Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1837-02-09

collecting, however, the forgotten supper
tray, he provided himself with case Knife
and resolniely took his stand behind the door!
He had one advantage over his murderers :
they were in moonlight, and he was sur,
rounded IN impeneirable darkness.
"A momeniary hesitation took place among
me party, who seemed undeC ided as Ia ~ hc
shouia hrst enter the dark room, for they were
acquainted with the localities of the house
| they Knew well where their devoted victim
| slept. AT last one of the hand cautiously
approached, stood for moment in the door
way, hesi,ated, and then advanced step.
NOT a Whisper was heard, a breaihless silence
| reigned around and the apartment before
him was as the grave itself go on, blast
ye! What rbe devil are you afraid of u' said
the rough voice OF his associate behind. He
took second step, and the old mans knife
was buried in his heart. No second tburst
was necessary, for with deep groan the rob.
Der sank on the floor.
The ohscurity of the chamber, and the
sudden destruction caused by this deadly
thrust, prevented the ruiiians in the outer
room from knowing the fate of their CONS
panion. A second presented himself, cros-
sed the threshold, tumhled against his dead
associate, and received the old mans K nife in
his bosom. The wound, though mortal, was
not so fatal as the other: the ruffan had
strength enough 10 calculate that he was a
dead man.
Instantly several shots were fired, but the
Old mans position sheltered him from the
bullets. A third assassin advanced, level
led long fowlng piece through the door.
way, and actually rested the barrel against
the old mans body. The direction, howev-
er, was slanting one, and with admirable
ho Il Il al L
passed him without injury, but the flash of
the gun unfortunately disclosed the place of
his conceameni
Then commenced adesperatestruggle. The
rohher, powerful, athletic ruffian, closed
and seized his victim round the body. There
was no equality between the combatants
with regard TO strength, and although tho
old man struck often and furiously with his
KNIFE. the blows were Intellectual, and he was
thrown heavily on the floor with the muir.
derer above him. The blade of his knife had
turned in that awful situation. Al this crit
ical period this heroic gentleman contrived
to straighten il on the foor-lhe robber's
hands were already upon his throat-lhe
pressure became suffocating. An accidental
movement of the bniy exposed the murder
er's side; the old man stuck with his re-
manning strength deadly blow the rob-
oer's grasp relaxed, and with yell of mor>
tai agony he fell dead across his exhausted
antagonist.
Horror-struck by the shr,eks of their
comrades, the bandiui wanted courage 10
enter the gloomy chamber, which, had al
ready proved fatal TO SO many-They poured
an irregular voley in, and leaping thro' the
open window, ran off, leaving their liIeless
companions behind.
Light and assistance came presently the
chamber was pool OF gore, and the old man
nearly in state of insensihlity was covered
with blood, AMI encompassed with the lifeless
bodies OF his intended murderers He re.
covered TO enjoy for years his well won re.
putation, and 10 receive for the victory the
honor of knighthood, which never before was
conferred upon Drawer mai,