Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1862-02-21

ona1 sone person as unfortunate as myself
has been compelled to stop here.
listened eagerly, and presently a
crash came, followed by shrill scream.
| sprang toward my door, but recollected
that | had it we'll secured. | hesitated
a moment, when another scream more
terrific than the first, followed by the
sharp report of pistol. 1t was but the
work of moment to unfasten the door
aud dash out. As sprang into the pas
sage met two men, who fred almost
simultaneously, but without effect. 1lev-
elled my revolver and sent the contents
of one barrel through the head of one,
who tumbled heavily down stairs drag
ging his companion with him.
| rushed into the room, and found the
girl sheltered behind the bed, keeping
Hans at bay with revolver As en-
tered, Hans sprang at me with fiendish
expression, and in spite of my efforts,
seized me in his herculean clutches. Ny
pistol how was of no use, SO hurting it
from me, | drew my knife and soon put
an end to the struggle. | hurried the
girl into my own room, and soon had the
door securely barricaded. | then ex-
planned to her our situation and how |
came to discover she was to be victim
But when | told her of the old man, she
family gasped, a" it is my father" and
the next moment lay senseless on the
floor. | was now in trying position
| expected every moment the attack of
the robbers would be renewed, and that
in all possibility they would ovcrpowcr
us, and then our doom would be sealed.
| Involuntary cast my eyes towards the
window, as if it would afford some point
of escape. But then the robbers would
have a fair chance, could surround US,
and murder us without show of defence
| had all this time counted upon my fair
companion as an assistant, not rejecting
that she was woman, and | had essay
ed to protect her. When this thought
crossed my mind, all my combative pow
ers were aroused, and felt strong and
competent to contend with host.
I now heard whisperings and footsteps
gently stealing up the steps. A dim
light shone beneath the door, and re-
vealed several large holes and cracks. |
kept my eyes intcntly fixed in ti.e direc-
ton, while my heart palpitated 50 loud
that its vibrations could be distinctly
heard.
A slight shutting of the feet aud
crash, crash went several reports, while
bullets whizzed sharply about my head.
The girl gave shill scream, l groaned
aud crept close to the door,, which was
riddled with bullets, and through the
holes | could plainly discern their ac-
tions.
| still had five shots in my revolver,
and determined to use them to the best
advantage.
Z" He's done for now," said one, as he
stood cycling the door.
I" But the gall" replied little, short,
thick man, she fights like thunder"
+" Ha you coward, you would fear
woman" returned the first speaker with
a sneer.
Jim Bates, I'll make you smell pow
der for that afore mornin'," said the lit
tic man, savagely.
we must have this ere door open,"
and, suitng the action to the words, an
assault was made upon it.
levelled my pistol and fired, when,
with fearful oath, the man fell back
upon the floor. gave them two more
shots, when they rctreated precipitately
down stairs. | reloaded my pistol and
returned to my companion, who was try
ing to stop the blood which was flowing
from wound in her neck.
81 fear, sir, my life is short; and /
sincerely thank you for your kind pro-
tection," she feebly murlnured 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 remon-
strating. Thinking the attack at the
door would be renewed, drew the bed.
stead 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
at the head 0f the stairs.
"Pll shoot the first man who comes
near that door" | replied savagely.
Oh no, don't, Pm your friend" he
replied, in tone that carried treachery
with it ; "come to the door, will you"
Yes, but don't you come"
| won't--are you there Z"
Eyes"
Close p
Yes"
| felt a slight moving Of the bed over
the trap, during which time tho man
outside kept up an incessant jabber.
One end of the bed was raising softly,
and taking bold Of it with my left hand,
l gently eased it up, until | could dis
cover head above the opening.
=" Are you at the door !"
=" Yes" and simultaneously with my
answer vent leaden messenger through
the head Of the fellow in the trap, and
bang came bullet through the door.
The sound Of a heavy fall announced
.. l. - ls.t.