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

The post-office at OberviIle, small west
ern town in the United States, was very
important 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
spring into existence miles away from
other towns, and are a sort of nucleus OF
trading post for 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 after
noon of which we wish to speak, trade had
slackened earlier than usual, and the pro-
prietor and his men were enjoying a breath
ing time, and chatting 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 a horseman dashed up to the store and
dismounted.
He was tall, brpad-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 standing unhitched,
Gilbert entered the store.
~You are just the person 1 wanted to see
Charley ~ said Mr. Harmon.
Singular" said Gilbert. al should
think you would rather not see me, as you
know the object of my call. People are
not generally so welcome when they come
for money"
well, am an exception in this instance,
for am anxious to get rid of the amount
L owe you. Fact is, there have been bur
glars about and they tried to break into
my store last night, but were frightened
away; so I prefer you would hold this
money against moro successful attempts
of the kind.''
And Mr.. Harmon proceeded TO count out
a large roll of notes, which Gilbert placed
carefully in his pocket
"Now, Charlie" said neighbor Hill, one
of the party seated aroun d the stove; "you
had better keep lookout, cause some one
might stop you tonight before you return
from Cranton."
The allusion to Cranton brought slight
blush to ChaIley's cheeks, for it was we'll
known that he was on his usual Saturday
syening visit to a certain young school
mistress, who dwelt in the neighboring
settlement
"How do you knew 1 am going to Gran
ton 2" asked Charley.
"WeI, I only suppose so, cause I've
heard said you do go that way about this
time % 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," re-
sumed Hill TO his fellow loungers; "been in
the army and won his way, an now he has
got his allotment of land out here, an
will soon have one of the finest farms in
this country"
The short autumn day came to close,
and it was long after dark ere 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 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 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,
"for 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 clear
sky. But, had it been ever SO dark, it
would have made no difference to Charley.