Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-01-02

Then he returned To the town and
made the viglantes (police oflicers)
acquainted with what had taken place.
Before nightfall party OF these men
arrested The two robbers, who were
brought before the authorities in the
town. Captain Warren and William
Marvel. the youth whom he had
rescued. appeared against the prison
ers. The latter were sent to the Gala
boose, sentenced to hard labor for
lifetime.
The name of Captain Warren became.
from that moment, a hateful one to tho
mountain robbers, who resolved TO get
him. if possible, in their clutches, and
hang him upon some tree where his
skeleton. high up on topmost branch,
might swing as warning Ia others
never to attempt TO prosecute the
band.
The captain. who never feared for.
nor in fact cared for his life, contin ued
his hunting excursions.
On some days it was nightfall before
he thought Of returning.
One evening terrific storm burst
upon him, while on his way to the
black clouds, and the noise of the wind
was like the roaring of the sea. The
tall trees shook as if about To give way,
their branches cracking with din
like the rafting volleyS of musketry.
Meanwhile the rain came down in
slanting lines. driving against the young
mans face with force which nearly
stiiled him.
The violence of the gale increased
every moment. the streams and rivulets
in The travellers pathway swelling to
torrents.
On came the latter, rushing along
with force which were near throwing
the sailor OFF his feet. Finally the
waters increased to such n degree that
Bernard. TO save himself from being
overwhelmed by them, sought refuge
in n deserted hut halfway up the
mountain side.
In the hut there was II pile of logs,
behind which, at this moment. crouch
ed slender form, drenched and SILVER.
ing with the wet.
1t was William the youth whom the
captain had saved on former oc.
casion, and who. on this day had also
followed him. reaching, by circuit
Gus route. the hut before Bernard, who.
he thought likely. owing TO the direct
ion of his steps, would th2ro seek
refuge.
During all this time William: had re-
NAMED crouchcd behind tho pile of
logs. evidently fearing the captains
displeasure should he make himself
known.
Bernard had not proceeded far when
he discovered that he could 60 no
farther, the water filling the hollows
and other spaces in the ground so as to
prevent his progress.
He returned to the hut. William,
who was now obliged 10 crouch in
some shrubbery to hide himself from
the captains view thus remained un-
til the young man had gained the hut
when he started to follow. He had not
walked more than ten steps when he
noticed party of men approaching.
The moon having now emerged from
behind n cloud. revealed enough OF
these pcrsonages for him to perceive
that they were mountaineers.
They had long boards and high
boots; some of them carried carbnes
slung TO their backs. while others were
provided with long knives.
The youth. who understood Spanish
quite well, heard one of them say:
Il tell you he is here tonight. for !
saw him at shutdown start on his re-
turn. and l know he could not have
gone far in the present condition of the
roads"
You would know him, If you saw
him. again, | suppose?'
Il am not sure of that. He was down
among the trees, so that | could not
see him very distinctly, but, as well as
could make out, he was small,
slender man."
Enough. five only overtakc him.
we may avenge our imprisoned COM
rades."
LAY, we will hang him to the tallest
tree that grows upon the hill"
His vessel will never leave this port
with him for Ter captain"
Thus spoke the robbers. and William
knew well that their conversation re-
ferred to Captain Warren.
He hurried noisclcSsly toward them.
keeping in the shadow of the shrub
berry. that they might not see him until
he should come close upon them.
He had heard enough TO show him
that they had mistaken himself for the
captain, aud he seemed anxious to
carry out the deception.
Finally. he gained point within a
few feet of the robbers. when he sud-
denly rose, half turning, ~ if about
beating retreat.
The outlaws. with fierce cries,
bounced upon him. They gathered
round him. brandshing their knives,
their fierce eyes cleaning like fire IN
the moonlight.
You are our prisoner. Your name
ct once?n
Captain Warren" answered the
youth. pale but firm.
lie folded his arms rs he spoke. and
stood with IN untlinching air. although
n close observer might have noticed a
slight tremor of the limbs.
Curses upon you!' howlcd a robber.
advancing and pressing the point of
/ his knife against the youths heart.
Away with him!" shouted another