Smyrna times., 1862-03-06

iuS'ShiHS WudteVerS nor was anything COnFe"
nlent with which it could be secured.
Determined not to be baffied tore a strip OF
board from the wall, and with my knife cut
piece sufficiently long TO make brace from the
lower cleat of the floor. Then with my pocket
KNIFE bored holes in the casing at the upper
end. and drawing several nails from the wall
L drove them IN with the handle of my large
knife. Having examined the walls, and appre-
heOdlns no treachery from them, secured the
window, and then turned my attention to the
floor Beneath the bed | discovered a trap
door, and its discovery made my hair stand on
end | found it opened downward, and the
possibility of securing it strongly seemed hope
less.
Once thought of removing the bed, and
then watching, as a trapper does q hole in the
Ice for game. But that would not do, for
should successfully repulse the first intruder
for | no longer had a doubt of being in
Robbers Roost-it would leave a hole open
which would expose me to their fire. AT length
a plan came to my relief, moved the bed
from over the door, and taking the clothes off,
threw the chaffb upon the floor, and direct
y over the suspected trap. But, Oh horror
what discovery, made. The bed was satu-
rated with blood, and in many places hard from
the gore which had dried in it,
! Having thus fortified myself, teok seat on
one end ofthe bed, with my saddle bags close
by me, my knife in one hand, and my revolver
in the other, and my ammunition convenient
in case ] should need it. | blew out nv light
and in darkness awaited the announcement OF
the plot. How long | waited | could not tell,
but in spite Of my perious situation, my eyes
grew heavy, and | was almost overcome with
sleep But any easy moving ofthe bed aroused
all my parceptive faculties, and in an instant
was wide awake. II moved several times
quite easy, and then all became quiet. listen
ed a few moments but could hear nothing.
Presently a faint whisper from an adjoining
room came; my eyes followed the direction.
and | saw a small stream of light pouring
through an opening in the partition. / stole
softly, and listened a moment. then pat my
, eye to the opening and had fair view of the
operations inside.
r So horrible was the sight then beheld, that
its recOllections will never be erased from my
5 memory. Hanging from the bed, and with his
: head nearly severed from his body, was old,
grey headed man, while the purple current OF
life was steadily streaming from the cash.
reeled moment with dizziness, and was about
to withdraw from the scene, when the doer
: opened very softly, and a person entered.
looked again, and three of the men had seen
in the bar,room were standing near the bed.
9 why, Hans said one, Il thought you had
], fixed him by this time.'
l Wen have trouble with that customer said
t Hans. shaking his head, he is up to something
n be put his bed over the trap
d The devil" they both exclaimed and looked
e at each other in surprise.
o I'VE must manage him, somehow, sale
Hans, for he has money, am certain of that.
!, Hadn't we better attend TO that ere ga
fret = suggested one.
y Yes, the old man is fixed, now for the gal
and picking up the light, they left the room.
d What girl! thought |. Is it possible tina
some person as unfortunate as myself has bee
i, compelled to stop here.
e listened eagerly, and presently a cras
Ie came, followed by a shrIll scream. spran
~ toward my door, bat recollecled that had
well secured. | hesilated q memeht whe
n another scream more terrific than the frs
X followed by the sharp report of pistol.
es was but the work of a moment to unfasten tn
Is door and dash out. As sprang into the pa:
,e sage met two men, who fired almost simulti
Id neeusly, bnt without effect. | leVelled my r.
volver and sent the contents of one barre
K. through the head Of one, who tumbed heavli
n. down stairs dragging his compaiOn with him.
a | rushed into the room, and found the gl
to sheltered behind the bed, keeping Hans at ba
he with revolver. AS entered, Hans sprang
ne me with a fendIsh expression, and in spite
nd my Efforts seized me in his hercuean clutche
Ny pistol now was of use, co huring
er from me, | drew my knife and soon put an er
by to the struggle. | hurried the girl into n
room, and soon had the door securely barrica
en- ed. | then explained to her our situation al
IN. how came TO discover she was 10 be vietiT
But when | told her of the old man, she faint
of gasped, it is my father and the next nome
re. lay senseless on the aoor. l was now in a tr
ing position. | expected every moment Il
81. attack of the robbers would be renewed, al
I'D that in all possibility they would overpower
and then our doom would be sealed. invG
he, UNFAIRLY cast my eyes toward the window, as
IN. it would afford soma point Of escape. But tn
the robbers would have q fair chance, cou
wn surround us, and murder US without a show
defence. | had all this time counted upon q
he fair compa Mon as an assistant, not refect
me that she was a woman, and had essayed
protect her. When this thou ght crossed 1
but mind, all my combative powers were arouse
and felt strong and competent to contend vi
,ly, a host.
one now heard whispering and footsteps gen
yer stealing up the stairs. A dim light shoae
neath the door, and revealed several Lar
lick holes aud cracks. l kept my eyes inten
80 fixed 10 the direction, while my heart pa lpi
ing ted so loud that its vibrations could be dstnc
! to heard.
ded slight shufiliDg Of the feet and crash, cr'
los went several reports, while bullets whiz
ng.' sharply about my head. The girl gave a sh
and scream, groaned and crept close to the dc
lr, | which was ridded with bullets. aRd throl
by the holes could plainly discern their actor
ould still had FIVE shots 10 my revolver, and
, ut termiued to use them to the best advantage
He's done for now said one, as he 81
ir OF eyeing the door.
shed Bat the gal' replied little short, Il
need maa, sske fights like thunder
tion, sHa you coward, you would fear q won
returned the first speaker with sneer.
ger,' Jim Bates, pli make you smell powde
lows that afore mornin', said the hl'le man saw
ly. 49,,
9 he I'VE must have this ere door open
.. | ssiIing the sciieD 10 the wordS' sn assauh
ce Of made upon il.