Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-12-25
A NOONSHINE STORY.
BY c. BELDzN.

in their chans, in front of big log
fire In small tavern near Statesville,
N. o., some years ago. Each was dis
cussing the great event Of Christmas
and how they should enjoy it Among
the number were three Deputy q, S.
Hnarshals, two others, besides myself.
/ was but g 'greener, having only re-
Gently been appointed, but found
there was another greener than my
SELF He had the luck to save our
lives in the end. however.
We all thought we would have q
gay holiday, but met disappointment.
AS the door few open with bang
and gust of wind and sleet swept
through the bsr-room, all started to
their feet.
1t was Capt Bryant, the U. S. mar
shal of the district, acting under or
ders of Col. Mott, y. S. collector of
internal revenue at Statesville head
quarters. He was long. lean and
thin bodied man, with red hair and
whIskers, and a most determined
mouth, and, I believe, honest to
death. l do not think he was to
blame for our misfortune, though
others do. Capt. Bryant turned his
back to the glowing blaze. The sleet
and frozen rain dripped from his
rough coat as he looked thoughtfuliy
around the group at the FIRE. He
made amotion at me and then at two
others beside the fire.
We all four left the room together,
or one behind the other, as it we're.
Capt. Bryant took us all by surprise
when he drawled:
Boys, Pm sorry, but I've got Or
ders to move tonight down on the
Little Chenaw and get gang Of
moonshiners. / have been expecting
this for long spell, but thought it
wouldn't come off for while yet
anyhow. So you'll all be ready to
meet US down on the Lower Ford at
little past midnight. So saddle up
and get away as fast as you can, and
don't make any extra stir soout it.
See that your Winchesters are all o.
K. and plenty of wads 1 say, Dave,
what's the matter with your
'Who? Me2 Why, I've got the
|mumps, cap
'You mean the mumps have got
your
well, it is a wrestle betwixt us,
capt.
We'll, you'd better stay here, this
is no night for sick man to be out,
no matter how much he is needed
But l want to go, cap; and must
60, live or dead
well, if that's the case. YOU had
better go and die; for if bullet don't
hit ye,the mumps will for a face, SO
we'll git funeral any way (And |
the captain gave a low laugh, all to
himself. } For well we knew this was
no laughing matter to us, midnight
raid on dismal December night, to
capture band of moonshiners or to
be killed and captured by them, was
hardly matter to laugh at. Still
there was faint smile went around
the group at the captains little fun.
Sam, ! want to see ye afore ye go;
or let Dad get your boss ready for ye;
tell him so.'
After the others had gone Capt.
Bryant spoke to me IN low tones.
Sam, we are on desperate trip to-
night. / asked for more force, but
couldn't get it, so I'll have to do the
best can with the eight men | have
and myself. Now, l haven't got much
faith in Dave, somehow er mother, for
I know he belongs to the Sierets gang.
How he ever got his appointment l
don't know. You amt much yourself,
Sam, but can trust ye, if you don't {
know much. So I'll put you and Dave q
and Mingo on the Lower Ford. You
know the stand2 and don't let man
60 by unless good answer Is given. 6
4 don't expect they will cross that 8
way anyhow, for they will be more /
apt TO cross above, and me and the 8
rest of the boys will watch the old i
ford, and if you hear two shots you b
boys mount and cross over as fast as I
you can, and ride up to the old cros-
sing as fast as you can. for you may c
know we've got EN-, and when you
hear me shout let drive at every man v
you see running, and if they cross at b
your stand you fire three shots, and e
we will ride down on 'em from the f
other side, and if that gang gets away
you may call Molly Bryant widow, t
md you don't eat no Christmas turk
with me; but watch Dave, Sam, though h
think we won't have any trouble. II
'ut get the whole gang. Still and j
ILL., b
1t was terrible night to be out IN, s.
ain, sleet and dashes Of show driving n
n our faces when we started out for b
he lower ford 1t was some time b
'fter midnight when we reached the
lace, and only little while after 50
'apt. Bryant came and stationed us W
nd left his final directions. | thought W
fully understood them, but the D
equel proved that I had not. Iswas III
ostad hahind n largo rock EttIo ~ IL,