National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1872-10-18
A MARVELLOUS EVENT.

Mrs. Janet Mowhray and her four sons
lived in l,2s at lInrwick Hall, in the coun-
" Durham, England. Mrs. Mowbray
was tall, powerful woman Of great encr
cv and bravery, in her iiity-fourth year.
Her sons were aged respectively thirty
four, twenty.Seyen, twenty -four, and
twcnty-one. Her husband had been dead
many wears. Her two eldest sons were
married, and their wives ard families lived
with her. The youngest, George, was
wild and dis,ilatcl. and bad gwen his
mother much trouble. He was deeply III
debt. and bad been repeatedly threatened
with arrest. MIS- Mowbrly was wealthy,
and kept IN her bedroom, besides quantity
of valuable plate, large sum 0t money.
On Christmas eve Mrs. MowbIay's sons
and daughters .in-law paid a visit to the
residence Of relative. Mr.. Chaker, oi
Chatersburg. The domestics, relieved
from duty, were in their own portion OF
the dwelling, enjoying the festivities OF
the season. The watchman, who was ordI-
ul-ilv ,', 1rtv in kitchen garden, took a
h4,N survey oi hls beat, and Joined the
revelers in the kitchen.
On Christmas night they were to have
small gathering Of friends and neighbors,
and Mrs Mowbray began to consider the
nercssay arrangements. She would re-
ourc the old punch bowl, and the ladies and
roblets which she kept in the closet OF her
bedroom. She went accordingly and
entered the closet and took out the silver
and laid it on the shelf, ready Tor removal
the next morning. At the same time she
took out large old-fashioned carving
knic and fork Of quaint pattern, and de-
posted them on the shelf. She then re-
turned to the pallor. After sitting ana
musing for some time, she took up the
Bible and fumbled Tor her spectacles. She
could not find them, and at length remem-
bercd that she had left them on the shelf
in the closet. She at once returned for
them. Entering her bedroom, she placed
the candle on the dressing table, ard light
edasmall lamp, with which she entered
the closet.
As she took the first step inside the
closet .be heard the sound as OF some one
BREATHING heavily. She looked up ant.
saw right before her the face of man.
She was brave, resolute woman. She
advanced step, and observed that mans
head, arms and body were through the
small window at the end, as though in the
act OF wriegling himself through the open
inc. In the mans right hand was pistol,
and his Left hand had hold of shelf which
ran along the side of the closet. The man
raised the pistol and fired. Mrs. Now
bray IN an instant seized the huge carving
knife which Law on the shelf. and advanced
toward the ruffian lie was struggling to
withdraw himself from the window. Ills
hands were ON the sill, and his head some
what raised. leaving his neck exposed
Bcinp unable to work himself out o
the aperturc. he raised the pistol as though
to hurl it at Mrs. Mowbray. The cour
aeeous old lady made one step forward
and dashed the keen blade across the mani
throat, laying it open from ear to ear
She then calmly retired, closed the close
door, blew out the lamp, and taking VI
her candle returned to the parlor, frs
having satisfied herself that not drop o
blood had stained her dress or hands.
Haitian hour after midnight her children
returned home. They found their mothe
seated by the fire, sereney reading th'
Bible. They greeted her ailectlonately
and prepal ed to retire for the night. Mrs
Mowbray said, "Boys, remain behind
little | wish to speak to you. You, m.
daughters, can retire"
When she was alone with her children
she said. with dignity and calmness, NJ
children. | have killed man. You vii
find his BODY fast in the small window c
the closet offmy bedroom"
Her sons stared at her in amazement
They at first imagined that she must b
L.,