The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1875-09-22
KIDNAPPING A ROBBER.

The pcst.o office at Oberville, a small
western town in the United States, was
very important place. The worthy
postmaster kept country store, where
he dispensed goods of every descrip-
lion.
The district was comparatively new,
and formed one of those prairie viii
leges that spring into existence miles
away from other towns, and are sort
of nucleus or trading post for large
extent of country. Saturday was the
principal trading day; and Mr.. Har-
mon, the postmaster, and his assistants
we're always overwhelmed with bust.
on that day.
But on the particular Saturday af-
terroon of which we wish to speak.
trade had slackened earlier than usual,
and the proprietor and his men we're
enjoying breathing time, and chat
ting with several rough-looking fel-
lows, who had gathered about the
stoves, many Of them being strangers.
for stranger attracted but little no.
tice in that community Of new comers
"Here comes Charley Gilbert, the
very man want to see?"S remarked
Harmon, as a horseman dashed up to
the store and dismounted.
He was tall, broad-shouldered
young Hercules; |; and the large bay
horse he rode looked we'll adapted to
carrying such weight, and exhibited
due equine pride in serving. his young
master. Both horse9aud. rider were
well known and respected throughout
the settlement. Leaving his we'll
trained animal standing unhitched,
Gilbert entered the store.
"You are just the person / wanted
to see Charley" said Mr.. Harmon.
Singular" said Gilbert. II should
think You would rather not see me, as
you know the object of my call. Peo-
pie are noAgerHally so welcome when
they come for mrtsss Sakas<..
"Well, am an excePti6f Sfs this
instance, for l am anxious to get rid
of the amount l owe you. Fact is
there have been burglars about and
= they tried to break into my store last
night, but were frightened away; so
prefer you would hold this money
against mole successful attempts O.
the kind"
And Mr.. Harmon proceeded tc
count out large roll of notes, which
Gilbert placed carefully in his pocket
"Now, Charlie" said neighbor Hill
one of the party seated around the
stove; "you had better keep look
out, cause some one might stop yor
to- onight before you return from Gran
ton."
The allusion to Cranton brought 4
slight blush to Carley's cheeks, for i
was well: known that he was on hi
usual Saturday evening visit to Ger
tain young school mistress, who dwell
in the neighboring settlement.
"How do you know | am going t.
Cranton ?" asked Charley.
"WeIl, / only suppose so, cause I'v,
heard said you do go that way abou
this time O. the week :" and Hill
winked to the crowd, who laughed; an,
Charley Gilbert. not wishing to dis
cuss the subject further, left the store
aud mounting old Hero, was soon ou
of sight.
Mighty fine chap, that Gilbert is,
resumed Hill to his fellow loungers
"been in the army and won his way
an now he has got his allotment o
land out here, an will soon have on,
of the finest farms in this country"
The short autumn day came to {
close, and it was long after dark err
Gilbert reached his destination, anC
received his usual hearty welcom'
from Sarah Denton.
Saturday nights were the hrigh
spots in her duh life as a schoolmis
tress, and were sure to bring her Char
ley. Old Hero had carried his mastel
over the road so often, that he knew
what was required of him, and need &c
! no urging,
1t was late when Charley took hi
leave of his sweetheart.
: "Now, do be careful" were her las
words. "for you know there might b'
danger on the road, so many rObberie
have been committed lately"
"Never fear, Sarah; Old Hero vii
take me home safely"
And, with a good-by kiss, he mount
! ed and rode away.
The night was dark-no light ex
&C pt the stars that sparkled crisply
from a clear sky. But. had it beer
ever SO dark, it would have made NJ
difference to Charley. Ills thought
were of the sweet girl he had just left
and, paying no attention to his horse
he rode slowly along, intent upoI
plans for the future.
"The money have received to day
will enable me to complete my home
then Sarah will be my wife, and W,
shall live on the farm such a happl