Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1860-05-17


The ball struck the mantel, and glancing
entered the shoulder Of the boy, who wit
a fearful shrek, fell, bleeding and staggel
ing, into the corner. Leaping into rathe
than drawing on my pants, grappled th
other just as bis feet touched the floor
He grappled me likewise, in such a man
ner as to preclude the use of my pis
tol. We rolled over and over upon th
floor. Now was uppermost-now he
The interesting passage of arms was no
without spectators. At the report of m
pistol, the old man had sprung from hi
bed, and rushed to my door, where he stoo'
paralyzed with terror at the awful worl
going on, without power to move or speak
The old woman made up part of his de
ficiency. Without leaving the bed, sh'
screamed at the top of her voice-and i
was powerful une-"murder! Fire help
help, help. Though she was in the loft
and that had no window, yet so efectua
were her exertions that the neighbors came
rushing into the room, just as, by strainine
every muscle, I had managed 10 get my
grip on the villains throat, and my knet
on his breast. l should have finished hin
in few sesonds, had not those entering
desired to monopolize the credit of the
capture, by way, I suppose, of compensa
tion for their broken rest.
ats Bully Lake. 1 always thought
he'd be caught in some such scrape as this
'ere!"
"Don't let the man kill him; save him
for an example. There's some getting to
be like him, that want warning.
They pulled me to my feet, bound the
fellow, and dragged him away with them.
The boy in all this confusion had lain un-
noticed, and was evidently bleeding to
death. This could not bear to see, now
that the excitement had passed. 1 took
him and laid him ON the bed, saying at
the same time to Mr.. B. who had in some
measure regained his faculties.
"This boy,-what shall we do with him |?
1t won't dc to let him die"
"No no, poor fellow. 1 always pitied
him, for be was always a quiet lad, and
never did any mischief but what the old
rascal forced him into"
A loud shout arose from the crowd,
who had again surrounded the House.
They had in some way discovered the boys
participation in this business, and were
eager to make an example of MIN also
"Whar's the boy?" Let's have the lousy,
bloody-minded little sarpent?"
With the assistance of Mr.. B. I barred
the door securely, and then leaned from the
window towards the crowd.
Men, gentlemen, citizens am stranger
and gentleman. Please listen to me-"
They were still in moment. The
prowess had displayed before their eyes,
few minuets before, had convinced them
that l was gentlemen, according to the
stringent rules of Arkansas etiquette.
"The boy is severely wounded; bleeding
to death. Now l ask you, would it be
Christian or human to abuse him in such
a state? Leave him with me. He shall
be kept close, and delivered up to you at
proper time. Send a physician immediate
ly, if there is one in the settlement"
They seemed impressed, broke up into
little groups, and after some muttered talk
among themselves, quietly withdrew. 1
turned to my prisoner. Old Mrs. B. had
at last ventured upon the scene of action,
and her pity had so far overcome her fears,
that she was making preparations for do
mestic surgery, by tearing sheet, one of
the only pair in the house, into strips for
bandaging. I removed the poy's ragged
jacket, tore open the dirty flannel shirt,
when, Heavens and earth! that fair neck,
and that swelling bosom-they were those
of girl. Here was case for embarrass-
ment. l, a bachelor. was almost en-
barrassed, and would at once have left her
to the care of the old lady, but single
glance at that venerable individual, still
trembling with fright, showed that her
care would inadequate. Delicacy must
Join hands with necessity, said to myself;
SO l proceeded to wash away the clotted
blood and prevent its further flow by press
ing my thumb on the wound. The doctor
entered while 1 was engaged, and gladly
transferred the responsibility to him. He
declared that the injury was only a flesh
wound, and that serious results woul be
obviated by careful nursing. I was anx-
ous for reasons ofmy own, that the pris-
oner's sex should be kept secret from the
aeighborhood, and the doctor, being an ac-
man, and withal, thinking
hat fun might come of it, assented
willingly. We then left her to the moth
srly attentions of Mrs. B. 1t was nearly
daylight. 1 spread a blanket on the
kitchen floor, spread myself upon that,
md slept soundly till luog after sunrise.
On awakening, I resolved to remain in
he settlement few days. and the old folks
we're only too happy to have me make
ny home at their house as long as I would,
strolled about the village, and found
myself hero whever I went. l learned
Court would sit in Penthrake in week,
md that Bully Lake was in jail there
In the afternoon 1 visited my captive pa
lent. Mrs. BIS. skillful nursing had
wrought wonders to her appearance. She
vas lying, propped up by the pillows
Her pale face flushed asI entared, and she
last upon me an apprehensive glance
which changed to one of joyful surprise as
'he saw the sympathy depicted on my
She appeared to be about
seventeen years of age. Her features,
though not beautiful, were remarkably in
and bore a cast of refinement