Smyrna times., 1862-03-06

fearful oath, the man fell back upon the floor.
gave them two more shots, when they re-
treated preclpltateIy down stairs. | reloaded
my pistol and returned to my companion, who
was trying 10 stop the blood which was flowing
from wound in her neck.
fear, sir, my life is short; and I sincerely
thank you for your kind protection she feeby
murmered and sank exhausted upon the bed.
was about TO offer some assistance, when |
again heard steps upon the stairs and earnest
talking as of persons demonstrating. Thinking
the attack at the door would be renewed,
drew the bedstead against it, and threw the
light bedding over the head-board, and thus
formed kind of breast work.
Say, Mister, don't shoot, | want to speak
few words with you, said voice OF the head Of
the stairs.
I'll shoot the first man who comes near that
door, replied savagey.
'Oh no, don't I'm your friend,' he replied,
in tene that carried treachery with it come
to the door, will you!'
Yes, but don't you come
Il won't-are you there!
Yes
'Close!'
yes
felt slight moving of the bed over the
trap, during which time the man outside kept
up an inceasant jabber.
One end of the bed was raising softly, and
taking hold of it with my left hand, gently
ca ased it up, until could discover head above
the opening.
'Are you at the door!'
Yes and simultaneously with my answer
went a leaden messenger through the head of
the fellow in the trap, and bang came a bullet
through the door.
The sound Of heavy fall announced that
my shot had taken effect.
| Isearched for the revolver the girl had used,
and fortunately found it, and was happy to dis
cover that but one load had been shot out OF it.,
which | replaced, and being thus reinforced
felt more confident OF victory.
But 10 overcome this gang seemed almost
hopeless, as their numbers might be very large,
and | SO far from assistance. But might not
some providential circumstance traHspre TO
deliver me from the hands ofthese desperadoes.
| was determined TO 60 my best, and leave the
result in the hands of Him who directs the af.
fairs of men.
A neise at the window drew my attention,
and caught the glimps of mans head sewly
T rising above the sill. Taking deliberate aim
gave him the contents OF one barrel, and he
descended much quicker than he came up.
What would be the Hext feature of the pro-
gramme | could not imagine, but like wilt
beast at bay, closely watched every move, anC
had my ears open 10 every sound. But felt
that something decisive must be done, for day
would soon make Its appearance, and then theJ
would have the advantage of me.
Again they were ascending the stairs, nov
determined to put an end TO the contest, and
! possible overcome them and make them come t
terms, or die in the attempt.
drew the bedstead around so as to pretec
; me from the fire, and then stationed myseI
! near the door, but beyond their reach.
Crash went an axe against the door, and tn
!; plinters flew in every direction. 1t was bu
> the work of a moment to break the door in, an
/ wnen it fell from its fastenDgs l sailed fort
n with revolver in each hand. One man droE
ped before me, another reeled and then 1e
h precipitatey down stairs. few shets wer
O returned, one OF which took effect in my ehou
il der as felt the blood trickle down my side,
q increased my desperation. | rushed after theI
t. fireing whenever | was sure that nay she
Il would be effectual. When reached the bal
q room | could see but one man. and as he 1e
) through the door gave him my last shot. II
/. fell, and begged me to spare him, as he wa
;. the only remaining one of the party. Thinl
81 ing he was SO crippled he could not escape,
" returned to the house, and taking a ligh
searched it thoroughly, and could not 6Q
RI another live man about it ; then ascended Ii
" stairs and found the girl had somewhat recove
At ed. We then set about dressing cur wounG
of and were SO absorbed in the matter, that d
s not notice gIaring light which was breakin
il through the door.
ID The house is on Gre,' exclaimed the gi
" springiag to her feet.
d Taking her by the hand we rushed TO Il
I'd stairway, but it was a continuous sheet of fir
n. We then returned TO the window, and indir
ly the ladder still there by which the man hi
Mt ascended, thus effecting our escape fro
Y. another imminent danger.
he The man had set the house on FIRE, and eth
nd perished in the flames, or dragged himself
49, some place of cOncealment.
d. Finding two horses in a small stable Gloss
if we took possession of them, aud returned to
en- little town on the Mississippi river. The leV
Id ly girl and myself, who met SO strangely, Dev
of parted, but remained one and the same un
nv death. Nor have we ever forgotten the Re
ug BER's RoosT, OR HANS LAST VICTIM.
10