Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-10-21

the windows or crevices of the door
but the occupants served to while away
the time; and these wretches, misera.
BILE as they were, afforded company al
least.
After making them easy, l put out
the light and waited. [ knew that
such desperate gang as these would
now be only more furious than ever, ,and
determined to watch still more warily.
After time | heard noise outside
L conjectured they were putting a lad
der against the window. These men
were certainly fools, for what possible
chance could they have there since they
had failed against the door? eff any
OF you say one word, | muttered to
the wounded men, 'I'll blow your brains
out. Satisfied with this threat,
watched beside one of the windows. 1t
was so dark that nothing could be seen.
| waited for what seemed long time.
At last | heard the door move at the
impulse of some strong push. Then the
whole truth flashed upon me. They
were attacking me from both sides,
thinking thus to bewilder me. Ny res
olutiOn was taken at once. | rushed
to the door and fired. There was a
groan and fall. I fred again; ano-
ther shrek followed, and again, as be-
fore, there was a rush down stairs. At
the same time there was crash at the
window. A gun was fred into the room.
Loud curses arose. I rushed to the
window. My outstretched hand touch
ed the knee of man, which was rest
ing on the window-ledge. | fired again.
The villain staggered back. | caught
him before he fell. The window-sash
had been smashed away by blow
which he had dealt upon it. | dragged
him through into the room, where he
lay groaning. Then | opened the door
and called out that | would shoot the
others who dared to make an attack.
There was re response. So 1 dragged
the other two wounded wretches into
the room, swearing that | would kill
them if they resisted: barricaded the
door as before; and then, with renewed
confidence and feeling of triumph at
my easy victory, iAted the lamp.
The wretches were sroaning fearful
ly. I felt such perfecfself-complacen-
cy that l had no hard feeling toward
thcn. Come" said I, I've dressed
the wounds Of these others, and if you
be quiet I'll dress yours"
"Your the devil himself!" growled
the man whom 1 had dragged in thro'
the window.
''Win you let the devil dress your
or do you choose to suffer ?
said l quietly.
He said nothing. l proceeded to
dress their wounds. The wretches look
ed grateful. They seemed surprised
and bewildered. | gave two of them
who were wounded worst my bed, and
left the rest on the floor. Then I put
the light out, as before, and waited. l
would not expose myself, so 1 sat be-
side the door, as before, with every
sense sharpened to an unusual activity.
Before putting out the light l had re-
loaded my pistol, which had been near
ly used up in the six shots which l had
fired with such effect, and, as / had
plenty more charges left, felt quite
at ease. 'I'm all ready" said l ''for
fifty of you
''Have you got fifty pistols there p
said one fellow. whose arm was broken.
He spoke with groan.
s'You don't seem to know anything
about revolvers in these parts, said l.
''Revolvers 2
eyes; and the next time you try
this game you'd better find out how
the man YOU attack is armed"
The man said nothing. / waited for
a long time. At last, suddenly and un,
there was the loud report
of gun, close outside the door. Ano-
ther followed Immediately. Instantly l
fired two or three shots. They did not
seem to take effect. For l heard foot
steps hurrying down the stairs. They
evidently fancied / might be standing
in front of the door, and tried this ex-
pertinent. They were mistaken, and
they knew it.
After this there was silence for
long time. At last l heard faint creak
on the stairs. | suspected another at
tack. | drew myself up close against