The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1894-07-28
A STRANGE AFFAIR

Az wayslde inn, on the old road tina
then ran between Philadelphia and c.
IN the state Of Pennsylvania, a very strang
and curious affair occurred in the fall O
i's'. One dark, rainy. disagreeable nigh
mounted traveller, well mufflesi up in
great coat, with its broad cape turned n,
over his head like a cowl, his chin an,
lower part OF his face buried in a larry
bandana handkerchief, and with a broad
black patch over his right eye, rode up t,
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 An,
dried himself while his meal was bein,
prepared. without removing any of his gar
ments, not even so much as his hat. an,
when the landlord at length announced
that his repast was ready he simply re
marked:
Il have severe pain in my face, 50 YOU
must excuse my going to the table as
am"
he ate his supper in silence, and showed
no disposition for conversation, called TO,
strong glass Of brandy and water, and
soon after asked to be conducted to his
room, adding that he was very much IA
| tigued.
by the way" he said to the landlord
VINO IN person lighted him to his bedroom.
I may as we'll 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-
lance, saying:
II reckon they'd be quite as safe here
with yourself. though mi keep them for
you il you wish me to-"
you'll oblige me by doing so, " rejoined
the stranger
We'll, then. said the innkeeper. "I must
know how much money you've got here II
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:
Il make it $215"
Right" rejoined the traveller. land
while I'm about it may as well add thi.
purse, which contains fifty one dollars in
specie"
Inc landlord also counted the coin part
gold and part silver. said the amount WA.
right and went out, bidding the other good
night.
About O'Clock in the morning a neigh
DOR living within stones throw OF the
tavern, and who Glanced to be up with q
sick child. fancied he heard above the roar
OF the storm, which had increased in VIC
lence. wild shrek, followed by two
cries Of Help, Murder
lie was rather a timid man, and WA,
much alarmed. He blew out his light
cautiously opened the door, looked ont and
listened. The storm beat into his face and
howled around his dwelling, but he could
see nothing, not even a light at the inn
and he heard nothing more that sounded
like human voice He shut the door anil
fastened it, and then woke up his wife and
told her all. She happened to be a woman
OF unusual nerve and courage. and after
putting few questions replied with a
yawn:
oh, Jim, it was only one of YOUR fan
cies. You're always hearing something
That nobody else does! Just think how
many times you've hunted the house over
for robbers since I've lived wit you, just
tend to Mary, will you, and let me get a
little sleep, for you know didn't have any
last night"
Il know it wasn't any fancy, but a real
human cry! grumbled the man as he
walked away and allowed his drowsy
spouse to return To her dreams.
The dull, leaden gray OF morning was
Just beginning to dispel the inky blackness
OF the stormy night, when the landlord of
a
Numbering knocks upon the outer door of
his habitati0n. He sprung ont OF bed
hastily drew on his trousers and boots
took his waistcoat in his hand and hurried
down TO his supposed customers. On open
ing the door he found himself confronted
with two rough looking men, well mufYi.d
up against the storm, which as vet had
scarcely abated in fury. Their horses,
painting, splashed with mud, with droop
ing heads. were hitched at the nearest post. |
and showed by their looks that they had |
been ridden fast and far
D1d mounted traveller stop at this inn |
last night" abruptly inquired one Of the |
two strangers.
Yes" was the answer.
SIS he still herey
"He is"
viii You describe his appearance,
AS well a. I can" said the wondering
host, FOR didn't get to see much Of his |
ACE And he not only proceeded with tie
description OF his person, but added all
hat the traveller had said and done. In.
'iuding the affair Of the money
Il think we've got him this timer said
he one who had addressed the landlord
urning to his companion.
1t looks like It," was the reply; but
lie no doubt desperate fellow, and we'd
'etter proceed with caution till we make
III surer'
"Hark you. landlordp said the first
peaker in low tone; "a word in your
private ear! We are officers from Justice,
rom Philadelphia, in pursuit of a bank
oober, and we suspect your strange guest
be the man we seeki Here il the war
ant for his arrest. Now conduct us quietly
his room, and, IL need be, assist us In sc.
urinR himp