The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1879-04-10

most magnificent moonlight night.
Alsng the clear white road, as fast a.
the horse could draw us, On we went
past cottage, farm and mansion; past
pond and park and stream; beneath
long avenues of trees that bordered the
roadside and drooned over us, now veil
ing all in shadow, now showing some
stray moonbeam that danced upon the
quivering boughs to Il soft cadence Of
he night-breeze. Sharp and crisp rose
the echo Of our horses tread. and as we
came within sight of our destination we
heard the gsllop of another horse, and as
we sped past a turning, ssw a horse
man riding up-as we imagined, the
messenger who had been dispatched for
the doctor, and who said he must re-
turn by way of MERTON. We stopped
before Marlborough house, the residence
of Hon. frederick Wellester, presump-
tive heir to the title and estate of the
Earl of CsultGaIe. There was great
commotion in the house for its owner,
who had been ailing fo' some time past,
had that night been taken suddenly i'll,
/ and while the doctor assembled to the
sick chamber and our horse and trap
were put up, l Lit cigar and stood up
On the verands, locking out upon the
night and musing. Presently Cne of the
domestics emerged from the house and
passed tut into the road, walking briskly
on; and just as my cigar was out l
heard DIR. Seyton's voice inquiring for
me.
Take this" ssid he, handing me
paper, "and tide home as fast as you
can. Get Poor to make it up, and come
back with all speed; it is lie or death.
Eere is one of Mr.. Wellester's horses for
you" l then perceived a groom stand
ing with one ready saddled at the gste,
on which mounted and galloped of.
For upwards of a mile the road lay
open and clear enough but beyond that
it was darby shaded by copses and plan
tations, through which the moons rays
found little space to shine. had barely
penetrated dozen yards into this dark
and lonely spot before 1 received sum-
mons to "stand and deliver" Ny horse
being very fresh, quite entered into mis-
riders feelings, and had not the least
intention of checking his speed, but con.
tinued his journey; while behind he
who babe me "stand," threatening to
put q bullet in me if did not draw rein.
This only made me urge my animal to
greater speed; but my pursuer did his
best to keep his word for he fred, and
the bullet just grszed my left arm, at
the same instant q hand was laid upon
my horses bride so suddenly as TO
throw him off his launches, and cause
me a speedy and ignominious dismount
But be that as it msy it served me a
good turn, as / was enabled, not being
at all hurt, to slip away into the dark
ness and conceal myself in the planta-
ion.
"Where is he ?" inquired the horse
man riding up.
Stunned, I s'pose, close by" was the
reply.
The fend take him for a plaguey
horse dealer" rejoined the first speaker,
Is l fancy they searched for me. st
asst the same voice said: Here,
Stevens, / can't see him. Take this
tote to Walters, of Gartorth, aud bring
ne hack an answer sharp. Take my
loFse; that other brute might get you
" Besides" said the other, the ami
nal has trotted off," which was true,
md much to my regret.
81 will wait for you at the corner OF
Oeadman's lane" said the first speaker,
Is his companion mounted and rode on ;
md he continued his search for me, little
linking l was creeping away from him
through the plantation, out OF which ct
ength l emerged, and crossing some
ields regsined the road, and bad the
qualification of seeing the !
horse | had ridden fastened to gate.
This, supp Sc, had been done by
Stevens when he overlook him. l was
Don once more in the saddle, and away
We went as fast as the horse could 90,
About three miles from here the road
branches off to the right and As came
Town the road toward the turning, l
Stevens riding along it. Quick
Is thought threw myself on the horses
pack, thinking it just possible he might
lear the galloping, turn around, and try
lis hand as marksman fortunately he
lid not and l arrived at my destination
without further adventure, To call up
he assistant, have the prescription made
ID and attend to the horse were things
peedily done, and ere long I was again
n the saddle.
Now I looked before, beside and be-
there was design in it; so, as be reas-
,ended the stairs, called to Stevers,
who followed me and the steward into
.he latter's apartment when shutting
the door, and placing my back against
It. I thus addressed him: Chow did