The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-04-04
A LIFE SAVED BY A COFFIN.
IExchanee.I

Ne so carry by the most unirequented route to coIopel Southard, at Fort L., who was waiting for it. The major-general had ad. yised me to be very cautious, and should I scent danger en route to ride in a care less maDner as if had nothing about me. aOf course,n he said, "some few inevi- ,ahly know about this, still don't think ve need fear any treachery." Riding hard and fast along the vast prairie found myself, to my intense astonishment, entering upon struggling settlement l had evidently missed my way. How ever. here was. Should halt or ride through without ste rping? The latter course might of itself excite suspicion. So pushing on to the house of entertain ment with the most careless air could assume, got of my horse and ordered supper. Two travellers next rode up and ordered drinks. One of them threw him. self down on bench outside and began filling huge pipe. S:rolling carelessly about the room glanced from the win dow. My heart leaped into my throat, for in the man seated there l recognized Bill Wolf, one of the most desperate characters that ever figured in the annals of border ruffianism. l sat down and went through the form of eating my snp- per, but the discovery that this danger ous man, Bill Wolf, was at my elbow, filled me with suspicion and dire appre. hension. Presently the men came in to- gether and ordered supper. Mine was finished, and now was my chance to leave. Paying my score, and saying a general good evening, crossed the smoky bar-room. They took no notice good night It was quite duskish outside, but the ostler was fitting about the stable with his lantern he brought out my s,eed and trotted away. The moon would soon rise, and pushed along at a smart trot, so as to get well out upon the plains before that time. l was feeling infinitely relieved at my providential es- cape from contact with the desperate characters whom had left at the settle ment, when my ever-alert ears detected the sound of swift riding. From behind l drew up my horse one moment to listen. Yes-on they came. No chance traveller ever rode like that. It meant pursuit. gave my steed lash, and he broke into a convulsive gait, hove his body up with one or two plunges, stum- bled, and pitched me literally he els over head. For an instant l was paralyzed with astonishment the next seized the bit "to fetch up" the fallen animal, for there was no time to lose. But what was the matter with the horse? He had white spot on his face, and this white seemed to come off on my hand as touched him. With my heart in my mouth stopped to feel his white legs and feet. Yes-they were all white washed. The trappings had been taken off my own trusty horse at the inn and transferred to this worthless animal, which had been whitewashed over to im- itate mine. The discovery brought an appalling interpretation of the oncoming horsemen. gave the horse the whip as soon as his unstable legs were well under him, and sent him securing on ahead {; while ran on foot to the right, making for little hollow that discerned in the distance, and here, to my profound aston ishment, discovered low cabin or hut. Dashin. up to this l gave rapid sue cession of knocks. A woman opened the door.
 "What is ?" she asked, noticing my brea,hle.s haste.
 "Is there any chance to hide here2 my horse has thrown e, and believe party of desperadoes are close up with me-"
 "No, no; there is no place." she cried. "This is all there is, this one room"
 My eyes had been seeking for a piece of furniture, or anything else that might be concealed in-all in vain. Suddenly they rested on a dark object in the far corner.
 "What's this ?" exclaimed, making rush for it.
 It's cofin," was the quick response. But there's no other chance-they are turning up to the door get in."
 had barely time to place myself in this receptacle for the dead, when hoarse voice, that of Bill Wolf, was heard outside. His heavy whip struck the door. The woman threw her apron over her head and opened the door.
 "Where's Dick?'
 He has not come back yet 1" returned the woman.
 "Oh, not yeti Jenny, have you heard horse go by yonder9"
 "Yes, just but now. looked out thinking one of you might be coming. Seemed to have a small man on it."
 But Bill Wolf must have been of sus- picious nature. heard him leap from his horse. For the life of me could not help pushing up the coffin lid by hairs breadth, and looking through the chinks. Wolf had hand on each doorpost. His brutal head ~as thrust inside the room, peering about.
 "What's that?" he questioned, and my heart stood still, for knew he spoke of my retreat
 "It is Staffer's cofsia," she answered. !" Blue Rex left it here for Dick to take ever tonight"
 "Dick be shotl He ought to be here. Are you sure he is not in? You have not got him in hiding anywhere?"
 Wolf, all suspicion, went up to the rain barrel and shook it then he came to the door and looked in again. Satisfied, he onA xnAxrnfAH he hnvuN