Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-05-04

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sustained by Others. and yet 1t was much
20 them thOugh it only represented q III
lie house in Savannah. which Ieb had buut
himself with the money he had saved IRON
his hard labor.
But he went bravely TO work again. Ana
Zeb was q hard worker. While he spllt
the rails to fence in bis farm he also fur-
nished the railroad with wood, which tne
engines took from the rack at station
"10H" and left therefor the checks when
brought him bread.
Zeb had only been in the country
month when. coming home one day WIN
his axe on his shoulder, he was met by MS
wife and three men who seemed 10 nave
business with him. His wife was the hrst
to speak. ,sho
said "These men have been waltln 10
see YOU; and they've axcd me so many GU
rious questions that | didn't know how 10
answer 'em. Pm erfearod they don't mean
US any good" she whispered, as Ae9
brought the pole Of hrs axe to the ground
with a thud, and leaning on the handIei
slipped his arm around his wife's waist ana
faced the men.
Il don't think we've ever met before,
said Zeh. addressing his visitors. " hahn
had time to cit round among the people
yet, but I'm powerful glad to see you
What's up" ~
I'VE want TO speak to you privately"
said one of the men.
well. 90 ahead" said Zeb, we're prl-
vafe now. You nceda't be afeared o my
wife. She an mes one"
I'D rather you'd step ASIDE with me
moment" said the man. ! can't say VIVA
| am instructed TO say to you III the pres
ence OF your wife. ,.-o
alright" said Zeb, shouldering his axe
again. " I'm 'greeable., ,Anythlng 70 save
time. Pm in powerful bug hurry" q,
They stepped apart from tine rest ana
convCrsed in low tones.
It's no use talking" said Zeb, as the
man demonstrated with him.. know
nv business. I'm a peaceaoie an law
abidin' man whether there's any law III
the country or not. an aren't agoln' 10
line your society. | respec' the law, but
God didn't make Inc To- deal it out 70 PEG.
ple-I aren't cot brains enough for that.
But every respectable man In the
country belongs TO us" said the man.
well. here's one that don't blong, to
youl " said Deb, bringing the pole OF ms
axe down to the ground again. an what
more, lie aren't a-gOin' to bIong 10 yon.
don't bPeve in your kind o business"
"Pll give YOU a week 70 consider the mat
Ter before ] make my report said the
man. ms he beckoned 10 his companions
and moved away, and I'd advise you TO
give the right kind OF answer when we see
YOU again. II might be better for you IN
the end" :. q,
I've done spoke my mind" replied
Zcb, an YOU heard 1t. You know my
sentiments"
A week rolled by-a week of hard work
10 Zeb, and he had almost forgotten the
little episode recorded above, when the
committee Of three called on him again.
The men had come to see If his mind had
undergone any change with reference 70
his Joining their organization"
1t had not, and Zeb told them so very
plainly.
So they left him TO report his case I'M
favorably at Headquarters. .,
a. can't see what they want with me"
remarked Xeb TO his wife, as they sat to-
gether by their cabin fire one rainy. winter
night. "1hey've got men enough TO DO
ali the mischief they want without me.
An to my mind they do more mischief
than good from what / can hear"
"Sh :" cried his wife, putting her hand
to her ear IN "a listening attitude, what >
thet?" ,ro..;u
UP and going toward the door.
But his wife restrained him. Don't
open that door," she cried, catching hold
OF Zeb's arm. Maybe they've come for
you!"
In moment it was plain to them that
the house was surrounded. They could
hear voices speaking in low tones outside.
Then there was loud knock at the door.
Deb got his rifle, and standing IN front OF
his wife. facing the door, asked:
who's thereY"
voice. VIII you open the door an let us
in. or shall we bust 1t inn"
"What do YOU wantr' cried Ieb, " A.
comm 10 mans house an talnn' about
breakin' his door down."
"Wo want you," replied the voice.
"We've got q little matter to settle with
you
"How many Of ye out there9" asked
There's enough Of u.s." replied the
voice. IF you don't want your door
broke down, you'd better open it quick.
We ies' wanter talk with you bit"
Break it down if you're mind to-"
said Zeb. while his wife chung TO him in
terror, but the FIRST ono OF you that
shows his head'll git bullet in It "
The door was locked and barred, and
the only window in the little cabin was Sc
curely fastened.
A heavy blow on the door with the butt
of an axe made 1t tremble. Then there
were several blows in succession, while on
the other side OF the house they were try
ing 20 wrench the window open.
Git that shotgun. Mollie," cried Zeb,
AN stand guard ~ the winder."
Pale and trembling, the woman obeved.
Blow on blow fell on the door. They
saw the keen blade of an axe cleave
through; heavy Oaken panel gave way,
then another. and another.
"Stand fast. Mollie!" cried Zeb, IAN
fire at the first face you seeW
And Mollie obeyed.
As the window was torn from its hinges
and q wide space was cleft in the door, the
sharp crack of a rifle was followed by the
louder report of shotgun.
There was n cry of pain outside; a heavy
sound, as of a mans body falling to the
ground.
The captains killed." yelled a voice,
and the cry was followed by the sound of
a dozen rifles from without, and then the
men who had been trying to force their
way in the door rushed to the side of the
house that Mollie guarded.
Ieb and his wife had crOuched low after
the first fire. The room was filed with
smoke. but through 1t all Zeb could see
that the door was unguarded from without.
Come, Mollie." he whispered hoarsely;
"now's our chance!"
And while the men were erowdinground
their wounded captain they slid through
the opening and fed towards the woods.
They led Just as three horsemen wheeled
around the house and fired yolley into
the door.
The report of the guns drowned the
echo OF their flying feet. but Zeb and
MCllie heard n voice exclaim:
There's woman in the house. Don't
kill the woman"
Then there was loud yell. and the gal
Looping of horses in different directions.
Their escape had been discovered.
On they went, Zeb aud MolIie: on
through the dark and rain.
Two men, riding furiously. passed so
close TO them that they might have touch
ed them with their whips, but thew crouch-
ed low on the ground and were not seen.
On they went. The only sounds they
heard now were those OF their own hurry
ing feet. The chase had either been
abandoned or had taken O difFerent direc-
ton from that in which they were Going.