The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1868-02-21

girl of all work-I,ridget. At the start
Of his married life, he had rented lit.
tie cottage that stood in lonely, out-of-
the-way place; though he had increased
his stores, he had retained possession OF
it, on account Of his economy.
A brave, athletic man, and one who
feared nothing human, he could not un-
derstand the tcrrors of his wife Kath-
lecn, in fact, gave them little thought.
Besides, robbery was thing almost un-
known among the peasantry, and who
would ever dream of his having large
amount Of money in his dilapidated
cabin? But it was not hia custom to do
so. Usually, he deposited it in some Sc
cure place. SO he gave the matter no
further thought than to promise himself
that this would be his last journey, If
he did as well as he anticipated and
he tugged around, flattcring the rosy
checked girls into purchasing fnery
with which to dazzle the eyes of their
beauX at the next fair.
With Kathleen, however, it was far
different. As the night began to draw
near, and the wind began to creep
around the corners of the cabin, and
whistle down the chimney with sad
mournful sound, she bethought herself
of the sovereigns her husband had left,
and taking the bag in which they were
kept from the little cupboard over the
fireplace, she carefully tucked it between
the beds, remarking at the same time
to Bridget, THAT no one would ever
think of looking for it there"
NO." was the reply, sit would be
smart man, ,shure, that would be loOlln'
under the children to find the gould"
The tea over, for they were early sleep
ers as well as early risers, the girl re-
quested that she might be allowel to
pass the evening with her sister, who
resided about mile distant, and the
anxious wife and mother, although
| sorcly 10th to do lat length consented,
insisting on an early return.
"But you will be back early, Bridget"
"Ar coorse | will the same. But don't
be after lrettin - and the girl departed.
The lone woman busted herself ~
best she might until late hour, but the
girl did not return. In fever of anxi-
ETY. she watched until another sixty min
utes had passed, although it appeared
TO her like half Il day /; and then consid-
ering it useless to remain up longer,
sought her own pillow, after commend
ing herself to Him who is the protector
of the widow and the father of the faith
crless. But she had not closed her eyes
before there was n loud rap upon the
d0Or.
SIS that yon. Bridget ?" she asked
hopefully.
no." was the answer, and her heart
sank like lead within her. "No, | am
Il stranger and have lost my way; you
must let me in"
cnnnot-cannot | am poor, loue
woman. dare not let you in.
"Iou need have no fear. As there is
Il God in Heaven, will not harm you.
| am an escaped convict--an innocent
One-and aS you have mercy in your
heart, open the door"
When was such an appeal made to
an Irish heart in vain? An escaped
convict and wanting succor? That is
Il taisman 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, and having
again received the assurance that he
would do her no harm, but on the con-
| trary protect her, and having also seen
him stretch himself on the floor before
the remnant Of the peat fire, then she
again sought the side of her sleeping
children.
But even then she was not allowed to
rest. At first her fears kepl her awake
Then came another loud rap for admis-
sion, and she and her strange visitor
arose.
as this part of your gang?" she
asked in trembling whispers.
swered, solcmnly, "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
We're determined to have it,
"TcIl them" whispered the stranger,
that you have friend with you, and
'!that it will be dangerous for them to
enter.n
IL have friend here" she said going
| close to the door, " Il man who will pro-
tect me, and you had better not try to
get in,"
II know better" laughed female
vOicc-that of Bridget, the servant girl,
~ know that there is no one there but
the children"
"What shall I-shall doe" asked the
poor woman, wringing her hands.
"Tcll 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! 1
would not have the blood on my hands,
but promised to protect you with my
life, and | will. Warn them once
more"
"Bridget," shouted Mrs. O'Bricn, the
friend-l have here has pistols, and will
certainly kill you. | warn you to go
away"
Again the bold bad laugh of the SER
want girl rang out, and her voice could
be distinctly neard urging them on.
"lts only talkin they are. Divil IL
one is there in the cabin but the chill
drcn. Break down the door and be
done with it. | tell you there Is more
than II hundred pounds hid between
the beds"
"Stand back" whispered the convict
to his hostess, "their blood be upon
| thnir nup hnnIs