Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-03-16
A WARNING
toriEinall

cd n snlall town and inquired the price
of land in the neighborhood. Livery
persou met had "leetle" more land
than he had means TO work and would
be willing TO dispose OF some of II, but
all seemed to regard 1t hardship 10
be obliged TO do so. While talking IN
the store with number OF citizens
who were expatiating on the desirable
ity of the location. the richness of the
land. the sterling integrity of the peo-
pie. noticed cadaverous looking man
seated on cracker box who said moth
ing. When | left the store he got up
and followed me.
think of settling here. Stranger he
asked.
"Yes"
"Know anything about the placer"
"No."
"wcn.' lie said in low voice and
looking furtively about him. "the
quicker you light out the better"
At the same moment he noticed two
men come out of the store, at whom
he cas-, hurried glance and. before l
could ask him to explain. turned and
walked away.
was not especially attracted to the
place and made up my mind from the
mans words TO go on the next morn
ing. I would have left that night, but
no train stopped at the station till the
| next morning, so | was obliged TO stay
| all night | went to a small tavern.
the only one in the settlement, ana
\ called for a room. 1t was as unin-
| wiling a hostelry as l ever stopped Mt.
/ The landlord looked as If he had left
/ the field of robbery to become tavern
keeper, or he might run the two To-
gether.
After supper | sat In the office and
| barroom, which were together. waiting
for bedtime. Several i'll favored look.
ing men came In and ordered drinks
Then the man who had given me the
mysterious warning entered. spoke
to him and invited him to sit down be
side me and have cigar. He cast un
easy glances at the men at the bar, as
IL he preferred not to be seen in my
company, but the cigar overcame MS
preferences, and he Joined me.
you were saying this afternoon"
began. when he interrupted me.
Il was a-sayin'," he said. that THU
we're country Is the finest in the terri
tory. The land is first rate, the people
bang up and the climate salubr US.
IL was evident that any Information
he might have as to the true state Q
affairs could not safely be delivered
} before his fellow townsmen. ! took tn
hint and turned the subject, hopinl
when we were alone he would tell m
the truth, WAS disappointed. IL
Kept casting giances at the men In tn
room and after every glance tremblee
apparently fearful Of some reveng
they would take il they knew be ha
warned me. Watching his chance whe
all backs were turned. he whispered
, Light out, Don't stop here, You
: quake In yer boots before mornin
, With this he arose and went out.
I was so fearful of being murdere
/ In bed that | went out on to sma
porch and sat down, wondering wha
. in the world to do. While there. m
cadaverous friend walked by and, se'
: ing me alone. came close to me an
whispered: Don't sit there If yo
value your life. Go upstairs and she
yourself up" And he hurried ava.
! trembling as he went
The situation was growing horrible
According TO the mans warning
would be murdered where l was, an
IL went TO my room could be moi
I easily murdered or at least would hay
+. less chance TO defend myself or c
!, cape. | determined TO sit II out whei
! was. When the landlord came
, lock the door said TO him:
81 think I'll stay here for awhil
III lock the door when come In
He looked surprised. Indeed, my 81
ting there was evidently not TO b
/, taste.
ANY danger in my sitting herei"
asked
Danger? oh. no. there Amt no da
, ger. What danger could there be?'
! Though his words implied safety, /
I tone and his manner implied the !
verse. | told him to 10 TO bed. and
would come in when cot ready.
did as l suggested. and / sat on d
porch all night with a drawn reyolvs
i expecting every minute to have to fig
, for my life. Daylight came at last.
| was thoroughly chilled with the pig
, air. Indeed was shaking like a lea
though ! fancied fear might have h
something to do with It In time brea
fast wn, announced, and after brea
fast 1 went 10 rne station TO wait &
my train. I had not been there lor
before the man who had warned n
! caui6 down with lean wife and thr'
lean children, besides boxes and bu
dies.
please tell me- Said. nwnA,. wi
the, danger you warned me OF Ia
night"