The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1891-08-12
THE SILVER BULLET.

lhE OIL I'm DO LLEis
In 1869 Lawrence Nutting was United
States Marshal in the southern district of
Virginia The State was at that time fair
ly overrun with outlaws of all classes.
Bushwhackers, highwaymen, counterfeit
ers and moonshiners nestled in all of
the countryside among the mountains,
and far from towns and cities upon lone
ly roads, while gamblers and despersdoes
swarmed in and about the settlements.
Crime was frequent, and the life of Uni
ted States officer was series of stirring
adventures involving great danger, and
demanding as great tact and personal
bravery.
But Nutting proved himself worthy and
fit for the Office. A young man, of
temperate habits, quick wits, splendid
physique and dashing courage, he was
never at loss how to act, and the YER
min which infested that region sosn
learned to hate and fear him most in
tensely.
Many were the expeditions which the
officer had ed, many his escapes, and
many prisoners safely captured and wall
ed by his efforts but one man evaded
him. The shrewdest and worst moon
sinner was still at large. Despite all Of
his efforts, Nutting had nor yet secured
Ruloff Allen.
This man was known throughout The
State. His career had been that Of
criminal from his birth. In the Businesses
of southwestern Virginia be manufactur-
ed whisky on a grand scale and was the
owner of dozen or more "queer stills" !"
and snapped his fingers defantly at the
law.
Several times had Nutting sought this
quarry twice he had actually caught him
yet twice he had escaped, and at the time
of which we speak, he was still at
large.
Nutting sat at his window one evening
musing, half dreaming, when there fell a
light touch on his shoulder He started
up quickly. A stranger stood before
him.
"The United States Marshal ?' said he,
interrogatively.
Yes, sir" said Lawrence, rising to his
feet. " Be seated; what can l do for
you?"
would speak with you alone" he
replied, gIancing around. 81 have mat
ters of the greatest importance to commu-
nicate"
This office is out of hearing from the
street" replied Nutting, " and we are by
ourselves. You can speak freely and un-
interruptedly.
The other drew couple Of cigars from
his pocket, offered one to the marshal and
lit the other himself Nutting followed
his example Then the man drew his
chair nearer, so that he sat between the
officer and the desk, whereupon lay bis
belt and pistols, threw open his coat, SC
that the butts of two heavy revolver:
might be seen, and. blowing the smoke
from his cigar, said, in quiet, tone to bis
companion
You are desirous OF arresting noted
moonshiner, one Rulof Allen, are you
mott"
There's no doubt about that" said the
marshal, smiling.
am the man."
Nutting's cigar never stirred in his
mouth his hand did not quiver nor hi:
breath come the quicker. A single sign
showed how deeply he was moved his
eyelids dilated, then he laughed, soft and
low.
Iou-you Ruloff Allen My friend,
know AIlen-his hair is red, yours is
black. His face bears a scar across the
chin yous beard. His teeth are bro
ken: yours are perfect. The joke is good
but you are not Allen"
The other hesitated a moment, then
striking wig from his head, beard of
his chin, and removing single fslss
tooth, he turned again TO Nutting, red
haired and smiling.
And now?"
You are Allen"
For full moment neither man moved
II was as though two large tigers gazed Al
each other. Then the outlaw sarcastical
ly said
Listen am armed you are not.
am fully as desperate man as the report
makes me 1 am as strong as you came
here 10 have private talk, but it was
necessary you should know who am
will not molest you if you will do the
same with me, and give me fifteen min
utes to escape when we have finished oul
interview"
Nutting measured his chance. Unarm
ed, in the presence ofa man to whom tbs
crime of murder was not new, he deemed
prudence the better part, and boldly re
piled:
81 agree"
"Good," said Allen, removing his owl
pistol belt your word is equal mine
We shall both be unarmed. And now
would tell you story"
Then he drew his chair still nearer th'
marshal, and as twilight fell. and as th'
night came down he told Of his life
weird, strange history, every line intens'
with the throbbing passion Of lawlessnes
which evidently made the man what n
was
The other listened breathlessly, th'
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