Fayette County herald. [volume] (Washington [Washington Court House], Fayette County, O. [Ohio]) 1860-1???, 1878-08-01

p'fGpS we wont nuFC you. OCneFW1Se you
amt booked for long stay in this mum
dane spere.''
''Now, Andy! y spoke out voice from
the darkness; ''don't be bothered with
him. His moneys round his body in a
a belt, and you can make short work of
it,
''Just you hold on to the hoss, and I'll
fix him. returned the other. NOW,
young fellow, off with your clothes, and
give us that belt; and be in hurry about
if, or you're doomed as sartin as my name
is Andy Blake, of whom p'raps you've
heard before.''
The announcement that had fallen in
to the hands of this desperado-formerly
one of General Taylor's most efficient
scouts, subsequently, leader of half the
unquiet spirits that ranged the Texan
border to the terror of the peacefully dis
posed-filled me with unspeakable alarm.
Whoever at that time lived in the 'flone
starr was well acquainted with Blake's
merciless character; for his infamous
deeds had been blazoned over the length
and breadth of the land, and in no in
stance were they known to have been
characterized by the least spark of hu-
manity. His band had lately been broken
up, and the majority captured and dis
posed of by that potent Nemesis of the
backwoods-Judge Lynch. Blake, how
ever, had made his escape, and for some
time was not heard of.
l was familiar with these facts and be-
ieving that 1 could hope for no mercy
from Blake, even in case of complying
with his demands, L quickly resolved to
make an effort for my life, or sell it dear
ly. During the brief colloquy given
above, the miscreant's attention was par
TALLY withdrawn from me, and managed
to possess myself of my pistol. Now, un-
der pretense of making motion as if in
compliance with his requirements, 1
seized the opportunity to dash aside the
weapon held at my head, and freeing my
throat from his grasp, sprang to my feet,
at the same time flashing my pistol de-
rectly in his face.
Without stopping to see the result of
my shot, darted upon my other foe, who
had relinquished the bride of my horse
at the report of my weapon, and who
stood for the moment completely astound-
ed at my sudden movement. Before he
could recover or offer any resistance, with
one blow from the but of my empty pistol
stretched him bleeding and 1ffeless at
my feet.
To spring upon my hOrse-who had,
throughout the encounter, stood quietly
by-and dig the spurs into his side was
but the work of moment. Though driv-
ing through rain, darkness-over count
less obstructions-we flew like the wind.
Every moment 1 fancied 1 could hear
sounds of pursuit behind me; for so thor
oughly was l imbued with the idea of al
most fabulous prowess and marvellous
escapes with which popular credence in
vested the character and career of Blake,
that could not at the time believe [ had
killed him; and had not the hardihood
to expose myself to the risk of again fall
ing into his clutches merely to make this
point certain.
In an incredibly short time l arrived at
what seemed to be the place where the
trail branched, and turning into the right
path this time proceeded along it for a
mile or more. Suddenly peal of thun-
der reverberated through the forest, in
simultaneously succeeded by vivid flash
of lightning, which, illuminating my
surroundings, displayed the termination
of the path, and cluster of settlers cab
ms directly before me.
A moment later 1 dismounted at the
door of the nearest cabin, and Rocked.
My summons was quickly answered by
the proprietor, who proved to be the man
was i'll search of. He gave me hospit-
able welcome, and after my physical
wants had been attended to, 1 related my
adventure. The knowledge of Blake's
propinquity gave my host considerable
alarm and he at once communicated the
intelligence to a number of his neigh
bors who, completely alarmed, assembled
at his house to be prepared in case the
desperate, or any of his band, should at
tempt an attack upon the sestlement.
The night passed without any distur-
bance; and early in the morning accom-
panied the backwOodsmen to the spot
where had been assailed. We found the
body of the man with the bushy eyebrows,
which was at once identified as that of
Blake. My shot had been well sped, and
received the hearty congratulations of
the settlers on myachievement. Blake's
confederate had made good his escape,
evidently having only been stunned by
the blow.
Not long after the occurrence I was
made the recipient of a considerable re-
ward which had been offered by the Gov
ernment for the body of Blake, @'Fdead or
alive'; and, under the circumstances I
har dly regretted my adventure.