The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1859-01-27

put his bed over the trap"
"The devil!' they both exclaimed, and
looked at each other in surprise.
ave must III anage him somehow, " said
Hans, "for he has money. l am certain
of that"
"Hadn't we better attend to that ere
gal frst!" suggested one.
"Yes, the old man is fixed, now for the
gall; and picking up the light they left
the room.
What grill thought I. Is it possible
some person as unfortunate as myself had
been compelled to stop here.
l listened eagerly, and presently a
crash came, followed by shrill scream.
sprang toward my door, but recol-
lected that | had it we'll secured. hesi-
tated 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 pas
sage, | met two men, who fred almost ST.
multaneous, but without effect level
ed my revolver, and sent the contents of
one barrel through the head one, who
tumbled heavily down stairs dragging his
companion with him.
| rushed into the room, and found the
girl sheltered behind bed, keeping
Hans at bay with revolver. As I en-
tered, Hans spraDg at me with 6endish
expression, and in spite of my efforts,
seized me in his herculean clutches. My
postol now was of no use, SO hurling it
from me, [ drew my knife. and soon put
an end to the struggle. I gathered up
my pistol, and hurried the girl into my
own room, and soon had the door secure
ly barricaded l then explained to her
our situation, and how l came to discov-
er she was to be victim. But when 1
told her of the old man, she family gasp
ed sit is my father" and the next mo-
ment lay senseless on the floor. l now
was in trying position. l expected ev-
cry moment the attack of the robbers
would be renewed, and in all probability
they would overpower US, and then our
doom would be sealed | involuntarily
cast my eyes towards 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 with
out show of defence. l 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 combative powers were aroused, and
felt strong and competent to contend with
a host.
heard whispering, and footsteps gent
ly stealing up stairs. A dim light shone
beneath the door, and revealed several
large holes and cracks, kept my eyes
intently fixed in the direction, while my
heart palpitated SO loud that its vibra-
ton could be distinctly heard.
A slight shuffiing of the feet, and
crash, crash went several reports, while
bullets, whiazed sharply about my head.
The girl gave shrilling scream, | groan-
ed and crept close 70 the door, which was
riddled with bullets, and through the
holes 1 could plainly discern their ac-
tions.
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 eyeing the door.
"But the gal," replied little, short,
thick set man, "she fights like thunder y
ala! you coward, who would fear a
woman!" returned the first speaker with
a sneer.
"Jim Bates, I'll make you smell pow
der for that afore mornin', " said the lit
tie IAN, sayagely.
ave must have this ere door open,"
and suiting the action to the words an as.
sault was made upon it.
levelled my pistol and fired, when
with an oath the man fell back upon the
floor. | gave them two more shots,
when they retreated precipitately down
stairs. | reloaded my pistol and return
ed to my companion, who was trying to
staunch the blood which was flowing from
WOuDQ III ueF neck. L lear SIT, Ill y
life is short; and l sincerely thank you
for your kind protection" she feebly mur-
INJURED, and sank exhausted upon the
bed
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, aud threw the light bed.
ding over the head board, and thus form
ed kind of breast work.
"Say, Mister, don't shoot, for want to
speak few words with you," said a
voice at the head of the stairs.
III shoot the first man who comes
near that door," replied, savagely.
"OD, no. don't! I'm your friend, be
replied, 10 tone which carried treache
ry with it. "Come to the door will youl'
ayes, but don't yo~ come"
"I won't. Are you thsreF
eyes"
"Close!"
"Yes."