The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1876-04-27
from him as possible. "a fine night,
but rather dark for this road ),

from him as possible. "a fine night,
but rather dark for this road.''
"Oh, there will soon be plenty of
light" replied my father. Besides, l
know this road very well, and have
proved it in many darker night.''
'.True for ye, sir" replied the man,
with another accession Of love for being
near the head of the pony. But there's
worse things nor the dark night to be
afraid of on this road.''
!" Indeed" said my father, as his
right arm gradually Slipped round to
his back, and his hand grasped and
drew on to his right knee the barrel of
the blunderbuss.
"Yis; an I wonder you're not
afeard," said the man. ssDidn't ye
hear how they trated Purcell, the male
fhonger, a few days ago, an what they
done to ould Doran of Ballymaturk?
Yis; there's worse things nor the dark
night about here, I can tell you."
True for ye,'' replied my father, in
bitter tone of mimicry of the mans
voice and style, "an' you're one of
them. ..
The man halted for half step, and
exclaimed
Gone Ov-"
"Look here!" cried my father, as he
bent low over the neck of the pony ,at the
same time bringing round the mouth of
the blunderbuss so that it gaped right
in the face of the man-tsthis is what
makes me not afraid of all the prowling
villains in the country
AS he spoke, he regained his former
position, and the moon, shooting from
behind the last cloud that had hid it,
flashed fun on the polished barrel of the
blunderbuss. The man staggered back
an instant, then made step as if he
were about to leap the black ditch, and
disappear among the clumps of turf that
dotted the waste.
"Hold!" cried my father, still in the
same fierce, low, quick tone. ''Don't
attempt to leave us"
| The man, as if moved by some power
beyond his will, turned obediently, and
stepped forward.
:" Now, isten,'' continued my father.
stH you attempt to move one foot out OF
the direct path, if you 60 a single step
faster or slower than we do, if you
whistle, sing, or make a sign of any kind
that may be heard or seen by your muir
derous companions lurking behind those
stacks of turf, I'll blow your brains
out"
The man give one quick glance over his
right shoulder, saw the wide mouth and
bright barrel of the blunderbuss bear
ing right down upon him, my fathers
hand grasping the lock and my fathers
fierce eyes and white, stern face look
| ing for the slightest sign of disobedi-
ence. He shivered, dropped his eyes to
the ground and walked on steadily.
1 After this no sound, save the pat of the
pony's feet, the noise of the brogues, OF
the deep breathing Of the man, broke
the stiffness until the bog was passed
and the regular road was gained.
/ At this my father drew a breath oil
relief, and leaned back in the saddle
The man glanced quickly round, then
!, sprang towards the fence by the road.
side, bounded over it and disappeared
| Then my father grasped the reins
tightly, leaned forward a little, and fol
the first time in a year, Dolly felt the
spurs. Ten minutes more, and the
light was flying from the f1ints beneath
|, her heels in our lane, and I could hear
the joyful cry of Mick O'Hara as hi
flung back the gate, and we dashed on
to the lawn.
ssThe Lord be praised this night!'
cried Mick" the Lord above be
praised! Here at last, safe and SCUM. )
= My father did not speak, but dis
mounted slowly, helped me to nay feet
then, fiinging the reins to Mike, walked
into the house, and laid the blunderbus.
on the table in the parlor as softly as il
!, it had been child.
!, aThis old piece has never done bet
ter piece of work than tonight" ]" h,
said solemnly; g for it has saved lif'
! instead of Staying. But what do yoa
j think, Dick?'' and he turned to m,
laughing-stt there hasn't been an ounc,
of powder in that old barrel for twent,
J years. If that fellow had only known
: he might have laughed at u.s.
I That old blunderbuss hangs abov
my fireplace now-one of the house
hold gods no money could buy.
In Paris all stray dogs are taken t
the Prefecture Of Police, where they ar
e examined and divided into lots accor6