The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1894-03-17
A MYSTERIOUS THIEF.
How He Caused a Great Commo-
ton In Rural Neighborhood.

ton In Rural Neighborhood.
The whole countryside was up in |
arms. Hardly week had passed the
entire spring that the neighborhood
had not been aroused by the report OF |
some fresh attempt to relieve farmer
of his best horse and Sunday-go-to-
meeting turnout
TO be sure, not in one case out OF ter
was II ever proved that any marauder
had been within miles of the place; but
strange noises had been heard Barn
doors that were distinctly remembered
TO have been fastened the night before
were found wide open the next morn
ing, and in one instance whole bag OF
oats had mysteriously disappeared
OF course, none others than horse
thieves-who were known to be in the
vicinity--could have perpetratcd such
deeds. The air was filled with vague
suspicion ard dread. And bold-hearted
svynins who ventured to make evening
calls on their swecthearts inwardiy
uuakcd as they drove home, flashing
their naQs past dark and gruesome
places on the road.
All the most thrilling details Fan
poured into my ears as we walked up
The road winding between the fields
from the station. And /. my senses
the while gratefully conscious OF tho
soft tints of the sunset, the fragrance
Of the wild roses blooming along tho
wall. tho restful quiet and freshness,
attentively listened until che reached
the impressive climax
Two weeks ago that very night DR..
Andrews horse had been stolen; ana,
though members Of THE Horsethief
Detecting society had started in pur.
suit the next morning and three OF
them were still searching, no trace OF
il had yet been discovered.
woke with start at midnight A
broad strip of light lay across my bed
from the lamp post opposite? NO, It
was moonlight! raised on my elbow
why, of course, I was at Haywood
farm. and that was Rover barking SO
savapely, and--yes, heard voices. and
sscurrying feetin the hall Why. what
.'Oli, quick! wake 'cm, quick! Hc's
turning into the orchard!"
That was Mrs. Haywood! instantly
/ qrasped the situation horse-thieves!
. sprang out of bed and rushed into the
hall.
THEY'VE got your Ned. Ma heard
him step out Of the barn" cried Fan, as
she dashed past me and up to the next
foor, two steps at time.
Our Ned?" l calculated, and flying
back to my window flung open the
shutters
The full moon was deluging the earth
with a flood of silycry light, in which
surrounding objects stood out almost a.
distinctly as at MONDAY. Plainly
could discern man riding dark horse
among the trees in the orchard. Oul
dear old Ned, who had been winterin(
on the farm; the sight was maddening
p"Catch him, Rover Sic, sic! I"
shouted, wildly clapping my hands ant
dancing up and down in my anxiety.
Again came Mrs. Haywood's voice:
s.Girls, girls, tell them to hurry
He's trying to take the colt Matthew
/ told you it wasn't safe to leave it GU
over night. Oh dear. dear, what keep
those boys!'
eOh, heard it whinnyl' / screamed
joining the other distracted females.
.'Oh, SO do /. so do IL"
ED, Frank, they're taking the colt!
: we cried. rushing pell-rnell into tn
young mems apartment, where w
found Fan frantically trying to dra
them out of bed by main force.
Now we heard pa calling for lar
tern. Down we rushed in body
leaving the thoroughly aroused youn
men, who quickly drew on their neithe
garments and followed in our wake.
Mrs. Haywood met us in the hal
wringing her hands.
Hes riding one horse and lcadin
another" she cried. "0h. know he'
get away! Matthew, l told you
wasn't safe to leave that colt out An
he'd Just as leave shoot as not Don
one of you stir step till you're all t.
gether!'
Frank seized the lantern and hurrie
out to investigate. the barns. By tn
time the hubbnb had brought to on
assistaAce Dutch Hans"-a man
charge of the neighboring place-arme
with rusty old musket and no amml
milton.
Thus reinforced they sailed forth
meet the horsethief, who was now
the road in front of the house. We
the weaker sex timorously followed ,
far as the piazza, valiantly headed /
ma, who carried for defense an o.
slipper and q candle which the wiz
extinguished.
Instead of digging rowels into NJ
and galloping off at sight of OF
formidable array, the desperate pu
sued his way with unseemly leisure.
Halo. there. who are you, ar
where are you going?" called Ed.
The specter-like figure moved {
without vouchsafing word.
HALT Who are you, and where a
you going" roarcd pa.
No answer,
''Hi eef you no speek SHOOT
shouted Hans, brandishing the musk
like q club.
But even this biood-curdling tire
was received in imperturbable silent
as man and both horses disappear
around the bend of the road.
We were relieved to learn that n
was safe, but ma was rather chagrin
to hear that her led horse had on clio:
inspection proved to be COW. Ho