The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1875-10-29
Se'ed Sforp.
KIDNAPPING A ROBBER.

| KIDNAPPING 4 ROBBER.
The post office at Oberville, a small
western town in the United States, was
a very important place. The worthy
postmaster kept a country store, where
lac 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 are a sort of
nucleus or trading post for large extent
OF country. Saturday was the principal
trading day, and Mr. Harmon, the post
master, and his assistants. were always
overwhelmed with business on that day.
But on the particular Saturday after
noon Of which We wish to speak, trade.
had slackenod earlier than usual and the.
proprietor AMI his men were enjoying a
breathing time, aud chatting with sever
al rough-looking fellows. who had gath
cred about the stove, many of them
being strangers, for a stranger attracted
but little notice in that community of
new comers.
Here comes Charley Gilbert, the
very man want to see." remarked Har-
mon, as a horseman dashed up to the
store and dismounted.
He was tall, road-shouldered young
Hercules, and the large bay horse he
rode looked well adapted to carrying
such a weight. and exhibited due equine
pride in serving his young master. Both
horse and rider were well known and
respected throughout the settlement.
Leaving his well trained animal stand
ing unhitched, Gilbert entered the store.
''You are just the person | wanted to
see, Charley" said Mr.. Harmon.
Singular" said Gilbert. Il should
think you would rather not see me, a.
you know the object of my call. Peo.
pie are not generally so welcome when
they come for money"
"Well, l am an exception in 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; so l prefer you would
hold this money against more successful
attempts of the kind"
Aud Mr.. Harmon proceeded to count
ont 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 might stop you tonight before
you return from Cranton."
The allusion to Cranton brought a
slight blush to Charley's cheeks, for it
was well known that he was Oh his usual
Saturday evening visit TO certain
young schooI-mistress, who dwelt in the
neighboring settlement.
Chow do you know | am going to
Cranton" asked Charley,
''WelI, only suppose so, cause Eve
heard said you do go that way about
this time o the week." and Hill winked
to the crowd, who laughed; and Charley
Gilbert, not wishing to discuss the sub
iect further, left the store, and mount
ing old Hero, was soon out of sight.
mighty fine chap, that Gilbert is, "
resumed Hill TO his fellow-loungers;
been ia the army and won his way, an
now he has got his allotment of land out
here, an will soon have one of tl.e finest
farms in this country"
The short autumn day came to a close,
and it was long after dark ere Gilbert
reached his destination, and received his
usual hearty welcome from Sarah Den
ton.
Saturday nights were tie bright spots
in her dull life rs 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.
1t was late when Charley took his
leave of his sweetheart.
''Now, do be careful" we're her last
words, "for You know there might be
danger OH the road, so many robberies
have been committed lately"
''Never fear, Sarah; old Hero will
take Inc home safely"
And, with goodbye 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 Cf 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 lie to complete my home;
then Sarah will be my wife, and we
shall live on the farm such a happy life, :"
he unused.
| 4 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 blissfuI r6verie,
| "What If l should be attacked 2"
thought he. 81 have nothing to defend
me, and enough money TO make it a
good haul for such gentry. Hamburg!
| don't believe there is any danger"
HALT"
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 fash, his good right arm struck
the weapon from the hand of the robber,
and fell heavily upon the shoulder of
the fellow; and with sudden jerk of
the powerful arm he was hauled over
the saddle bow, while old Hero, in res
pouse to a dig of the spar. sprang away.
jerking the other robber off his feet, and
causing his bullet to speed 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
robbeE struggled like child in the pow.
erful 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 oberyilIe appeared, and
soon they were in the village. At a
word from his master, hero stopped in