Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-07-29


at bay with a revolver. AS / entered
Hans sprang at me with a fendish ex
preston, and in spite Of my efforts. seized
me in his herculean clutches. Ny pisto
now was of no use, so hurting it from me
| drew my knife. and soon put an end tC
the struggle. | gathered up my pistol
and hurried the girl into my own room
and soon had the door securely barrica
ded. then explained tosher our situa
ton, and how | came to discover she was
to be a victim. But when | told her of
the old man, she family Igasped " 1t is
my father,7 and the next moment lay
senseless on the floor. Inow was in a
trying position. | expected every mo
ment the attack Of the robbers would be
renewed, and that in all probability they
would overpower US, and then our dooms
would be sealed. | voluntarily cast my
eyes toward the window, as it would at
ford some point Of escap.<Dut then the
robbers would have a fair chance. could
surround US, and murder us without a
show Of defence. | had all this time
counted upon my fair companion as an
assistant, not rejecting that she was a
woman, and | had essayed to protect her.
When this thought crossed my mind, all
my combatiye powers we're aroused, and
| felt strong and competent to contend
with a host.
| now heard whispering and footsteps
gently stealing up the stairs. A dim
light shone beneath the door, and reveal
ed several large holes and cracks. I kept
my eyes %intently fixed in the direction,
while my heart palpitated so loud, that
its every vibration could be distinctly
heard.
A slight shufling of the feet; and crash
crash went several reports, while bullets
whizzed sharply about my head. The
girl gave a shrill screamsI groaned and
kept close to the door, WHICH was riddled
could saih l Siaiai5 nv afsesa shs.sg
| still had five shots inTfny revolver,
and determined to use them to the best
advantage.
Hes done for now,n said one, as he
stood cycling the door.
" But the gall replied a little short
thick man, /" she fights like the thunder"
"Hal you coward. who would fear a
woman Z" returned the first speaker with
a sneer."
Jim Bates, I'll make you smell pow
der for that afor mornin," said the little
man sayagely.
I'VE must have this ere door open"
and suiting the action to the words, an
assault was made upon it.
| leyeled my pistol and fred, when
with a fearful oath, the man fell back
upon the floor. | gave them two more
shots, when they retreated precipitately
down stairs ! reloaded my pistol and re
turned it to my companion, who was try
ing to staunch the blood in her neck.
!" | fear, sir, my HE IS ga0rt and 1
sincerely thank you for your kind pro-
lection" she murmured, and sank..exhaus
ted upon the bed.s
| was about to offer some assistance,
when | again heard steps on the stairs,
and earnest talking as of persons remon-
strating. Thinking the attack at the
door would be renewed, | drew the bed,
stead against it and drew the light bed
ding oyer the headboard and thus formed
a kind Of breast work.
Say, Mister, don't shoot. [ want to
speak a few words with you, 7" said a voice
at the head Of the stairs.
sIll shoot the first man who comes
near that door, I replied ~sayagely.
oh! no, don't, I'm your friend" he
replied in q tone which carried treaeherY
with it," Come to the door, will
you"
Yes, but don't you come"
| wont are you there r"
Yes
/" Closer"
Yes"
| felt a slight moving Of the bed over
the trap, during which time the men out
side kept up an ineessant jabber.
One end OF the bed was raising softly,
ana taking hold OF 1t with my left hand,
| gently eased it up, until | could discoy-
er a head above the opening.
Are you at the door"