Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1861-04-19

was . heavy fall against the sill, and then
low means. Her woman nature could stand
no more true to the instincts of her being.
she unbarred the door and threw il omen.
A closely -muffled figure reeled by her into
the room, and shutting the door she followed.
On reaching the fireplace, the stranger
threw off his disguise, and stood erect and
strong, without sign Of Inconvenience from
the effects of the weather. Milly retreated
from him in amazement; but recovering her.
self, and putting the best face on the matter.
she TREMENDOUSLY addressed the man -
II am sorry, sir, you are so cold. II is
bitter night to be abroad. VIII you not sit
by the fire?' And she pushed chair for.
ward.
The man made no response. but stoopinp
over ran his fingers through the blaze -
Then he turned and stared at her with
look which made her blood run cold. A
bright thought came into her mind. She
would pretend there were Others in the house
for she already felt afraid of the man. and
bitterly regretted having admitted him.
Would you like to see some Of the men
folks, sir ?' she inquired, "If so, will cali
them from their bed"
The man laughed hoarsely and rcplied =
"Milly Dean, for that believe is your
name, you cannot deceive me. You are All
alone in this house. took particular care
to ascertain that before I came. So Won
may as well make yourself easy on that score
and do as bid YOU" -
"Do as you bid me-" exclaimed Mi,ly. in
terror what do you want Of me ~
~ want the twelve hundred dollars in
gold your husband received for his produce
two days ago. You probably know where
it is" -
Milly sprang into the entry and would
have fed, but the stranger caught her by the
wrist and dragged her roughly back.
"You cannot escape me. Young woman. !"
he said. "You will find it most convenient
to make clean breast of it at once Il will
be better for you.''
Milly strove to release her arm. The
rough treatment she received aroused her
temper, and indignation overcome all other
feelings.
"Let me 60, yon scoundrel, Let me CO. or
| will call for help" she cried.
"Call, you fool" said the brutal fellow
and much good may it do you Keep your.
self still and tell me where the money is"
81 will mott" she exclaimed, her ewes
flashing fire.
"You will not" he replied; "we shall
scc."
He released her wrist so violently that she
reelcd half across the room. Then he seized
that sleeping infant from its cradle, and held
it arms length almost into the blazing fire.
SO that the terrified mother expected to see
its light garments catch the flames.
"Now, then, where is the moneyp Sneak
out quick or hear your baby Shrek with
L hspr % A
eyes if you do not tell me where the money
Monster, give me my child" shrieked
Mllly, endeayoring to reach the little one
- Let me have my baby"
But every effort was frustrated, for again
and again the strong hand of the robber
thrust her back.
"Sse, its clothes will be on ire in a minute"
said the man, putting the helpless innocent
closer, to the flames. The mother looked in.
to his eyes. She saw there the look of heart
less determination. She became aware that
the cotton garments of the child were smok-
ing with the heat
How shall it be?" asked the rufian.-
a" Hurry, or the child dies. have no time
to waste here"
Anything, anything, only give me my
child p she cried The next instant it was
handed her, and she sank upon the floor and
folded it to her BOSOM
Come" exclaimed the man, touching her
rudely with his foot, "you have not told me
where the money is"
:" In the box on the upper SHELF" she re-
piled, pointing to the closet.
The man found the box, placed It on the
table, and opened it, saying
So far well. 1t is nearly all gold. Twill
pocket it with your leave or without your
leave, just as you please" He filed his
pocket with the gold coin, and throw the emp
ty box in the fire. Then he came and stood
beside her.
Put your baby in the CRADLE" he said,
eff you wish to save its life. have other
business for you"
:" What do you means" cried Milly, eye
ing the man with suspicion.
:" Let me have him, y he said, trying to take
it.
mo, no, will put the baby in the cradle
myself. You shall not touch the poor little
thing. Now, sir" she continued, almost
| choking with excitement, "what is ity'-
After having laid the pretty infant on its
downcy place of rest, she stood erect and
waited the reply.
Il am going to kill you?" said the man.
Kill me - she exclaimed, her face grow
ing pale with terror. "Kill mel What
have ever done to you that you should kill
me p
Nothing, nothing, my dear, only you
know you have seen me, and you will know
me again" And he advanced upon her.
20, sir, let me live. Have you not done
enough to take my husbands s money. with
out depriving him of his wife too? will
never say one word against you il you will
spare me, only spare me r.
AS she spoke she clasped her hands and
looked imploringly at him.
II am sorry that cannot safely grant
your request" he responded. "There is no
help for it, so come along out DOORS
tie reached out his hand to grasp Milly.-
But the instinct of self.preservation was
strong upon her. She evaded him, few to
the chimney piece, snatched her husbands 3
loaded rifle from the hooks on which it hung.
cooked and presented it at the breast of the
robber, Her motions were SO rapid that BE-
fore he could prevent it. her fingers had press-
ed the trigger and there was an explosion
But with equal readiness the man had step-
ped aside, the ball had passed over his head.