The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1875-11-05

plans for the future.
"The money have received to-day will
enable me to complete my home; then
Sarah will be my wife, and we shall
live on the farm such happy life," he
unused.
a long, dark patch of forest loomed
ahead, through which the prairie road ran,
and not until he had entered its dark
shadows, did the horseman arouse from his
blissful reverie.
"What if I should be attacked r. thought
he. Il have nothing to defend me, and
enough money to make it good haul for
such gentry. Humbug don't believe
there is any danger"
aHalt r.
And two dark forms sprang into the
road, seized his bride, and the steely glitter
OF pistols leveled at him, within a few feet
OF his breast, startled him.
Like flash, his good right arm struck
the weapon from the hand of the robber, and
fell heavily upon the shoulder of the fel-
low; and with a sudden jerk of the power
full arm he was hauled over the saddle
bow, while old Hero, in response to a dig
OF the spur, sprang away, jerking the other
robber off his feet, and causing his bullet
to spread wide of its intended victim.
On through the gloomy woods, and
out again upon the open prairie, dashed
the horse with his double burden, while the
robber struggled like child in the power
full grasp of his captor A closing of the
fingers over his neck soon reduced him
to quiet; and, held in this manner, he rode
an unwilling captive, and, at last, the lights
OF Oberville appeared, and soon they were
in the village. At word from his master,
Hero stopped in front of the post-office,
from the window of which CHEEKY light
shone, denoting that the assistants were
still busy replacing the goods that
had been taken down during the days
traffic
"Hilloa - cried Gilbert
head appeared at the door, and a voice
answered, "Hilloa Who's there r.
ats me, John, and 1 have got some
thing nice here; come help me in with it."
answered Charley.
ats Gilbert said John, addressing his
fellow-shopman. "What's that you've got,
Charley a saddle of venison 2" asked
John as he approached.
"Better than that, John. It is a real
live little deer. Come and lift him down,
but hold him fast" said Gilbert.
The astonished shopmen gathered about,
and Charley told them of his adventure.
Soon the robber was released from his
unpleasant position on the saddle and
taken into the store, where his captor
followed
Here he was safely bound.
81 think 1 have seen this fellow before"
remarked John, as he took a survey of the
captive. @lIe is the stranger that was sit
ting at the stove here when Mr. Harmon
paid your money, Charley"
~Lets search him, and see what sort of
plunder he has about him." suggested one
of the shopmen.
The prisoners pockets revealed small
flask of liquor, a pack of cards, some
little money, and a savage-looking dirk
knife.
"Hilloa, what's this T" exclaimed Gilbert,
picking up piece of paper that fell on the
floor, and opening 1t, read :--"One thou
sand dollars reward for the capture of one
William Larl<in, the supposed leader of
gang of robbers and horse-stealers He Is
a short, slim man, about FIVE feet six inches
in height, dark hair heavy black eyebrows,
and moustache, and peculiar-looking, SIN all
black eyes"
ANSWERS the description to IT, broke
in John.
"Aha William Larkin, or Curly Bill I've
heard of him. Charley, you're in luck
This fellow is prize, indeed ~ added one
of the assistants.
"Yes; this placard is from the sheriff of
ST. Joe, and is dated only a week ago." said
Charley, after finishing the reading.
"Gentlemen," said the robber, "you have
got the original Curly Bill, and when you
deliver me up, you will get that reward. 1
am in your power; but these strings are
bound around my wrists most numerically
tight,"-with a grimace of pain. "Can't
you afford to make 'em easier 7"
"Yes, let them out little, JONES'" said
John, addressing his fellow-assistant.
~Make them safe, but not too tight, and /
will watch the bird mean while"
So Jones proceeded cautiously to rear
range the bonds on the wrists of the
prisoner, while the others gathered around
him.
With a sudden jerk of prodigious
strength, Curly Bill got his bonds free,
dashed his fist into the face of John, and
sprang to the door, which had not been
locked.
So sudden was his movement, that ere
the rest of the group could comprehend the
scene, he was clear of the store, and as
Gilbert reached the door, he saw the rob-
Der spring into the saddle on old Hero's
back, and dash away.
Pursuit was not to be thought of; but
Gilbert placed his fingers to his mouth, and
gave shrill whistler hearing which, old
Hero, despite the urging of bis rider,