Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1861-03-01

position.
As |! knelt, be suddenly started, and
pricked up his ears his glance fixed
steadily on point beyond nae. turned
quickly. In the wall, close by us was a
door, which had been unnoticed by me
before, so absolutely did it resemble a
panel like the rest, and which was now
slowly, softly unclosing. was kneeling
so near it that, as it opened and moved
back, it eftciually concealed me from
the view Of the one who was entering.
/ pressed my hand on the neck of my
dog, whom felt ready to spring upon
the intruder.
AS have said, | was behind the open
ing door. / waited to see the visitor pass
the screen thus afforded.
lie passed-cautiously-noiselessly ];
long knife cleaning in his right hand
his back towards me. 1t was the
landlord Softly creeping toward the
foot of my bed, which faced this secret
door, and the curtains Of which were
closed. rose softly to my feet, still re-
straining the dogs impatient eagerness.
A board creaked under my feet-the
murderer turned-beheld me, and sprang
upon me with a savage cry. My hand
slipped from the uplifed arm that
grasped was thrown down-the knife
was uplifted! Swift, silent, sure was the
dogs leap His white teeth fastened
in the assassin's arm, who reeled with
the violence of the shock, and fell back
ward, his head striking the bed-post;
and he lay senseless where he fell.
And the dog, the faithful creature who
had saved my. life when the murderer's
steel was at my very throat, released
his now harmless victim, and springing
upon me overwhelmed me with passion
ate caresses.
I was saved The man lay there
without sense or motion, the knife still
gliuering 10 his clasp--a horrible object
in the quiet moonlight flooding the room.
Nobly had the aGectionate animal beside
Inc repaid me for the protection he had
received at my hands.
And now, satisfying myself that the
wretch was only stunned, and would soon
revive, hastily sDatched away my mon
ey and watch from under the pillow, and
the rest of my things quickly
together, sprang from my window to the
shed below, with my faithful dog, and
reaching the ground, fastened towards
the stable. One thing surprised me, that
| behelI not a living soul-that the other
inmates Of the place, if there we're any
shout, failed to have been aroused,
Through tho silvery silence Of the /
night we sped on. Along the road, here,
here was not a single dwelling for miles
aud miles, and strange and lonely ride
enough did that seem 10 me, escaping
rom danger and death. 1t all seemed
ike some uneasy dream. l patted my
horse, and gave friendly and afftctionate
word to my faithful dog, ever and anon,
md their companionship and mute SYM
,athy cheered me. had gone at rsth-
sr rapid pace at FIRST, to get away from
he proximity to that fatal spot, but
as the distance from it incrsas-
j, | somewhat slackeaed my pace for
knew that my four footed companions
must be wearied with the fatigue they
lad already undergone.
Suddenly, when l reached, perhaps
o about seven mics from the inn, heard
ounds behind me that caused me to turn
ny head suddenly, and at the same time
ny dog sent forth a low mournful howl
hat chilled me. The sounds that heard
we're the rapidly approaching PAGES Of
lorses, mufled by the turf and there not
. hundred yards distant, were two horse
nen flying along in the Moonlight to-
wards me.
l had no doubt as to who they we're
hey were some accomplices Of the land
ord's, whom | bad chanced to elude in
making my escape; they were pursuing
ne, determined, suppose, not to loose
heir prey. they were gaining on me at
rapid rate. II had heard them soon
r there might have been some chance
or me but, as it was, they had kept on
he turf, so that their approach had been
ecret, and my situation was now one
f undeniable danger, had brought
ny pistols with me; but Of what use
Gere they, unloaded ? | was in no con-
ition to contend with these rullians, {
robably well armed and prepared for
.ruggle. Resolved to try my speed {
gainst theirs, / tightened the rein, whis-
IL 10 nv doo ond almost nav. o.or tba 1