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

e@~~~V%@@@V~@@
1t was early on summer morning,
Father and 1, 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, Clayyille's only
blacksmith.
The deacon stopped at the gate
Good morning, Mr.. Norcross!" he
said, addressing my father. "Im just
on my way up to Hocum's mill, and
promised son I'd stop here and give
you n message from him. He says IL
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 l, having oiled all four
wheels of the large hay wagon, start
ed toward the barn; but Just as L
reached the door, father called me
back.
"Tom," said he, "Joel and I will
more than have our hands full to-day
with the extra work, so neither of us
can spare time to go down to Clay
Vile. But need that eighty dollars.
Now do you think you could take the
colt down to Clayville without break
Ing your neck, and bring back the
eighty dollars without losing 1t all on
the way?"
"oh, yes,s father, yes" l cried.
eagerly. "Let me do 1t! can take
the 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
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 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
importance-the sum of money with
which I was to be entrusted.
In less than four minutes l had sad
died and bridled the colt, and, had led
1t down to the gate, where father was
awaiting me.
Now, Tom.' said father after look.
ing the colt over you can leave tie.
saddle md Bride at Hamllton's, aud
we'll get them the next time we drive
to town."
He paused for a moment, and then
proceeded to give me instructions about
the eighty dollars that was to bring
home. was to put this in fathers
leather wallet, tie the wallet securely
at the top. and place It 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 on
at an easy, swinging gallop. The air
was cool and crisp the grass at the
roadside sparkled with dew, and up in
the treetops the birds were singing
their sweetest songs.
The clock on the court house was
striking eight as arrived in Clayville
and rode down Main street, upon
which, block beyond the court house.
is situated the village smlthy.
When l rode in through the door.
way Of the smithy, and slipped down
from the saddle, flushed and warm
from my ride, Hamilton was fitting a
shoe to one Of the most magnificent
horses that have ever seen. With
the single exception of white star on
its forehead, the horse was entirely
black, Its glossy coat resembling the
finest black satin. 1t continually toss
ed it's head, arching Its pretty neck.
and hutterlng Its thick black name /:
and 1 could not but notice bow plain
and ugly our poor roam colt looked in
comparison.
Hamilton looked up and nodded as I
entered. but Immediately gave bic ~
tention to the black horse.
GLOW would Won like to trade h,,h,,
said voice behind me. Turning, I
discovered man whom had NOT = no.
ticed before, seated upon a nail.kep
neer tho door Aee
as that your horse?' inquired, as.
having made the colts bride fast t. .
post. seated myself unon another
overturned keg near the STRANGER
yes he replied, smiling, that ia
NV horse"
The stranger seemed yerv Meas.
ant man In his manner. and NOT nm.
pleasant in appearance. He was about
Afty years of age, or perhaps a wear or
two older; he was short and stout. and
had round face, which was smooth.
shaven and very red. And his eyes,
very little and very round, twinkled
merrily, like two little green beads.