The Morning herald., 1877-11-21

~ VI
emily supplied
| If l had been purposcly misled, it We
obviously done with some sinister object i
view. What could this be but to rob an
perhaps murder me? My very anxiety t
conceal the fact of my precious charge ma
have led to its betrayal. Or, possibly ha
been watched and followed from the mo
ment OF my setting out upon my journey
and an inkling of my mission perhap
surmised or discovered.
At this reflection, by natural association
of ideas, my mind reverted to the circu,n
stance which attended the meeting with m,
director-namely, vague impression tina
ne was not altogether stranger to me
Like flash it now occurred to me that
had seen this man for a moment at th,
tavern where I had stopped for dinner
He was on tile point of setting out, il
company with a rough-looking fellow, as ]
drew up and dismounted It seemed
strange that I had not recognized him al
once.
My fears were now fully awakened.
Evidently my disguise had been penetrated
by some unknown MEANS my true character
ard purpose discovered; aud this fellow,
either as principal or accessory, had
dogged me, perhaps for days, awaiting a
favorable opportunity to relieve me of my
charge. could easily understand that he
had arrived at the tavern first by some
familiar "cut" through the woods, prob
ably anticipating that / would stop there for
refreshment.
On my arrival at the tavern he had with
doubt gone on in order not to arouse
my suspicious, and with the object of way
laying me at some favorable point. There
being but one road to Fremont, there was
little possibility of missing me; and he had
undoubtedly arranged to intercept me at
the edge of the forest, lure me into the
depths, and then under the cover of night
perpetrate his purpose. Thus the circum-
stances of my situation was sufficient to
warrant my fears. In an instant I had
made up my mind what to do. To advance
was impracticable-in front and at either
hand was an impenetrable thicket. To
retrace my steps would be without doubt
to fall into an ambush; but there appeared
to be no alternative.
My only hope of escape lay in the speed
of my horse, If my apprehensions were
true. Accordingly, after seeing that my
pistols were convenient to hand, I turned
my horses head, and striking the rowels
into his flank, dashed back over the path
at rapid pace. had nearly reached the
point where I had deviated from the
main trail, and was congratulating myself
hat my fears were not to be realized, when
/ human form darted into the path and |
eized my bridle. My horse thus suddenly |
checked, sprang back upon its launches,
md flew over his head to the ground,
where for moment I remained stunned |
md helpless.
Luckily, the turf was so softened by the
ain, that was in no wise injured by my
all; and quickly recovering, attempted to
pring to my feet, feeling in my bosom for
weapon at the same time. Ere l could
withdraw my hand, however, felt grasp
pom my throat, and the cold muzzle of
istol pressed against my temple, while
ending over me I beheld the villain
us face of the man with the bushy eye
rows.
'No use, stranger" he exclaimed, clutch
lg my throat with frmer grip; "we're
le strongest, and 'twon't do you no good
show fight. Better be quiet and fork
YER yer val'ables, and p'raps we won't
urt you. Otherwise you amt booked for
long stay in this mundane spere." L
''Now, Andy |" spoke out voice from
10 darkness; "don't be bothered with him.
is moneys round his body in belt, and
~ can make short work of it."
"Just you hold on to the hoss, and I'll fix
M" returned the other. "Now, young
low, off with your clothes, and give us
at belt and be in hurry about it, or
ur doomed as sartin as my names Andy
axe, of whom p'raps you've heard 0
FORE"
The announcement that had fallen into
Q hands of this desperado-formerly one
General Taylor's most efficient scouts,
LII A1~ |