Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1888-05-12

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with century Of growth. Gazing at their
stately tops, one could well imagine that
In days agone, perhaps under the very
trees we were passing. 10. the poor In
dian" had once assembled to shake dice
to see who should pay for the beer.
| was absorbed In these meditations
when the wagon ran into a huge stump
and away went sailing out into space.
The shot gun about this time decided that
it was tired Of riding and came along also.
Neither Of US were hurt, and we resumed
our seats in the wagon, the gun rather
unwillingiy thought.
We were now getting near the camp of
the enemy and rather curious sensation
took possession Of me. OF course it was
not fear, but my heart evinced curious
disposition to desert its pericardium and
homestead the lower portion of my throat
cooked both the rife and the shot gun,
placing them sideways in the wagon to
satisfy the manifest uneasiness of the
driver. The revolver took out and placed
on the seat by me. covering it with a
superabundance Of coat tail. The knife
loosened In its sheath. About half o
mile further ON saw approaching one of
the most villainous looking men had
ever seen. He was of negro blood, nearly
white, Of herculean frame. and If not q
born criminal and assassin, should have
had his face indicted for malicious libel.
He carried glittering ak on his shoulder
and eyed me insolently.
The driver turned around with whis-
per, Oats him, boss J"
My knees now partook of the general
excitement; my hand trembled as IL my
best girl was about to refuse me. and my
blood seemed determined to go into the
cold storage business. At the same time
an overwhelming conviction reached me
that this was not the man was looking
for, and that it would be impolite to risk
suite for false Imprisonment
AS he came opposite the wagon, my
driver drew up and assumed the initiative.
us your name Perkins?"
Nav" was the snrly reply.
My thermometer immediately resumed
its normal condition Of 70 in the shade
MY good man." said /, carefully con-
cealing all weapons. 81 am looking for one
Perkins; can you inform me where that
most esteemed gentleman livesf'
In that house over yonder, he said,
pointing about quarter of a mile distant,
where thin spire of smoke emphasized
tumble down log house.
When about 100 yards from the house
halted the team and gave q few brief
directions to the driver.
With the rife at full cock cautiously
approached the house. 1t was Of rough
logs. very rickety. with the usual stick
and mud chimney. Outside of the smoke
from that there was no sign of life about
the place. Silently came up to the back
door, with vigorous kick sent it off the
leather hinges, and covered with the rifle
figure dimly seen in the semi darkness
Of the room.
Throw up your handsp' commanded.
IF you stir I'll shoot"
From the figure, in shrill, frightened
accents, came:
For de Law'd's sake, watcher mean
white man. l amt dun muffin"
The gun dropped from my nervous
hands.
Thomas Perkins, alleged desperate, was
an old crippled negro, about 17s years old,
half paralyzed and wholly stupid
Three hours afterward drove into Dead
Pine with my prisoner, to be greeted with
ironical comment and uproarious laugh.
ter.
Ibid he kick much, Capt." said one big
fellow, while another, after cycling Per-
kins a moment in silence, said, us he
moved off:
Yes, the thing is alive, | saw its
tongue wiggle.
Four hours later was in Jacksonville,
and delivered my prisoner to the United
States marshal AS the major audited my
accounts and drew q check for my ex-
penses he was shaking with Ill sup
pressed laughter.
What do you see so funny about thisf"
inquired rather tartly.
Il was wondering what the judge will
say when he sees him, )" was the reply.
Just then the judge strolled in. He
gave look at the prisoner, then at me,
and inquired mildly, but with merry
twinkle in his handsome eyes;
did you have much trouble in securing
this desperate. Mr.. oficerT'
The major fairly roared.
took my check and left the room. l
have not seen prisoner, United States mar
shall, or Jacksonville since that eventful
day, and Dead Pine shall know me- no
more forever. jay in Detroit
Free Press.