The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-01-24

call on Mr.. Jefries. saw in an instant
that his daughter had followed my in
structions.
Come back airter more health; eh?"
said he, with a sly wink at his wife, who
sat in the corner rafting her knitting
needles.
Eyes, and l hope that I will find
enough to last me for some time to
come"
81 reckon you are tired, Cap'n. Bet
ter 90 to bed, don't you think?n
''No, | have work tonight"
''Work" he repeated in surprise.
"What work can you do Tonight"
81 will explain tomorrow. Good
night"
Lentie followed me to the door. Her
tears rolled down my cheek.
found my men anxious for the fun,
as they termed it. They had not much
longer to wait. We crossed the river
without making a sound. When within
a short distance of the cave we halted.
The boys secreted themselves and l adj
vanced. The moon was shining bright
ly. The old troglodyte sat on his stool.
Seeing me he took up his flute. He was
out of patience with me. His manner
was insulting. Looking around while
talking to him, l saw my men creeping
from rock to rock. Each one was an
excellent shot. ~
You have been in this neighborhood
llong enough" said the old man. Il
don't want you here. warn you 60"
Suppose don't go?"
Fatal supposition."
"Why, do you own this country?'
'Don't question me-"
"Old man, | will not leave herem I
had moved aside and was not standing
directly in front of the cave.
He blew loud, startling note.
A yell came up from the cave. A
body of rough men rushed forth. |
lodged behind rock, and my men
fired. Wild yells arose. Then came a
hand to hand fight. l knocked the old
man down with pistol, The fight was
desperate. Two of my men fell and
rolled into the river The ravine rang
with the terrible din. At last the
ruffians, seeing themselves beaten,
sprang into the river. Only a few of
them escaped. The old troglodyte sat
up. Convulsively he tore away the long
white hair and whiskers, revealing the
face of a comparatively young man. We
bound him and entered the cave After
entering the old mans room we noticed
that rock had been removed, discov-
ering dark apartment. 1t was large
distillery. A passage led to the river,
| far down the stream. A complete ex-
ploration showed how perfect were
their arrangements.
The old troglodyte proved to be a
once-noted Kansas outlaw. He was
sent back to that State and was hanged.
My men preferred to camp after re-
covering the dead bodies of their COM
radeS. When | returned to the house
found Lentie Frustrated from excite
ment. Tile old gentleman was almost
wild. Then | explained how Lentie,
while gathering nuts, had heard several
men speak of killing me if | ever at
tempted to go near the cave again.
"Wan, this do beat anything | ever
heard about, exclaimed the old man.
Il heard the shOotin', an / didn't know
what it was about, but if muir thar
hadn't hill me woulder jined in. Wall,
blast my stupid shin, never knowed
that thar was 'stillery so close. I've
sot here night airter night, suferin' fur
drink, when thar was oceans o the
stuff in the neighborhood. But say,
Cap'n, we KANT stay here no longer.
Them fellers what got away will think
that was the cause O. Their downfall. y"
You can pack up and go to town
with US.
Lentie clapped her hands. The old
lady who had thrown down her knitting
made movement toward me, then sat
down, took up her knitting and ratified
the needles. Lentie placed her hand in
mine. kissed her,
wall" said the old man. The old
lady ratified her needles. "She's yourn,
l reckon" said the old man. Thought
so from the fust, Mother we'd better
see about packin' up. Stir your stumps,
for you're goin' to be town lady in
your ole age, ''-Opje 2. Read, IN Arhan-
Salv TraCcIer.