The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1882-08-04
THE SHADOwY HAND.

I am a traveller and collector for large
house which executes many orders through
out the country. When have an extensive
district, which is often the case, frequently
have a considerable sum of money about me,
and on several occasions the possession
thereof has rendered me very uneasy; but
no more than that of which speak.
had been assigned to a large territory in
the West, region rough and mountainous,
and which, I had cause to believe, abounded
in lawess spirits who might possibly give
me some trouble. A person of my calling is
always supposed TO have large sum Of
money about him when he has been out for a
number Of days OF weeks, and many Is the
time that have seen people look at me with
an expression on their faces that spoke loud
er than words how much they would like
chance Of seeing what my wallet contained.
But thus far they never have had their wish
es gratiied in this respect, and, so long as
my faithful six shooter does not play me
false. don't mean that they shall
One dav at noortime saw me in one of the
little villages of the West, hemmed in on all
sides bv high peaks and lofty summit passes.
had transacted nv business there, and now
sought the landlord Of the inn to learn the
way to the next village that had wished to
visit. From him I had learned that it was
twenty miles bv the public road, and rough
and hilIy into the bargain.
"But is there no nearer way % I asked
eff the road is in the state you say, it will ne
long after nightfan before can reach there.
and it looks much as though we might have
a rainfall presently"
"Thpre is n road over the mountains" " he
answered, after a pause, "but it has not
been much used of late years, and the way
is rough STILL it can he got over and as it
is but little over half the distance it is by the
main, road, you will get to SiIby fully an
/ hour earlier than you could by that way"
"Then shall try for it. for want to get
there before the storm if possible
"Keep the road straight ahead, and keep
your eyes OPEN" he said.
! "Thank you I shall do So" I answered.
/ "Good day"
/ "Good-dav; and the landlord waved his
hand as I rode away.
! For hours I wound along the most wretch
ed road I ever saw. Every now and then a
path would branch off, leading apparently,
into the heart of the forest The afternoon
passed away. and night came on, and still
there was no change in the road, ho sign of
my being near to Silby All was the same
dIeary wilderness as that through whicn I
had been passing so many hours. With the
coming of the darkness the rain began to
fall This added to the disquiet l had al
ready felt, for I feared that 1 had left the
road and got into one of those paths that led
1 knew not whittier.
Faster and faster fell the rain, and with
every moment the gloom increased, until the
darkness was such that it could almost be
felt. Still L pIodded on, feeling there was
little chance OF reaching my destination. but
with the hope that / might stumble upon
some cabin that possessed human inhabi-
tants, where I could find a fire and shelter
for the night. More than an hour passed.
and had nearly given up all hopes of find
ing shelter, when ! beheld the gleam of a
light before me. Encouraged by the sight, l
urged my horse onward, and in a few min
utes found myself in front Of low cabin,
through the one window of which the light
cleaned that had attracted my attention.
Dismounting l approached and knocked
loudly upon the door. There was the sound
OF shuffling feet within, then it was thrown
hand appeared upon the threshold, and de.
manded what l wanted. AS the light flash
ed upon his face had the impression that ]
had seen it before but it was gone in mo-
ment In answer to his demand 1 told him
[ wanted shelter for myself and horse for the
night. and that if in the morning he would
guide me to Silby, he would be suitably re-
warded
He made some reply, the burden of which
1 could not catch owing t. the driving of the
rain and then setting the candle down
upon the floor, he came out, saying, as he
laid his hand upon the horses bride,
'"Tain't very good quarters that you'll get
here, mister, but perhaps it's better than il
is out in the rain"
"Any shelter is better than none on such a
night as this, - answered, as dismounted.
And l followed him around to a rude hovel,
where lac did the best he could for my horse S
comfort
Then we went into the cabin, he picking
up the candle he had placed upoG the floor,
! observing as ne did 80. 81 keep bachelors
hall here, so you musC't expect much but
you are hungry, 1 spose %
1 replied in the affirmative, as drew up
to the FIRE that shone upon the hearth, the
heat of which was very grateful after my ex-
posure to the storm. watched my host as
he placed some bread and meat upon the ta-
be, and his very look and motion went to
confirm the impression that had seen MIN
before; and then it flashed upon my mind
when and where. 1t was among the rough,
unshorn loafers that were hanging around
the bar
The food being set out, he placed a rude
seat by the table, and told me my supper
was ready, making some excuse because it
was not better. 1 answered him that it was
as good as desired and as hunger is the