The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-02-27
THE BR|GAMDS OF THE WEST,
OR
JOHN LONG,
The Wolf of the Prairies.

of Rock river, in northern Illinois, and known
to the few inhabitants of that region as Wash
ington Grove, may be found circular clearing
of some sixteen acres, which, though now waste
and haggard. was few years ago IN good cultl-
vation, presenting in its scathed and desolate
centre the frame of strong and spacious log
house. In the fall Of 1874 this patch was
blooming, and on night in September OF that
season the dwelling might have been heard 20
ring with revelry, and to emit from its chimneyS
fragrant odors Of substantial meats. Hard by
the hut, under rude shed which seemed TO
confess greater age than the main dwelling,
were tied four horses, while farther on better
conditioned stable contained couple more.
1t was ten O'Clock the night was moonless,
and cropping his way through the dark wood
guided for the most part by the stars alone.
winch might now and then be seen through the
thinned tree tops, mounted stranger proceed
ed slowly to the dwelling we have noticed
After he had advanced in this way for about
half an hour he seemed to be doubtful OF his
road, and gathering no counsel from aloft, for
the huge oaks now interlaced their branches so
closely that they shut out the sky, he stopped
his beast, dismounted. and drawing from his
saddle bags tinder box struck light. Having
done this. he deposited upon the ground
small travelling compass, commonly usei by
wayfarers upon western praires, and when 1t
had ceased it pertuIbations consulted It a no
ment for his course. The examination ng
satisfactory, the traveller returned his instrl-
ments from where he had taken them, re
mounted and cautiously pursued his route
In few moments more lie struck what seemed
TO be FAINT wagon trail through the forest
and feeling re-assured OF the correctness Of his
course pushed forward with increased speed.
lie had proceeded but short distance, how
ever, before he was brought to stand still by
the voice OF some unseen sentry who challenged;
"Who goss there
The horseman looked around as If uncertain
in what direction to answer.
"Who goes there?" again asked the sentry.
with an increased sharpness.
"a friend of the Cross, replied the horse
man promptly.
"very good,r replied the voice, now give
us the word.
''Rosin the Bow answered the horseman.
Upon this answer a man emerged from the
trees and stepped by the horse Of the stranger,
then trying to look the rider in The face he said
Il confess | can't make you out now"
Then this is the first time 1 have ever had
the advantage Of you, Jack Baker. said the
stranger my name Is Granville Young"
The devil" " Why, what brings you here :
Ia +bounht xn1 ba
Where did you get the word OF the night
. met Mason at Maron, and he told me
there was a council to be held here, so thought
would turn of my route and have word
along with the boys. / was bound to Boons- |
boro, but have some news for the crowd thar |
will pay me for the loss OF day"
- Good Pass on, they will be very glad TO
see you
- What kind Of a gathering shall we have? .
"Well, can't answer; five have passed this
way, and / am inclined 10 think simmons has
had as many on his route. expect two OF the
Hodges by this trail but they have not come
along yet
"Well, good night, sad the horseman. push
ing ahead 81 suppose shall see you at head
quarters before the night is out"
"Oh yes, make sure OF that" replied the
sentinel, g / am relieved at twelve O'clock"
some fifty or sixty yards more travel brought
the traveller out OF the wood, and in few
minutes he had dismounted and tied his horse
under the shed which we have previously no.
uced. Five measured raps upon the door OF
the log cabin announced the arrival of one OF
tlo o,l tI,a OH |
with shaggy head of hair who was styled
kllgore. alias Big Davis, arose to receive him.
We thought you we're on your way to Texas
by this time, said he, taking his seat
. 9 so should have BEEN" said Young. " had
/ not met with an accident in Missouri. A
rascal named Holmes, who answers
my description somewhat, had been showing off
some queer in that region, and when 1 ar
rived at Perryville was suspected for HIM. /
saw strange faces watching me at the bar-room
OF my hotel, and, as the sheriff entered, made
a retreat to my room, and had just time to
burn my $4,000 in Missouri paper on the
hearth before he knocked at the door. / parley-
ed with him till all the stuff was consumed, aud
then let HIM in"
plexioned rnffian of middle size named Louther,
. saw the stuff before you went down the
river it was most beautiful doodle" and
could not have produced less than thirty cents
on the dollar"
Il estimated it at that" SAID Young, "but
as had no time to cry after the loss. 1 resolved
to return to Galena make my report, and if |
possible get new stock
Was you arrested?" inquired thick-set |
man named Bridge, who smoked small clay
pipe at the foot of the table.
Yes" answered Young, but luckily wit. |
ness turned up on whom Holmes passed some
of his money, and as he exonerated me from
blame, was released the following day on
habeas corpus. ON coming up the river
learned that the lynchers had burned down the
station at Sharrot's grove. aud hung Big
Msgee."
Damnation, that's too bad J." exclaimed
tall, sallow looking ruffian, who answered to
the name of Jack Redden, "Magee was an old
partner of mine and great friend Of the old
mans. We have shared many good strike to-
pether At our station on Devils Creek