Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-28
CHAPTER L

|, COPYRIGHT. 1893 Bys Ar
CHAPTER I
When President Heemance Of the
Burton bank discovered that Martin
Castleton, the cashier, had fled, owing
the hank $50. 600, he Immediately called
in the aid Of the detectives aud took
every step possible TO capture the GRIM
inal and portion at least Of the funds
Two weeks passed without bringing
the first atom of information Of the alb
sconder. President Heemance WINGED
under the large expense involved and
was ON the point Of dismissing the de.
tectives. who were probably nursing the
job, when an anonymous letter reached
him stating that Castleton, instead OF
trying 10 reach Canada or crossing the
scesn. nad turned inland, gone to New
Orleans and. ascending the river to n
landing in Mississippi by the name Of
Southiieid. had gone 10 the small town
Of Aldine.
He travelled under the name of Jared
Cowperthwait. giving out that he was
prospecting through the country with n
view Of purchasing cotton land for in
vestment He would probably remain
In that section for several weeks, and
il prompt steps Were taken could read.
lily be captured.
IL was foolish TO give much credence
TO an anonymous letter, but our presi-
dent was so impatient with the dilatori-
hess Of the detectives that he proposed l
should star, at once for Aldine.
"You arc strong. active and expert In
the use of a revolver" he said, while
Cas,leton is ncne Of these. Twill attend
20 the rcquisition papers and have them
forwarded To Governor McLaurin at
Jackson. who will see that they are
promptly indorsed and awaiting you at
.Aldine when you reach there. You
will start at the earliest possible mo-
ment.''
The foregoing will explain how it
came about that on dismal rainy after
noon in autumn left the Mississippi
steamer Bonnie Belle nc the Southteld
landing. being the only passenger who
went ashore at that lonely place. l hur-
ried down the plank. valise in hand
and umbrella lifted The steamer went
churning up the muddy Mississippi, and
/ made my way to the dilapidated inn,
the only place Of entertainment In the
village Of less than q dnzen houses.
Disappointing knowledge awaited me.
The town of Aldine. which was my
real destination. was 90 miles inland,
aud a stage travelled each way on alter
nate days IL was on Monday that /
reached Southfield. and the stage bad
left that forenoon. II would return on
Tuesday and make its next trip to AL
dine ON Wednesday. l had therefore TO
decide whether TO stay at the landing
for couple Of days or TO seek other
means Of conveyance. l concluded TO
leave the question TO the weather and
made myself as comfortable as could
at the inn, with its half dozen rough
loungers. white and black mostly, en-
gagged in smoking, drinking the stuff
that passed under the name OF whisky
aud playing greasy cards.
These men, however. were skilled in
reading weather signs, and they assured
ME that the following day would be
clear and cool Although the roads were
bad had decided TO spend the next day
in tramping the 20 miles provided the
sun showed itself. The work was not
formidable, and it was more pleasant
than lounging at the old inn that was
built half century before the war.
The morning was delightful In that
latitude and at that season one expected
ho, and oppressive weather, but the
sunshine had tinge Of GOODNESS that
made the day an ideal one. With my
lisht valise in hand and my slim um-
brella serving as u walking cane 1 set
out for Aldine as soon as my early
breakfast was over.
soon found myself in one Of the
most lonely and deserted sections OF
Mississippi. Here and there the white
cotton bolls showed at the side OF the
road, but only now and then could a
glimpse be caught Of the low fiat build
ings where the planters made their
homes. with the negro quarters near.
For the first five or six miles saw only
two persons, and they were colored men,
trampirg across the fields, who looked
curiously at me without speaking.
By this time I began 10 feel the
warmth Of the sun and to find my task
a harder one than had expected. The
road was washed out in many places,
while deep gullies caused me TO make
tiresome detours through the fields.
Several of the bridges. too, were 30
shaky that ] crossed them with hesita-
tion and misgiving.
Probably little more than half OF
the distance was passed and the sun
was nigh meridian when l came TO u
fork in the road, where paused in
doubt whether to turn TO the right or
left Each highway seemed to be equal
" travelled, though but for the action
of tine storm this might not have been
the case.
"No one told me anything about
this" l muttered, setting down my
valise, 'and I'm blessed if i know
which road TO take. can't afford to
make a mistake"
The one TO the left led through q
scraggly patch of woods. while that ON
my right traversed more open coun-
try. Still there was TO means Of learn,
ing which led 10 Aldine, and it Is prob
able that, in accordance with the rule.
I should have taken the wrong one had
not help appeared at tho needed mo-
ment.
Through the struggling woods to the
left q horseman appeared, coming to-
| war0 me. AS ne 0few near We scruu-
nized each other closely. He was OF
about my age, mnch better dressed than
was usual in tina: region, and, like
every one in the south, was an excel
lent horseman. Icould not help smiling
at a noticeable popularity. That was
| his personal resemblance to me. His
| dark hair. mustache, eyes, nose and
contour Of the face were so like mine
that am sure it must have attracted
his attention on the instant.
However. without referring to 1t.
saluted as he rode up and asked him &c
direct me TO Aldine.
Fellow the road to the right TO,
about nine miles. was his reply. 81
have Just come from Mapleton, which
| is five miles behind me-"
"well, said, mopping my forehead