Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-12-07
A STRANGE AFFAIR

then ran between Philadelphia and c.,
in the state of Pennsylvania, a very strange
and curious affair occurred in the fall of
1897. One dark, rainy, disagreeable night
a mounted traveller, well muffied up in a
great coat, with its broad cape turned up
over his head like cowl, his chin and
lower part of his face buried in a large
bandana handkerchief, and with broad,
black patch over his right eye, rode up to
the tavern and called for supper and lodg-
ing. At the large fire burning in the chin
ney of the barroom he sat and warmed and
dried himself while his meal was being
prepared without removing any of his gar
ments, not even so much as his hat, and
when the landlord at length announced
that his repast was ready he simply re.
marked:
81 have a severe pain in my face, so you
must excuse my going TO the table as
am"
He ate his supper in silence, and showed
no disposition for conversation, called for
a strong glass of brandy and water, and
soon after asked 10 be conducted to his
room, adding that he was very much ia
tigued.
''By the way" he said to the landlord,
who in person lighted him to his bedroom,
81 may as well leave my pocketbook and
watch in your possession till morning" at
the same time handing those articles to
the host, who took them with some reluc
tance, saying;
IT reckon they'd be quite as safe here
with yourself, though III keep them for
you if you wish me to-"
You'll oblige me by doing so, " rejoined
the stranger.
We'll then, said the innkeeper, 81 must
know how much money you've got here If
I've got TO be responsible for it,"
PLEASE open the pocketbook, then, and
count for yourself, returned the stranger.
The host did so and said:
II make it S215."
Right" rejoined the traveller, land
while Pm about it / may as well add this
purse, which contains tifty-one dollars in
specie"
The landlord also counted the coin, part
gold and part silver, said the amount was
right and went out, bidding the other good
night.
About 2 o'clock in the morning a neigh
Dor living within stones throw of the
tavern, and who CHANGED TO be up with q
sick child, fancied he heard above the roar
of the storm, which had increased in viO-
lence, wild shrek, followed by two
cries of ''Helpi Murderp
He was rather timid man, and was
much alarmed. He blew out his light,
cautiously opened the door looked out and
listened. The storm beat into his face and
bowled around his dwelling, but he could
see nothing, not even a light at the inn
and he heard nothing more that sounded
like a human voice. He shut the door and
fastened it, and then woke up his wife and
told her all She happened TO be woman
Of unusual nerve and courage, and after
putting a few questions replied with 9
yawn:
"Oh, Jim, it was only one of your fan
ciee. You're always hearing something
that nobody else does Just think how
many times you've hunted the house ovel
for robbers since I've lived with you'll JUS
tend to Mary, will you, and let me get I
little sleep, for you know l didn't have an!
last night"
IL know it wasn't any fancy, but a rea
human cryp' grumbled the man as h
walked away and allowed his drows.
spouse to return TO her dreams.
The dull, leaden gray of morning wa
just beginning to dispel the inky blacknes
Of the stormy night when the landlord o
the wayside inn was aroused by a series O
laundering knocks upon the outer door o
his habitation. He sprung out of bed
hastily drew ON his trousers and boots
took his waistcoat in his hand and hurrie
down to his supposed customers. On oper
ing the door he found himself confronte
with two rough looking men, well muffie
up against the storm, which as yet ha
scarcely abated in fury. Their horses
painting. splashed with mud, with drooI
ing heads. were hitched at the nearest post
and showed by their looks that they ha
been ridden fast and far.
did a mounted traveller stop at this in
last nightf" abruptly inquired one of tn
two strangers.
Yes" was the answer.
as he still herep
HE is"
will you describe his appearancep
LAS well as l can" said the wonderin
host, 'for l didn't get to see much of h
face" And be not only proceeded with th
description of his person, but added a
that the traveller had said and done, il
Guiding the affair Of the money.
II think we've got him this time" sal
the one who had addressed the landlor'
turning to his companion.
ut looks like it, was the reply; Dbl
he's no doubt desperate fellow, and we
better proceed with caution till we NAL
all surep
"Hark you, landlordp said the fir
speaker in low tone; "a word in yot
private earl We are officers from justic
from Philadelphia, in pursuit of ban
robber and we suspect your strange que
to be the man we seekl Here is the wa
rant for his arrest Now conduct us quiet
to his room, and, if need be, assist us in s
curing him"
Certainly" returned the host turin
somewhat pale, as it was afterward !
membered. and seeming not little az
tated. walk in, gentlemen-this wa
gentlemen"
He conducted them into the barroo
and hurriedly struck light, for 1t was y
too dark to see anything distinctly.
II hope the fellow has not heard us
said one of the officers drawing pist
while the other produced pair of han
cuffs.
II hope it won't be necessary to sho'