Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-07-06

sumed my place at the WINDOW, just
in time to see a dark figure stealing
from beneath the currant bushes
which at once recognized as the boy
wham | had refused to shelter. A
dark suspicion flashed on my mind at
seeng him. l felt that he was there
forno good-probably he had heard
Of 'he money, and had only applied
fora chance to rob US. | shut the
widow and fastened it, and stood
for some time looking toward the
foot of the garden, where a great hay
rack hid him from view. | felt sure
he was plotting some dreadful mis-
chief and my worst fears were real
lied waen | saw two other figures
those d full grown men- stealing to-
ward tl8 hay rack, there, doubtless,
to meet heir confederate. | was so
alarmed Icould scarcely move. | al
most lost consciousness, and could
but just rsach the bed, where | threw
myself, rtady dressed, by my sleeping
child, ana prayed God to keep US in
our hour of need.
laid there long time, in the dark
and sileice. | did not dare to move,
nor take my eyes from the window,
but aftel a long time, hearing no
noise, | blt easier, and had almost
dozed, wlen | opened my eyes to see
my greatest fears realized. There
was shspe at the window, dark,
noiseless shape, and I gazed at it in
speeches terror while it peered into
the room. Then there came two dis
tinct taps on the glass, and in utter
helplessmss of what might follow, |
rose to sitting position on the bed.
Then voice-hoarse and terrible
to me-vhispered through the win
dow.
"Missrs missus "
| got Up and walked to the spot
| recognized the vagrant, and only
trusted ! might overawe or outwit
him. When | stood close to the
frame he beckoned me to open the
easement but | was just about to or
der him % leave the spot, and was
looking iround for some weapon of
defence, when again a hoarse whisper
salutcd ne;
"Save yourself. missus," it said,
"there be men here as will murder
you and the young one; | heard them,
and tell OH them to save her-thc lit
tie angel yonder."
In moment the truth flashed over
me. TIE men had come to rob; the
boy was lurking around for some rea-
son Of his own; had heard Annie s
pray er, and had either turned traitor
to his associates, or had been sent by
heaven to our deliverance. 1t was
such sudden danger at last, that all
the plans bad attempted to develop
failed me and | could only answer,
helpIessly, What can | do?
"lll 60, missus," said the boy, "if
you'll tell Inc where, aud bring help.
Quick hear them coming
Take the road south, | cried, ''and
rouse the first house; Mr.. Clark is
there. Oh, make haste, and may heav.
ell bless your
He dropped as | finished speaking.
and simultaneously with his disap-
pearance came fash and the report
of pistol, and the two men rushed
toward the house. tainted with ter.
ror and dismay, and when came tC
consciousness heard the voices of
the two men in the next room. They
came in carrying a lantern, which
they held over me. | did not move
and they believed me dead, | think
from my pallor.
"Now, Jim," said one, "you fix the
baby, it will wake up and scream if
you don't"
| sprang up and threw myself Oh
my knees.
Kill me-" L cried, "but don't stain
your souls with the blood of an limo
cent child"
"Say, Jim," said the larger anc
fercer of the two ruffians-both fear
full looking men-"here's taboo, if
as only we had time to look at it.
Now, missus," producing a tearfu
looking pistol, you've got money
and we want it; if so as you'll get i
civil like, we won't harm you, but il
you don't"-he touched the cold muz
zle to my cheek, and I nearly lost m.
senses again. Little Annie sat u
and cried with fear, and added to m.
/ terror, for was in constant agon
lest they should kill her before he'll
arrived, and | did nos dare deny hay
: ing the money, for knew if | reall
3 made them believe it was gone, ther
3 would be no help for US.
e 1t came to that at last they ha
s ransacked the house, turning ever
r drawer inside out, and believing tha
t l had it, they tried to intimidate N
e by abuse, and finally threatened to XII
me on the instant if | did not dire(
them to its hiding place.
The noise they made-my prayer
and entreaties for mercy-Annie
pleading cries, made them Oblivion
t to the entrance of others until th
= hand that held the pistol, fell broke
and useless; and the two wretche
d were instantly held and tied, by th
strong men who accompanied my hu
r band, in whose arms | was again sal
o and unharmed, but terribly shocke
by my near approach to a violer
?, death.
b. In the rear of the party was tt
d vagrant who had saved US. | dral
e ged him to the light, and, as soon &
V | could find words, told all he ha
done. He hung his head and locke
sulky. s.
II "Don't praise me, missus," he sal
n pointing to Annie, who, white an
+, trembling, clung to her fathers nee
d "she was the one; | heard her pray
20 for y-when-when I ar1s goan