Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, 3 March 1899 — Page 11

7

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[Copyright, 1SDS, by American Press Association.]

CHAPTER

When President Heemance of the Burton bank discovered that Martin Castleton, the cashier, had fled, owing the bank $30,000, ho immediately called in the aid of the detectives and took every step possible to capture tho criminal and a portion at least of the funds.

Two weeks passed without bringing the first atoiu of information of the absconder. President Heemance winced under the large expense involved and was on the point of dismissing the detectives, who wero probably nursing the job, when an anonymous letter reached him stating that Castleton, instead of trying to reach Canada or crossing the ocean, had turned inland, gone to New Orleans and, ascending the river to a landing in Mississippi by tho name of Southfield, had gone to the small town of Aldine.

He traveled under the name of Jared Cowperthwait, giving out that he was prospecting through the country with a view of purchasing cotton land for investment. Ho would probably remain in that section for several weeks, and if prompt steps were taken could readily be captured.

It was foolish to give much credence to an anonymous letter, but our president was so impatient, with thedilatoriness of the detectives that he proposed I should start at once for Aldine. "You are strong, active and expert in the use of a revolver," he said, "while Castleton is none of these. I will attend to the requisition 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 moment."

The foregoing will explain how it came about that on a dismal rainy afternoon in autumn I left the Mississippi steamer Bonnie Belle at the Southfield landing, being the only passenger who went ashore at that lonely place. I hurried down the plank, valise in hand and umbrella lifted. The steamer went churning up the muddy Mississippi, and I made my way to the dilapidated inn, the only place of entertainment in the village of less than a dozen houses.

Disappointing knowledge awaited me. The town of Aldine, which was my real destination, was 20 ruilos inland, and a stage traveled each way on alternate days. It was on Monday that I reached Southfield, and the stags had left that forenoon. It would return on Tuesday and make its next trip to Aldine on Wednesday. I had therefore to decide whether to stay at the landing for a couple of days or to seek other means of conveyance. I concluded to leave the question to tho weather and made myself as comfortable as I could at tbe inn, with its half a dozen rough loungers, white and black mostly, engaged in smoking, drinking the stuff that passed under the name of whisky and playing greasy cards. 7Jhese 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 I 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 a half a century before the war.

The morning was delightful. In that latitude and at that season one expected hot and oppressive weather, but the sunshine had a tinge of coolness that made the day an ideal one. With my light valise in band and my slim umbrella serving as a walking cane I set out for Aldine as soon as my early breakfast was over.

I soon found myself in one of the most lonely and deserted sections of Mississippi. Here and there tho white cotton bolls showed at the side of the road, but only KOW and then could a glimpse be caught of the low flat buildings where tho planters made their homes, with the negro quarters near. For the first five or six miles I saw only two persons, aud they were colored men, tramping across the fields, who looked curiously at me without speaking.

By this time I began to feel the warmth of the sun and to find my task a harder one than I 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 so shaky that I crossed them with hesitation and misgiving.

Probably a little more than half of the distance was passed and the sun was nigh meridian when I came to a fork in the road, where I paused in doubt whether to turn to tho right or left. Each highway seemed to be equal' ly traveled, though but for the action of the storm this might not have been the case. "No one told me anything about this," I muttered, setting down my valise, "and I'm blessed if I know which road to take. I can't afford to make a mistake."

The one to the left led through a scrnggly patch of woods, while that on my right traversed a more open country. Still there was no means of learning which led to Aldine, and it is probable that, in accordance with the rule, I should have taken the wrong one had not help r.ppeared at the needed moment.

Through the straggling woods to the left .x horseman appeared, coming toward me. As he drew near we scrutinized each other closely. He was of about my age, muoh better dressed than was usual in that region, anfl, like every one in the south, was an excellent horseman. I conld not help smiling at a noticeable peculiarity. That was his personal resemblance to me. His dark hairj mustache, eyes, nose and

contour of the face were so like mine that I am sure it must have attracted his attention on the instant.

However, without referring to it, I saluted as ho rode up and asked him to direct me to Aldine. "Follow the road to tho right for about nino miles," was his reply. "I have just come from Mapleton, which is five miles behind me." "Well," I said, mopping my forehead with my handkerchief, "I hope it is better than the one between here and Southfield." "I am sorry to say it is worse. You have a hard tramp before you."

I looked mournfully up aud down each highway. "There Eeams to be so little travel in this section that it is useless to expect Eome one to give me a lift." "Occasionally wo have a wagon going east or west, but it isn't likely you will see any today except the stage which is traveling in the wrong direction. How wouid you liko to ride on horseback?" suddenly asked the man, as if a new thought had struck him. "Nothing could suit me better." "I'll sell you this animal and outfit cheap," he added. "You can see he is a fine one.'' "I noticed that when you first apnaarnd "I am in great need of money," said the stranger, "and you can have him for §50."

The price was absurdly small, but the bicycle had not at that time penetrated that part of our Union. Without stopping to think how President Heemance would view this piece of extravagance on my part I accepted the offer. "You will have no trouble in selling him for four times that price," remarked the owner, slipping from the saddle. "If it were not that I am hard up, I should not consent to part with him."

In truth I was so afraid of his withdrawing the offer that I quickly completed the sale. The money was paid over, he helped me to vault into the saddle and to fasten my valise and umbrella behind. Then waving me goodby he turned and walked rapidly up the road toward Mapleton, from which he said he had just ridden.

I was delighted with my bargain. The horse was a blooded animal, with beautiful, tapering limbs, long mane and tail and possessed great speed. He was a dark chestnut, mettled and with a good disposition. Whenever the road permitted, he broke into a swinging canter that was the poetry of motion. "What a stroke of fortune!" Isaid to myself. "I am tempted to take him home with me, for there couldn't be a finer saddle horse, but if I sell him it must be for a good deal more than I paid."

A half hour later I met the stage from Aldine. It was a rickety structure and did not contain* a passenger. The driver was huddled on the front seat, smoking a clay pipe, and as I turned aside to make room for him his grizzled face lit up, and with a queer, twisted smile, he called: "Howdy, Hank?"

I laughed in reply, but did not halt, and nothing more passed between us. A couple of hours later the little town of Aldine was reached. It was a more dismal and woebegone place than the steamboat landing. There were just seven houses, though to complete the estimate I had to include two ramshackle affairs which contained no occupants. I rode up to the hitching post in front of the old tavern, where two men sat, each with long shock hair, grizzled yellow in color and beard of the same hue. Their hats were like inverted cones, and the hair of one showed

Through the straggling icoods a horseman npjwarcd. through-tho top, while their garments were suggestive of the tousled tramps of the north. Thxey were sitting crosslegged and smoking corncob pipes.

One of them, however, was the landlord, for he slouched forward to take charge of my horse. "Howdy, Hank?"

he

the

asked, repeating

words of the stage driver. "I am well," I replied, humoring his mistake. "I think I shall stay with you a few days.'' "All right," he replied, starting to water my horse preparatory to taking him to the stable. "Where is the postoffice?" I asked. "Have you forgot that it's in Barnes' store jis' 'cross the street?"

I walked thither and asked tho wan, bleached woman for a letter for Edward Kenmore. Without speaking she mournfully handed me one whose address I recognized as being in the handwriting of President Heemance. Thus it ran:

I am sorry to say I was deceived in tho information which induced mo to send you on such a long and expensive journey. It has been proved that Mr. Castleton never left the city of New York after committing his robbery. Ho was arrested threo days ago, and most of the missing funds have been recovered. Beyond a doubt ho will receive his deserts.

Inasmuch as all the money expended on your trip will be a loss to the bank, you will see the necessity of using the utmost economy and will lose no time in returning home. We are so crowded with business that we are greatly in need of your services.

CHAPTER II.

I smiled as I read this letter, so characteristic of President Heemance's frugality of mind. Although most of the stolen funds had been recovered, ho was worrying over tho comparatively slight expense to which I was subjecting the bank by this trip into tho interior of Mississippi.

The anonymous letter referred to had been forwarded from New York to Aldine, whence it was remailed to Mr. Heemance. He was so pleased over the prospect of securing Castleton, tho defaulter, without their help that after my departure ho showed Inspector Byrnes tho letter. That sagacious man instantly suspected tho truth. The letter was a blind, and, though tho hand was disguised, ho soon convinced tho president that it was written by Castleton himself. With this clew tho criminal was soon located and arrested in New York. This side issuo of my narrative may be dismissed with the statement that tho miscreant received his just deserts and is now doing a long term in Sing Sing. "I see no reason for hastening my return," I thought as I placed the letter in my pocket. "I have had no vacation this year and am entitled to two weeks anyway. One thing is certain—New York will see nothing of me until that time is up, and I shan't surprise myself if I am delayed.somewhat longer."

The afternoon was drawing to a close when tho laudlord returned from the tumble down stable and sat down on tho front porch with me, beside his crony, who was silently smoking his corncob. "Waal, Hank, how's things been with you?'' he asked heartily as he proceeded to refill and light his pipe.

It was evident that he had mistaken me for some ono else, and I was ill that frame of mind that I humored the mistake. "I've never felt better. How is it with your" "Tollyble, tollyble Ican't complain. The old woman is troubled with the rheumatiz, but otherways she's as well as ever." "And your boys and girls?" "My boys and girls!" he repeated, turning his bewhiskered face toward me with an expression of astonishment. "IJave you forgot that Tom and Mag Bulfinch buried their last chick during wartimes?" "I beg pardon I ought to have known better." "I s'pose it's 'cause you've been away fur some time," ventured the landlord's crony. "That must be it," I hastened to add. "Of course," remarked my host.

Squire Gager is purtygin'rally right 'bout such things. Did you leave your father well, Hank?" "Quite well, thank you." .fe "Ain't married ag'in, eh:" "No I think there's no likelihood of that." "Folks round here said as how he was getting quite sweet on Widder Perkins, up that way." "Oh, he has always been friendly with her, but I don't think either of them has any idea of marrying, though I should be pleased to see so suitable a match.'' "They'd make a likely team. The widder has some property and no children, while you bo the only one belonging to your father, and I reckon you're old 'nougli to look after yourself, eh, Hank?'' "I should be ashamed if I were not." "It's quar ouui Major Hugh Beyer," remarked Squire Gager. "He made a splendid record in the war under Joe Johnston, but he acts as if he was 'shamed of it, fur you know he won't let any of us call him 'major' when he oughter been a gin'ral." "If my father had reached that rank or had become even a colonel, I suspect he would not object to tho title, but there isn't much in a simple 'major.'

It will be admitted that I Was picking up information. I had learned that I was supposed to be Hank Beyer, sou of Major Hugh Beyer, who lived somewhere in the neighborhood. My companions were Squire Gager and Landlord Tom Bulfinch, whose wile's name was Mag, and they had no living children. Moreover, my father was suspected of holding matrimonial intentions toward a certain Widow Perkins.

All this was interesting, but not equal to that which speedily followed. That old age is entitled to certain privileges was proved by the next remark of the landlord, who removed his pipe from his mouth and asked with a chuckle: "Aud how's Esther?"

The question was a startling one, and but for what he had said a few minutes before I should have suspected he referred to a sister or relative, but it was clear that he had a tenderer relation in mind. I blushed aud answered offhand, with a light laugh: "She's as blooming as a peach, the queen of her sex." "A right likely gal and no mistake," was the hearty comment of tbe juire. "She'll have a fine plantation when the colon 3l drops out."

It seemed now that the farce had gone far enough, and I was on tbe point of breaking into ringing laughter and assuring my friends that I was not only not Hank Beyer, but had not the remotest idea of the personality of the young gentleman, whom I had never seen or heard of until that afternoon, but these delightful old fellows oozed knowledge so fast that it was delicious to drink it in.

However, I could not forget I was ravenously hungry, having eaten nothing since leaving tho old inn at Southfield that morning. I therefore asked the laudlord how soon it would be convenient for him to furnish me with a substantial meal. "I'll see,'' he replied, passing through the door on his right and returning in a few minutes with the welcome words: "You can go in now. We hain't much to give you, but I hope it'll suit. I'll take your valise and umbrella up stairs to your room, and you can wash

there in tne •inner. It takes a rough experience liko mine had been to appreciate true southern hospitality. Tho meal of pone, corn bread and bacon, with fragrant coffee, was one of the most enjoyable of my life, for it was seasoned with tho most powerful of all sauces—hunger. Aunt Meg, as she was called by all, was a

"And'how's Esther?"

motherly hostess, who waited on me with as much attention as if I were the son whom sho had laid to rest long years before. She, too, addressed me a few inquiries under the belief that I was what I was not. I did not correct her, for to do so was likely to cause a flurry that would interfere with the fine dinner to which I did justice.

I had just set down my coffee cup at the conclusion of the meal when loud and angry voices sounded on the outside. There were oaths, the scuffling of feet, and then it seemed as if a dozen men swarmed into the barroom. Amid the babel I could hear Landlord Bulfinch ordering them to keep back and not invade his house against his will. But the savage mob would not be denied, and the oaths grew louder and fiercer.

Aunt Mag was passing around the head of the table when the uproar first broke upon us. She stopped abruptly and listened. Then I saw her seamed countenance grow white, as if undei the impulse of a great fear. "What's the meaning of all that hubbub?" I asked, with never a suspicion that it could have any reference to me. "I'm afeard, Hank"—

At that instant the door of the dining room was dashed inward with a violence that almost carried it off its hinges and Landlord Bulfinch bounded in, his shaggy face tho picture of terror. "My God, Hank, they're after you!" he gasped. "Run up stairs and jump out the winder. Mebbo you can git your horse out of the barn."

I rose from my chair with my hand on my revolver. "They're after me, you sa^ What do they want of me?" "They're going to lynch you. Hank! I tried to hold 'em back till you got a chance, but it's too late."

CHAPTER III.

Amid tho fright of that moment the feeling was strong upon me thai a grotesque mistake had been made. Why should these peoplo wish to do mo bodily harm? I had committed no crime since my entrance into tho state of Mississippi, and men could not be stirred to such violence by any cause other than an outrageous violation of law.

But the peril was imminent, and I had scarcely time to draw my weapon and back against the wall when the mob swarmed in after the landlord. As the foremost wero making for me I leveled my weapon aud called out: "Halt the first one lays a hand on me will be a dead man

The bravest persons do not rush to certain death. There was a pause, although the men in the door kept pushing forward until there was danger of the leaders being forced against me. Tho countenances were like those of tincanaille during tho commune. Anger, fierce resolve and an almost irresistible yearning to clutch mv throat were stamped on the faces, some of which were bearded, some clean shaven, while among the savage group wero several who were not yet out of their teens. Their attire was coarse and slovenly. Most of them were in slouch hats, without coat ov vest, with trousers tucked in their boots. Two had rifles in their hands, three carried revolvers, while as many more grasped short, thick clubs, and a fourth gripped a fence paling.

If a hand to hand contest opened, I might shoot down a number, but I could not hold out against a determined attack.

Three persons in tho group attracted my attention. Aunt Meg had fled before the mob, but her husband and Squire Gager remained. They were powerfully excited, liko the others, but less demonstrative. The landlord was struggling t.o keen back the rush and begging his friends not to be too hasty. He only partially succeeded in restraining them.

The third man had come through the door and moved a couple of paces aside, where he stood with his back against the wall, silent, but intently scrutinizing me. His face was smooth shaven, and ho had dark hair aud eyes. The peculiarity of the situation was the feeling that I had seen him before, but I could not recall the time or place, and the terrifying circumstances prevented my giving the matter further thought.

I lixed my eyes on the foremost man as the leader, and when something like a hush had been restored, so that nothing but the hurried breathing and an occasional muttered imprecation were heard, I said, addressing him: "From your looks and actions you mean me harm. I demand to know the cause for such treatment."

The savage faces broke into sneering grins, and one or two guffawed. The man to whom I spoke and who held a Winchester in his grasp replied: "Hank Beyer, you've got cheek. We've all knowed you for a rogue ever

since you was a boy, but we never got it dead to rights on to you till today." "Got what dead to rights on me?" I as^ed, a glimmering of light beginning to break through my muddled brain. "Tho horso you stolo from Colonel Manslev is in Tom Bulfinch's barn. You've kept clear of the law so long that you thought you was in no danger. You rid tho animal hero aud had Tom put him in his stable. He was stole from Colonel Mansley last night. I don't suppose you've over heerd of this before: of course not.''

Tho truth flashed upon me. The animal which I had bought that afternoon from tho stranger at tho crossroads had boen stolen by him. I had ridden the horso to Aldine without a suspicion of tho truth and in my stupidity had helped on tho fearful blunder by allowing myself to bo addressed by his name without protest. A3 if that inane business was not enough, I had virtually admitted- that my name was Hank Beyer in my conversation with Landlord Bulfinch and Squire Gager. Beyer was my double, and tho resemblauo^between us was so perfect that our own mothers might havo been puzzlod.

It would bo idle for mo to attempt to bluff it through. I was in the gravest peril. Many an innocent man has been hanged by a mob, aud unless these headlong yeomen could be convinced of their blunder my life was likely to pay the forfeit.

Wltli this conviction upon me another startling truth became manifest. Tho real thief was in tho room. He was the young man standing near tho door, with his back against tho wall, silently and intently watching mo. He had shaved off his mustache since our meeting and his dress had been changed. He had still a respectable appearance, but unquestionably ho was the criminal. No wonder he was interested in me. "My friends," I said, speaking earnestly, and instantly the hush became profound, "you have made a great mistake. You take me for a man whom you call Hank Beyer, but I assure you E am not ho"—

At that moment it seemed as if bedlam hail broken loose. The whole crowd, numbering fully lo, broke into uproarious laughter. Some slapped others on their shoulders, one man bent nearly double, and, flinging his hat on the floor, stamped on it, while all thought it the best joke of the season. Landlord Bulfiuch may have had a sympathy for me, as he had proved at first, but ho made matters still worse by calling out: "Don't show the white feather, Hank! Try some other tackl" "This strikes yon as very funny," I added, when partial quiet had been restored, "but if you will give me time I'll prove it, and"— "That won't do, Hank," interrupted the man whom I had lixed upon as the leader and whoso name I afterward found to be Jim Duugau. "If you ain't Hank Beyer, who are you?" "I am Edward Kenmore, and my homo is in Now York city. I reached

'pP

"laiii Edward Kenmore, and. mi/homc is hi New York elt]/." Southfield yesterday on the steamei New Orleans and started to walk to Aldiuo"— "What bus'ness brought you to Aldine?" again interrupted Dungan. "Iain bookkeeper in a bank. Our cashier ran away some weeks ago with a largo amount of the bank's funds, aud we heard lie was hiding at Aldine. I was sent to arrest him, but it seems he has never been hero."

It was evident that not a man in the room believed a word I had said unless it was my double standing near the door, and of him I was not certain. I saw a sarcastic smile on his face, but he let the others do the talking. IIo nnist have foreseen that his pounding in the crucible would eomo very soon. "You say you started to walk. How, then, was it you rid into Aldine

Oil

Colonel Mansley's blooded chestnut?" I foresaw the rumpus that would follow my explanation. "At the crossroads about nine' miles out a young man rode down from tho direction of Maploton. He was mounted on th5 horse which has caused this trouble. He told me he was in need of money, and he sold him to me for $50"—

I said more, but not a syllable was audible. Every one seemed in danger of apoplexy from furious merriment. They struck one another, flung their hats down, and one caught up a plato from the table and shattered it over tho head of Landlord Bulfinch, who seemed unaware of the proceeding. The uproar lasted for several minutes, when Duugau managed to make himself heard. His remarks may be characterized as pointedly personal. "I never knowed a horse thief that wasn't a coward. I-Iank, if you want to save j'our neck from the noose, you'll have to get up a better yarn than that 'Twou't do." "Let me ask you a question," I said in deadly earnest, for it looked certain that the matter was to be settled by a fight. .... "Waal, what is it?" "You would not stand by and see an innocent man hanged, would you?"

TO BE OQNTISPED.

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