The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1875-02-19

this part of the country. My companion,
who had seen much Of the world and Of
the different phases Of character, was
qnick to notice the evil look that beamed
from the mans eyes. On the other
hand, the landlady appeared to be an
accommodating, good.hearted, pleasant
little woman, who desired TO make us feel
at home during our stay there.
Supper was finally announced, and Bill
and sat down to table set with excel"
lent coffee, corn-bread, potatoes, and a
smoking joint Of venison. 1t was the
custom for the landlord to come to the
table with his guests, to entertain them
while eating. Us we'll as to carve the veni'
son or wild turkey, and to wait upon
each one present. But our landlord, on
this occasion, had disappeared before
supper; and our good landla3V told US,
with some hesitation, not to wait for him,
as he had gone off to buy some fox. skins
from neighbor in the mountains. Bill
and glanced at each other simultane.
ously, aud the worst fears were imprinted
on our countenances. We proceeded to
partake OF the viands before us in silence,
but withal good appetite.
After supper We proceeded to the bar.
room, where We engaged in smoking and
discussing our present situation. Pres
emily we heard voices and footsteps out
side, and we instinctively arose to our
feet, Bill exclaiming, "My God! here
they come." Our trunks, containing our
money and clothes, were in the room.
We proceeded to them at once, and
placed them on bed between us and the
door, thus forming sort of breastwork.
and began to load some empty chambers
in our revolvers. Directly the door
opened, and in came five mountaineers,
full bearded, dressed in buckskin trous-
ers and jackets, and their heads covered
with -skin-caps, with the tails hanging
down behind. They were each armed
with hunting knives and the old-fash-
Toned rifle, much in use twenty-five years
ago. The old landlord broug hit up the
rear. There was nothing in their appear-
ance to commend them to our favor, and
we felt uneasy in their presence. One of
them-a six-footer, whose hair fell down
upon his shoulders, and whose counte-
nance plainly said, II am a desperado'
soon advanced as the leader of the
band, saying, "Wa.al, strangers, how d 'ye
come on = Then, looking towards our
arms, said, "Got some monty purity shoot
ing things ther!''
"Yes." 1 replied, land as good as they
are pretty. have cut many a turkeys
head off at ten rods with these fellows.
thought I would load up the empty
chambers SO that would have them ready
for use tomorrow if should see any
game. I could have killed q fox to-day,
but they were all unloaded.''
swell, they must be purity good Vice.
pons. sartain sure. Say, stranger, what
will ye take for one of them are weapons?
| would like to trade you monty nice
fox skin for one of 'em. I'll trade for
the hull pack, if you say so.
''No," says I, II don't want to trade
any of them off, AS l find them very good
friends while traveling.''
Advancing closer, and reaching out his
hand, he said, ''Lct me look at one OF
'em, Cap" drew back, saying, sNo, l
never let strangers handle my pistols, as
they might damage them.'
He gave me dreadful look of anger
and disappointment, and withdrew from
the room with his companion. Bill said,
''They are preparing for an attack. .
eyes," l replid, "but we will be ready
for Them" ''You're right" said Bill +
We prepared ourselves the best we
could, and awaited with anxiety their re.
turn. The door soon opened, and the old
landlord cane in with only one man, and
said to him, in his gruff way, with a Jerk
Of his hand towards the ladder, s:you
know where your bed is" The man sui
lenly passed US and assembled the ladder
into the loft. We OWNED his intention
was to come down in the night and muir.
der us while we were asleep.
''Old man," I said, i've are ready to
60 to bed; where are the keys to the
door!''
He snorted out nervously, II hahn t
got no keys"
Cali right" says I, II have four as
good keys here as any man needs (show.
ing my revolver), and we are not afraid
that any one will come in these doors, or
down ont Of that hole in the ceiling"
spoke aloud, so that my auditor above
and those outside, if there should be any,
could hear. looked at the candle and
saw that it was burning low, and I said,
"flease get me a candle old man. /
always burn light all night when 1 AIN
in strange place"
II don't furnish no lights here: YOU
needn't be afeard of nothing in this
house,
20, am not afraid.'' replied, s'but if
you don't want to furnish candles, all
right; always keep supply along with
me, so you can take yours along with you,
if you want to-" drew out a candle
and stick from my box. and lit it BY his,
and then blew the burning one out and
gave it to him. "Here is your CANDLE - I
continued, handing his to him.
He took it, and growing out something
l have forgotten, shuffled away. "Good
night, old fellow said, as he opened
the door; ''you'll find us here in The
morning, alive and well.'' Nv answer
was slam of the door a. the old rascal
passed out.
But Bill and did not feel As hopefi,l
IS We spoke; so We examined the beds
carefully There were two in tho room.)
and took tho feather mattress off ono,