Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1895-10-17
Captain JacoDus.
BY L. COPE coRNFoRD.

BY L. COPE CORNFoRD.
Although the time was long past mid
night, lights were still cleaning from be-
hind the shutters of the little blind ale
house hard by the Reading road, not far
from Winchester; and Captain Jacobus,
riding gently up, judged 1t prudent to en-
ter by the back door in consequence.
The inn was a house of call for the cap
tain, and the landlord creature OF his
own, but at time when detachmenis Of
Cromwelps soldiers were rough riding the
country, 1t behooved gentleman OF the
road TO use caution. Indeed in the esti-
nation Of Captain Jacobus, it was no in
significant item in the long score held by
him against the Commonwealth that q
kings gentleman should sometimes be
compelled to sneak into his inn by men,
ial entrance. After stabing his horse the
captain entered the kitchen, where the
landlord, little, dark remnant of man,
with short pipe between his teeth, was
going to and fro, busying himself amid a
litter Of empty bottles and greasy plates.
Stopping short in his employment, the
landlord nodded to his patron without a
word, at the same time jerking his thumb
over his shoulder towards the half-door,
above which a square of the paneled wall
of the inn parlor was visible. Captain
Jacobus, without further hesitation, walked
promptly into the parlor.
The long, low, red curtaincd room was
brilliantly lit with wasteful profusion of
candles, huge fire of wood roared in the
fireplace, and, standing side by side, with
their backs TO the blaze, were two very
tall, loosely hung men, dressed in the de-
cent black garb and falling white collar
affected by the Presbyterian ministers of
the day. Save that the elder man had
white hair and wore beard, while the
younger was clean shaven and almost bald,
so that his great head glistened like a
moist egg in the freight, the two resem-
bled each other in every particular.
Captain Jacobus took off his hat, with a
sweeping gesture, and began, with some
show of deliberation, to unbuclle and lay
upon the table his sword and pistols. The
two parsons returred the salute with a
grave inclination, tho younger bowling just
a fraction of time behind the elder, after a
momentary glance at him; as il (thought
the captain) the junior had,,so lively habit
of subservience TO the senior that he mani
tested it unconsciously, even in the most
trivial actions Captain Jacobus disposed
himself comfortably upon the settle
against the wall, and called for wine. OPP
posite to him, the travellers saddles were
piled, together with their riding cloaks and
great slouched hats.
You travel late for gentlemen of the
cassock," remarked the captain. "Have
you no fear of hghwaymen 2"
1--WE put our trust in the sword of the
Lord" replied the elder clergyman,
piously.
'And of Gideon" echoed the younger,
in a thin, high voice, extremely out OF
keeping with his bulk.
spoken very godly, and mighty
pretty sentiment" observed the captain,
rolling his liquor on his tongue. "And
yet it seems to me you run something of a
risk, Notwithstanding.
'My son and l." returned the old man,
with much tranquility shoulder to
shoulder, have bested the devil these many
years past"
"Yea, even when he traveleth abroad in
the guse of robber," the other chimed
in, cheerfully.
''Ah !" said the captain. "But perhaps
you never met Captain Jacobus, the cava.
lier, who rules this very road from Read
ing to Winchester. They say he hath a
very deadly spite against Puritans. The
Parliament dispossessed him of all estate,
I've heard, and he vowed the pragmatical
rebels should pay for it among them. "
Pausing to sip his wine, the speaker eyed
the two parsons over the edge Of his glass.
They returned his gaze in silence, with a
watchful attention. "He has o mighty
pleasant way with him, 80 I'm told, hath
Captain Jacobus," pursued the captain
''None OF your common, stand and deliver
methods for him, but all manner of pretty
knacks and strange devices. Why, now
just to give you an example; supposing he
were sitting where l sit now, THE speak.
er paused moment but the two big
clergymen did not move so much as ar
eyelid--''it's likely he would propose ,
game at the cards to you two gentlemen
Down you would have to sit with him
willy-nilly, you see; and inside of an hou
I'll wager he would have won the very
coats of your backs. All by pure skill
you understand. No violence at ALL Ant
talking of cards." said the captain, briskly
with sudden change OF tone. ''what d,
you say to n turn? Comet Landlord,
clean packl"
The highwayman rose, moved an elbow
chair TO the table, and, looking at the TIVE
parsons, with very eloquent expression
OF countenance, sat absently lingering hi
pistols.
81 am exceedingly sorry, sir; it is i'm
possible that should pleasure you in 81
carnal diversion" said the old man
mildly. "And, setting aside the claim
of my holy Office, l know not one painte'
toy from rother. / will ask You to PAL
don me--we have ridden far to-day" and
with courte Gus gesture, he sat dow
upon the settle In the chimney corner, an
leaning back upon the bundle OF cloak
and saddles, closed his eyes and folded hi
hands.
..And you, sirs Come, doff tile prizes
hood for an hourl Unchan the old Adam
and give him run! Trust me, you wi
be q world the better for so self-denying a
exercise. What tits not 30 long since yo
were TO college that your fingers have foi
rot the feel Of the cards, 80 glossy an
ticll,sh. Ill warrant Sit down, youn