The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-01-16
The BRIGANDS OF TIE WEST
OR
JOHN LONG,
The Wolf Of the Prairies.

be night was just closing in in the region
OF the Mississippi, when the figure Of a man
emerged from thicket in the suburbs Of Graf
ton, Illnols. and made for the town. Before
leaving what had evidently been his hiding
place throughout the day, he looked cautiously
around him. as II he sought to sft the gloom
OF any danger, and then stepped boldly forth.
He was of tine middle size, neither robust
nor slight, bat presenting angles, which, with
his quick step, denoted both activity and
strength The shadows OF evening were cool
with the first breath of fall, and the stranger
was wrapped IN long grey coat which envelo-
ped the greatest part OF his figure while over
his eyes was drawn the front Of a coarse felt
hat. 30 as to shroud the greater portion Of his
face. After his pause, on brea king cover he
stepped forward at quick pace and holding
his way towards the town for the distance of a
quarter of mile made rapid detour to the
north so as to avoid Its circle, and then bent
his way in the direction OF the river. lie had
pursued this course for about half mile fur
ther, when he found himself IN the vicinity of
wretched looking cabin, which gave token of
iinhabitation, by thin streak Of light that in
vaded the gloom from a fissure near the caves.
The man slackened his pace as he approached
the hovel, and treading lightly and cautiously,
looked around him at every STEP Arriving
within few feet of IT, he came to a full stop,
and putting his hand in his bosom. drew forth
pistol and carefully examined the lock, as
well as the starlight would enable him. Having
satisfied himself that bis weapon was in prop
er order, he seemed re-assured, and advanced
up to the hut. lie went stlll more carefully
than before, and having reached the entrance
applied his eye to tho keyhole, and then placed
his ear attentlvely against the door. Not be-
Ing satisfied with this examination of the pre-
misses, he made stealthy circuit to the rear,
and there fixed his ear 10 a shutter in like
manner that he had listened az the door In a
few moments, TINS course OF observation seem
ed to be more satisfactory, and he stepped a
few PAGES back and gave low whistle, in the
measure of a CALI Presently the sound was
echoed within the hut aud hard upon the note
was heard the noise Of bolts withdrawn and
barbados removed. In the next moment the
door was slowly opened, and man presented
himself, in the unlighted entrance and gave
another whistle in a different note. The sig
nal was answered in the new strain by the man
in the grey coat, who, advancing upon the to-
ken, recognized the keeper Of the portal and
went inside. When the stranger entered, there
was no light visible in the dwelling; but the
person who had let him in after refastening
the door, went up stairs and brought bown a
lamp, whose sorry appearance was IN keeping
with the wretched show ofethe furniture Of the
apartment
Has Birch arrived ? said the visitor throwing
open his coat.
No, answered the keeper OF the hut, setting
down the lamp, Young left him under cover
on the other side Of the river, about five miles
from the shore, and do not expect him in un-
til midnight.
And Fox-where is he
He left for Hunts last night thinking it more
safe to be there, for the present, than to
remais here.
Why, is there any thing outl
Nothing that Will affect you. A pedar had
his throat cut piece down the road, last week
and il was said that was seen on the bank OF
the nver with man who has been suspected
OF the deed, and who crossed the river on the
night Of the day Of the murder. There was
some talk Of searching my house, but ] put a
bold front on the matter, and with out letting
on that knew what was afoot, gave volun-
tarily close account OF the man who hired
my boat and advised that he should be pursued.
That pluffed them off.
| Only for time, said the stranger snAppish-