Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1872-04-22

cast my eyes towards the window, as if
1t would afford some point Of escape,
But the robbers would have fair chance
and could surround and murder us with
out show of defense-I had all this
time counted on my fair companion as
an assistant, not rejecting that she was
woman, and [ essayed to protect cher.
When this thought crossed my mind, all
my combative powers were aroused, and
| felt strong and competent to contend
with host
[ heard whisperings and footsteps
gently stealing up the stairs A dim
light shone beneath the door, and reveal
ed several large holes and cracks. |
kept my eyes intently fixed in that di-
rection, while my heart palpitated so
loud that its vibration could be distinct
| ly heard.
A slight shuf1ing of feet, and crash,
crash, went several reports, while bullets
whizzed sharply about my head. The
girl gave shrill scream groaned and
crept closer to the door, which was rid
died with bullets, and through the holes
could plainly discern their actions.
I still had five shots in my revolver,
and determined to use them to the best
advantage.
''He's done for now," said one, as he
stood cycling the door.
'.But the gal replied a little, short,
thick-set man, '.she fights like man."
''Ha you coward, who would fear
woman % returned the first speaker with
a sneer.
Jim Bates, I'll make you smell pow
der for that aforc morning. said the
little man savacely.
"We must have this ere door open =
and suiting the action to the word, as
sault was made upon it.
I leveled my pistol and fired, when,
with an oath, the man fell back upon
the floor l gave them two more shots
when they retreated precipitately down
stairs. | reloaded my revolver, and
then returned to my companion who was
trying to staunch the blood which was
flowing from wound in her neck.
Il fear, sir, my life is short, and L
sincerely thank you for your kind pro-
lection, she feebly murmured, and sank
exhausted on the bed
| was about to offer some assistance
when again heard steps on the stairs,
and earnest talking, as if persons remon-
strating. Thinking the attack on the
door would be renewed, | drew the bed
stead against it, and threw the light
bedding over the head board, and thus
formed kind of breastwork.
'Say, Mister, don't shoot, l want to
speak few words with you," said a
voice at the head of the stairs.
'I'll shoot the first man who comes
near that door," | replied savagely.
"Oh, no, don't I'm your friend p he
replied, in tone which carried treach-
cry with it. ''Come to the door, will
you %
''Yes: but don't you come.''
Il won't; are you there %
"Yes."
'Close %
eyes"
I felt slight moving of the bed over
the trap, during which time men outside
kept up an incessant jabber.
One end of the bed was raising softly
and taking hold of it with my left hand,
gently raised it up, until could discov-
er head above the opening.
care you at the door %
"Yes"-and simultaneously with my
answer went leaden messenger through
the head in the trap, and bang went a
bullet through the door,
The sound of heavy fall announced
that my shot had taken effect.
| searched for the revolver the girl
had used, and fortunately found it, and
was happy to discover that one load
had been shot out Of it, which | replac-
ed; and being thus reinforced, felt more
confident of victory.
But to overcome this gang seemed al
most hopeless. as their numbers might
be very large and so far from assistance.
, But might not some providential circum-
stance transpire to deliver me from the
hands Of these desperadoes ? | was de-
termined to do my best. and leave the
, result in the hands of Him who directs
| the affairs of men.
[ A noise at the window drew my at
tention and | caught the glimpse of q
f mans head slowly rising above the sill
Taking deliberate aim, | gave him the
contents of one barrel, and he descended
much quicker than he came up.
What would be the next feature o1
the programme | could not immagine
but like wild beast at bay | watched
5 every move, and had my ears open tc
: every sound; but felt that something
, decisive must be done, for day would
/ soon make its appearance and they would
| have the advantage of me.
) Again they were ascending the stairs