St. Landry democrat., 1879-05-10

been sent for, and as Poor (his assistant)
was out last night, I'll get you to accom-
pany me now While he deecende tod
the surgery and stables, speedily dom
ned my habiliments, and by the time I
| reached the front gate, the doctor was
| seated in his gig waiting for me. It was
| most magnificent moonlight night.
Along the clear white road, as fast as
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
rosdside and drooned over us, now veil
ing all in shadow, now showing some
stray moonbeam that danced upon the
quivering boughs to t. 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 gallop OF another horse, and as
we sped past turning, saw horse
man riding up-as we imagined, the
messenger who had been dispatched tor
the doctor, and who said be must re-
urn by way OF Merton. We stopped
before Maze borough house, the residence
Of Hon. frederick Wellester, presump-
tive heir to the title and estate OF the
Earl OF CaultGale. There was great
| commotion in the house tor its owner,
who had been ailing 10 some time past,
had that night been taken suddenly i'll,
and while thu doctor assembled to the
sick chamber and our horse and trap
were put up, I lit cigar and stood up
on the veranda, looking out upon the
! night and musing. Presently ne OF the
domestics emerged from the house and
passed Tut into the road, walking briskly
on; and ju t as my cigar WAS out l
heard DR.. Seyton's voice inquiring tor
| me.
"Take this" said he, handing me 3
paper, ''and ,ide home as fast as you
can. Get Poor to make it up, and come
back with all ~peed it is Ii or death
F.ere is one of Mr. WelIester's horses tor
you" | then perceived groom stand
ing with one ready saddled at the gate,
on which I mounted and galloped off.
For upwards of a mile the road lay
open and clear enough; but beyond that
1t was darkly shaded by copses and plan
tations, through which the moons rays
found little space to shine had barely
penetrated dozen yard- into this dark
and lonely spot before [ received sum
mons to 'sand 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 bade me "stand," threatening to
put bullet in me if did not draw rein.
This only made me urge my animal to
greater sp ed; but my pursuer did his
best to keep his word for he fired, and
the bullet just grazed my lett arm, at
the same instant 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 IS it may it served me- a
good turn, as 1 was enabled, not being
at all hurt, to slip away into the dark
ness and conceal myself in the planta-
ton.
Where il he ?'' inquired the horse
man riding up.
Stunned, 1 s'pose, close BY" was the
reply.
lhe fend take him for a plaguey
horse dealer," rejoined the first speaker,
as fancy they searched TOR me. At
last the same voice said o. Here,
Stevens, l can't see him. Take this
note to Walters, of Gar orth, and bring
me Lack an answer sharp. Take my
horse; that other brute might get you
recognized"
Besides," said the other, " the ami
NAL has trotted off," which was true,
and much to my regret.
II will wait ior you at the corner of
Deadman's lane," said the first speaker,
as his companion mounted and rode on J.;
and he continued his search for me, little
thinking was creeping away from him
through the plantation, out OF which at
length I emerged, aud crossing some
fielns regained the road, and had the
qualification of seeing the
horse I had hidden fastened to gate.
This, I supp Sc, had been done by
Stevens when he overlook him. I was
soon once more in the saddle, and away
we went as fast as the horse could 70.
About three miles from here the road |
branches off to the right; and as | cam
Town the road toward the turning, | |
Stevens riding alongj it. Quick |
Is thought [ threw myself on the horses |
back, thinking it just possible he might
hear the gallopiDg, turn around, and try
Ills hand as marksman fortunately he
lid not; and I arrived at my destination
Without further adventure. To call up
he assistant, have the prescription made
lp and attend to the horse were things
peediIy done, and ere long I was again
u the saddle. --
Now l looked before, beside and be,
ind me, but | WAS peaceful. neared