The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-01-28
weary, stopped to rest, and there heard

weary, I stopped to rest, and there heard
the crack OF rifle, that assured me q
telloW-travcller was upon the road that
l might join with safety"
"And how did you know was not one
of the party you fearede'
"Because they do not use firearms
But see you are suspicious, and perhaps
would prefer to go on alone, though
think two are safer than one.''
"fou shall 60 with me-" I quietly re-
piled, as stepped back pace or two,
placed my pistol convenient to my hand,
and cody proceeded to reload nv rifle.
"Where did you learn English, and how
did you know I was native Of Great
Britain2"
~ learned the language of your coun-
trymen, with whom I have had many
pleasant dealings as trader he an
swered, without hesltation;" and / knew
you were an Englishman by your appear
Having finished loading INV rifle, I
felt more at ease; and then quietly in
formed my new acquaintance that we
could not part company again on the
route. but that would accord him the
privilege -soalking IN Advance.
"You see, take you at your word,''
said 1; land if you are what you profess
to be, you will not feel hurt at my eau
ton. You shall go before me, and shall
walk with safety so long as you do moth.
ing to confirm my suspicious, but I warn
you at the same time that, if perceive a
single sign of treachery, will shoot you
down as [ would wild beast.!''
why, what do you take me for2" he
demanded, with an as:onlshed air.
"A Thug!" returned 1; ia highway
murderer and robber-neither more nor
less have heard of your tricks upon
travellers, away off in my native isle; but
/, at least, am upon my guard, and this
time your wicked scheme has failed"
he laughed, but merely said, Have 1t
your own way. l am satisfied to humor
your suspicion, knowing you really mean
me no harm, and that when we reach
the fort, and prove to you I am an
honest man, you will do me justice"
Most assuredly,' answered
He then set torwaed with an air of
careless indifference, and kept close be-
hind him, and my eye upon every mo-
ton. Thus we passed through the dark
Jingle, and ascendeu to the more open
path of'the higher lands, without meet
ing with any new adventure. In an open
spot beside clear spri ng, I stopped and
made him sit beside me while / rested
and ate my MONDAY meal, which I
shared with him. Then we resumed our
journey, he going before as usual: and so
fast did we travel, for was determined
not to spend another night IN the forest,
that, when the sun went down, I saw,
firm neighboring hill, the cross of St.
George waving over the station wnere
my days journey was to end. While
crossing the valley to reach it, however,
night came upon us; and, favored by the
darkness, my suspicious acquaintance
suddenly Disappeared. I got through in
safety, though, received warm vel
come from my cvuntIymen, and sub
sequently obtained all the aid and redress
sought.
Two years later, being at Bereilly
while notorious Thug was on trial for
his life, curiosity led me to the court
room, when, to my surprise, recognized
the prisoner at the bar to be the ide1ti-
cal individual whom had compelled to
perform weary journey in front of me.
He was convicted of murder and con-
denlned to death; but previous to the
execution | managed to obtain an inter-
view with him, when he frankly confess
ed that the incident of the monkey and
the snake, by inducing him, as the lead
er OF his party, to change his plans. was
the principal cause of my life being saved,
my shrewd suspicion and bold determin-
alton doing the rest. Being on the watch
tor travellers, he and his companions had
seen me on the load early in the day, and
five of them had secreted themselves in
than dark and lonely jungle, intending to
spring upon me and do their murderous
work according as their religion teaches,
by strangulation; it not being lawful for
them to kill in any other manner. The
discharge OF both barrels at the snake,
taken in connection with my natural
fright and excitement, led him to think
ne could accomplish his purpose in a
different way; and SO he appeared, to talk,
to cajole, and catch me of my guard
but, as the matter turued out, caught a
Tartar instead. BY keeping his life In
my hands, as it were, 1 kept down his
companions and so was saved
had before thanked Heaven for pre-
serving me from the venomous snake.
and when I heard the story OF the MUIR
derous Thug, l again thanked Heaven
tor having sent the snake to preserve me
from band Of religious assasslns.
T.. L