The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1863-07-24

had to depend on for living and this du-
ring his absence, was carried on BY herself
and sister. both working 10 the fields at
plowins, planting and hoeiog. and only get
ting . mans help for a few days in haying.
Neither Mrs. Parker. nor her sister Miss
Price. was at all delicate in person or
s;reng,a-but, on the contrary. quite TO-
bust and their out lsbors, OF course. in
creased their m mascu'ineness in some degree.
Nor were they as timid as the greater por-
iion OF their sex; but when thev found the
enemy near them. and heard of their depre-
dations and osrbarities OF here and there
rowing band Of Williams, they clinched
their hands, set their teeth hard, and said it
was we'll the scoundrels did not have two
such persons as themselves to deal with
1t might naturally have been asked whattwo
wonen--aye or for that matter, two men
either--could do to protect themselves
against party of ten or twenty armed des-
peradoes. but as We could aswer the Ques-
ton to day by telling what they did do nm.
der just such circumstances. we will proceed
to state the facts that We wish 10 make
known. ssas
As one means Of protection, and also to
destroy any game. troublesome or other wise
that might chance in their way. loaded
rifle was always kept in the house. and this
weapon both Of the sisters had learned to
handle with nearly as much skill as the
master Of the dwelling himself. In order.
too. that there might never be any lack of
Parker. before enlisting for the
war. had purchased a keg OF powder in the
city. and stored it in the cellar. in little
cell prepared expressly for it. where it was
KEEP, perfectly dry. and with little OF no
danger to the inmates. e. -.
Nov. one dark night. at late hour, the
sisters we're aroused from sleep by . rapid
OF laundering blows upon one of
the outer doors of their dwelling. aud
they also heard several gruf voices ripi ing
out the most blasphemous oaths and deman-
ding instant admi,tance.
Sally" said Mrs. Parker, starting up 10
bed. "it's them cut ,hroats and robbers
come To try their hand on u.s.
: "Just so. Nancy" replied Miss Price
springiog out of bed and hurrying on some
Df her clothes. and you know what we
always said we'd do in case they did come"
lie an awful thought, ain t it p return
ID the other. in q tone Of considerable alarm
md dismay. as she hasfened to follow the
xamLle OF her sister. oh, my poor.
ear children il We should fail what'll be-
ONE OF shsm 81 y1.-s ~
I" Die, I s'pose. like We WILL" said their
laiden aunt, But it won't do to fool
way any time 10 taking--we've to got to act
-and that, too. before the scoundrels get
/. Ill 60 and speak 'em fair, and keep
IN from breaking in il can. whilst you
IN and gs. the po sder.'
Twill We need light 7" asked MIS-. Par
er. IS
Yes, but I'll tend to that you won't
rant any to get the powder with, cause it
int ourselves we want TO blow up
With this both hurried out of their bed
Dom into large apartment. which occupied
,early the whole OF the front side of the
welling, and was used, as is customary in
arm houses, as a sitting room. dining room
md kitchen. Fiom this apartment a door
ed outside. another iuto wing of small
which was much newer than
he main building. ard was used as kind
II workshop and store room.
Z who's there and1what do you want
screamed out Miss Price. as soon as she
esched the kitchen. whilst her sister bur-
led down the cellar steps to get the pow
Ter. -a'o'S ga -
2 "Open the door you angel. and we'll tell
vou." was answered from the outside, ac-
with low laugh. which was
neither merry nor musical.
"Well, you ought to tell MS who you are
Ind what you want afors we open the door,
cause we're only two lone women. that
lon't like to let every body in at this time OF
,igtt." rejoined Miss Price, as she busted
,srself in lighting candle.
"Ob. we're real gentlemen. we is-just
he kind to suit two such ladies IS you."
aid the same voice. Come. be quick
low. will you cause we're getting tired
f waiting, and some on US might take a no.
ion to stave the door in. dye see ?"
By this time Mrs. Parker had re-appear.
d with the keg of powder in her arms. and
GIFTED and directed by her sister. whose
harp features expressed a desperate deter
nination. she hastened to place it in the
hop room, about half way between the
oor opening from the main building into it
md another that led to the party oufsde-
diss Price then took down the loaded rifle
rom the hooks on which it rested, and
,sviug reprimed it from a horn, FASTENED to
'st the candle on the fioor, a little beyond
he keg of powder, SO that The light shone
iull upon it.
"Oh, my poor children God help us
al y said Mrs. Parker, in a low agitatsd
tone.
'.lt viii all depend upon one single shot.
Nancy" return her sister. with compress
ed lips and unquailing eye. as she placed
chair IN the door way. between the larger
and smaller buildings, for her rifls TO rest on
while she sighted it. Il dom, hardly
'spect I'll 1--we through it, whether our
plan succeeds or uot." she added solemuly,
!. 80 just kiss me good bve. Nancy"
The sisters now embraced. Mrs Parker
giving way 70 tears and .obs. but Miss
Price remaining firm and outwardly con-
posed. ......---. s
"rhere, Nsncey." pursued the maiden
sister. as il she we're giving directions about
some Of the ordinary adsirs Of life. - we're
rs ready now "a We can he. suppose-so
JUST run and shove back the bolts of the
chop p-doorr but don't make any noise about
IL. and then hurry to the bad room, to your
ehillren, and pray for all Of us. If Col
j. plsasest 70 sn,ls upon our hopes. you and
they most !ikely will be saved. and nv poor
life ~int maeA matter one way or tother."
"Oa. S-li.," sobbed Mrs. Parker. &" how
can see You give up yourself to die for me
and my children - -
"a nh ahsfss potbs.,.