Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1900-09-15
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.JA1|7AWKERS:
How a Traveller Fell Into Their
Clutches and the Desperate Eff
fort lie Made For His Life. ::

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Many years since l took a fancy to
travel far beyond the region of rail
roads and steamboats, into one of the
new territories of the southwest. My
object was to see what could be done
on Il large scale in the way of trade.
1t was toward the close Of fine
spring day that l rode up to the great
barnlike tavern of one of those spread
out, pine board towns of the far west
which grow up so rapidly in the path
of emigration. \ large group of rude
looking men stood on the steps and
seemed to be carefully crtcising me
and comparing notes as | dismounted.
/ was conscious of nothing peculiar
about me- except the generally smart
and ''natty" appearance of myself and
animal. The latter was n splendid
roadster that | had purchased in st.
Louis, in fine condition, and with an
action that would excite the admira-
ton of any horse fancier. | was habit
ed in new suit, surmounted by a
slouchcd hat, and completed by great
top boots. My saddle and bride were
half military in their shape and trim
mings, and | had Il valisc and blanket
roll strapped on behind. On the
whole. | think almost any observer
would have set me down for some
thing more than a mere private citi-
zen travelling on his own business.
| left my horse in care of the first
man whom | found willing to take
him and, ordering my supper, walked
about the uninviting barroom and
finally took Il seat and began to read
Il pamphlet that | had in my pocket.
While | was thus engaged a great
burly fellow came and stood in the
doorway and deliberately stared at me.
"Good evening. sir" said. Il should
like to make a few inquiries if you
please, about the people here and
through the country. and'-
Not of me. you won't" was his
rude rejuindcr, and he was gone before
| could ask an cXplana ton.
| was a little nettled at such DoOriSh-
ed. | should probably have thought
no more of il but for more of the same
kind of treatment that | shortly cX-
perienced. \ shock headed girl called
me out to supper. and, finding Il table
abundantly spread with the substan-
tials of life. | was appcasing my hun
ger vigorously when Il wild. woltSh
face was thrust inside the door. and
two staring eyes surveyed me closely.
"What'S wantcd?" | asked rather
irrtatcd by the repetition of such an
attention. There was no answer, the
head was withdrawn. and within the
same minute had the pleasure of see
ing two more faces looking in upon me
through one of the windows.
what do those people mean"
asked of the girl who waited on me.
She shook her head, but there was
an expression on her face that in
formed me that she did know and
that she pitied me. | was beginning
to feel decidedly uncomfortable; my
appetite was spoiled before it was half
appcascd. and | resolved on the spot
to continue my journey that night
rather than remain in such an inhos-
pltaDle pace.
| rose from my chair and put down
three silver dollars on the table.
''rhat's for my supper and the
horses feed | said to the girl "and
you may keep the rest yourself. Now,
please tell them to bring the horse
around right off. for | must be gone"
shall never forget the look of pain
and PITY that was shown at that mo-
mcnt by the face of that rude, hOmely
girl
"They won't give you the horse" she
said shortly.
'Won't give me my own horSeW
echoed. And why not. pray?"
"HuSh!" she said. laying her hand
firmly on my mouth. Don't be max
ing a noise. If they should think you
suspected it. they would do it now"
Now, although | had no idea of the
full import of her startling words. yet
there was Il hidrous suggestion in them
that fairly made my flesh creep.
For heavens sake tell me what you
meant" said family. 81 can't ac-
count for the actions of these people.
What do they mean, and what am I
to do?"
81 hoped should see no more blood
she'd" the girl said, looking sadly and
wcarily into my face. Then she put
her hand on my shoulder and contin-
ued fiercely: ITS all your own fault.
Why did you come here? Any fool in
Jefferson could have told you what
they'd do if you came here"
"What do they take me forT
asked, suspicion of the truth break
ing upon me.
For just what you are, of course"
she said coldly-"the marshal. come
to serve writs of arrest"
"Thcy are mistaken; you are all mis-
taken" | protested. Il am not a mar
shal. nor an officer of any kind. am
merely n merchant. travelling on my
own business"
She looked at first inCrcdulOus, but
| continued to assure her Of my real
character, and she, seeing my sincerity
soon believed me.