near" SAID
the old man. motonlng significantly with ms
head towards the door at which the BOYS both
had gone out.
" You are right" SAID Long, conceiving at
once that it was Hunts intention 20 refer to
the I" sight which he had for them in an ad-
joining county, you're right the boys are
staunch, no doubt, but fidelity ls not always
prudence, and it is best that lads of their age
ahould know only n q rnucb 90 tla,, ara d;ract ad
to do. Now, that they are gone. we can talk
about the sight you spoke of in the woods"
"Oh HI" said Birch, filling his glass afresh
let's pass on business for the present and
have a song there will be time enough 10 lay
ont the plan tomorrow"
Bob is one Of the most contradictory devils
IN the world, said Long to the old man by way
OF replying to his comrade. There is not O
man from the Falls of 81 Anthony to Algers
80 eager in starting game and so faithful IN
hanging on the scent az he, and vet YOU see
thar he would persuade you that handsome
enterprise is a matter of indifference to him.
Nevertheless he is bursting to hear your pro-
posal, and will be the tirst man ready to carry
it out b"
This adroit tiatterv of the Dandy Captain
completely dlsarmed him OF his opposition. aud
persuading his vanity that Long was describing
him correctly he waved his arm IN a nonchalant
manner and said Z" Very well, go on then,
don't want to stand IN the way OF the wishes OF
the company"
Long and Fox exchanged significant glance
at this. and there seemed to be on the lip OF
the latter slight curl Of contempt. There
might very well have been, for, though they
worked together IN matters Of great moment
there was no strong sentiment os fellowship
between him and Birch. Fox. vino was tacti
turn and close, uuderyalued the Dandy Captain
for his volubilty and sondness for display
while Birch, on the other hand, looked with dis
approval on a disposition whose habits of penn.
riousness were so opposite to his own. There
was 40 hostility or positive dislike between
them, but there was an absolute want OF thai
reciprocal respect which is the cement of rea
friendship, and which ensures fidelity when the
hour Of trial tempts selfshness to make sacri
flee Nevertheless they worked together ad
miraUy and under the direction Of Long upor
whom they centered a joint regard, they di,
not discover how entirely opposite each was tc
the other
80 he sight that / alluded TO. SAID Hunt. 'ii
the cracking Of the crib OF an Old fellow locatec
on AIacoupin Creek, in Greene County, who il
very rich. and who is now supposed to hav,
some i've or six thousand dollars ready none,
| in his possession.
'' That will pay" said Birch.
" lis name is Henderson, continued Hunt
- and ne was once a seq captain. He emigratec
| from Massachusetts some Fix or eight year
ago and bought farm in ONO, but that no
being to his mind he sold out and located INN
self IN Kentucky But he soon got tired il
Kentucky too, it seems, and leaving his estat,
in the hands of an overseer, he liberated
favorite nIgger and brought him with him int
this State and settled IN his present residence
He has been where he is now nearly four years
His family consists of a son OF twenty-five
two nieces who are grown up glrls, femal,
servant and this niger from Kentucky"
How are they separated at nighti" salc
Long.
The house is a two story building" repliet
Hunt, "and has piazza in the rear, whicl
looks towards the creek some fifty or sixt,
yards off. The old man and girls sleep on TIN
second foor,-he has the front room and the
the back one. The son and servant girl sleel
in the garrett
where does the niger sleep?" inquire
Long.
"RIght across the old mans door, - SAID Hunt
And where does the old fellow keep hi
money asked Fox.
' In hls own room, was the answer
That is unfortunate" " said Long musngy
II take it that this niger is a strapping fellow
Six feet two inches high, and remarkable
for his great strength, said Hunt.
You have picked out nice job for MS. sal,
Birch sarcashcally, and at the same time fIin,
his glass.
"Wait moment, let's have the whole sai
Long.
81 must say that il is pretty tough lob.
said Hunt referring to the remark OF Birch
" the niger is wonderful niger. He ono
saved the life of his master from an attack O
three Of his fellow slaves, when in Kentucky
They were armed, ,-one with musket and IN
lother two with clube-but he after raoa;x;xs.