The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1880-02-27

Dan proceeded TO a closet In the c0rnePy Va"
out q pint flask of "soothin' sirup," awed
called iI, and after placing in his capas.
pockets dark lantern, Ratchet, few nRo
and a match safe covered with oiled silk, he
jolned Bob at the door The two proceeded
short distance, entered narrow alley, anu
soon halted before a stable door. Here Dan
drew out key, unlocked a small door, passed
round and threw open couple OF large
doors, backed out an express wagon, from
which the owners name had been removed,
and in five minutes they had thrown In couple
of spades, jimmy, or heavy chisel, huge
sack, the horse was hitched on, and they were
away.
Dan had been quite certain as TO Groves
business when he received the summons, and
had paved the way, to prevent delay. by seeing
his friend, an expressman, who was always
glad to accommodate Mr.. Hicks for u little
night ride, at nominal rum, and no questions
asked in the morning. Hence there WAS no
time lost in this part OF the affair.
The pair were not molested during their
ride. They passed rapidly on through the
principal streets, in a careless way, the rain
patterlnS ON their rubber coats, and the dark
ness shielding them from especial observation.
After nearly an hours drive, during which
there was but little said by either, Dan, who
was driving, stopped suddenly, and, after listen
ing for an instant atteniively, turned suddenly
to the right, aud passed into piece OF woods,
composed mostly OF scrub oak which abound
",
ner, Now, Bob, NUNS the word till were ont
o. this again." moved forward carefully and 81
lenty for some distance He then passed the rein ;
to Bob, and, taking the horse by the bit, began
to pick his way along high fence, with vide
slats sharpened at the top. AT length he halted
once more, drew forth his dark lantern, lighted
it, and Judging about the distance from certain
landmark, turned the wagon homoward and
hitched the horse TO tree. Then the
two went boldly but quietly to work. Two or
three of the pIcket' were soon pried off, as
noselessly as Pc ssible, and thus an entrance TO
! the cemetery was effected. Listening again,
and moving cautiously, Dan opened the bulls
eye lantern, which threw bright red stres k
forward and directly across a newly made
! grave. A grunt of satisfaction was the only
sound to be heard from either of the vampires
! Extnguishiug their light entirely, both went TO
work with will, throwing up tce damp clods
| rapidly and Only once or twice stopping to
| listen for an instant. Feeling perfectly safe
! from Intrusion, they labored on until dull
| thud of the spades told them they were at the
/ outward shell of the coffin. Here Dan took his
! jimmy, and in second he had ripped off the
cover. tearing the screw-heads through the
| pine wood, and making considerable noise.
! Both men trembled, bat the spot was very
! lonely and isolated portion OF the grounds, aud
they were soon reassured, and proceeded TO re-
move the cover from the coffin. This was soon
accomplished.
sect the bag, Bob, and be lively about it.
| too" SAID Dan, as he drew out the body. II
was at once slipped into the sack, and carried
three or four rods away TO the opening in the
fence, where it was lett under tree, and the
men returned to fill up the grave. Just a.
| they were about to resume their work. a sound
was heard which alarmed them and left them
standing in speechless amazement IL was as
though some heavy body had dropped from a
tree top to the ground. Both stood looking al
each other in terror. Danspoke first in hoarse
whisper:
Bob, what in - was it, dye Think"
"Tm blest ii | know Get your light and
let's see who's monkeyin' round here" said
Bob, "dn if find any one it'll be mighty on
healthy for 'em you can bet"
The lantern was again lighted and thorough
examination made. The sack was just where II
had been left, and it was finally concluded that
the horse had made a sudden spring, and
caused the alarm With feeling OF safety
after this invesi lation, they went to work. and
filed up the grave, carefully rounding and
smoothing the surface, and making what Bot
called IA right clean job of it"
Gathering up their tools, they walked toward
the fence to pass the body through a.d pla 81
it in the wagon. Upon arriving at the spot il
could not be found. The body, bag and all
had mysteriously disappeared.