Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-05-28

ly sleeping in the bedroom in the corner. !
The old German clock which hung
upon the wall, with its great weights and
winding strings all exposed, hadl struck
ten ere Polly arose from her work. She
had just pushed her basket beneath the
table, and taken up the candle, when the
front door was oper ed, and two men en-
tered. They were in their stocking feet,
their shoes having been left outside
Ssh - uttered the foremost of the
intruders. Speak but one word above
whisper, and you die on the Instant
Polly recovered from her quick terror,
and gazed up, She saw two stout, wick
ed, ugly-looking men, one of whom held
cooked pistol towards her. With a
quickness of perception, natural to her,
she knew that the pistol would not be
fired if she held her peace, as that would
make more noise than she could make.
AS they came to the light she recog-
nized in the foremost man, a notorious
villain, who bore the name of Dick Gal
lus. She had never seen him- before,
but the minute descriptions her husband
had given her of the man, led her at
once to know him, and positively, too f;
for one big scar upon the left cheek was
mark enough.
"What seek you, gentlemen, asked Pol
without betraying the least fear.
We have come to see Morton, the
mail-carrier, returned Gallus, in a
hoarse whisper. Where is he? Be
sure not to speak too loud"
He is long since asleep. Would it not
do as well to see him in the morning? ]
can find you room fer lodging
Polly had said this for the purpose Of
gaining time. She knew very well thai
these men had come to rob Morton, and
she was equally sure that they would
murder him if they could, and, in al
probability, put her out Of the way a:
well.
5 They had evidently learned of til,
value Of the load he carried, and mean
e to carry it in his stead. In short, sht
not only knew the character of the bolt
t rufians, but she knew their business
Their very warning and threat to he
: were proof positive.
Never mind his being asleep. Shoy
US where he is at once replied Gallu
b. in answer to her remark.
g But I eau call him, good sirs,' rea
S soned the woman, calmly, as thoughther
+ was no alarm in her soul.
II Call him? Call --r' growle
= the villain, with a fierce oath. Yo
II call him, and you'll be called to anothe
+ world quick. Show US the way"
> The mild eye that could aim an uneI
ot ring bullet at the forest beast, did not b,
Ut tray the thoughts of that woman's sou
n nor, did look tell her meaning. ST
l. was pale, but she did not tremble.
le "This way, sirs," she whispered.
e: And as she spoke, she turned towarC
e. door which was situated directly b
lg tween the doors of the little bedroo
lie and the pantry. She did not open
in until both men were close behind her.
Don't you hear him breathe p 81
>" whispered.
pc "Yes," returned both villains. Al
d. they did hear a breathing, but twas
ne the child close at hand.
to As they thus answered her she thre
the door wide open,-it opened inwaI
ur The men saw dark void, but they pre-
sed forward. In an instant Polly Bu
ill nap leaped baek-Gallus was upon t
be threshold. and his companion close up
Did his heels. With all her power the mol
woman threw herself against the re
a man, and the next moment both the rt
bers lay sprawling upon the cellar b
led tom.
all This had been the door opening to
deep excavation, and the only means
the egress was by perpendicular ladder.
the Could this have been moved, Polly wor
ind have pulled it Immediately up, but it '
oed spiked to its place, and she must lie
ath remain. To close the door world
ons useless, for she had no ready mean:
ley fastening it. So she did what she l
for resolved upon from the first: the sprs
the to the fireplace, and caught her tru
rife from its beckett, and having cocl
With it, she turned towards the open door
lch- She heard the curses of the villain:
in they searched for the ladder, and
t. soon knew that one of them had found
i'm, Back p she cried, as she saw h
lrge appear above the threshold. The can
upon the table threw but dim light
!, as on the spot but it was sufficient.
lard She saw the robber raise a pisto.
ring There was but one alternative.