Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-04-09

L
How long 1 remained in this uncon'
scious state, I cannot say, but | wa.
reused at length by noise Of mingled
howlings, barkings, cacklings, and
crowings, that entered into my very
soul. Presently I heard stirring in
the next room, and light shone
through my key hole. It's all over
with me now, thought l., my time is
come-"now l lay me down to sleep"
said to myself, and waited in desper-
ate suspense. At length l continued
to look through the key hole, where |
saw a sight that froze me into horror.
The two young banditti had taken down
their rifles, and while loading them the
following dialogue ensued in whispers.
"Damn him, but I'll do his business;
I'll give him his bitters.
"Hush !" replied the other you'll
wake the gentleman"
Again there was a confused noise Of
bowling, barking, and cackling with
out. Now is our time said one, and
both Of them made, not for my door,
but out for that which led into the yard.
l breathed again for moment until l
heard two guns go off at little dis
lance. They are numbering some poor
unfortunate travellers thought |, and
my time willcome next. In about half
an hour they returned and threw some
thing that fell like dead heavy weight
on the floor. "By God we've done for
him at last" said one-the rascal fought
like tiger, let's strip the gentleman OF
his hide.
ono, no, replied the other,-wait
till-here his voice sunk, and could
only guess what was meant. l grew
desperate and tried to push up the win
dows, but it was fastened down with
nails, to make all sure, and prevent my
escaping. / listened again but all was
silent in the next room. The next mo.
ment I heard the voice of the old man
calling his ''boys," and perceived to
my astonishment that the sun was just
peeping above the horizon. Day light
which emboldens the innocent, appals
the guilty. And 1 now felt myself
safe. came out of my room with an
air as unconcerned as possible, and was
received as if nothing had happened.
"Good morning good morning !
said the impudent old Republican,
am afraid you was disturbed last night.
The boys were out after a bear, that
has beat up our quarters several times.
But he'll never come again reckon.
Isn't he whopper ? continued he,
pointing to the carcase in a corner.
A happy turn thought I, but am not
to be humbugged by cock and bull
story. They pressed me to stay to
breakfast, but was resolved not to
trust myself moment longer with this
banditti, and requested them to get my
gig ready as soon as possible. In the
mean time l asked the old man for his
bill.
eve don't keep tavern" said he, 81
know that replied significantly, but
you will take something for your
trouble"
"Not a cent; every stranger that
comes hear is welcome to what l can
offer. have but little money, but
plenty Of every thing else, and it Is not
often we have the pleasure of stran-
gers company in this out Of the way
place. You are heartily welcome to
your bed and supper, and will be still
more so, if you will stay to breakfast"
His refusal to take pay was another
proof, if any had been wanting, OF the
profession followed by this awful fami-
ly. Banditti are always above taking
money that is honestly their due, and
require the zest of little murder and
bloodshed to make it worth having.
Men are born with t,co eyes, but
one tongue, in order that they should
see twice as much as they say; but
from their conduct, one would sup
pose that they were born with tho
tongues, and one eye; for those talk the
most who have observed the least, and
obtrude their remarks upon every
thing, who have seen into no
thing.
DIFFERENT COLOURS OF MOURNING.
In Europe black is generally used
because it presents darkness, which
death is like unto, as it is a privation
of life. In China, aOMte is used, be-
cause they hope that the dead are in
Heaven, the place ofpurity. In Egypt,
yelzo,y is used, because it represents the
decaying of trees and flowers which be-
come yellow as they die away. In