Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-08-03

nv way home. He charged that had q
| large sum of money in the hands of Bar
low. and that if the sum of %. 900 was not
forthcoming inside of three days he would
cut nv throat. | told him it would be
waste of time to wait three DAYS, and that
he had better do the business then. He
was puzzled how to take me, but torch
was lighted, pencil and paper laid before
me, aud was ordered to write to Barlow
for the money. As the chances were that
none OF them could read writing, l wrote
Barlow the particulars of my capture. the
sum named for ransom, and instructed
him not to paw over 5000 on any consider
alton. This sum was not only 10 include
nv liberty, but that of Yu and the return
of my weapons.
| This note was to be sent by nv man
As near as could make out by their ges-
lures they promised him good treatment
and his liberty in case he carried out their
instructions. If he played them false.
they would have his life no matter where
| he tried to hide away. He was greatly
cheered up by the information, and when
the note was finished he took it and de-
parted. 1t was only after this that | was
searched. had silver watch and $50
in gold, and made no resistance about
handing over. We had supper after that.
and when the meal was over lay down
and went to sleep. 1t was 10 O'Clock at
night before Yu returned. The fellows
probably looked to see him bring the
money. but they were sadly disappointed.
He brought note from Barlow which
alone could read. He wrote that
had been captured by a profession
al bandit known as Campecbe Terror
and that there was no doubt OF my being
put to death in case a ransom was not
paid. He was by no means a rich man,
but he would add $500 to the $3.50 in his
hands. and he hoped the bandit might be
induced to let me off for that | interpre-
ted the note in my own way to the band.
made Mr.. Barlow say that he had 5000
of my money in trust and would send it
to the scoundrels when directed They
were terribly indignant to find that they
had picked up fiat, and the fellow with
wooden leg t1ourished big knife and
demanded my death While they were
arguing pro and con lighted nv pipe and
settled back on the bed for a comfortable
smoke. Such rattle headed, excitable
set | never saw, but they finally got
through wrangling, and the Terror gave
me his utimatum. The ransom had been
reduced to $1,000 and | must have it be-
fore shutdown next day or die.
You do not seem to understand the
case" / replied. ''In the first place, am
nobody at home in the next, the doctors
sent me off here expecting me to die; in
the third, couldn't raise $1,000 no more
than could fly; fourthly, | have no OBJ
lection to being killed, as | am likely to
die within two weeks at the furthest."
am honest in what | write. | really
didn't care what they did with me, and
went to sleep with Yu shedding tears and
the gang jawing, and slept until daylight
approached me | noticed a change in his
demeanor. He wanted to know just how
much money | could raise. I told him
had landed with 5000 in money, and of
that sum he had already robbed me of $50.
If he wanted the money for my liberty,
and would restore my arms and allow Yu
to accompany me he could have it. 1t
was all he could get anyway and left the
matter entirely in his hands. expected
he would rant and rave, and he did, but |
turned my back and gave him no further
attention. After a stormy consultation
with his fellows he came back to me and
announced that my proposition was ac-
cepted. My man should be sent for the
money, and as soon as he returned with it
we were to be set at liberty. OF course,
could not be sure that they would not
kill me after getting the cash, but it was
a risk had to run. | wrote Il note to
Barlow telling him what the arrange
ments were, and what sum to send, and
soon after noon Yu returned with the
gold 1t was counted and found correct,
and the chief told me to get ready to leave.
He was good natured, as were all the
others except the one with the wooden leg,
and something like an apology was made
me for the capture and detention. The chief
himself escorted us down the road almost
to the ruins, and when We parted he shook
hands aud said -
Il hope the gentleman may soon find
better health. As for me. am going to
the south at once. We should starve if
we remained here"
gave him my good bye, and the adj
venture was ended.