The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1878-02-14

pany with rough looking fellow, as ]
drew up and dismounted. 1t seemed
strange that had not recognized him
at once.
My feais were now fully awakened.
Evidently my disguise had been pene-
trated by some unknown means, my
true character and purpose discovered,
aud this fellow, either as principal or
accessory, had dogged me, perhaps for
days, awaiting favorable opportunity
to relieve me of my charge. 1 could
easily understand that he had arrived
at che tavern first by some familiar
"cut" through the woods, probably an
ticipating that would stop there for
refreshment.
On my arrival at the tavern he had
without doubt gone on in order not to
arouse my suspicious, and with the OBJ
ject of waylaylng me at some favorable
point. There being but one road to
Fremont, there was but 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
there under the cover of night perpe-
trate his purpose. Thus the circum-
stance of my situation was sufficient to
made up my mind what to do. 10 ad-
vance was impracticable-in front and
at either hand was an impenetrable for
est. 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 ley in the
speed of my horse, if my apprehensions
were true. Accordingly, after seeing
that my pistols were convenient to
hand, l turned my horses head, and
striking the rowels into his flank,
dashed back over the pa'h at rapid
pace. | had nearly reached the point
where | had deviated from the main
trail, and was congratulating myself
that my fears were not to be realized |
when human form darted into the
path and seized my bride. My horse |
thus suddenly checked, sprang back
upon its launches, and flew over his !
head to the ground, where for mo-
ment | lay stunned and helpless.
Luckily, the turf was softened by the
rain, so that was in no wise injured
by my fall; and quickly recovering,
attempted to spring to my feet, feeling
in my bosom for weapon at the same
time. Ere could withdraw my hand,
however, felt grasp upon my throat,
and the cold muzzle Of pistol pressed
against my temple, while bending over
me beheld the villainous face of the
man with the bushy eyebrows.
''No use, stranger" he exclaimed,
clutching my throat with flrmer grip,
"we're the strongest, and 'twon't do
you no good to show fight. Better be
quiet and fork over your valuables, and
p'raps we wont hurt you. Otherwise
you amt booked for long stay in this
mundane sphere.
"Now, Andy !" spoke out voice from
the darkness. Don't be bothered with
him. His moneys round his body in a
belt, and you can make short work of
it,"
"Just you hold on to the boss, and
rllfix him, returned the other. "Now
young fellow, off with your clothes, and
give us that belt; and be in hurry
about it, or your doomed as sartin as
my name is Andy Blake, of whom per
haps you've heard before"
The announcement that | hah fallen
into the hands of this desperado-for-
merly one of General Tay ylor's most efTl-
cient scouts, subsequently leader of
half the unquiet spirits that roamed the
Texan border to the terror of the peace ::
fully sposed--filled me with unspeak-
rble alarm. Whoever at that time lived
in the clone star" State was well ac-
quainted with Blake's merciless char
acter, for his infamous deeds had been
blazOned over the length and breadth
of the land, and in no instance were
hhON IL w hoNC DNCli Olldl dObNIlLCu .
by the least spark of humanity. His
band had lately been broken up, and
the majority captured and disposed of
by that potent Nemesis of the back
woods--Judge Lynch. Blake, how ,.
ever, had made hisescape, and for some l.
time was not heard Of.
was familiar with these facts, and |
believing that could hope for no mercy
from Blake, even In case of complying l
with his demands, quickly resolved '
to make an effort for my life or sell it G
dearly. During the brief colloquy d
given above. the miscreant's attention S
was partially withdrawn from me, and I
| managed to possess myself of my pis- i
tol. Now, under the pretence of making 4
a motion as If in compliance with his o
requirements, seized the opportunity t.
to'dash aside the weapon held at my s
head, and freeing my throat from his C
grasp, sprang to my feet, at the same h
time flashing my pistol directly in his u
face.
Without waiting 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 1
who stood for the moment completely s.
astounded by my sudden movement. s
Before he could recover or offer any re- 81
sistance, with one blow from the butt o
of my discharged pistol, | stretched him v
and lifeless at my feet. 81
TO spring upon my horse who, n
the encounter, had stood y