The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1878-01-30
KIDNAPPING A ROBBER.

KIDNAPPING a ROBBER.
The post-otfice ~ Oberville, a
small western town in the Uniied
Slstes, was very important place.
The worthy postmaster kept coun
try store, where be dispensed goods Of
every description.
The district was comparatively
new, and formed one of those prai-
rie villages that spring into existence
miles away from other towns, and
are sort vi nucleus or trading post
for large extent OF country Satur
day was the principal trading day
and Mr. Harmon, the p stmaster,
and bis assistants, were always over
whelmed with business IN that day
But on the particular Saturday af
ternoon Of which we wish 10 speak,
trade had slackened earlier than u>u
al, aud the proprietor aud bis men
were enjoying q breathing time. aud
chatting with several rOugh-looking
fellows, who bad gathered about the
stove, ma0y'of them being strangers,
for a stranger attracted but little no.
,ice IN THAI community VI new com
ers
Here comes Charlie Gilbert, the
very man ! want to See" remarked
Harmon, as a horseman dashed up
/ to the store and dismounted
lie vas a tall, broad shouldered
Young Hercules aud the large bay
horse he rode looked well adapted to
carry such a weight. aud exhibited
cue equine pride 10 serving bis young
master. Both horse and rider were
well known aud respected throughout
the settlement. Leaving his well
trained animal standing unhiyched,
/ Giiber: entered the store
You are Just the person | wanted
60 see, Charlie ~ said Mr. HarmJn
Singular" said Gilbert, II should
think yau would rather not see NE.
A. you know the subject Of my call
People are not generally 80 welcome
when they eome for money"
We'll, I'm an exception in this iu
stance, for sm anxious TO get rid of
the amount eve you. Fact is, there
haze been burglars about. aud hey
lried to break into my store last
night, but were frightened away; 81
| prefer you would hold this money
az gainst more successful attempts of
the kind"
And Mr. Harmon proceeded to
count out large roll of notes, which
GilberL placed carefully 10 his
pocket.
Now, Charlie" said neighbnr
Hill. one of the party seated around
the stove; You had better keep II
lookout, cause some one might
stop you to night before you
return from Crsnton"
The allnsiOn TO Cranton brought a
slight bush TO Charles cheeks, for il
was well known that be was on his
usual Saturday evening visit to a
certain young school-mlsiress, who
dweli in the neighbnring settlement
How do you know ] an going 10
Cranton ?" asked Charley
well, ] only suppose s., cause
have heard said you do GO that
way about this time o he week"
and Hill winked 10 the crowd, whe
laLghe d; and Charlie Gilbert, not
wishing TO discuss the subject any
further, left the store, and N aunliog
old Hero, was soon out of sight.
Mighty fine chap thai Gilbert is, "
resumed Hill to his fellow loungers :;
been in the army and wen his way,
and now lie has got bis allotment Of
lard out here, and will soon have enc
Of the finest farms in this country :"
The short autumn dsy came TO ;
close, end it was long sfJer dark ere
Gilbert reached bis destination, snd
received his usual hearty welcome
from Sarah Denton
Saturday nights were tte bright
spots in Der dull life as a school mis-
tres-, aud were sure to bring Char
lie. Old Hero had carried bis mas
ter over the road so ofsen, that be
krew just what was required Of him,
and needed 40 urging
1t was late when Charlie took his
leave OF b g sweetheart.
Now. do be careful" were her
last W, rd-, 'fJr you know there
might be danger on the road, 80 manv
rubberies have been committed
lately"
Never fear, Sarah; old Hero viii
take me home safely"
And with goodbye kiss, be
mounted and rode away.
/ The night was dark-nn light ex-
cept the stars that sparkled crisply
from clear sky But, bad it been
ever SO dark, il would have made no
difference to Cta lie. His Thoughts
/ were of the sweet girl be had Just
left, and paying no attention to his
horse, be rode slowly along, intent
upon plans for the future
THE moaey | have received to-
dsy will enable ne TO complete my
home; then Sarah shall be my wife,
and We shall live on the farm such
happy life," be mused.
| A long. dark patch Of forest loomed
ahead, through which the prairie ran,
and not until be had entered its dark
shadows did the horseman arouse