Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1845-01-17

life, but what was dearer than that, depended Oh
success in the present struggle.
For some time tho refugees, who continued
pulling lnzily up the river, if caring to
cite suspicion, did not sec tho movements on boa I'd
the sloop; but when the preparations for defence
became visible In the growing bulwark on every
side Of the vessel, they gavo loud cheer and be-
gan to pull Justify toward her.
They coming now said Briggs, as he
placed the las: urmf.l of wood on the Pile along
the quarterback. Take your nluskets lads, and
DO ready for volley-:hc bloody refugees'
Quick and sharp came tho rollicking Of the
to their ears, and even those manly hearts
beat faster they counted the fearful odds a
gainst them, and recognised the hurley figures Of
Hogan and and ono or two Of his moro desperate
associates.
Pull away-around BY the stern, my lads,
shouted the refugee leader, rocking 10 tho stern
sheets with the motion of the boat.
SHOWS your time said Briggs energcticalIy.
Pick your men. I'll take Hogan
The muskets were raised, and breathless IN
slant ensued.
.Are you roady' whispered tho leader.
'Ay'' was the prompt, stern answer
Then fre!'
The vo!ley was not a moment too soon. Three
Of the mon in the boat fell, bat almost immcdi-
a;oly she struck the side of the vessel. and tho
crew began to scrnm blo over tt'c Oarficaue cree
ted between than and her defenders. FIRING
was Impossible; the conflict was hand to hand
1t was then that Briggs remembered Ellen with
ench blow of his sturdy arm. Clubbing his mus
ket, he met the ASSISTANTS at every point, cheer
ing and animating his scanty band even more by
his example than by his voice Short, but terri
bic was the conflict. Most of tho outlaws nevor
reached tho deck of the soop, but fell back
wounded or dead into their boat: whilo the few
who gained a foot-hcd on tho vessel, sunk finally
before tho athletic arms and lndomitablo cour-
age of tho defenders. In less than five minutes
after the attack began, the refugees were rcpus-
ed at every point, their leader killed. and the few
who remained alive in full flight TO the Shore
Two OF their number remained prisoners III the
hands of Briggs, and subsequently met the
deserved fate Of their crimes.
No sooner had the enemy Left the vessel than
Briggs fastened to tho cabin. Ellen was alrca-
dy ascending tho gangway, alarmed by the ces-
sa,ion of his voice, which, throughout the strife,
had risen over the noiso of the conflict and sus
tanned her during its terrible suspense.
Their meeting we will not attompt to describe.
1t is sufficient to say that long fer, they wero
accustomed TO refer TO 1t the happlest mo-
ment of their lives.
But now, Dearest ho said. at length, i must
see YOU safe az your fathers house ere | proceed.
Let me hope for still more
Briggs accompanied Ellen home, and he
returned to his vessel, he had pressed her 10 his
bosom as his wife.
For many years the old musket with lis bat
tered stock, used on that memorable day by the
hero of story, was wont to be exhibited TO the
visitors Of tho happy household that grew around
Ellen. 1t may still be in existence, q treasured
relic among her grand children.