Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-08-30
MISCELLANEOUS.
THE ROBBERS HAND.

"Let me see" began Mr.. Worden, in re-
sponse to u request to tell a story, while We
were seated around the stove in Mills bar
room, one clustering night last winter. "Let
me see. Twenty-Five years ago entered the
store of Day & Co., as clerk, and twenty-one
years ago como the night of the first of Feb
ruary had an adventure which shall never
forget"
We drew our benches near the stove and
the retired merchant, whom we knew had q
good story in store for US. At my side, on the
oaken settee, sat man-judging by his sill
vered hair-about five and sixty. Ho was q
traveller, and stranger to our entire party
and during our conversation previous to the
merchat's narrative, had been taciturn aud
moody. But when Mr.. Worden began his
story his eyes were fixed upon his face.
~ was not seventeen" continued the mar
rator, "when | become clerk, and it was q
great event in my life. The firm told me
that would have to sleep in the store. l felt
proud of being allowed to do so; it showed
that they had great faith in my honesty. So a
lounge was brought in and placed under the
counter, and there, aften locking the door, l
would lay and dream till daylight.
Duing the first part Of the winter of '4S
our neighboring county (Herkimer) was in
tested with gang of daring robbers, whose
depredations were both bold aud alarming
The good people became excited; and we'll
might they, for the villains scrupled not to
take the life of any one who dared to defend
his property.
Vigilance committees were formed, and the
gang broken up. Several of the villains cap
tured, aud their cases decided by Judge Lynch.
Those who escaped the committee went into
neighboring counties, and ours received q
few. During January several bold robberics
were committed in Dalton, which threw our
citizens into the highest state of excitement ;
but all efforts-and those made were strenuous
ones-to catch the robbers, were unavailing.
Day & Co., during the excitement, sat back
in their easy chairs, laughing at the peoples
cares. They faucied their store secure, and
when l asked to be permitted to keep gun
at my bedside, twitted at me what they termed
my cowardice. 1t was not coWardice, boys j;
but wanted to give the robbers bold recep-
tion if they paid me visit. l thought they
would not fail to do this, for my employers held
in their hands large sums Of money belonging
to other people--in short they were tho
bankers of the village. The money was en-
closed in safe, which 1 knew would not re-
sist an experienced burglar. Butthey thought
quest
had made up my mind to arm myself, let
the firm call me what it wished. I lived in
Montauk then, q few miles from Dalton, and
on Sunday night, the last of January, when
returned from visit home, brought along
an old sabre, which my grandsire had used
against Scranton, at Sanders Creek. That
Sabbath night, as we'll remember, did not
retire until near midnight, for l sat up polish.
ing the old blade. At last when the light
shining upon it blinded me, put it in the
sheath and stood it against the head of the
lounge and went to sleep, feeling that could
overcome dozen of the fercest robbers that
ever made woman or child tremble at the
mention of their deeds.
The following morning ushered in the last
month Of winter, aud forgot to stow the old
arm away out of sight of the firm. When
Devices, the junior partner, stepped behind
the counter, my preparations for defence met
his gaze.
"Well, john" he cried, seizing the revolu
tionary relic, "what in the world are you go-
ing to do with this ?"
81 intend to defend the safe and myself
against robbers" answered, bIushing.
81 believe you're crazy, John" he said. 81
would like to see you WELD that clumsy ole
thing. Take it home, or sell it as trash Day
and l will have hearty laugh at your ex-
pense."
aldo not care for your laugh, Mr. Devices,
answered, "and as for the sabre, it shall re
main here"
"Do as you please, John and if you say 30
shall purchase dozen cemetery lots in which
you can enter your dead. But, boy. looL
at the doors; suppose a robber should picL
the locks; the strong bolts would remain, ant
ten men could never remove them"
"True," replied; "but breaking bolts il
not the work of an experienced robber. H.
would cut hole through the door, insert hi
hand, and push back the bolts"
"No use to talk to you, john" he said
turning to rearrange some boxes on the sleeves
"but if robber should attempt to enter, II
increase your wages"
The old weapon was replaced, and whel
Day entered, the firm had hearty laugh a
! my fears.
When night came, I built up rousing fire
and sought my couch beneath the counter
Outside it was very cold, and the snow wa
falling in binding fakes. 1 assure you fel
comfortable under the additional eoverIet
Mrs Day had sent me that morning Before
l retired I had unsheathed the sable, SO tina
in case of emergency it make no unnecessary
noise.
! 1t must have been near midnight when
| avoke. The storm was still raging, and thC
room retained but small degree Of heat from
| the stove. was about to replenish the fire
! for we did not want our large stock of ink t.
| freeze. when heard noise as though ra
| gnawiDg for dear life. 1 listened and soor
discovered that the noise was at the front sn'
J douhle door