The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-02-20
for this farm / would take mortgage of one

for this farm / would take mortgage OF one
half"
The information of Hunt was now confirmed,
and the robber as he looked wistfully at the
old fashioned bureau with its lions head and
brass rings revolved quickly IN his mind the
ease with which he might knock the old man in
the head where he sat and dart out with the
treasure, il his comrades were only aware OF
bis chances and hard at hand to cover his re-
treat and assist him in his fight. The heavy
footsteps Of the negro Jack, however, checked
hlm in these fancies, and reminded him that it
were better to reserve his mental speculatlons
were through.
The negro called to inform his master that
some friends had arrived from the other side of
the creek to pass the evening, whereupon the
old gentleman brought the interview to an end
by informing the disguised robber he would
order bed fixed up for him in the garrett that
night, and that on the morrow he would see
if he could not give some employment, enough
at least, to occupy him until he could hear
from Carlinville. In the meantime he might
go down stairs If he pleased and smoke pipe
in the kitchen.
Long gladly availed himself OF this privilege,
and it may be imagined that he turned it to the
best account by the address which we have seen
HIM exhibit in his previous interview with Bar
bara Before he was summoned to retire he
had apprised himself OF all the secrets of the
farm, and settled in his mind how to turn the
information TO account. In short, as he sat
putting 10 the chimney nook, he had formed
his plan.
In the morning he rose early, and before the
family Of the mansion were astir set ont for
piece of woods in the direction of the north
east, where he had been instructed by Hunt he
would find his comrades Fox and Birch. They
had set out in the night on horseback from the
station Of the old counterfeiter. and when they
delivered the horses on which they had ridden
back to the youths, who had accompanied them,
we're directedto proceed some two miles further
on, and haltlng at a bend in the creek, where
thick wood fianked morass, wait till they
heard Longs signal.
Long walked briskly forward in the grey
! OF tue dawn to some three miles distance from
the mansion and when he arrived at what
seemed the concerted place he drew his pistol
which was charged for light report, and fred
it in the air. IN an instant afterwards the sig
nal was returned from the body of the wood
which he had just entered IN like manner, and
a short walk brought the nefarious companions
again into each others presence
"Well, what luck D." asked Fox and Birch
both in breath.
"Good luck, " said Long, - ] have succeeded
admirably. and have formed my plan"
Lets have it" said Fox.
The Prairie Wolf then detailed all that had
taken place from the hour OF his arrival at the
mansion confirmed the report of Hunt as to
the probable amount of money which was in
the house, and gave humorous description Of
the progress which he had made IN the regards
OF the Dutch damsel in the plump bodice and
blazing cheek.
" Nh. am always out of the way when there
is real good thing on the carpet" said Birch
with smile at the latter portion OF the story.
The female department of our enterprises
ought always to be allotted to me-"
&" In tins case, replied Long with assumed
gravity, Z" that branch must be confided entirely
to me, as it is altogether probable that shall
be expected to endorse my advances by pro-
posal for the young woman's hand"
"Whewl " said Birch with long whistle,
Captain Jack is going to become man of
! gallantry. What next ?"
Never mind, Bob, I've something in the
same line for you" replied Capt. Jack
:" But your plan, said Fox, with business
air.
" Nv plan is this answered Long, " find 1
shall be obliged to sleep tonight at house on
the extreme end of the farm where two of the
old fellows men reside but have got the
girl OF the house so sweet. that L can frame a
pretence that will persuade her 10 let me in the
basement for little chat after the family re-
tire to bed. can then secure her and let YOU
in. II ] fail, we shall be obliged to scale the
balcony in the rear"
- But the nigger how are we to manage
him ," said Fox.
''By decoying him out of the way" SAID
Long, land we must use the wench for that
purpose. BTch must therefore go to her hut
which is only short distance on the other side
OF the creek, take possession OF it, and behave
in q manner that will induce her to run to the
mansion for her lover. 1t is the nearest place,
30 she will be sure to go there. There is no.
body at the hut but herself, child, and de-
crepit old wench 30 the thing will be very east
ly done. AZ soon as she goes out you must
follow her, and when Jack leaves the mansion
you must enter it with me, or wait till have
secured aud gagged the girl. The folks go TO
bed early, 80 we shall not have long to wait
after dark to commence our work. The nigger
locks the house up, therefore his departure will
give no alarm and in the worst view of tho
affair. even If cannot succeed with the girl
we shall find the house lightly fastened during
his absence"
But how shall we feel certain, said Fox
" that he will remain away long enough for us
to accomplish our purpose
&" Never fear that answered Long, There
will be two motives for him to prolong his STAY
expectation of Bobs return to trouble his
mistress, and desire to remain IN her COM
pany."
9" ] don't fancy my part OF the job, said the
Dandy Captain. but I'll undertake 1t. IT'S
rather long since I've seen woman. but