The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-10-30

cious clay without pang
The Effect cf cool and steady courage
in rspsiins a band of. Midnight Rgf
fans.
Z" Several years ago, when the south
part of Ireland, was as it has ever
been within my memory, in disturbed
state, a gentleman advanced in years,
lived in retired country house. He
was bachelor, and whether trusting to
his supposed popularity, or imagining
that the general alarm among the gensr;
was groundIess, he continued in his lone
ly mansion long after their neighbors
had quilted theirs for safer residence in
town. lie had been indisposed for seve-
raj days, and on the night he was attack
ed, had taken supper in his bedroom,
which wns on the ground floor, 81 par.
lor with which it communicated The
servants went to bed; the house was shut
up for the night; aud the supper-tray,
with its appurienances, by a providen-
tai oversight. were forgotten in the old
mans chamber
Some hours after he had retired to
bed lie was alarmed at hearing window
lifted in the outer apartment; his cham
ber door was ajar; aud the moon shone
brilliantly through the open easement,
rendering objects in the p,rlor distinct
and perccptible TO any person in the
timer room. Presently q man leaped
through the window, and three others
followed in succession. The old gentle.
man sprang from his bed, but unfort-
unately there were no arms in the APP
artment; recollectiEg, however, the for
gotten supper tray, he provided himself
with case knife, and resolutely took a
stand behind the open door. He had
one advantage over the murderers. they
were in full moonlight, and he shrouded
in impcnetrable darkness.
"a momentary hesitation took place
among the party, who seemed undeci-
ded as to which of them should first en-.
ter the dark room for, acquainted with
the localities of the, no Use, they knew
we'll that there the devoted victim slept.
At hast one Of the williams cautiously ap-
preached, stood for a moment in tile
doorway, hesitated, advanced step
not whisper was heard, a breaihess
silence relgncd around, and the apart
mont bofore him was dark as the grave
itself-'Go on, blast ye What the devil
are ye afecrd Of 7 said the rough voice
Of an associate behind he took sec-
ond step, and the old mans knife was
buried iu his heart No second thrust
was requisite, for with deep groan the
robber sunk upon the floor.
The obscurity of the chamber, the
sudden destruction caused by that deadly
thrust, prevented the rullians in the out.
or room from knowing the fate Of their
companion.-IA second presented him.
self, crossed the threshold, stumbled a.
gainst his'dead associate, and received
the old mans knife in his bosom. The
wound. though mortal, was not so fa.
tai as tho other, and the ruffian had
strength to calculate that he was dead
man. 1
!" Instantly, several shots were 6red,
out the old gentlennn's position shelter
ed him from tho bullets. A third assas.
in advanced, levelIed a long fowling
piece through the doorway, and actual.
y rested the barrel against he old mans
body. The direction. however, was a
slanting one. and. with admirable self.
possession, he remained steady until the
murderer drew the triger. and The ball