Middletown transcript., 1870-08-06
grlett gtorp.
THE ROBBERS HAND.

Let me see," began Mr.. Worden, in
response to a request to tell story, while
we were seated around the stove in Mills
bar room, one clustering night last win
ter. :" Let me see. Twenty-Five years
ago, l entered the store of Day & Co. as
clerk, and twenty-one years ago came the
night of the first Of February, l had an
adventure which l shall never forget"
We drew our benches near the stove
and the retired merchant, whom we knew
had good story in store for us. At my
side, on the oaken settee, sat a man
judging by his slvered hair--about five
and sixty. He was traveller, and a
stranger to our entire party; and during
our conversation previous to the mer-
chants narrative, had been taciturn and
moody. But when Mr.. Worden began
his story his eyes were fixed upon his
face.
II was not seventeen" continued the
narrator, " when became clerk, and
it was great event in my life. The firm
told me that would have to sleep in the
store. ] 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, I would lay and
dream till daylight
During the first part of the winter of
4S our neighboring county (Herkimer)
was infested with gang of daring rob-
bers, whose depredations were both bold
an alarming. Tho good paople 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 vill-
aims were captured, and their cases decid-
cd by Judge Lynch. Those who escape
the committee went into neighboring coun
ties, and ours received few. Duriu-
January several bold robberics were c..
mitted in Dalton, which threw our ciI-
Zcns into the highest state Of excitement
but all efforts-and those made were stren-
Gus ones-to catch the robbers were una
vailng
Day & Co. during the excitement, sat
back in their easy chairs, laughing at the
peoples scare. They fancied their store
secure, and when 1 asked to be permitted
to keep 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. I 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 the bankers of the village. The
money was enclosed in a safe, which 1
knew would not resist an experienced bur
glar. But they thought the safe secure,
and refused to grant my request.
I had made up my mind to arm myself,
let the firm call me what it wished. 1
lived in Montauk then, few miles from
Dalton, and one Sunday night, the last
of January, when returned from a visit
home. l brought along an old sabre, which
my grandshire had used against Scranton,
at Sanders Creek. That Sabbath night,
as I we'll remember, did not retire until
near midnight, for l sat up polishing the
old blade. At last, when the light shin
ing 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 a dozen of the fercest
robbers that ever made woman or child.