The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1899-05-23
JOHN P. RITTER.
Copyright 1899, by the Author.
[Continued.l
CHAPTER VII.

THE ATTACK ON sHURKER's
As it was fully 20 miles to the house
of Caleb Shurker. Claudius Smith de-
cided to start out at an earlier hour
than he had at first intended, for this
would enable him to advance slowly
and spare the horses for the return
journey.
So when Robin reached the glade
where the bandits had gathered he
found them already mounted for the
march. Claudius turned upon him saw
agely.
"Whatl Must we be kept waiting
while ye make love, varlet2 Fall in the
ranks, sir. and see that ye behave with
spiritl'
Then turning to his men he shouted
"All ready. men3 Forwardl''
There was rattling of arms, tram
pling Of hoofs, a prancing and wheeling
Of horses as the bandits formed in line
of march and the cavalcade cantered
two by two from the glade. Placing
| himself at its head, Claudius Smith led
the way into broad bridle path that
wound through the forest and proceed
ed for about a mile at a rapid gait
Then the path narrowed and the men
fell in single line picking their way
along a rugged descent with their
horses at walk.
AS they descended lower and lower
along the mountain side the sun drop
ped from view and gradually the twi-
light deepened. 1t grew darker and
darker. One by one the stars appeared
through openings in the trees overhead,
and at last it became difficult for the
men to descry each other in the deep
ening gloom. z
At last they reached the base of the
mountains and struck into an unfre-
quented byroad which ran in norther-
ly direction. Here they again formed
two by two and proceeded at a canteI
until they reached little spring that
gushed from the side of precipice. Al
this place Claudius Smith called halt
for rest and refreshment. The bandits
dismounted. partook of hasty repas,
and after watering their horses at the
spring and quenching their own thirst
with copious drafts of spirits from thei,
canteens sprang into the saddle agaiI
and resumed their journey.
About 10 in the evening they struck
into highway that wound along the
base of Shawangunk mountain. TheI
the command for silence passed from
lip to lip, and they advanced with ex
treme caution until they came in sight
of great stone farmhouse which stood
at the right of the road. The shutters
were all closed. and it was evident that
the inmates were sleeping. Robin rec
lognized it at once as the home of Calef
Shurker. and his heart beat quickly
with desire for vengeance.
Captain Smith now called a halt an6
began a brief whispered consultation
with his officers Robin was about Il
draw near to listen to the discussion
when it was rudely interrupted by tn
furious barking of dog The faithful
animal had been sleeping on the porcl
of the dwelling and. awakened by tn
approach of the Tories. now cam
; bounding into the road. making tn
welkin ring with deep mouthed warn
ings.
''Blarst the curi'' exclaimed the Tor,
chieftain, with an OATH Then. turning
quickly to his men, he bawled ou
hoarsely: Surround the house, lads
and let no one escape Be quicki''
, The bandits Immediately put spur
| to their horses and in few second
, had formed complete Gordon aroun
the dwelling. Robin had taken his sta
ton before the front door with an ide
, of taking an active part in the propose
attack, but while he was gazing fierce
5 ly up at the windows, gloating in ar
: ticipation of his approaching revenge
an incident occurred which completed
, swept away every evil purpose from hi
heart.
He saw one of the shutters on tn
Q second story open cautiously and hear
q familiar voice call out in frightene
!, tones
"What would you have, friends3 2"
y 1t was the voice of Zadie. not as b
: : remembered it of yore, when it we
= musical with the happiness it express
ed, but plaintive. subdued and indescril
ably mournfuL It touched him deel
ly. A flood of tender recollections ovel
l
there to protect his old sweetheart fro1
HARM
While this sudden revolution ws
= taking place in his heart Claudir
Smith approached the window and cal
ed up to the girl in tones of mock p
likeness:
GOOD evening, Mrs Shurkerl Pa
don me for disturbing yer rest, but
would like to have few words wit
st yer husband.
Zadie left the window and withdre
It into the apartment and a short tin
afterward the shutter was flung wi(
open and an old man leaned out of Il
opening.
"Well, what do ye want of mef"
asked, in a quavering voice.
The outlaw threw off his mask of civi
y ity at once.