Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-06-05
The Robbery on
The Valley Pike

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1t was early on summer morning,
Father and I, with Joel Pierce, the
hired man, were in the barn-yard, pre-
pairing for the days work, when old
Deacon Hamilton drove up the lane.
Deacon Hamilton lived in Clayville,
eight miles distant, and was the IA
ther Of Ben Hamilton, Clayville's only
blacksmith.
The deacon stopped at the gate.
"Good morning, Mr.. Norcross!" he
said, addressing my father. I'm just
on my way up to Hocum's mill, and
promised son I'd stop here and give
you message from him. He says If
that offer you made him last Thurs
day still holds good, he'll take the
roam colt, and pay spot cash for 1t.
He says he wants 1t right away, and
would like you to send 1t down this
morning. Good day !" Jerking the
lines, the deacon drove on.
Joel and I. having oiled all four
wheels Of the large hay wagon, start
ed toward the barn; but just as 1
reached the door, father called me
back.
"Tom," said he, "Joel and 1 will
more than have our hands full to-day
with the extra work, 80 neither of US
can spare time to &c. down to Clay
vile. But need that eighty dollars.
Now do you think you could take the
colt down to Clayvllle without break
ing your neck, and bring back the
eighty dollars without losing 1t all on
the way?"
"oh, yes,s father, yesH I cried,
eagerly. Let me do 1t! can take
tho colt down as safely as you or Joel
could. And you needn't be afraid of
my losing the money. I'll look out for
that"
After moments hesitation, father
said, well, put the saddle and bride
on the colt, and bring 1t out"
I had never been permitted to ride
the colt before, 50 hailed this unex-
pected opportunity with delight.
1t was eight miles to Clayville, just
the right distance for a pleasant morn.
ing's ride. And the walk home was as
nothing to me- Then, too, this prospec-
tive mission had in 1t an element of
impcrtance-th sum of money with
which was to be entrusted.
In less than four minutes i had sad.
died and bridled the colt, and, had led
1t down to the gate. where father was
awaiting me. ~ q 4, y
Now, Tom" said rather after look.
ing the colt over, you can leave the
saddle md bride at Hamilton's, aud
we'll get them the next time we drive
to town"
He paused for moment, and then
proceeded to give me instructions about
the eighty dollars that l was to bring
home. Twas to put this in fathers
leather wallet tie the wallet securely
at the top, and place 1t In the inside
pocket Of my roundabout.
Ten minutes later rode the colt out
through the barn-yard gate, and down
the lane to the pike.
Out on the broad, smooth pike, the
colt, with but little urging, started of
at an easy, swinging gallop The ali
was cool and crisp; the grass at the
roadside sparkled with dew, and up In
tne treetops 'tne plros were singing
their sweetest songs.
The CLOCK on the court house was
striking eight us ! arrived In Clayyille
ana rode down Main street. upon
whicn, DOCK beyond the court house
Is situated tne village smithy.
When l rooe IN through the door
way OF tne smltny, ana slipped down
from the sadoie, flushed and warn
from my rioe' hamilton was fitting q
shoe 10 one OF the most magnificent
horses tnat nave ever seen. Witt
the single e4ception Oh White star OF
Its forehead' tne morse was entirely
black, lts glossy coat resembling the
finest black satin. II continually toss
ed It's head' archlng It's pretty neck
and huttering Jus thick black name
and couio not out notice bow plain
and ugly our poor roam colt looked In
comparison.
hamiton looked up ana nodded as
entered pu. immeulately gave his at
tentlon to the black morse.
How would you like to trade. bub7'
said a voice benind me. Turning,
discovered man "nom had not no
tlceo Derore' seated upon a nail-kel
near the door.
Is tnat your horsef Inquired, as
navlng maoe sne COTS bride fast to a
post, ! sea.eo myself upon another
overturneo Res near the stranger.
ieA ne replleo, smiling that Is
my morse.
ne stranger seemed very pleas
anl llan ~ MS manner, and not I'M
p,easan. - appearahce' he was about
Aly years VI ase' OF perhaps year OF
~. 49, 10 was SLUT. anu stout' ano
au : iou ia' "h'ch was smooth
em 49, iu ssis ieu. ana DIS eyes
s ~ anu very foui'u' t"lnkiee
aI,a 80, my wv n'.ie green Deaus.
aaNc you COue idE Ills mOrnlngf