Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1858-07-23


as myself, has been compelled to stop
here"
| listened eagerly, and presently a
crash came, followed by a shrill scream.
sprang towards the door, but recollccted
that ! had it well secured / hesitated
a moment, when another scream, more
terrific than the first, followed by the
sharp report Of pistol 1t was but the
work of moment to unfasten the door
and dash out. As | sprang into the
passage | met two men, who fired almost
simultaneously, but without effect 7
levelled my revolver, and sent the con-
tents through tho head fone, who tum-
bled down stairs, dragging his companion
with him.
+ ] rushed into the room and found the
girl sheltering behind the bed, keeping
Hans at bay with revolver. As | en-
tered Hans sprang at me with a fendish
expression, and in spite of my efforts,
seized me in his herculian clutches. My
pistol was now of no use, so putting it
from me, | drew my knife and soon put
an end to the struggle. hurried the
girl into my own room, and soon had the
door securely barricaded | then ex-
planned to her our situation, and how
came to discover that she was to be
victim. But when l told her of the old
man, she family gasped, cit is mysfa-
Their" and the next moplent lay senseless
on the floor. | was now in q trying no
sition. ] expected every moment the
attack of the robbers would be renewed
and that in all probability they would
oyerpower us, and then our doom would
be sealed. | involuntarily cast my eye
to the window, as if it would afford some
point Of escape. But then the robbers
would have fair chance, could surround
us, and murder us without show of de-
fence. | had all this time counted upon
my fair companion as an assistant, not
rejecting that she was woman, and |
had escaped to protect her. When this
thought crossed my mind all my combat.
tive powers were aroused, and / felt
strong and competent to contend with n
host.
| now heard whispering and footsteps
gently stealing up the steps. A dim
light shone beneath the door, and re-
vealed several large holes and cracks. -
| kept my eye intently fixed in the di-
rection, while my heart palpltated so
loud that the vibrations could be distinct
ly heard.
a slight shutting Of the feet, and
crash, era =, went several reports, while
bullets vllaed sharply about my head.
The girl gave a shrill scream. ! groaned
and eseP; Hose 10 tihe docr, whicn was
riddled with bullets aud through the
holes could discern their actions.
] still had five shots in my revolver,
and determined to use them to the best
advantage.
He's done for now," said one, as he
stood cycling the door.
" But the girl" replied little, short,
thick man, " she fights like thunder"
Ha I! you coward, you would fear
woman" returned the FIRST speaker with
a sneer.
Jim Bates, III make you smell pow
der for that afore morning" said the
little man savagely.
+" We must have this ere door OPEN"
and suiting the action to the word, an
assault was made upon it,
/ lcvelled my pistol and fired, when,
with fearful oath, the man fell back
on the floor. ] gave them two more
shots when they retreated precipitately
down stairs. | reloaded my pistol and
returned to my companion, who was try
ing to stop the blood which was flowing
from wound in her neck.
g ! fear, sir, my life is short; and |
sincerely thank you for your kind pro-
lection" she feebly murmured, and sank
exhausted upon the bed
! was about TO offer some assistance,
when ! again heard steps up the stairs
and earnest talking, as Of persons remon-
stratlng. Thinking the attack at the
door would be renewed, / drew the bed
stead against it, and threw the light bed
ding over the headboard and thus form
H.
Say, Mister, don't shoot I want to
say few words to you, said voice at
the head Of the stairs.
"Ill shoot the first man who comes
near that door," / replied, savagely.
Oh, no don't; I'm your friend, he
replied, in tone that carried treachery
with it, "Come to the door, will you p
a." Yes, but don't you come"
| won't. Are you there ?"
YcsD
Close 2"
- Yes"
] felt slight moving Of the bed over
the trap, during which time the man out
side kept up an incessant jabber.
One end Of the bed was raising softly,
and taking hold Of it with my left hand,
/ gently cased it up, until ! could disco
yer a head above the opening.
care you at the door?'
yes" and simultaneously with my
answer went lcaden messenger through
the head in the trap, and Laag went a.
bullet through the door. The sound Of
a heavy fall announced that my shot had
taken effect.
searched for the revolver the girl had
used, and fortunately found it, aud was
happy 10 discover that but one load had
been shot out Of il, which / replaced,
and being thus reinforced / felt more
confident Of victory But TO overcome
this gang seemed almost hopeless, as their
numbers might be very large, and 80