Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-12-05

In the large log cabin IN the valley OF the
streamlet Mlly Dean sat alone. Her husband
had gone TO a distant town, aud the young
wife was left with her baby. Accustomed to
the solitude, she felt safe, and sat in content
ment before the blazing fire the flames leap
ed righ jnyfully up the chimney. and the green
logs sZzled end cracked in the heat like things
OF life Out doors the wind was bowling dreaF-
lily. and the snow falling heavily but Mil!y
cared bot, for it only made the FIRE more cheer
full
There came rapping at the door.
How strange Who eau that he at our
door in this wild night p she said to herself, as
she rose aud went into the little entry.
Who is there 2" she asked
For heavens sake, let me in | am freez-
ing to death p was the reply
Who are you and bow came you in this
lonely place GU such an evening as this p
am Traveller from below lost my
way, and l AN dying with cold. For PHYS
sake let ne in, OF shall perish p
MiIIy hesiIaled. She was alone. aud it was
three miles TO the nearest neighbor's. What
should she do? She paused in perpIexity.
o, save me-save me ! | am dying T.
were the words that met her hearing There
was heavy fall against the sill, and then low
moanS Her wOman's nature could stand no
more true 10 the instinct OF her being, she
uHharrrd the door aud threw it open. A close
/ y mufflsd figure rterd by her iHto the room,
and Shuttng the door she followed. On reach
! ing fire place the stranger threw off his dis
guiSe, aud stood erect aud strong, without
! >lgn Of Inconvenience from the effect of the
weather. Mhiy reIreated from him in amaze
ment bat recovering herself, and putting the
| heSI face on the matter, she TREMENDOUSLY ad-
| dressed the man: 4
! | am sorry, sir, You are cold. Its bit
/ ter night to be abroad. Will you not SIT by
/ the fire ?" aud she pushed chair forward
! The man made o response, but StoOping
| over. raa his fingers through the bIaza Then
he turned and sta ed at her with look which
made her blood run cold She would pretend
there were Others in the house, for she already
felt afraid of the man, and bitterly regretted
having admitted him.
"WoId you Ike to see some Of the men
folks. SIR % she inquired "lf 20, | viii call
them from their beds -
The mau laughed hoarsely and replied
Mllly Dean, for that | believe is yOar
name, YOU cannot deceive me- You are alone
in this house | took particular care TO as
certain that before came. 80 YOU may make
( Yourself easy on that score aud DO as | bid
YOU
DO IS you bid me !" exclaimed Milly, in
terror what do you want of me ?'
| want the twelve hundred dollars in gold
y0ur husband received for bj> produce two
days ago You probably know where il is "
Maly >praug iu;o the eutry and would have
I fed, bat the stranger caught her by the wis,
aud dragged h- roughly back
luu cannot escape ne, yOunT woman,
{ be sad. Iuu viii foi ;mo>t convenient TO
make 3 clear bre4s. Of = {: Ouce Il vii IL
better for yuu"
Mliy >trove TO release her arm. The rough
treatment She received aroused her temper, auI
indignation overcome all other feelings
l., NE 20. yoa Scounlrel, let NE 20, or
will call for help" she cried.
Can. son fool. Sa'd the rafian q and
much good may 1t ID you. Keep yourself s;lR
aud tell me where tBe money j.
vii not y she exclaimed, her eyes fash
/ ing FIRE
You will no:," he tnen replied, 1--WE shall
see
He released her wrist 50 violently that she
reel-d half across the room Then be seized
her sleeping infant from its cradle. aud held il
At arms length almost into the blazing fire,
% that the terrified mother expected to see its
light garments catch the fame.
Now then where's the money Speak
ont quick or hear yonr baby shrek With pain
| vii burn it to death before yoar eyes If you
do not tell me where the money IS
Monster give me my child" shriekeC
Millv, endeavorng TO reach the little one
" Let me have nv bsby'
Bot every effort was frustrated. for again
ami again The strong hand of the robber
thrust her back.
" See. its clothes will be on FIRE in min
Ute said the nan, putting the helpless IN
uocent closer to the flames. The mother look
ed iatO his eYe> She saw there the look OF
hear1leSs determination. She become aware
that the cotton garments of the child wete
smoking with the heat.
How shall it be = asked the rufian-|
" HurrF, or the child dies. | bare no time
TO waste here"
Anything. anything, only give me my
child 7" she cried. The next instant II was
handed 10 her, and she sauk upon the door
and folded il 10 her bosom
Come, exrlaimed the man, touching her
rudely with bis foot, you have not told me
where The money is.
a. IL the box on the upper shelf, she replied,
pointing 10 The closet.
The mau found tie box, placed Il on tie Ia
BILE and opened il saying -
so far 50 well. Ii IS nearly all gold ]
will pocket 1t xIGh your leave or without yoar
leave. just a. ynu please tie filed MS pock-
els wItn the golden com, ,sUd threw the empty
box in The irs. Then be came and stool be
SIDE her
+" Put your baby in the crsdle, be said,
Fif you wish 10 save its life / have other