Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1875-05-19

loiiey' N'd'icy'
"Let's 90 through him, and see
what sort Of plunder he has about
oim," suggested one Of the clerks.
Accordingly search was commenc-
ed through the prisoners pockets, re-
vealing small flask of liquor, a pack
Of cards, some little money, and say
lge-looking dirk knife.
'Halloa! what's this ? exclaimed
Gilbert picking up q piece of paper
that fell on the floor, and opening it
read
"One thousand dollars reward fol
the capture of one William Larkiu,
The supposed leader of a gang of rob-
bers and horse thieves, lie is q short,
slim man, about five feet six inches
in height, dark hair, heavy black eye
brows and moustachc, and peculiar
looking, small black eyes
"Answcrs the description to u Il.
broke in John.
"Aha {! William Larkin, or Burly
Bill. Pve heard of him. Charley
you're in luck ! This fellow is {
prize, indeed" added one of the
clerks.
eyes, this proclamation is from the
sheriff at st. Joe, and is dated only ;
week ago" said Charley after finishing
the reading.
"Gentlemen,' said Curly Bill, for it
was indeed he, "vou've got the origi
nal Curly Bill, and when you deliver
me up you will get that reward.
am in your power-but these strings
are bound around my wrists most in
fernally tight with a grimaco %
pain. Can't you afford to make EN-
easier q
"Yes, let them out a little, Jones,
said John, addressing his fellow-clerk
''NIake them safe, but not too tight
and ] will watch the bird mean.
while"
So Jones proceeded cautiously to
rearrange the bonds on the wrists o.
the prisoner, while the. Others gather
ed around him.
With 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 groupe could com
prehend the scene, Curly Bill had got
out of the store, and, as Gilbert, reach
ed the door, he saw the robber spring
into the saddle on old IIero's back,
and dash away.
Pursuit was not thought of but Gil
bert placed his fingers in his mouth
and gave q shrill whistle, hearing
which, old Hero despite the urging Of
his rider, wheeled suddenly, and, at
the same wild gallop, started back to
his master.
Seeing this, Curly Bill attempted to
throw himself from the saddle, but in
SO doing, his foot caught in the stir
rup, and he was dragged helplessly
over the hard street. Fortunately for
the poor victim of this mishap, the
distance was not great or the result
might have been far more serious.
How often is it that the merest tri-
fling accident contributes to the ends
ofjustice. Williams may successfully
carry on their work for years, and in
pheir fancied security forget the fate
that must eventually overtake them.
a slip, an accident, and the law that
claims her own.
Gilbert FASTENED to secure his horse
and the insensible form of Curly Bill
was again carried into the store,
where an examination revealed a bro
ken head and 4 fractured leg which
would detain their prisoner as effect
ually as ball and chain
In few days the sheriff came up
from st. Joseph, and took charge Of
Curly Bill and, through his confession
many OF his gang Of desperadoes were
taken or killed, and the country freed
Of their presence.
Charley Gilbert received his we'll
earned reward, and the money enabl.
ed him to complete his house band.
somely, and stock the farm, over
which Sadie Gilbert presides as mis-
tress.