The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-04-23

| As tne- 'utSnt OeGanst0 draw near rend -tnes
wind TO creep round the corners Of the
chimney with ,mournful sound, she be-
thought herself Of the'sovereigns her hus-
band had left, and taking the bag in which
they were kept from the cupboard over the
Fireplace, che 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. cit would lie
smart man, shure that would be looking
under the childer to find gould"
The tea oveT-they were early sleepers, as
we'll as early risers-the girl requested that
she might be allowed to pass the evening
with her sister, who resided about q mile
distant, and the anxious wife and mother,
although sorely 10th to do so, at length con-
sented, insisting upon an early return.
"But you will be back early, Bridget?'
CAV coorse will that same. But don't
be after fretting." And the girl departed
The lone woman busiedlherself-asib best she
might until late hour, but the girl did not
return. In fever of anxiety, she watched
until fully another sixty niinutesilad passed,
although it appeared to her hkeha1f 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 widow and the father of the
fatherless But she had not closed her eyes
before there was q loud rap upon the door,
lis that you, Bridget?" she asked hope
fully.
No." was the answer; and her heart
sunk like lead within her. "No, I am a
stranger; have lost my way; you must let me
in"
II cannot, cannot! L am poor, lone
woman. 1 dare not let you in
"You need have no fear. As there is a
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 the talisman to
open every door-to have the potatoe or bite
of bread forced into the mouth Yes, it is
truly the open sesame to an Irish heart,
and it happened SO i'll this case.
The woman arose, opened the door, gave
the fugitive food. and, having again received
the assurance thab he. would do her no harm,
but, on the contrary, protect her; and, hay-
ing seen him stretch himself upon the floor
before the remnant of the peat fire, she
again sought the side of her sleeping chill
dren.
| But even then, she was not allowed to rest
at first her fears kept her awake. Then
came another loud rap for admission, and
both she and her strange visitor arose.
lis this part of your gang" she asked, in
trembling whispers.
81 call on Heaven to Witness" lie an
swered, solemnly. "that such is not the case
Ask them what they want"
| She did so, and was told that they knew
she had money in the house, and were de-
termined to have it.
"Iel them," whispered the stranger,
that you have friend with you, and that
it will be dangerous for them to enter
II have u friend here" she said, going
close to the door, Canaan who will protect
me, and yonshad better not try to get in.''
:ttEknew better, laughed O female voice
IStliafs sof Bridget, the servant girl. II
know that s. + there is nobody there but the
children!a NV q F,ss, l,s~
='tWhat tshal I-shallI I sdo?" asked the poor
woman; ,taas Mt,inging v, Her hands.
TEL them S3 gain said the stranger,
1that5I III hEYe PISTOLS, and will shoot the first
one; That tdssres tSatep within the door. God
help mel z woihaad not have blood upon nv
at t tPe% Reo'eos snss you moTs with
yBridget. ., shouted Mrs. OBrien, "the
friend I have here has pistols, and will
cerksinly Hill you. = warn you to go
Again M b. tatlisePoid IS fbaa laugh Of the servant
tinctfy heard, urging them on.
tits only talking they are.r Divil q one
rs Hsfezsin the cabin but the children.
Bfsak down the door and be done with it. I
tell you there's morn E100 hidden be-
tween the beds"
''Stand back" whispered the convict to
his hostess; "their blood be upon their own
heads"
Scarcely had the words been uttered. be-
fore heavy blows fell upon its hinges The
self-appointed protector stood little one
side, calm and firm. In either hand he held
q pistol, and his manner showed that he was
no stranger to their use.
Down with the door!' shouted Bridget,
''or else stand aside and give me the axe.
A shower of blows, and it fell. The false