Iuka reporter. (Iuka, Miss.) 1888-1894, 1888-10-18
ABDUCTED BY THE BUSH-
WHACKERS.
A Story Of the War in
the Southwest.
BY ARViDE o. BALDWIN.
CHAPTER x.
THE ABDUCTION,

CHATTER n
THE ABDUCTION
When everything was ready and they all
appeared calmer, John saw Laura, and re-
quested her to tell him oil. He wished to
know the worst and know it all.
Before it seemed as if 1 could not bear
it, but now | feel that I must know" he
said.
Laura, with her eyes red from weeping.
possible, all that TRANSFERRED from the time
the men left home in the morning until
they returned.
You had not been gone half hour, she
began, before six men were seen approach
ing the house from different directions,
They were on foot and said not word un-
til they had reached the porch, when they
ordered the negroes to lay down their arms.
They appeared bewildered and dazed with
fear, and complied with the demand at once
without making show at resistance.
Lille ordered them to shoot the first one
that set his foot on the porch, but the
frightened slaves were like SO many blocks
OF wood, without the sense of shame at
their display of cowardice. The door was
fastened against them but if you will loo k
you can see where it was burst from IT'D
fastenings, and in they rushed
Back, you villains' said Lille, as she
pointed her pistol at the leader, who paid
no attention to her words, but pressed on
Back, Edom Woodsley, for know you
through your disguise. Back, say, or I'll
shoot your she said as she retreated.
"On they came, and Lille pistol flashed
in the face of him she called Woodsley.
He turned partly around as she fred, and
we all knew he was hurt, for his right arm
appeared to be useless.
"'Catch the blasted wench! Catch her
and tie herF he exclaimed, and in moment
her pistol was knocked from her hand and
the great, rough men grasped her and tied
her with cords. 1t makes my heart ache to
think how the poor girl sobbed when she
found she was powerless in their hands,
20, where is John, or Henry, or jeff?
II they were here, you villains would pay
for this cruelty, and they will make you pay
well, yet! she cried.
Gag her if she makes too much fuss,
said Woodsley. who appeared to be the
leader
"'Edom Woodsley.' Lille continued,
you are the vile thing that has been play
ing gentleman for the last few years, and
trying to deceive people, but have known
your wicked nature. You have not de-
ceived met
IN break your proud spirit for YOU.
JOA sAAOAi3 eti1d Ou IL DO Sldu W CRAWL III tQd
dust at my feet, was his reply 'Ohr he
groaned, as he put his hand to his shoulder,
you tried to kill me, didn't you? I'll cut
that pretty nose from your face, but I'll nav
you for this.
When ma and your mother pleaded
with tears and prayers for them to let the
poor child loose, they were roughly taken
and thrust out of the room. Mercy is un-
known to the wretches.
After they had secured what food. blan-
kets and other things they desired they de-
manded money but threats and abuse were
of no avail, for all denied any knowledge
of money being hidden around the prem
Uses.
When Lille heard that the bushwhack-
ers raid was to capture her, and that she
must accompany them, she begged that
they allow her TO remain at home, but their
hearts were like adamant, and her pleadings
were in vain. Sylvia asked them to take her
along if they took her young mistress-a
wish that was gratiied with alacrity.
After as short delay as possible they
led the captive away, and Sylvia was will
ing sharer of the fate of her fair mistress.
They led them into the timber north of the
house, where have no doubt they had
horses tied, and we watched them until the
leaves hid them from view"
John arose, as Laura ceased speaking,
and, gathering everything together that was
prepared for his trip, walked silently out
into the night.
The night was dimly lighted by few
stars that blinked away in q lazy manner.
The night air was bracing and invigorating,
and our hero walked with rapid strides
toward the Wire Road.
A dark figure glided out of the house and
was soon by Johns side.
Marsa john"
John started.
20, is it you, jeff"
Yes. Marse John, Use wild you"
Good, jeff. come on. Well teach these
fellows lesson before we return.
The two crossed the road and at once en-
tered the woods on the east side
know the way" said JEFF, and he took
the lead. The country was perfectly ia
miliar to him, and he walked along in the
shadows of the trees nearly as well as in
broad daylight. They would follow down
one ridge for short distance, and then 60
across to another and down that. This was
kept up for long time, and at last the well
come sight Of the river. glistening like
belt of silver. was seen through the trees.
Here they halted. but it was only long
enough to be positive of the point at which
they had struck the river. They immedi-
ately resumed their journey and continued
ON up the stream, close under the bluffs on
the bottoms.
After another half hours travel they
again halted.
Jeff touched Johns arm and pointed
through The trees to the foot Of bluff.
"Dero dey am y
There was il giimmer Of a decaying camp
ire to be seen, and the two men had no |