The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1875-10-02
kidnapping a Robber.

western town in the United States, was
very importent place. The worthy
postmaster kept country store. where
he dispensed goods of every description.
The district was comparatively new,
and formed one of those prairie villages
that sprang into existence miles away
from other towns, and are SOFT Of
nucleus or trading posi- for large ex-
tent Of country. Saturday was the
principal trading day and Mr.. Har-
mon, the postmaster, and his assistants
were always overwhelmed with bust.
ness on that day.
But on the particular Saturday after
noon of which we wish to speak the
trade had slackened earlier than usual,
and the proprietor and his men were
enjoying breathing time, and chat
ting with several rough. looking fellows,
who had gathered about the stove, many
of them being strangers, for stranger
attracted but little notice In that COM
muDIty of new c0mers.
Here comes Charley Gilbert, the
very man want to see 70 remarked
Harmon, as horseman dashed up to
the store and dismounted.
He WAS tall, broad shouldered
young Hercules and the large bag
hOIse he rode looked well adapted to
carrying such u weight, and exhibited
due equine pride in serving his youny
master.
You are just the person l wanted
to see Charley |" said Mr.. Harmon.
Singular" said Gilbert. 81 should
think you would rather not see me, as
you know the object OF my call. Peo-
pie are not generally so welcome when
they come for money"
"Well, l am an exception to this in.
stance, for ] am anxious to get rid of
the amount owe you. Fact is, there
have been burglars about and they tried
to break into my store last night, but
were frightened away I; so prefer you
would hold this money against more
successful attempts OF the kind"
And MIR. Harmon proceeded to count
out large roll of notes, which Gilbert
placed carefully in his pocket.
Now, Charlie" said neighb0r Hill,
one of the party seated around the
stove "you had better keep look
out, cause some one might stop you to-
night before you return from Cranton. -
The aliusion to Cranton brought a
slight blush to Charley's cheek, tor il
WAS well known that he was on his
usual visit to certain you school mis-
tress, who dwelt in the neighborng SET
tlelnpnt.
How do you know l am going to
Crant0u ?" asked Charley.
Well, only suppose SO, cause I've
Beard said you do 90 that way about
thus lime o. the week " and Hin wink.
ed to the crowd, who laughed Charley
Gilbert, not wishing to discuss the sub
ject any further, lett the store, and
mounting old Hero, was soon out OF
sight.
Mighty fine chap. that Gilbert is, "
resumed Hill to his fellow louBgers
" been In the army and won his way,
au' now lie has got his allotment OF
land uut here, an will soon have one
Of the fupst farms in this country"
The short autumn day CAME to a
elosr, and II was long after dark ere
Gilbert reached his destination, and re-
ceiVei his usual hearty welcome from
Sarah Denton.
Saturday nights were the bright spots
In her dull life as a schoolmistress, and
were sure TO bring her Charley Old
Hero had carried his master over the
road so often, that he knew just what
was required of him, and needed no
urging.
Now, do be he careful" we're her
last words, " for you know there might
be danger on the road, so many robber.
les have been committed lately"
Never fear, Sarah Old Hero will
take ne home safely"
And with a goOd-by kiss, he mount
ed aud rode away
The night was dark-no light EXCEPT
the stars that sparkled crisply from a
clear sky. Bnt, had It been ever so
dark, 1t would have made no ditferense
to Charley. His thoughts we're with
the sweet girl he had just left, and
paying no attention to his horse. he
rode slowly along, intent upon plans
for the future.
The money / have received to-day
will enable me to complete my home
then arah will be my wife, and we
shall live on the farm such a 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 hurseman arOust