Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-11-09

There appeared to be but one chance
of escape, and that was very slim
one. From the top of the cavern
rock some four feet in diameter hung
pendant. This rock was elbow-shaped
that is, an arm projected from its
lower end-and a narrow opening
could be seen in its side. There was
bare possibility that this hole extend
ed into hollow interior which con-
neCted with some cave above Us. For
a moment | considered the chances of
success in a strike for freedom, and
then addressed my companion.
Z Well, Marshall, what do you say
to our fix now?'
81 don't say nothing to it, he re-
piled, su!lenly.
must say that don't like it,
either" | continued; "but we must
make the best of it. We are in, and
now there's nothing to do but try to
get out"
|, for one, don't see how in Crea-
ton we are to git out of this Internal
place, but if you do, please tell me
your plan at once"
well, first of all, have you any
arms ?"-but know you have not, for
| saw you searched by the robbers"
" But | have, though. True hadn't
none when them imps Of Satan catched
us, but / have now," and he smiled
sly, mysterious smile.
"Then how in the name of all the
fends, did you get any? ?" exclaimed
in astoni5hment.
F" Well, | don't like to own it. but |
onst larnt to pick pockets, and reckon
I picked that feller's what brought me
here, when he was on the way"
" The duse you did l.! But I'm glad
you're armed, for am, and | think We
can keep these men at bay awhile.
Now I'm going to explore that hole
yonder, so come and help me to make
ropes out of those buffalo hides yon-
der, that those fellows expect to sleep
on tonight"
Marshall looked surprised, but be-
ing a true soldier, obeyed my orders
without question. The ropes were
soon finished, and tying a rock to one
end of them, | threw it over the pro-
lection OF the elbow. Hastily detail
ing my plan to Marshall, assembled the
rope hand-over-hand. Having gained
the elbow, | succeeded with some diff
ficuity in squeezing myself through the
narrow opening in the rock, and,
Heaven be praised the light of day
penetrated into my little cell with a
feeble gIimmer, and | knew l could
reach some place above by climbing.
Poking my head out Of the hole by
which | had entered, | told my com
panion to fasten the torch to the rope
and | would pull it up This done |
lowered the rope again, told him to
come on, and sticking the torch into a
crevice in the rock began to ascend.
The sides Of the small cavern were
rough and rugged, and my ascent was
not difficult one. On reaching the top
| looked back, and found Marshall al
ready half up. When he had reached
my side we held a council of war.
The cavern in which we found our
selves was a small one, much like the
others, but with only one place OF exit
except the one by which we had en-
tered. The roof was cracked, and
through these cracks daylight found a
means of access. We determined to
make our way out some way, so draw.
ing my Colts and seeing that Mar
shall had his two "Derringer's" ready
| took the lead and we passed out of
the room.
The passage which we were obliged
to take descended gradually and was
circuitous. Moreover it led toward
the cave in which the robbers were
and had no passages crossing, or lead
ing from it.
We followed its windings for some
time when we become conscious that
we were coming to the dreaded spot
where the robbers were congregated
| For some time we had heard the sound
Of reyelry, and now we could see the
torches in the cavern where the band
was gathered, and through which We
were destined to pass ere we gained
our liberty.
Here was a difficulty, and we paus
ed to consider what our best plan of
action might be. There was liberty
on the one hand to be gained, and g
certainty of death on the other. If
we must die, we prepared to choose
our own way of dying. Our plan wa!
quickly laid and as speedily put into
execution.
. Without a bit of noise to give warn
ing of our approach we stole on to thC
cavern. We entered it when the reve
f was at its highest point, and haC
time to cover the persons of Gentle
man Dick and his lieutenant, Georg,
Pierson, while Marshall singled ou
two more powerful robbers, before ",
were discovered.
; " Listen men," | exclaimed, when
, saw our presence was known, " if on
of you lifts finger to stop US, fou
, Of your best men, your captain and lieu
tenant included, fall ere you can d.
any harm to US. Furthermore we shal
, make every shot tell. Now don
move"
! said this in determined tone an
, they all saw that both myself and CON
pauions were in earnest. Gentlema
Dick did not relish such sudden tel
, mination of his wicked career, as h
knew awaited him if he moved, and S
wisely remained stationary The rot
her lieutenant shared the feelings o
;, his superior officers, and the me
7 showed no disposition to move.
5 AS | had expected, they were, on
i and all, unarmed, their carbines, rt
;. volverS and knives being at the en-
r of the cavern nearest US.
e Slowly but surely We backed out {
!. the place, ali the time keeping ou
+ weapons pointed at the men we ha
e singled out On being brought in
u had marked the turns and curves 0
If the passages leading out, and we wer
a now able to 60 in the right direction