The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1883-09-19
A COFFIN BOAT.

The other night Major Grlddlewood,
VINO long ago won his spurs as an eff
cient revenue officer, related the fol-
lowing story:
AT one time we had great deal of
trouble with Illicit distillers in Arkan-
sas. There was one neighborhood
especially where it seemed impossible
to discover the outlaws. This commu-
nifty was away up on White river. Of
hcer after olicer had been sent up. and
quite number of them are there vet.
although the department did not re.
ceive notification that they intended to
leave the service. One day the news
came III that one of our best men had
Just been killed at Dripping Springs.
10y which name the dangerous neiQhbor-
hood was known. | was sent for
by the marshal, who said:
MAJOR, you have had considerable
success in hunting for distillers. Now
we want you to find those fellows and
bring them to justice. AS you know.
none of cur men have been able to find
them, and"
They've been found a trihe too
often l suggested.
"Thats a fact" the marshal agreed,
"but net by the right man. Now
want you to take as many soldiers as
you want, and go to the place and
break up the business"
reflected for moment and replied:
II think that our mistake has been in
taking too many men. 1t is almost
impossible for a party of men to find
wildcat distillery. Their approach is !
soon heralded and disaster is certain
to follow. Twill 90 alone and discover
the nest. Then l can return and cap-
ture the entire outfit
Rather hazardous" the marshal
said, thoughtfully scratching his head.
Not 50 dangerous as the course
hitherto adopted"
All right use your own judg-
ment."
The next day started on my peril
GUS expedition. l went horseback.
@d my progress was very slow. When
at last reached the place | found
beautiful, rich country, with grand
hills and little valleys luxuriantly car
peted with grass. could see no signs
of lawlessness, but on the other hand
was kindly treated. l stopped at the !
house of man named Anderson, q |
well-to-do fellow, with some education |
and a bright-eyed daughter, who |
seemed to be devoted TO her father. | |
saw at once that Anderson was an |
honest man, and when l learned that |
he had been in the army 1 felt secure |
under his roof. Still l did not care to |
tell him my real business, but in an
swer to question stated that | was !
looking for land in leisurely sort of |
way, having just been discharged from
the regulaF army, and especially desir-
ing a rest from that dangerous activity !
which all army officers incurred.
"Well, sir, you are welcome at my
house, and hope you'n find your stay |
pleasant My daughter, who can row
boat to perfection, will cheerfully con-
tribute to your enjoyment"
81 understand" looking at him, |
"that several government officers have |
been killed by Illicit distillers in this
neighborhood."
"Yes," he replied, "sbamefully mur-
dered. Well, l won't say murdered,
for the distillers no doubt considered
it self-defense. Up in the hills here,
somewhere, there is a large distillery,
but it will be long time, think, be- /
fore the government breaks it up. 1t |
is almost impossible to conduct a party |
OF men through the hills, and it is al
most certain death, for the distillers
can see almost every turn. My advice
would be to watch for the whisky
that's sent away, capture the men
handling it and compel them to show
the exact location of the distillery.'
Several days passed and still made
no progress. L was not regarded in
that light of suspicion which thought
would characterize my appearance
among the people, and was soon con-
WINGED that the farmers around were
not in sympathy with the distillers.
Finally l told Anderson my bust
ness.
"Well," he said, elf L can do any
thing for you I'll do it cheerfully, but
let me advise you not to go into the
hills. Watch the river, as that is the
only way they can possibly ship the
stuff. ] am going up the river to-day .
after some walnut lumber and if you .
will accompany me we may make a
discovery. AS you have no doubt
noticed, l make great many cOtiins. /
Not for government officials" he added |
with smile, but am supplying cheap |
collins for the New Orleans market. |
During an epidemi& it is almost inn
possible to get collins 10 the city fast