Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-12-23
KIDNAPPING A ROBBER.

The pOst-ottice at ObervllIe, q small western
town in the United States, was very impor-
tant place. The worthy postmaster kept a
country store, where he dispensed goods of
every description.
The district was comparatively new, and
formed one of those prairie villages that spring
into existence miles away from other towns,
and sast- Of aaeleas Or trading poet efet.
large extent of country. Saturday was the
principal trading day; and Mr.. Harmon, the
postmaster, and his assistants were always
overwhelmed with business on that day.
But on the particular Saturday afternoon of
which we wish to speak, 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 community of new comers.
"Here comes Charley Gilbert, the very man
1 want to see!' remarked Harmon, as horse
man dashed up to the store aud dismounted.
He was a tall, broad-shouldered young
Hercules ); and the large bay horse he rode
looked we'll adapted to carrying such a weight,
and exhibited due equine pride in serving his
young master. Both horse and rider we're
well-known and respected throughout the SET
tlement. Leaving his well-traiued animal
standing unhitched, Gilbert entered the store.
"You are just the person 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. People are not generally
50 welcome when they come for money"
"Well, am an exception in this instance,
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; so l
prefer you would hold this money against
more successful attempts of the kind"
And Mr.. Harmon proceeded to 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 lookout, cause some one night
stop you tonight before you return from Gran
tom
The allusion to Cranton brought slight
blush to Charley's cheeks, for it was known
that he was on bis usual Saturday evening
visit to certain young school mistress, who
dwelt in the neighboring settlement
Chow do you know I am going to Cranton?"
asked Charley.
well, only suppose 80, cause I've heard
said you 20 that way about this time O the
week )" and Hill winked to the crowd, who
laughed ; and Charley Gilbert, not wishing to
discuss the subject further, left the store, and
mounting old Hero was soon out of sight.
mighty fine chap that Gilbert is,' resumed
Hill, to his fellow-loungers; "been in the army
and won his way, and now he has got his al
lotment of land out here, and will soon have
one of the finest farms in this country"
The short autumn day came to a close, and
it was long after dark before Gilbert reached
his destination, and received his usual hearty
welcome from Sarah Denton.
Saturday nights we're the bright spots in her
dull life as 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.
1t was late when Charley took his leave of
his sweetheart.
"Now, do be careful" were her last words,
"tor you know there might be danger on the
road, so many robberies have been committed
lately"
Never fear, Sarah old Hero will take me
home safely"
And, with good-by kiss, he mounted and
rode away.
The night was dark-no light except the
stars that sparkled crisply from a clear sky.
But, had it been ever so dark, it would have
made no difference to Charley. His thoughts
were of the sweet girl he had just left, and
paying no attention to his horse, he rode slow
ly along, intent upon plans for the future.
'The money have received to-day will en-
able 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 should be attacked ?" thought