The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1870-05-03
THE ROBBERS HAND.

"Lct me see," began Mr.. Worden, in
response to a REQUEST to tell story,
while we were seated around the stove in
Hills bar room, Ole clustering night
last winter. "Let me see. Twenty-Five
years ago l entered the store of Day d
Co. as clerk, and twenty-one years ago,
on the night of the first of February, |
had an adventure which l shall never
forget"
We drew our benches nearer the stove
and the retired merchant, who we knew
had a good story in store for lis. AT my
side, on the oaken settee, sat a mali
judging by his silvered hair-of about
five and sixty. He was a traveller, and a
stranger to our entise party, ond during
our conversation, previous to the mer-
chants narrative, had been taciturn and
moody. But when Worden began his
story his eyes were fixed upon his face.
81 was not seventeen" continued tie
narrator, "when / became clerk, and it
was great event in my life. The firm
told me 1 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 lounge was
brought in and placed under the counter,
and there, after locking the door, would
lie and dream till daylight.
"During the first part of the winter of
As, our neighboring county (Herkimer)
was infested with gang Of daring rob
bers, whose depredations were both bold
and alarming The good people became
excited; and well they might, for the
villains scrupled not to take the life of
any one who dared to defend his prop
erty.
Vigilance committees were formed
and the gang broke up. Several of the
villains were captured, and their cases
decided by Judge Lynch. Those who
escaped the committee went into the
neighboring counties, and ours received
a few. During January several bold rob-
berries were committed in Dalton, which
threw our citizens into the highest state
of excitement; but all efforts-an1 those
made were strenuous ones-to catch the
robbers were unavailing
"Day & Co., during the cxcitement,sa
back in their easy chairs laughing at the
peoples scare . They fancied their store
secure, and when ! asked to be permitted
to keep a gun at my bedside, twitted me
at what they termed my cowardice. 1t
was not cowardice, boys; but l wanted
to give the robbers bold reception if
they paid me visit. thought they
could not fail to do this, for my employ
ers held in their hands many sums of
money belonging to other people; in
short, they were the bankers of the vii
lage. The money was enclosed in safe
which l knew would not resist an expe-
rienced burglar. But Day & Co. thought
their safe secure, and refused to grant
my request. :
81 had made up my mind to arm my
self let the firm call me what it wished.
l lived in Montauk then, a few miles
from Dalton, anc one Sunday night, the
last of january, when ! returned from
a visit home, brought along an old
saber, which my grandfather had used
against Saraton, at Sanders Creek. That
Sabbath night, as well remember, l did
not retire until near midnight, for, l sat
up polishing 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, and 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 defense met his gaze"
"Well, Johnw he said, seizing the
Revolutionary relic, "what in the world
are you gong to do with this p
Il intend to defend myself and the
safe against robbers" l answered blush
ing.
II believe you're crazy, john" he
said; l would like to sec you WELD this
clumsy old thing. Take it home, or sell
it for trash. Day and l will have a hearty
laugh at your expense"
81 do not care for your laugh, Mr..
Devices" / answered; sand as for the
sabcr, it shall remain here"
"Do as you please, John; and, if you
say SOL shall purchase dozen cemetery
lots in which you can enter your dead.
But, boy, look at the doors; suppose a
robber should pick the locks, the strong
bolts would remain, and ten men could
never remove them"
''True," Ireplied; "but breaking bolts
is not the work of an experienced rob
ber. He would cut hole through the
door and insert his hands and push back
the bolts.''
'.No use to talk to you, John," he
said, turning to rearrange some boxes
on the shelves "but if robber should
attempt to enter, I'll increase your wa
ges."
"The old weapon was replaced, and
when Day entered, the firm had 4 hearty
laugh at my fears.
"When night came built up a rousing
fire, and sought my couch beneath the
counter. Outside it was very cold, and
the snow was falling in binding flakes.
l assure You l felt comfortable under
the additional coverlets Mrs. Day had
sent me that morning. Before ] retired
l had unsheathed the saher, so that in
nase of emnrnenpv il Mnull mike M