The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-04-04

moose. slipped it dexterously over the hand
tightened it rapidly at the wrist, and fastened
it securely at the other end to the leg of the
heavy kitchen table, leaving his visitor out
side to enjoy the dawn and early morning air
while he quietly returned to bed to finish Sc
curely his nights repose. But few mo-
ments' reflection convinced me that my best
means OF resistance were rather passive than
active, and that | might more safely rely on
them. In the first place, quickly ascertain
ed that my room had two powerful bolts be-
sides heavy lock. had contented myself
on going to bed with turning the KEY in the
lock, but | now endeayored to shoot the up.
per and lower bolts; these | found very much
rusted, but with the aid Of little Macassar
oil soon overcame their resistance While
was thus employed the work of the center
blt was again resumed, and every movement
OF the housebreaker was again before me.
now looked round me for some weapon
that might serve me in case of need, and
found tolerably heavy poker, which satisfied
me that had something besides bolts to re-
ly on. My preparations for attack and de-
Tense being now completed, coolly awaited
the next step Of the housebreaker, feeling
something like tortoise in his she'll, or like
Robinson Crusoe in his lonely citadel. a
slight lowering of the flame of the candle
from current of air which rushed up the
staircase and beneath my door, shove me
that the burglar had effected his entrance: in
another moment his footstep was on the
broad staircase. He stepped with the cau-
ton of one proceeding on tiptoe, with the
least possible noise, but having ascended
three or four steps, there was an apparent
halt. knew perfectly we'll what he was do
ing, and the measured creak of the staircase
tnencetorward alone gave notice of his ap-
proach with shoelesS teet. In spite of my
preparations, it is impossible to deny that
my heart beat violently. l relied, however,
upon this, namely, that the burglar being ap-
parently alone, he would hesitate to attack a
man whom he found awake and vigilant, and
who for aught he knew, might be prepared
with firearms, or prove more than match
for himself in point OF personal strength or
courage; onl! on the supposition of finding
me asleep and unprepared could he hope to
succeed in his attack.
The footsteps now drew nearer, and could
be marked advancing along the passage
They came at last to halt by the door, and
despite of my internal assurance that imme-
diate personal violence upon NE was impos-
sible, found myself irresistibly grasping my
poker in unison with the grasp which the
burglar cautiousl y made upon the handle of
my door, Finding, as he probably had an
tlclpated, that my door was locked, he lost no
time in commencing his operations, with the
view of Introducing himself into my apart
ment. The peculiar noise Of the center-bit
recommended, and the burglar no doubt
thought that all was going on prosperously
for the execution OF his netarlous project.
however, felt that could stand this 10 lon
ser, and thought it figh time to let him
kno" that | was awake and on my guard
Rising from my seat, and stepping heavily a
cross the floor, shouted in grutf voice,
shoot you through the head? BE off; for
by Heaven. if that had of yours makes its
appearance inside my door, You shall carry a.
way bloody stump
The immediate withdrawal of the center
bit, and the hurried retreat of my enemy, sat-
lshed me of the success Of my threat. and
having heard the housedoor closed and the
footsteps retreating through the garden,
betook myself to bed, and slept soundly dur
Ing the few hours still left me.
The hcstler came to rouse me in the morn
ing, bringing fly for my conveyance to the
inn. When he found the entrance door un-
bolted and the panels cut through in three
places, he expected, | beev,, to find my
throat cut as dlsagreeable Sequitur; and
was Infinitely surprised as well as relieved to
see me up and dressed, and in excellen,
health and spirits. told him briefly how
had frustrated the burglars attempt; and a:
he appeared much interested in the narrative
accompanied him to the front door. wher4
he examined with much attention the mark:
Of the ccnterbit with something of the air O
a connoisseur admiring beautiful picture OF
piece of sculpture.
'Ay, ay,' said he at length, as if speaking
to himself, 'the man that cut them hole
know'd how to handle the tool
SO strongly did this sentiment of admira
ton appear to operate on his mind, that a
the conclusion of our journey during which
observed that he was driving very abstract
edly, getting twice locked with passing carts
and narrowly evading the massacre Of Who'll
drove of young pigs he informed me that h.
had invented two lines of poetry on the occa
sion, which ran as follows:
"Whosomedever handled that there tool,
Nobody oughtn't to call he fool.
. lie was evidently extremely proud of thi
efiusion, and much gratifed at my assuranc
that considered it very remarkable piec
of poetry.
! The court opened at nine a. m., and previ
Gus to its opening had much to do. Fresl
witnesses on both sides had come up durin
the night-those on our side it was necessar
| should see before going into count. | ha,
an appointment with counsel at eight. Al
together my head and hands were so full tina
had no time 10 see my landlord and narrat
to him my adventure.
Contrary to all my expectations, the waite
case could not be arranged, and was now t
be heard before mine: but as it might sti
be settled at any moment We were all, at
torneys and witnesses, compelled to renal
in court in case Of such an event occurring
which indeed it did about midday, and unit
eight o'clock that evening was my ever
thought absorbed in the conduct and consiC
Grafton of the cause in which | was engage
. aid which was now before tie court. a
, half-past eight the court rose, leaving nearl
the half of my witnesses unexamined, one IT
) suit of which was that | should be compelle
to spend another night from home.
J Having some misgvings as to passing tn
night again in the lonely house, l repaire
at once to the hotel, and calling the LANDLORD
, related to him my adventure Of the previor
niaht and exnresSed my unxillin neness +