The Trained Horse

From A Sheriff’s Papers

by Sylvanus Cobb, Jr.

From Clayville to Booneton is about fifteen miles, across a rolling prairie, and the road runs very near east and west. Half way between the two towns the road is touched by a point of timber, where a heavy growth of pine sweeps away to the northward, into a dark, dense forest. In the spring of 1842 and man left Clayville in the morning, bound for Booneton. His name was registered at the inn as Richard Bizbee, of New York; and he was supposed to have money with him. He left Clayville upon horseback, in fine health and spirits; but he was never seen in Booneton. Perhaps he had, unnoticed, gone part way, and then returned. At all events, he was never heard of more in that section.

About a month after that a man from St. Louis left Booneton for Clayville. He was also on horseback, and started off well and hearty; but he never reported himself at the place of his destination. Within a fortnight after this second disappearance two more travelers were missed. What did it mean? The road between the two towns was direct, and not even a byway was there to lead one astray; there was no crook, no fork: so that to wander from the true path was impossible. During the month of July three travelers were missed; and the people turned out in a body to search. Of course attention was directed to the wood, and the search was extended for miles and miles through the heavy timber; but without success.

On the fourth of August a young man, who gave his name at Clayville as Michael Dupont, of New Orleans, left that place for Booneton. He was on horseback, and when he was told of the dangers of the road he only laughed at them. He said he had a good horse and good weapons, and he was not afraid. But Michael Dupont never reached Booneton.

It was on the nineteenth… Read More