Smyrna times., 1857-09-16
"Let go your hold, old man, or I'll strike you

"Let go your hold, old man, or I'll strike you
hard, tell you."
AS he spoke, the other rufian raised the butt
of his rifle in the air, and the next moment the
blood spirited from a broad wound in the old
mans forehead, and he fell backward to the
floor.
"And you take that" said he, striking Eliza,
blow with his fist, &C and see if you can't keep
your jaw quiet for awhile"
The fair young girl reeled and fell behind her
father without uttering syllable. AS she fell,
he uttered deep groan-he was dying.
"Now for the one up stairs, and we are safe,' -
said the ruifian, motioning for his comrade to
follow.
Edith had but one rifle loaded, and as she saw
them approach, she determined to do the most
with it.
"Stand back % she exclaimed, Z" | will shoot
the first that comes near.''
Her courage and determination made the two
ruffians shrink for a moment with fear.
She is only woman, Bill" said one ad-
vancing.
"But she has the very devil in her eye now
tell you."
You are not afraid, are you !-come on"
Edth's mind was made up she fired, and he
fell, with terrible yell, dead at his comrades
feet.
You have killed him, but not me I" shouted
the fellow jumping forward and grasping her
hand. al have all your gold-they are both
dead down stairs, and you have now got to fol-
low them. But stop-if you say you will free
ly become my wife, you shall live. like your
pretty face, and | think we conld yet along
very well. Which do you prefer--what say
you! Speak quick, will have no delay"
"Sooner than wed wretch like you would
die upon the rack" she replied in cloar, calm
voice. You have my answer, now do with
inc as you please"
"You had better think moment longer, my
blossom
You have my answer already"
"Well, since you are so ugly about it, you
shall be graifed. After accomplishing my
purpose, you shall die by the side of those down
stairs; so come along my beauty" And he
caught her in his arms and dashed her to the
floor.
lie had hardly done so, however, before
we'll directed blow from behind sent him reel
ing to the corner of the room. In an instant
Edith had recovered herself and sp-inging up
she exclaimed, "Saved saved saved!" and
fell into the arms of young American Off
Ger.
"Secure that man." said he to soldier at his
side, " and he shall be made to pay dearly for
this mornings work. We were right in sus-
Pecting that foul play was gong on here"
Edith followed the young officer down stairs,
and was surprised to find that Eliza had recov-
cred from the effects of the blow, and was kneel-
ing by the side of her father. In an instant
Edith was there also. The young OFFICER offer
ed his assistance, but it was no avail. The
spirit of the old man was soon to return to the
God who gave it. With great effort he raised
himself, and taking hold of the hands of Eliza
and Edith, he family articulated, Blessings
on" The last words died away in his throat,
and he sank back in Edith's arms, dead.
Il x
Five months from that day America and Eng
land were at peace, and one month from that,
Edith Williams was the happy wife of Edward
Little, the gallant young officer. Eliza never
married, but lived with her sister till the day of
her death. Adam and Martha Williams lay
side by side in the old churchyard, where new
and magnificent church has recently been
built, from the pulpit of which the youngest
son of Edward and Edith dispenses spiritual
food to loving and admirng flock. i