Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-05-19

the curtain. would have shaken the nerves
of a man of less coolness s. courage than the
Colonel. Determined to take the robber,
dead or alive, he calmly waited for HIM to
enter the room. But presently, to his dis
may he heard footsteps coming down stairs.
Some domestics, or out door laborer, had
evidently heard the sounds and was COM
ing to learn their origin. Percelving that
this must frighten the robber, the Colonel
was revolving in his mind what he should
do to effect his object, when the hand that
had moved the curtain became visible. 1t
was cropping along the window frame for
the spring. Rapid as the lightning, yet
noiselessly and unseen, the old broad-sword
swept over the Colonel's head, and struck
deep into the woodwork of the window
There was stifled cry-a heavy fall -
and the curtain swept back to its place.
Rushing to the window the Colonel threw
it open and looked out. He could see moth
ing, however, owing to the darkness-and
shutting it again, he FASTENED to procure
light.
As he burst into the hall, !aborer by
the name of Jones, who slept in the house,
approached at the foot ofthe stairs.
"Good God! Colonel, is that you" cried
Jones who appeared agitated with terror.
"What is the matter :"
"Glve me a hight" said Col. H.
He extended his hand. AS the light
shone upon it, Jones, who must have been
frightened terribly, saw that it was cover
ed with blood. Starting back he dropped
the lamp, which was broken to pieces on
the floor
The Colonel crushed his weak nerves,
and hastened up stairs for the lamp in his
chamber. Mrs. H. hearing the strange
sounds, and alarmed by the protracted abb
sence of her husband, had already risen and
struck hight. AS the Colonel took it from
her hand she saw the blood on his arm, ,and
uttered cry of horror.
1T is nothing said the Colonel "A
robber was climbing IN at the window, and
scratched him..
He entered the study, followed by Jones
who shuddered at the scene which met his
eyes. There was blood on the curtain, &
on the ColonePs chair which stood near it,
and on the wall Across the desk, where
the Colonel had placed it, lay the broad
sword, stained with blood.
Something on the carpet under the win
dow, attracted the eye fJones. He stoop-
ed to pick it up, but started back with
suppressed cry. 1t was human hand
The Colonel picked it up, and held it by
its lifeess fingers. 1t was still warm, and
dripping with blood. 1t had been cut off
Just at the wrist
Suddenly, the Colonel turned pale
Wrapping the member in his handkerchief,
he seized the light and rushed up stairs.
.For Heavens sake" he cried with
strange agitation, "tell me if you know this !!
1t is no time to stand upon ceremony
Look p
And totally regardless of the effect the
horrid sight might have on his wife, the
Colonel, in his agitation, threw aside the
folds of his handkerchief, and revealed the
hand. .1 /,
Mrs H. started back with horror! But
in an instant turning deadly pale, she bent
eagerly forward, gazed moment at the
hand, and, with shrek, fell lifeless on the
floor.
The Colonel rushed out and met Jones
on the stairs.
"Raise no alarm,' he said, in husky
tone. go and saddle my horse, and bring
him to the door. Quick!
As soon as Jones had disappeared, the
Colonel went out to see if he could discov-
er any trace of the robber. There was
nothing left but blood which had gushed
out in the grass like rain. The robber was
gone.
Mounting his horse, and again telling
Jones to alarm no one, the Colonel rode to
the Hotel.
And laundering at the door, some min
utes, he succeeded in bringing waiter who
admitted him, staring in stupid wonder, to
see young Morgan's father arrive at such
time, and with so ghastly face.
els Morgan H. within?' demanded the
Colonel.
II think he is. l saw him here in the
evening"" was the reply. "Shall | go up
and see'''
"Show me his room," said the Colonel
striding into the hall.
The waiter preceded him up stairs
Hearing a suppressed groan he looked a,
round. The ColonePs hand was pressed
upon his brow, and his eye fixed upon
dark spot Oh the floor.
"What is that?" asked the waiter.
$50 on on !'' muttered the Colonel, in
so savage and husky voice, that 1t had "a
bout the same effect as sharp bayonet, IN
sending the waiter forward
They reached the door Of Morgan's room.
The Colonel wrung the door with his iron
hand, but the latch did not yield. Then
with his fist he thundered on the panel.
No sound came from within.
'He is not IT," suggested the waiter.
With arapid movement, the Colonel held
the lamp to the key-hole. The point OF the
kew was visible, The door was locked from
the inside.
Leave me-" commanded the Colonel,
turning to the waiter.
Then placing his mouth near the door, he
said, Morgan | am aone-let me in. 1t
is your father that speaks -
At that moment, short conclusion, like
the report of pistol, sounded within the
room. Then some heavy body fell to the
floor.
The Colonel staggered against the banis-
ter; and the waiter who was watching him
below, ran up. crying murder, thinking he
was shot.
"Hushw said the Colonel, in calm
voice, standing erect, as pale as death, be-
fore the waiter. $50 for an axe or bar.
The coor must be broken open"
In faw mop,entS tba 1ocl, was forced