The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1879-01-11

earl of Caultdale. There was great COM
motion in the house; for its owner, who
had been ailing for some time past, had
that night been taken suddenly Ill, and
while the doctor assembled TO the sick
chamber and our horse and trap were
put up, lit a cigar and stood upon the
Yeranda, looking out upon the night and
musing. Presently one of the domestics
emerged from the house and passed out
into the road, walking briskly on; and
Just as my cigar was out | heard DR..
Seyton's voice inquiring for me.
"Take this" said he, handing me a
paper, "and ride home as fast as you
can. Get Poor to make it up, and come
back with all speed; it is life or death.
Here is one of Mr.. Wellester's horses for
you" | then perceived groom stand
ing with one ready saddled at the gate,
on which | mounted and galloped off,
For upwards of 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. Ihad barely
penetrated dozen yards into this dark
and lonely spot before | received sum-
mons to "stand and deliver" My horse
being very fresh, quite entered into his
riders feelings, and had not the least in
tention of checking his speed, but con-
tinued his journey; while behind he
who babe me "stand," threatening to
put a bullet in me if | did not draw
rein. This only made me urge my ami
NAL to greater speed; but my pursuer
did his best to keep his word, for be
fired, and the bullet just grazed my left
arm, at the same instant a hand was
laid upon my horses bride so suddenly
as to throw him of his launches, and
cause me a speedy and ignominious dis
mount. But be that as it may it served
me good turn, as / was enabled, not
being at all hurt, to slip away into the
darkness and conceal myself in the plan
tation.
"Where is he?" inquired the horse
man riding up.
Stunned, l s'pose, close by" was the
reply.
"The fend take him for a plaguey
horse dealer" rejoined the first speaker,
as l fancy they searched for me. Al
last the same voice said: Here,
Stevens, | can't see him. Take this note
to Walters, of Garforth, and bring me
back an answer sharp. Take my horse
that other brute might get you recOg-
nized:
Besides" said the other, i" the ami
NAL has trotted off," which was true,
and much to my regret.
% / will wait for you at the corner of
Deadman's lane," said the first speaker,
as his companion mounted and rode on
and he continued his search for me little
thinking | was creeping away from him
through the plantation, out of which at
length | emerged, and crossing some
fields ] regained the road, and had the
unspeakable qualification of seeing the
horse | had ridden fastened to a gate.
This, | suppose, had been done by
Stevens when he overlook him. | was
soon once more in the saddle, and away
we went as fast q the horse could 90.
About three miles from here the road
branches Oft to the right; and as | came
down the road towards the turning, |
perceived Stevens riding along it. Quick
as thought | threw myself on the horse 5
back, thinking it just possible he might
hear the gallOping, turn around, and
try his hand as a marksman; fortunately
he did not; and | arrived at my destina-
ton without further adventure. Tocall
up the assistant, have the prescription
made up and attend to the horse were
things speedily done, and ere long l was
again in the saddle.
Now | looked before, beside and be-
hind me, but all was peaceful | neared
the plantation where [ had been stopped,
but no one barred my progress; so /
rode on, not quite treasured though, for
| had not forgotten my pursuer was to
wait at the corner of Deadman's lane,
and | did not know where that was.
And now the open road. shining in the
clear moonlight, lay bright and unten-
anted before me. | could distinguish
marlborough house, and, nearer, the
lane up which, when coming with DIR.
Seyton, we had seen a horseman. Then
it struck me that as that horseman was
not the messenger dispatched for the
doctor, that functiOnary having arrived
before us, it might have been the one
who had stopped me, and that that was
! Deadman's lane. There was no help for
/ it; [ must pass the spot; so feeling for
the pistol | had taken the precaution to
! bring with me this time, | pressed the
horses side and urged him on, | was
not four or five yards from the lane
when a man started into the roadway
and stood directly in front Of me; his
figure was slight and his face concealed
by mask; but when he spoke recog-
nized the voice that made me stand
and deliver"
Not quite SO fast, young sir" said
! he, as he perceived my intention to draw
on one side. eve don't part quite 50
easily this time. | must have the medi-
cine"
What medieine?" | asked.
"Oh, none of that stuff for me. /
want that physic you have been sent for;
and that bottle | must and will have So
take your choice-that bottle and life,
or" producing pistol, this barrel and
deathp
1t was a serious moment: but my plan
was at once decided on; 50 putting my
hand in my breast, as if for the bottle, |
refined close up beside him, and as he
eagerly stretched forth his hand for the
expected prize, | drew my pistol and
fired. | saw him stagger, aud in a few
moments after. as it seemed, | was at
the gate of marlborough house.
Once inside and safe, | had no sooner
IaI5-a-al tho y,aIso;ra tho 70