Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1860-06-07
THURSDAY MORNING, JUNE 7, 1850.
every pore-my hairstood ere,t--cvery nerve

every pore-my hairstood erect--cvery nerve
| in my body quivered with terror.
"But time WAS passing and some decisive
step must be taken. could not call to my
aid the faithful negro, who slept in the ad-
joining apartment, because the first sound Of
my voice would expose ME to the attack of
my Unseen antagonist. Thi,s compelled to
act, the robbcr would first murder the master
as he lay defenceless, and then make his es-
cape over the dead body of the slave, which
was his only avenrv for Hight, as my win
dows were secuted by iron bars. Should |
strike light Lucifer matches were then
unknown, and the only mode of procuring
one was by flint and steel. must therefore
strike fire from these, ignite the tinderj and
light match-three operations instead of
one-and these delays would materially af-
feet the chances in desperate struggle for
life. Besides, in the darkness, the blows OF
the assassin's knife would be more amless
and uncertain, and this would be an advan-
tage in my favor.
"All these thoughts passed through my
mind with the rapidity OF lightning. |
stretched out my hand, quietly and cautiously,
and seized dagger which lay upon chair
by the bedside. Thus armed, and on my
guard, became more calm and resolute,
awaiting the commencement OF struggle
which the means of defence in my hands
rendered more equal, and lucky blow might
enable me to overcome my opponent.
"Our beds III the island OF Cuba have no
mattress resting upon the ticking-but are
merely made up by placing single blanket
upon the canvas-so that only this partition
separated me frem the intruder, and at any
moment his sharp dagger might pierce the
Intervening barrier and reach my heart.
Minutes dragged ON like hours, and lay
with untiring vigilance, watching for some
movement OF my enemy. Sometimes per-
feet stiffness reigned, and again the half
suppressed rustng, accompanied by the same
mysterious wheeling had first heard, were
repeated at regular intervals. This suggested
to me the idea that perhaps the murderer,
while waiting for favorable opportunity
had fallen asleep al d moved uneasily in his
dreams. But while was laying this fiat
tering un :tion to my soul, felt cold touch
upon my hand; and fearing that might be
seized with an iron grasp, and takeE ut dis
advantage, struck violently in the direction
OF the OF ject, which was Instantly withdrawn
But ere could exut over the success of my
first attempt, the bed upon which | rested
was seized, apparently by two arms of tre-
, mendous muscle, and compressed together
with vice like power. In vain ! struggled
to free myself-iu vain | aimed violent blows
in every direction with my dagger. Iseemed
but pigmy in the hands of giant. My
couch was crushed together like bundle of
reeds, and seemed to shut me up as in an
iron cage. There was the impenetrable dark
ness--the silence-the midnight hour--and
nothing but this ceaseless compression, and
this mysterious breathing, to betray the
presence of living creature. | strove with
all the energy of despair; | strained every
muscle to its utmost tension; shouted for
help; ! NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. prayed
to have an end put to my misery.
cat length, alter an age OF horror, my
African servant appeared with light; but