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flee for my life, and, but for accidentally running among my friends, I might have lost it. Some things in this affair are a little curious, and I have been puzzled to understand them. In the first place, this man, being a giant in strength, could have handled me as easily as I could handle a child. Well, then, why did he run? In the second place, I saw it clearly demonstrated myself, when Jake Wilden took after him, that he could run faster than I. This being the case, why did he not run out of my sight, unless it were a previous design to draw me into that ambushment? Answer these questions, Mr. Roberts.†“Surely, I cannot say how it happened that he did so,†replied the other; “but this I can truly say, and I cail God to witness the assertion, that I was, and am still, innocent of there being any design beyond that of poisoning your spring—otherwise I should have mentioned it. But let me ask you a question or two! In the first place, allowing the whole to have been a plan to entrap you, and that I was sent to you to inform you exactly what I did, do you not think it all very bunglingly managed for men who are in the habit of doing business with a more than usual amount of cunning and sagacity? Look at it, and see for yourself! Here comes a man, rouses you up in the middle of the night, and tells you your spring is going to be poisoned. Well, does he know that you will get up on his mere say-so, and go out with your rifle to watch for the villain? Granted he thought you would, does it follow that this same poisoner has no desire to live?— that he will go deliberately to the spot where he knows you are concealed, and allow you to take a shot at him—merely for the purpose, in case you miss your aim, that he, by running, may draw you into a trap?—when, too, as you yourself have acknowledged, he could, then and there, have handled you as you could handle a child? And then again, supposing all this so, what reason could he have had before coming there, to suppose that, even if you did follow him, that you would continue the chase for miles, in the night, alone? A nd, finally, let me ask you, seriously, trusting you will answer me candidly, if there was anything in the man's manner, as he approached the spring, that led you to believe he knew of, or even mistrusted, your presence?†“Frankly, I confess there was not,†replied Butterman; “and since you have stated the matter so fully and clearly, I must confess I see it in a different light; though I shall still have to say, I think there was something very curious in the man's actions. So far as that is concerned, however, I am willing to exonerate you; but still all this does not make us safe, in allowing you liberty to pass from one party to the other.†“Since I am suspected and despised, by men who claim to be honest—and merely, too, from a desire to turn honest myself—I regret I did not remain with those with whom I am leagued, or leave the country without giving information to any one,†replied Roberts, bitterly. “Well, you certainly cannot blame us for desiring security against betrayal, since your very presence here is either to deceive us or to betray others into our hands.†“What security do you want? Here, take my money!†and Roberts, indignantly flung a well-filled purse upon the platform, at the feet of the president. “It is all I have,†he continued, “and if you think that is security, take it!†“It is not sufficient security for us to trust our lives in your hands.†“Then, by heavens! you may hunt out the horse-thieves yourselves!†cried the other, in rage. Page 82
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“Stop! not so fast—for your bragadocia will be of no avail here!†replied the president, sternly. “Either you are what you profess to be, or you are not. If you are, you will not scruple to give us the security we want. If not, we shall take measures to make you feel that we are in earnest in our desire for vengeance against those who have wronged us.†“What means this implied treachery?†demanded Roberts, turning deathly pale. “I came here in good faith, and I now ask to be set at liberty, and allowed to go my own way—since, as I plainly see, my word will not be taken!†“You came here, sir,†rejoined Butterman, sternly, “with the avowed purpose of betraying your comrades into our hands. This opportunity you sought. We did not go to you, but you came to us, and forced yourself on us, as it were; and all we now ask, since our secret is in your possession, is that you will give us security that you will do faithfully what you have promised—otherwise, let me tell you, once for all, to cut the matter short, you will be detained a prisoner, will be tried before this body, and, if found guilty, will be taken out and hung at such place as may be designated by your judges.†“My God!†cried the man, in alarm— “already I feel I begin to reap the reward of my treachery.†“Traitors may be used for a certain purpose,†replied Butterman; “but they will ever be despised by all honest, or dishonest men—for they are truly the lowest grade of villains that exist.†“What then shall I do?†pursued Roberts, cold perspiration starting out and standing in large drops on his features. “I have given you my purse— the only security I have to give—what more can I do?†“I will tell you. You have informed me, privately, you have a wife and child— we will take them as hostages of your good faith to us. If you prove true, they shall be set at liberty, your money be restored to you, and, in addition, we will make you up a purse of one hundred dollars. If you prove false, your wife and child shall suffer for your conduct.†“I accept the terms,†replied Roberts; “and the more willingly, because I have been fearful, in case the League should discover my meditated treachery, they might, if I escaped them, vent their rage on my innocent family; and with you, gentlemen, (bowing to the company) I know they will be safe.†“This matter settled, then, we will dispatch a messenger, forthwith, to fetch them here. Mr. Munger, draw up a paper from Roberts to his wife, commanding her presence, and let him sign it.†As soon as this was done, and the messenger was dispatched on his errand, arrangements were discussed for falling upon the bandits, on the following night, at Oaken Grove, and endeavoring to kill and capture as many as possible. It was at last settled that Edward Langley should be the leader of a daring party for that purpose, and that Roberts should be the one to direct their steps thither. Meantime, as soon as his wife and child should appear as hostages, he was to be allowed to return to his companions in crime, and so lull all suspicion. After some farther business arrangements, not sufficiently important to be mentioned here, the meeting broke up; but still Roberts was detained a prisoner, until the arrival of his wife and child, which occurred during the night, and then he was set at liberty. Page 83
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CHAPTER XV. OAKEN GROVE. On the night following the meeting of the Anti-League Society, as recorded in the last two chapters, some twenty or more of the outlaws were assembled at Oaken Grove. This was a level spot of ground, some ten rods by twenty, on the summit of a short, steep hill, at a distance perhaps of ten miles north of the Ohio river, and near the line which divides the State of the same name from that of Indiana. On this level tract grew many large, noble oaks, at regular intervals from each other, and hence the place had come to receive the appellation of Oaken Grove. On three sides the mount was so steep as to be difficult of ascent; the fourth side sloped off gradually to its base; but the ridge of easy ascent, was, in some places, not more than a rod wide; and, on either side of this, the hill again descended as steep as on the before-mentioned three sides. On the flat, as we have said, the outlaws had assembled, to the number of twenty or more; and by the dim light of the stars, through the occasional openings in the grove, a faint outline of their dusky forms could be seen, as they stood grouped together, or were carelessly lounging about, apparently awaiting the arrival of some expected person or persons. On the outskirts of this level tract, where the descent of the hill began, some three or four of the party were stationed, at equal distances, to act the part of sentinels, and see that no one entered the grove without giving the password; for the excitement caused by their late daring acts among the honest settlers, rendered this precaution necessary to avoid a troublesome surprise. It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and most of the party present had been on the ground over an hour, and some of them were already beginning to get impatient. The delay of another half hour, without bringing the looked-for personage, caused the impatient ones to grumble aloud. “Why don't he come?†said one. “He's getting to neglect us of late, it seems to me,†returned another. “May be it will be best to make a new choice soon,†rejoined a third. “That we can't do till his time is out,†put in a fourth; “and that won't be this year.†At this moment the voice of one of the sentinels was heard saying: “Who goes there?†“Bonny Gray,†was the reply. “Ha! he comes at last!†said one of the party of grumblers—“and it is high time he were here.†A tall, dark figure was now seen advancing, with a quick step, and presently he stepped in the center of the grove, and all the outlaws, not on duty, began to gather round him. “Jarvis!†he called, in a tone of authority. “Here, Captain,†was the quick response; and the individual who answered, drew closer to the other. “How many are here assembled?†inquired Gerolstein. “Twenty-one, besides the four sentinels.†“Have we had any purchasers?†“Not as yet, Captain.†“Henry Morford!†“Here, Captain.†“What amount of spurious coin have you on hand?†“Ten thousand dollars, full value— five thousand, sale price.†“Is it better, then, than usual?†Page 84
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“The best, I believe, we have ever coined.†“But these are no buyers, it seems!†“We have had none yet, Captain.†“Strange! we surely have not mistaken the night—eh! Morford?†“This, sir, according to my reckoning, is the twenty-third—and that is the regular day, I believe for this business.†“Has this monthly meeting ever proved a failure before?†“Yes, Captain, once, last year, you remember.†“Ah! yes—I remember. It seems to me I am growing forgetful. Well, we will wait another half-hour, and if no one comes, we will go down to Harlem's Cover, and look to our horses. By-the-by, that last night's job was not a bad one, all things considered. Six as good-blooded nags as one need wish to ride; and that reminds me we have done our share in this part of the country for the present. The haul last night, and the night before, has pretty well thinned all the animals worth taking, besides rousing up the settlers to some decisive action. I would we had not taken so many at once— but it cannot be helped now. We must try and get them across the ford as soon as we can; and then those who have not families, had better go to another part of the country, till the storm this will raise shall have time to blow over. I truly hope no trouble will come of it!†pursued the captain, uneasily; “but, somehow, I have my fears. I am sorry that Thrasher was obliged to kill young Wilden, for such deeds are apt to bring trouble, especially when the whole transaction is so exposed as was that. But no blame can be attached to Thrasher, who acted in self defense: his escape was a very narrow one at that. But what seems somewhat singular to me, is the fact that Butterman should be watching his spring at that time of night, as though he really knew some one was coming to poison it.†“Pardon me, Captain—but somehow I am inclined to think he did know,†rejoined Morford. “Gods! that implies treachery, Harry!†cried Gerolstein, with a vehement start. “And if it does—†“If it does, Harry!†repeated the other, interrupting him. “If it does! then we should know the traitor, and sit in judgment on him before we do anything else. It could not have been Melven, for he is still in close confinement. Speak, Harry Morford, and declare whom you suspect!†“Nay, Captain, I would rather not, till I have further proof—lest I wrong an innocent man, and it be set down by my enemies, or the friends of the accused party, to sheer malice.†“But, sir, this is matter that puts all our lives in jeopardy, and must be known. Name him you suspect, no matter what be the consequences! and so let us endeavor to ascertain whether or no your suspicions are correct.†All now crowded around Morford, and many were clamorous for the name of the traitor. “Thus called upon, gentlemen,†rejoined the treasurer, “I feel myself bound to speak; but mind! I accuse no man, and only mention the name of him I suspect. I have doubts of the honesty and true faith of John Roberts.†“Ha!†exclaimed the captain, with a convulsive start, as though a new thought had suddenly struck him; while the hands of the others instinctively clutched the knives they carried in their belts, and many a low, deep muttered curse was heard. “Where is Roberts?†demanded Gerolstein. “I have not seen him to-night.†Page 85
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“And did you see him last night?†inquired the treasurer. “By heavens, no!—this, then, looks suspicious. But then he was present the night before, and therefore I do not see how he could have conveyed any information to Butterman; for it was not decided, till late in the evening, that his spring should be poisoned, and that very night Thrasher was there. Can it be possible, that any one knows of our secret retreat, who was near enough to listen and overhear our plans?†“No,†answered one of the party; “I will take my oath that no stranger was near; for, until the breaking up of the meeting, I stood sentinel near the entrance to the cave.†“Pardon me, Captain!†said Morford; “but do you not overlook the fact, that, after leaving the cave, we all separated, to rendezvous in the vicinity of Wilden's barn?—and if a man rode, might he not have had time to get his horse, go past Butterman's, give him the information, and be in time at the appointed place of meeting?†“True enough, this could be done; but are you sure Roberts rode that night?†“I can bring proof that he did; for one of our party, not now present, informed me, that in making his escape, he took a different direction from the others; and that some half a mile from the barn, in the edge of a heavy wood, he stumbled upon a horse, tied to a sapling. Surprised at this, he secreted himself near, and waited to ascertain who was the comer. He had not been there many minutes, when a man approached, and began to untie him; and on accosting him, he found it to be Roberts. The latter seemed greatly surprised, and flurried, at finding who was there, and stammered out an apology, by saying that, being very tired, he had been home, got his horse, and ridden-thither; but said if the captain knew it, he might think strange of it, and therefore begged he would not mention it to any one. This my friend promised; but afterward, in conversation, happening to mention my suspicion to him, he related these particulars.†“Well, well, this must be seen to immediately!†replied the captain. “Jarvis, you have proved yourself good at arresting traitors—see that Roberts has a place along with Melven, so that the trial of both may take place at the same time.†“I will do my best, Captain, to execute your orders—though I must protest, so far as my belief is concerned, that I do not think Roberts guilty—and that the evidence against him, so far, is trifling.†“Mind, I do not bring it forward as conclusive,†returned Morford; “but the captain and others insisted on knowing of whom I am suspicious, and so I mentioned the name of Roberts, and some of the reasons why I thought he might be guilty.†“Well, well,†rejoined Gerolstein, “so far you have done right; but his guilt must be proved before we can harm him. But hark! some one comes—I hear the sentinel's challenge. Perhaps it is a stranger. Put on your masks, gentlemen.†In an instant, as it were, every figure placed a mask over his face, so as to avoid the possibility of detection—lest in dealing with strangers, some one might afterward take a notion to betray them. Scarcely was the masking completed, when the new-comer was dimly seen moving along through the grove, and a minute later the suspected Roberts stood in the center of an excited group. “It is well you have come, Mr. Roberts,†said the captain, sternly; “for we were just speaking of you in no very flattering terms.†Page 86
