Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1867-04-09

! would De eIfectuatly protected. 1nlS,
as | expected, was objected to, but
after a whispered consultation was
granted. 1t was furnished in the
simplest manner possible, containing
only an old bed stea with scanty
supply Of bedding, and an old brok.
en- chair, My conductor set down
two candles, remarking that the for
mer proprietor hung himself in that
room, and mysterious noises were
sometimes heard, but never if a light
was kept burning | answered | was
I but little afraid Of ghosts alive or
dead, babe him good night, and was
alone. / first carefully searched my
prison and examined into its means
of defence. In the partition directly
opposite the bed, | found a circular
hole, carefully concealed, and bearing
directly upon whomever should be
sleeping there,-this was evidently
intended for my benefit, and the OBJ
iect (Which l before suspicioned,) OF
keeping a light burning, was explain
ed. While thus making my eXami-
nations, light footstep was heard
above, and q small slip ofpaper drop
ped at my feet. ! opened it and
read as follows "Yourhfe isin dan
ger, look under the bed, put out the
light" There was no signature, but
instinctively OWNED from whence
it came, and proceeded to act upon
its suggestions. Beneath the bed
was a large tub, over which was
carelessly thrown an old coat,-re
moving this | drew fourth some
bloody clothing, and then, Oh, hos
ror human hand, recently severed,
the fingers standing out stark and
stiff as though imploring for mercy,
or wildly clutching for aid. There
was no time for speculations, my
own life hung in the balance, and the
scoundrels were even then debating
how best it could be taken with least
risk to their own precious selves
The bedstead | removed and planted
it against the door, bracipg it secur
ely at the opposite end, by means Of
the chair. lthen carefully examined
my pistol, placed new catri lges con-
venient for rapid loading in the dark.
looked over my dcfenecs, blew out
the light, and was ready foraaction
70 say | felt no fear would be atfec>
tation, brave men are always fearful
in danger, and only
tFoo,s rush in where Angels fear to
tread, yet it was with a sort Of
Grim satisfaction | reflected over my
means of defence and offence, and
sat down to await events. The sit
uation then was about as follows: !
occupied the corner room in the sees
ond stony, in easy communication"
as military men say, with my outside
ally, and knew | could put bullet
through any villain attempting to
modest him, the walls on two sides
Of my room were slight, with occas-
ional chinks, but by eXtinguishing
the candle the advantages were all
on my side as no one could approach
without being seen. BY hanging an
old blanket over the only window in
the room | rendered it perfectly
dark. while bright moon made the
hall light as day. ] had sat thus for
about two hours, when a foot-step
stealthily assembled the stairs, and
old Briggs, in person, approached,
carrying huge knife in one hand,
and q long horseman's pistol in the
other. Aninvoluntary curse escaped
him upon seeing no light, and after a
careful scrutiny he departed. | felt
no fatigue, and for near two hours
more, as near as | could Judge, kept
watch and ward unmolested, when
foot steps again assembled the stairs
and | knew the decisive moment had
come. The villains came on in a
body, each heavily armed, and one
of them tried, with as little noise as
possible, to force the door, made no
movement to betray my position,
but watched for an opportunity to
get two of them in range, knowing
my minnie bullets would disable both.
1t was fearful moment, yet with
finger on the trigger, | calmly calcu-
lated the chances and waited the at
tack. A short, heavy bench next
was brought, and two Of the
stoutest repaired to make rush at
my door, while, the others, with PTS
tolls in hand, should follow up. The
robbers were ready, waiting for the
signal, and gave it. Taking cares
ful aim, | raised the hammer the
click, click, of the lock sounding
through the hall with fearful distinct
ness, tolling the death knell for some
Of them at least, as they we'll knew.
There was moments hesitation, the
bench dropped, and each fed as fast
as their legs could carry them. As
the last villain disappeared, sudden
taintness came over me, my arms
dropped nerveless by my side, my
head swan, and came near falling.
Thanking God Cor deliverance, |
sat down. though little fearing anoth-
err attack. could hear tie gang be.
low, swearing iearfully, and accus-
ing each other ofcowardice, but save
4 stealthy footstep that approached
my room once, and fed precipitately
upon learning | was awake, was not
again molested. | have said my pre-
servation was due to Colts rcyoler,-
let me explain. It's difficult to inn
agino the tread Of those engines O
destruction in the minds of those who