The Fairfield herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1849-1876, 1869-08-11
With Kathleen, however, it was

cornors of the chimney with a mourn
full sound, sho bethought herself to
tho sovorcigns her husband had left,
and taking the bag in which they were
kept from the cupboard over tho fire.
place, she carefully tucked it between
the beds, remarking at tho Same time
to Bridget, "that no one would ever
think of looking for it there"
"No," was the reply. "It would
be smart man, sure, that would be
looking under the ohilder to find
gould"
Tho tea over-they were carly
sleepers, as we'll as early risers-the
girl requested that she might pass the
evening with her sister, who resided
about mile distant, and tho anxious
wife and mother, although soroly 10th
to do 80, at length consented, insisting
upon an early return. &H
"But you will be back early, Bridg-
ct :"
cav coorse I will that same. But
don't be after fretting." And the
girl departed.
The lone woman busted herself as
best she might, until late hour, but
the girl did not return. In fever of
anxiety, she watched until fully an.
other sixty minutes had passed, al
though it appeared to her like half
day and then considering it useless
to remain any longer sought her own
pillow, after commencing herself to
him who is the protector Of the wid.
ow and the father of tho fatherless.
But she had not closed hor eyes be.
four there was loud rap upon the
door. .aa..,
els that you Bridget :" she asked
hopefully.
"No," was the answer; and her
heart sunk like lead within her.
"No, [ am a stranger have lost my
way you must let me in"
81 caunot, cannot! am a poor,
lone woman: | dare not let you in"
"You need have no fear. AS there
is a God in Heaven, I will not harm
you. l am an an escaped conviots an
innocent one, and as yon have mercy
in your heart, open tho door,"
When was such an appeal made to
an Irish heart in vain An escaped
convict wanting suocor7 That is
tho talisman to open every door-to
have tho potato or bite Of bread fore
ed into the mouth. Yes, it is truly
tho opon sesame to an Irish hoart,
and it happened so in this case.
The woman rose, gavo tho fugitive
food, and, having again received the
assurance that no would do her no
harm, but on tho contrary, protect !;
and, having socn her stretch himself
upon the floor before the remnant of
the peat fire, she again sought the
side of her sleeping children.
But even then, she was not allowed
to rest. At first her fears kept her
awake, Then came another loud rap
fo' ahn's,.', bot. ohe and her strange
visitor aluou.
els this part of your gang" she
asked in trembling whispers.
ssl call on Heaven to Witness" he
answered, solemnly, "that suoh was
not the case. Ask them what they
want"
Sho did so, and was told that they
knew she had money in the house,
and were determined to have it,"
"Tell them" whispered tho atran.
ger, "that you have friend with you,
and that it will bo dangerous for the IN
to enter"
81 have friend hero," sho said,
going CLOSE to tho door, "a man who
will protect mo, and you had better
not try to get in" &
81 know 'botter," laughed female
voice-that of Bridget, tho servant
girl. 81 know there is nobody there
but the children" '
"What shall I--shall l do ~ asked
the poor woman, wringing her hands.
"Tell them" again said the sstran
ger, "that l have pistols, and will
shoot the first one that dares tosenter
within the door. God help me |
would not have blood upon highlands !;
but | promised to protect you with
my life, and l will. Warn them once
more"
"Bridget," shouted Mrs. O'Brien,
"the friend I have here has pistols,
and will certainly kill you. I warn
you to 60 away"
Again the bold bad laugh of the
servant girl rang out, and her voice
could distinctly be hoasd,urging them
on. @
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