The Vinton record. [volume] (M'arthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1866-1891, 1867-12-26

mother, although sorely 10th tc
do so, at length consented, in
sisting upon an early return.
"But you will be back early
Bridget" III
cav coorse I will that same.
But don't be after iretten'.'
And the girl departed.
The lone woman busted her.
self as best she might until a
late hour, but the girl did no!
return. In a fever of anxiety,
she watched until fully another
sixty minutes had passed, al
though it tappeared to her like
half a day; and then, consider.
ing it useless to remain up
longer, sought her own pillow,
after commending herself to
Him who is the protector of
the widow and the father of the
fatherless. But she had not
closed her eyes before there
was a loud rap upon the door.
"ls that you, Bridget" she
asked, hopefully.
"No," was the answer, and
her heart sunk like lead within
her. "No; l am a stranger
have lost my way; you must let
me in"
81 cannot-cannot! | am a
poor, lone woman. | dare not
let you ill.,"
You need have no fear. AS
there is a God in Heaven, |
viii not harm you. l am an
escaped convict-an Innocent
one-and as you have mercy
in your heart, opc2 the door"
When was such an appeal
made to an Irish heart in vain?
An escaped convict, and want |
ing succor? That is a talisman
TO open every door-to have
the last potato or bite Of bread |
forced into the hungry mouth.
Yes, it is truly the open
sesame TO an Irish heart, and |
it operated so in this case.
The woman arose, opened the |
door, gave the fugitive food,
an | having again received as
surance that he would do her
no harm, but on the contrary, |
protect her, and having also
seen him stretch himself upon |
the floor before the remnant of
the peat fire, she again sought |
the side Of her sleeping chill
dren.
But even then she was not
allowed to rest. AT first her
fears kept her awake. Then
came another loud rap for ad-
mission, and she and her strange
visitor arose.
as this part of your gang"
she asked in trembling wins
pers,
Il call Heaven to Witness"
he answered, sOlemnly, "that
such is not the case. Ask them
what they want"
She did 50 and was told that
they knew she had money in
the house, and were determined
to have it.
Tell them" whispered the
stranger, that you have a
friend with you, and that it will
be dangerous for them to en-
ter.o
81 have a friend here" she
said, going to close the door, "a
man who will protect me, and
you had better not try to get
in"
Il know better?" laughed
female voice-that Of Bridget,
the servant girl, II know that
there is no one there except the
children"
"What shall I-shall | do?"
asked the poor woman, wiring
ing her hands.
"Tell them," again said the
stranger, that | have pistols,
and will shoot the first one that
dares to step his foot within the
door. God help me! | would
not have blood upon my hands,
but l promised to protect you
with my life, and | will. Warn
them yet once more"
"Bridget," shouted Mrs. o.
Brien, "the friend | have here
has pistols, and will certainly
kill you. l warn you to go
away"
A gain the bold, bad laugh of
the servant girl rang out, and
her voice could be distinctly
heard urging them on.
aIts only talking they are.
Divil a one is there in the cab
in but the children. Break
down the door, and be done
with it. tell you there is
mors'n hundred pounds hid
den between the beds"
"Stand back, whispered Ihe
convict to his hostess. 'Their
blood be upon their own heads" !"