But before this the bandits had visited the farm of Ludwig Rosseneau, in
Elysian township, and impressed two horses. The farmhouse is entirely
secluded from the road, being nearly half a mile back. When the gang
arrived there with their five horses, two of them went to the barn, while
four remained at a small bridge near by. Mr. Rosseneau and his son went to
see what they wanted, when they asked if he had any horses. One said he
was the Sheriff of Rice county, and that he must have two horses and a
guide, for he was after horse thieves, showing a large document, which the
boy Wilhelm, who had been to school, says was a map of Minnesota. When the
old man objected, the rascals drew their pistols and quickly closed the
bargain. Two horses were brought from the stable and saddled; one was
mounted by one of the gang, and the Rosseneau boy was forced to accompany
them on the other. The simple German peasants had heard nothing of the
Northfield tragedy, and hence were not particularly frightened, although
greatly annoyed. The cavalcade passed from the farm, the leader ordering
the boy to guide them through the woods to the old state road. It was a
difficult country to ride through, but the boy knew the road and traveled
along, talking in boyish style and getting short answers, until the chief
ordered him not to talk so loud. On arriving at an opening near the road,
a halt was made, and the lad was placed upon one of the robbers’ horses,
which was disabled by a cruel gall caused by the girth under his forelegs.
He was told to remain there until they returned, which would be soon.
After waiting about half an hour, another lad came up and told him of the
robber raid. Young Rosseneau quickly understood his position and made
quick tracks for home. He says that after the robbers left him they dashed
into the woods across the clearing, and galloped away as fast as possible.
The next morning Rosseneau’s horses were found in their pasture near the
barn.