Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-06-04

man -
81 am sorry, sir, you are cold. It's bitter
night to be abroad. Wilyou sit by the fire 70
| and she pushed chair forwar rd.
| The man made no response, but STOPPING
over, ran his fingers through the blaze. Then
he turned and stared 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.
''W ould you like to see some of the men
| folks, sir 20 she inquired. eff so, will call
! them from their beds.''
The mans laughed hoarsely and replied
emily Dean, for that believe is your na me,
| you cannot deceive me. You are alone in this
| house. | took particular care to ascertain
| that before came. SO You can make your
self easy on that score, and do as bid you.''
''DO as you bid me 20 exclaimed NJ lily, in
terror s.what do you want of me 2'
81 want the twelve hundred dollars in gold
your husband received tor his produce two
days ago. You probably know where it is.'
Milly sprang into the entry and would hav
fled, but the stranger caught her by the wrist
and dragged her roughly back.
''4ou cannot escape me, young woman" he
said. ssYou will find it most convenient to
make clear breast of it at once. 1t will be
better for you.''
Milly strove to release her arm. The rough
treatment she received aroused her temper, and
SnallOH overcome all Otner feelIngS.
''Let me go, You scoundrel, let me go, or
will call for help she cried. a
sCall you fool, said the ruffian, ssand much
good may it do you. Keep yourself still and
tell me where the money is.''
81 will not - she exclaimed, her eyes fash
ing fire.
"You will not,'' be then replied, sswe shall
see.''
He released her wrist violently that she
reeled half across the room. Then he seized
her sleeping infant from its cradle, and held
1T at arms length almost into the blazing fire,
so that the terrified mother expected to see
Its light garments catch the flame.
'sNow then where's the money F? Speak
out quick or hear your baby shrek with pain.
will burn it TO death before your eyes if you
do not tell me where the money is.'
''Monster give me my chid,' shrieked Mil
ly, endeavoring to reach the little one. ssLet
me have my baby.''
But every effort was frustrated for again and
again the strong hand of the robber thrust her
back.
'sSee, its clothes will be on fire in minute'' -
said the man, pnttil G the helpless innocent
closer to the flames. The mother looked into
his eyes. She there the look of heartless
determination. She became aware that the |
cotton garments of the child were smoking
with heat.
Chow shall it he 20 asked the ruffin. ssHur- |
ry, or the child dies. l have no time to waste
here"
''AnythIng anything, only give me my
child 10 she cried. The next instant it was
handed to her, and she sank upon the floor |
and folded it to her bosom. .
''Come," exclaimed the man, touching her |
rudeIy with his foot, ''you have not told me |
where the money is.''
ain the box on the upper SHELF" she re-
piled, pointing to the closet. @
$50 far so we'll. 1t is nearly Ill gold. / will |
- ~
leave, just you please He filled his |
pockets with the golden coin, and threw the |
empty box in the fire. Then he came and |
stood beside her.
s'Put your baby in the cradle.'' he said, ssif |
you wish to save its life. 1 have other bust |
ness for YOU
sWhat do you mean % cried Milly, eyeing |
the man with suspicion.
''Let me have him." said he, trying to
take it.
"No, no. will put the baby in the cradle |
myself. You shall not touch the poor little |
thing. Now, sir, what is it ~ she continued |
almost cboakiDg with excitement, after hav- |
ing laid the pretty infant on its downy place |
OF rest she stood erect and waited the reply. |
81 am going to kill you % said the man.
xxi me - she exclaimed, her face grow
ing pale with terror. ssKil me What have |
l ever done 20 you that you should kill me 90 |
ssNothng, nothing. my dear, only you know
you have seen me, and you will know me
again. And he advanced upon her.
80, sir, let me live. Have you not done |
enough to take my husbands money, without |
deprving him OF his wife too l will never
say word against you if you will only spare
me-only spare me ~
As she spoke she clasped her hands and
looked imploringly at him. --.- s- 81. |
81 am sorry that | cannot safely grant your |
request he responded. 'sThere is no help |
for it so come along OI6 DOORS f,f
He reached out his hand to grasp Milly, but
the instinct of Self-preServatioD was strong up |
on her. She evaded him, few to the chimney |
piece, snatchediher husbands loaded rifle from |
the hooks on which it hung, cooked and pre- |
sented it at the breast of the robber Her |
motions were rapid that before he could |
prevent it, her finger had pressed the trigger |
and there explosion. But with equal |
readiness the man stepped aside, the ball
passed over his head, and the next instant the |
grip was on her throat. zs--4J
81 will reach you how to handle arms,' he |
said. nYou would have killed me, would you? |
| will show you a trick worth two of that. -
ssMercy, mercy" cried the terrified woman.
ssThere's no mercy for you,' he CALCULATED.
He dragged her into the entry, and lung open |
the door ssOut with you into the snow"
sHold what is this 2'' exclaimed deep |
toned voice. s:Unhand that woman, you
scoundrel!''
A powerful man stood in the doorway. He
dealt the robber blow between the eyes which
struck him back into the entry. HIS grasp
of Mily was relinquished, and she fell to the
floor. laal
go, SIR" she cried to the new conner, ssave
me. This man has robbed us, and would MUIR
der me that | would not tell it.''
ssFear not, madam, he shall not harm J ou, -
responded the stranger. "FelloW, surrender
Yourself"
"Gst out of my way" cried the robber