The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1859-03-02

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nothing, Presently faint whisper from
an adjoining room came; my eyes follow
ed the direction, and I saw small stream
of light pouring through an opening in
the partition. I stole softly to the spot,
and listened moment. I then put my
eye to the opening, and had a fair view of
the operations inside.
So horrible was the sight then beheld
that its recollections will never be erased
from my memory. Hanging from the
bed, and with his head nearly severed
from his body, was an old gray-headed
man, while the purple current of life was
steadily streaming from the cash. 1
reeled moment with dizziness, and was
about to withdraw from the scenes, when
the door opened softly, and q person en-
tered. looked again, and three men I
had seen in the bar-room were standing
near the dead man. .- D..
why, Hams said one, Il thought you
had fixed him by this time
We'll have trouble with that customer,
replied Hams shaking his head, 'he is up
to something; he put his bed over the
trap
The devil!' they both exclaimed and
looked at each other in surprise.
we must manage him some how,' said
Hams. for he has money I am certain
of that ...- ...........- .......
Hadn't we better attend to that 'ere
gal first suggested one. a.v
Yes, the old man is fixed; now for the
gall and picking up the light they left
the room. -.........s
What girl thought I. Is it possible
some persons as unfortunate as myself
has been compelled to stay here.
listened eagerly, and presently a
crash came followed by o shrill scream
1 sprang toward my door, but recollected
that I had it well secured. I hesitated a
J, moment, when another scream, more ter
rife than the first, followed by the sharp re-
port of pistol. 1t was the work Of a
moment to unfasten the door and dash
out AsI sprang into the passage, I
met two men. who fired simultaneously
but without effect.
| I leveled my revolver, and sent the con.
tents of one barrel through the head oil
one, who tumbled heavily down stairs
dragging his companion with him.
rushed into the room, and found the
girl sheltered behind a bed, keeping
Hams at bay with revolver. As en-
tered Hams sprang at me with fendist
3 expression, and in spite of my effort.
od in ic o1
: My pistol now was of no use to me, Sc
t hurling it from me, 1 drew my knife
and soon put an end to the struggle.
e gathered up my pistol, and hurried tn,
q girl into my own room and soon had tn
door securely barricaded. I then ex
e planned to her our situation, and how
S came to discover that she was to be vic
; tim.
But when I told her of the old man
i she family gasped, 'it is my father" an,
the next moment lay senseless on tn
t floor. was in trying position. I ex
pected every moment the attack of tn
IS robbers would be renewed, and in a.
e probability they would overpower US, an
then our doom would be sealed. I invol
J. UNFAIRLY cast my eyes towards the win
o dow to see if it would afford some poin
n of escape. But then the robbers coul
IS have a fair chance, could surround us an
t. murder US without show of defense.
g had all this time counted upon my fai
: companion as on assistant, not refectin
that she was a woman, and / had essay
a ed to protect her. When this though
y crossed my mind, all my combatativ
20 powers were aroused and 1 felt stron
le and competent to contend with host.
It I heard whisperings and footster
le gently stealing up the stairs. A dil
10 light shone beneath the door, and r.
l. vealed several large holes and cracks
ID l kept my eyes intently fixed in the &
y rection, while my heart palpitated so lou
d that its vibrations could be distinct
r. heard. ..- -.srg -s..
,r A slight shutting of the feet, and cras
N went several reports, while the bullet
ID whizze6 sharply about my head. III
|y girl gave shrilI scream and I groanet
and crept close to the door, which wa
d riddled with bullets, and through til
a hole l could plainly discern their a,
1T tlons. ayess.o $50 L..G .yi.a-3 aa-a8
s. l still had five shots in my revolvs
ID and determined to use them to the be.
s advantage. s4. sls a. a.1 10 f,
III He's done for. now,' said one, as
It stood eyeing the door. .la e.ns... .ee +
1 But the GAL replied little shor
ID thick set man, she fights like thur
b. DER ,. ..F - a
g. 'Ha! you coward, who would fear
in woman?' returned the first speaker wit
ii a sneer. F-iI e. asTaa. go
80 Jim Bates, Pll make you smell powds
N for that afore mornin',' said the little MAJ
Is savagely. EN- ,lg.19.s..I .E lis
d We must have this 'ere door open, an
l. suiting the action to the word an assau
d was made upon it. i DC la,a
(. I leveled my pistol and fired whel
,e with an oath the man fell back upon tn
d floor, gave two more shots when the
, lrotrootod DrpciDitatalv down etaira T re