The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1879-08-14
A Midnight Struggle.

d NlluullSuI N0l uSSl0'
In the early autumn of the year lS49,
about half an hour of sunset, drew
rein in front of a large double log house,
on the very summit of the Blue Rid%'
mountains of Eastern Kentucky.
The place was evidently kept as a
tavern, at least so a sign proclaimed,
and here l determined to demand ac-
commodation for nyself and servant
Bose. dark-skinned body guard. Bose
and Ihad been playmates in child and
G($1yhood, and l need hardly say that
the faithful fellow was attached to me
as was to him, and on more than one
occasion he had shown his devotion.
There had been II " shooting match !"
at the Mountain House that day, and,
as | dismounted, I saw through the
open window Of the ,barroom q noisy,
drunken, and evidently a quarrelsome
set of backwoodsmen, each of whom
was swearing hy all possible and i'm
possible oathS that he was not only the
best shot, but that. he could Outright,
out-jump, out-wrestle, run faster, jump
higher, dive deeper and come up. dryer
tiiftu stiS oIliSl ins'A soi 'h4S Aioon
tains."
II say. Mars Ralph" said Bose, in q
low tone. as | handed him my bride
REIN don't like the looks of dem dar,
S'poss~xe- goes on to the next. houses
IN ensc; Bose" I replied; "these
fellows are only on a little spree over
-. their shooting. We have nothing to do
with them nor they with US. Take the
horses. rouiid to the stables and see to
them yourself You know. they've had
hard day of it." -.
And throwing my saddle-bags over,
my shoulders, l walked up the narrow,
path to the house, ..
found. rs have intimated, the. barr.
roo.u ti,icd. wish u noisy. turbulent
crowd. who.-epe and all stared at me-
without 'sresking as rwent: uptto the
bar and inquired if / and my servant
: could dhaveacco odatioa FOR the nj git
Rse..i v as at:rs 4replHa1-.ta a Y -;
Raverous-looking man, desired to be
1at oncc shown to my room, whittier !
went. hut not until had been compelled
to decline score Of requests to take a
drink much to the disgust Of the stai-
wart bacchanalians.
The room to which | was shown was
at the far end Of q long two story struc-
ture, evidently but recently added on to
the main building, which it intersccted
at right angles. A gallery extended
along the front, by means of which the
rooms were reached.
found my apartment to be large and
comparatively we'll furnished, there
being. besides the bed, comfortable
cot. half dozen "splint bottomed"
: chairs, Il heavy clothes press, and
bureau with glass.
There were two windows, one along
side the door. and the other in the oppo-
site end of the room.
The first mentioned door was heavily
barred with stout oak strips, a protcc
tion. | presumed, against intrusion from
the porch, while across the latter door
WAS drawn 4 heavy woOlen curtain.
In the course of half an hour Bose
entered and announced that the horses
had been properly attended to, and a few
minutes later Il bright-faced mulatto
girl summoned US to supper.
Supper over, | returned to my room,
first requesting TO be reused for IN early
breakfast, rs desired to be on the road
by sunrise.
Thoroughly wearied with my days
ride, ut once began preparations for re-
firing. and had drawn off one boot, when
Bose came in rather hastily, looking
furtivcly over his shoulder, and then
cautiously closing and locking the door.
Mars Ralph, dars gwine to be
trouble in dis house afore morning." he
said.
And I saw in moment that some
thing had occurred to upset the faithful
fellows equilibrium.
"Why, Bose. what is it9 What do
you mcln?" | asked, barely restraining 4
smile.
u tole you, Mars Ralph. we'd better
trabbcl furdcr." was the rather mysteri-
Gus reply. You see dat gal dere tole
me dar would be 4 muss if we stayed in
this old house ali night"
BY close questioning | elected the fact
that the girl had really warned him that
four men whom | had noticed together
were a desperate set of villains, and
probably had designs upon our property,
ifnot our lives.
The girl had seen two Of them at the
stable while / was ut supper, and by
cautiously creeping into Il stall, next the
one in which they stood, had heard
enough to convince her that they meant
mischief. Subsequently to this she also
saw the landlord in close confab with
the entire party, and from his actions
Judged that he was urging the men tC
their nefarious work.
Il tell you, Mars Ralph, dem people
amt arter no good-now you heard me
persisted Bose.
had begun to think so myself; but
what was to be done. The situation
was full of embarrassment, and felt thai
nothing could be done save to wait anC
watch, and, by being on the alelt, defeat
their plans by determined resistance.
I found that from the Barred window
in which there was broken pane g
glass, good view of the stables coult
be lad.
Then for the other window.
I crossed the room, drew aside tn,
heavy curtain, and, raising the sash
looked out.
A single glance was sufficient to caus
me thrill Of surprise. and | gave low
exclamation that instantly brought Bos
to my side.
Far below I could see the faint glim
mer of water, the low murmur of whicI
came indistinctlv up from the depths
while on level with what should hay
been the ground, l dimly saw the wavin