Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1897-04-07

reason it is familiarly known to tht
adjacent residents as the County Line
Road" In former days, before the
keen bladed ak and sharp toothed saw
of the sturdy settler had accomplished
such wonderful transformation IN
the appearance of,the landscape, both
sides of the road were lined for q
number of miles by q denge, heavy
growth of forest and underbrush.
In consequence of this fact and the
scarcity of human habitations, the
farmers who Travelled over this route
to the city markets located at its ter
minstion, found an exceedingly lone
some, oheerless ride before them. But
then, the highly remunerative prices
paid for the results of their toll, as
was evidenced by their we'll filled
purses on their re urn, offered ade'
quate inducements to them to brave
the dangers and discomforts OF the
solitary journey.
The dangers to'which we refer were
occasioned by band of outlaws who
had established their headquarters in
this extensive belt of timber.
Startling were the stories circulated
concerning the bold deeds of this ruff
fan gang; many werelthe farmers that
could testify from bitter experience
to the veracity of these stories; and
numerous were the attempts made to
apprehend and bring the criminals to
justice. But all to no purpose. The
County Line Road" continued to
possess a reputation SO unsavory that
it struck terror into theihearts of those
who were obliged to travel its lonely
windings.
Robert Emmett was only eighteen
years of age when his father died and
left him in charge of their newly set
tied partially cleared farm with the
responsibility resting on his inexperi.
enced young shoulders of caring and
providing for his widowedsmother and
his two small brothers.
Robert was'a healthy, active youth,
with clear brain and strong, well-de.
veloped muscles. He fully realized
the gravity of his position and cheer
fully and bravely went to work. BY
dint of earnest, tireless efforts, fine
crops of grain and vegetables were
grown and harvested; SO that, when
in the waning life of autumn there
came whisperings of the arrival OF
clustering winter, the Emmett family
found themselves plentifully provided
with food and an ample surplus of
farm produce which, when sold, would
bring in sufficient revenue to meet all
the expenses incurred in the manage
ment of their farm and household.
But in order that this happy result
might be brought about, 1t was, of
course, necessary that Robert should
convey to the city markets the prod
ucts of his summers labor over the
ill-famed County Line Road"
1t was not pleasant prospect that
confronted him. Just the week pre-.
vious his nearest neighbor went on a
similar expedition and returned, tell
ing doleful story, having been re-
lieved of his watch and all his money.
A couple of days following this af-
fair a we'll organized posse of men,
under leadership of the sheriff, started
out, determined upon capturing the
highwaymen. Securing the wood for
nearly week, they were on the point
of giving up, when a rude log cabin
was discovered in deep ravine.
Here they came upon three members
of the gang, who, being taken by sur
prise, surrendered after slight resis-
tance.
These welcome tidingswere joyfully
received by everybody, but no one
felt more jubilant over them tnan did
the hero of this narrative, Robert En-
met.
He now believed he would be able
to carry his produce to market, and
return therefrom in safety. Nor was
he mistaken, for month passed
rapidly by, during which time he
made several successful trips; and, as
q natural result, the carefully boarded
earnings, tucked snugly away in the
old stocking in the tin box under the
loose board in the corner of the
kitchen floor, had become enlarged to
such an extent as to burst from the
confinement of their woody prison.
The day arrived at last when Robert