Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1883-11-14
A Message Through The Air'


August that l sat on the porch OF old
Uncle Toby's house, not yet entirely
recovered from the impressions made
by a glorous sun,et which even then
left It's ootprints uron the clouds that
lowered 10 the western sky.
Ny horse stood at The gate already
saddle d, awaiting me, but was deter
mined not to leave Uucle Toby's house
uu il had carried my point, and being
his nephew, had enough Of the same
old blood in my veins TO make me as
perseverng as he was obstinate.
Uncle Toby, l must have that Bird
'Wa'al now, neffy, ask me for any
thing else in the house but that, aud it
is yours
Il don't want anything else, Uncle
Toby, but that you must give me-
'Wa'al now, neffy, you know that
ere carrier pigeon took the first prize at
the county fair
Which fac. will only make me prize
it more. Come, now, Uncle Toby, be
generous.
'Wa'al, boy, the bird is yourn. You
always bad your own way with old
Uucle Toby
To say that was delighted would
but lainUy express my feelings. The
bird was a beauty, as may easily be
imagiued, and as l bid Uncle Toby
coed night, and mounted my pony,
with tie cage in my hand containing
the prize so dearly coveted, | rode
Lou.e with my heart light and brain
filed 10 OVERLOOKING with plans in
Which Tie BIRDS speed would be tested
Numerous valuable prizes seemed al
ready TO be within my grasp as l reach
ed home, and having stabbed my horse
I ascended TO my dark and lonely
room.
| was bot sixteen years OF age at th'
time, ard On the night in question
was the sole and only occupant OF ny
fathers mansion, The other membet'
Of the family Lavlng gone on sum-
mer trlp 10 the mountains, leaylng m'
in charge. Ny room was on the 'ecopt
floor. overlooking the road, and thith-
er had taken my bird, where in my
solitude, l could quietly admire it;
beautiful proportions.
Distinguishing my lamp 1 sat by The
open window, contentedly smoking my
pipe and enjoying the cool breezcs that
swept across the lawn laden with The
rich doors Of the flowers, when my at
te nIion was attracted 10 some dark OBJ
jects that appeared to be approaching
by the road that led past our house.
I listened intentlv, and above The
whispers Of the summer breeze l
thought 1 could detect the hmm oi
whispered conversation.
was no unusual occurrence for
uamps 10 pass our place at that hour.
and the circumstance caused only rip
pie of curiosity TO arise IN my bosom,
until 1 heard the latch Of our gate lif'
ted, end distinctly the tread OF many
feet fell spon my ear.
I was so surprised aud startled al
this unexpected intrusion that / was
I'd on entarily dszed. and before l could
decide on a plan OF action, they had
ascended the door steps, and | knew
from The splintering of wood that they
had already commenced operations to
force an entrance into The house.
BY the light of dark lantern, which
they carried, 1 discovered that they
were six IN number, and all wore hea-
Wy black masks, the more eflectually
TO prevent recognition in case of dis-
covery. Then my voice came back to
me and thinking to make up for my
youthful years IN the volume OF my
voice, 1 yelled out in laundering
tones
Hello What are YOU dong there p
The dark lantern was closed like a
flash; but yet could distinctly define
the dim outline of the robbers as they
stood like dark shadows IN contrast
with The white balcony beyond. For
a moment the stiffness of death ensued
when I received reply, uttered in
tones shall meyer forget, and with an
emphasis that clearly indicated 2ur-
pose 10 carry out what was threaten
ed.
Il say, youugsier, just you take in
that head of your'n and keep that baby
mouth closed, or I'll blow the top of
4
your head off!
The sharp click Of pistol followed,
and you can rest assured that 1 needed
no second warning. What should | do |?
I was at least half mile from the
nearest neighbor, but the house was
surrounded and escape was impossible.
There was certain death In the very
attempt itself. 4tM
The shot gun. Ah that was good
idea. Iwould get the gun and defend
the mansion to the bitter end. Tbe
shot grn 1 had left in the parlor so as
10 have il within reach during the long
hours of the day when tramps were as
thick as huekleberries. and had for
gotten 10 bting-tt up stars that night.
My mind had been so much absorbed
by my carries pigeon that 4 had insau'