The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1861-07-09

/ ct1uie, anu heiu ~ arm iehStn Amos
into the blazing fire. so that the terrified
mother expected to see its light garments
catch in the flames
! :" Now, then, where is the money
! Speak out quick or hear your baby
Shrek with pain. will burn it to death
before your eyes ii you do not tell me
where the money is.''
" Monster, give me my child" shrek
ed MilIy, cndeavorng to reach the little
one. Let me have my baby
| But every effort was frustrated, fol
again and again the strong hand of the
robber thrust her back.
+" See, its clothes will be on fire in n
minute" said the man, putting the help.
less innocent babe closer to the flames
The mother looked into his eyes. She
saw there the look of heartess determin-
alton. She became aware that the cotton
garments Of the child were smoking with
the heat
i" How shall it be ?" asked the ruliian.
Hurry, or the child dies. ] have no
time TO waste here"
Anything, anything, only give me
my child ?" she cried. The next instant
ii was handed her, and she sank upon
the floor and folded it to her bosom.
Come" exclaimed the man, touch
ing her rudeIy wi,h lis foot, you have
not told me where ihe money is.
A." In the box on the upper shelf. she
replied, pointing to the closet
The man found the box, placed it on
the table, and opened it, saying =
s. far we'll 1t is nearly all gold.
will pocket il with your leave or with
ont your leave, just as you please" He
filed his pocket wit! the gold coin, and
threw the empty box in the ire Then
he came &nd stood beside her.
fut your baby in the cradle" he
said, "if yon wish to save is lie. |
have other business for you"
"WLat do you meao q cried Milly.
eyoing the man with suspicion.
Let me have him. he said. frying
70 take it.
No, no, | will put the baby in the
cradle myself. You shall not touch the
poor little thing. Now. SIR she con
tinued, almost choking with excitement,
what is it?" After having laid the
pretty infant on its downy place of rest,
she stood erect and waited the reply.
| am going to XIII You ," said the
man.
Kill me = she exclaimed. her face
growing pale with terror. XII me
What have | ever dono to you that you
should kill me o.
:" Nothing, nothing, my dear, only
you know you have seen me, and you
will know me again. And lie advan-
ced upon her
20. sir, let ne live. Have You not
done enough TO take my husband mon
ey, without depriving HIM OF his wifi.
too will never say one word against
You il you viii spare me, only spare
me :"
As she spoke she clssped her hands
and looked impIoringly At him
+" | am sorry lhat cannot safely grant
your request" he responded There
j. no help for it. SO come along out
doors"
lie reached out his hand to grasp Mil
ly Rut the instinct OF seIi.preservation
was strong upon her. She eyadel him,
flew to the chimney piece. snatched her
husbands loaded rifle from the hooks ON
which II hung, cooked and psesenteI il
at tho breast Of the yobber. Her motions
were so rapid that before he could pre-
vent il, her fingers had pressed tho ,rL.
ger and there was an explosion. But
wilh equal readiness The man had step
ped aside, the ball had passed over his
head, and the next instant bis gripo was
on her throat
q viii teach you TO handle arms" hc
said. You would have killed me,
would you? | will show you trick
worth TWO of that
Mercy, mercy" cried the terrified
woman,
There is no mercy for you" he ejac
alaied. lie dragged her INTO the entry,
and flung open the door "Oat with
you into the snow
H,Id What is this ?" exclaimed q
deep toned voice. " Unhand lhat wo.
man, you scouulrel.
A powerful man stood in the doorway
lie deal. the robber = blow between the
eyes wbicli struck him back into The EN-
try. His gasp on MiIly was reiinquish
ed aud she fell TO the floor.
:. u -, - sla r,iaI J., ~