The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-10-28
EFFECTS OF A COOL AND STEADY
COURAGE

Sc'cla ago, Wnen the south oil Ireland was,
as 1t has ever been within my memory, in disturb
ed state, gentleman advanced in years lived in re-
tired country house. He was a bachelor, and
whether trusting to his supposed popularity, or inn
aglning that the general alarm among the gentry
was groundless he continued in his lonely mansion
long after his neghbors had quilted theirs for safer
residence IN town. He had been ndsposed for sew
eral days, and on the night he attacked had ta-
ken his supper in his bedroom, which was on the
ground floor, and near the parlor, with which it
communicated. The servants went to bed the
house was shut up for the night, and the supper
uay, with ITS appurtenances, by providentia over
sight, was forgotten in the old mans chamber.
Some hours after he had retired to bed, he was
alarmed at hearing window lifted in the outer a.
Partment his chamber door was ajar, and the moon
shone brilliantly through the upper easement rer-
dering objects in the parlor distinct and percepble
to any person in the inner room. Presently man
leaped through the window and three others follow
ed in quick succession The old gentleman sprang
from his bed but unfortunately there were no arms
IN the apartment, recolectng however, the forgot
ten supper tray, he provided himself with case
knife, and resolutey took his stand behind the door.
lie had one advantage the murderers they
were in moonlight, and he surrounded in mpcne-
trable darkness.
A momentary hesitation took place among the
party, who seemed undecided as to which should
frst enter the dark room, for acquainted with the
localities of the house, they knew well that there
the devoted victim slept. At last ono of the band
cautiously approached stood for a moment in the
door way, hesitated, and then advanced step.-
Not a whisper was heard; breathless silence
reigned around, and the apartment before him was
as dark as the grave itself Z" Go on, blast We -
What the devil are We afeerd of" said the rough
voice OF his associate behind. He took second
stcp and the old mans knife was buried i'm his heart
No second thrust was necessary, for with a deep
groan the robber sank upon the floor.
The obscurity Of the chamber, and the sudden de-
structlon caused by that deadly thrust, prevented
the rufians, in the outer room from knowing the
fate of their companion. A second presented him
self, crossed the Threshold, stumbled against his
dead associate, and received the old mans knife in
his bosom. The wound, though mortal was not so
fatal as the other, and the rufian had strength to
calculate that he was dead man.
Instantly several shots was fired, but the old gen.
tlemans position sheltered him from the bullets. A
thrd assassin advanced, levelled a long fowling
piece through the door way, and actually rested the
barrel against the old mans body. The direction
however was slantng one, and with admirable self
possession he remained steady till the ball passed
him without injury, but the flash from the gun un-
fortunately disclosed the place of his ambush
Then commenced desperate struggle. The
robber, powerful athletic rufian closed and seiz-
ed his victim around the body. There was no e.
quality between the combatants with regard to
strength, and although the old man struck often and
furiously with his knife, the blows were Intellectual
and he was thrown heavily the floor, with the
murderer above him. Even then, at that awful mo-
ment, his presence of mind saved this heroic gentle
man. He found that the blade of the knife had
turned, and he contrved to straghten on the floor
The ruhan's hands were already upon his throat !;
the pressure became suffocating. An accidental
movement of his body exposed the murderer's side
the old man struck with his remaining strength a
deadly blow; the robbers grasp relaxed, and with a
yell of mortal agony he fell dead his exhaust
ed antagonist
Horror-struck by the death-shriek of their COM
rades the banditt wanted courage the gloomy
chamber, which had already proved fatal to so many
They poured an irregular volley in, and leapng
through the open window, off, leaving their life
less companions behind.
Lights and assistance came presently; the cham
Der was pool of gore, and the old man, nearly in
state of insensibility, covered with blood and
encompassed by the breathless bodies of his inten-
ded murderers. He recovered, howerer, to enjoy
for years his well-won reputation, and to receive
from the Irish viceroy the honor Of knighthood
which never before was conferred upon braver
man.
FEMALE COURAGE.