The post. [volume] (Middleburg, Snyder County, Pa.) 1864-1883, 1876-02-24

Tx A TERRIBLE PLIGHT.-The Bloom
field Tmcs Of the 18th inst. says On
February 3rd, 1876, about ten o'clock
P. NJ, Mr.. Samuel Erb, near Oysters.
Fast Pennsboro' township, returned
home having been TO church. he was
surprised by hearing q noise among
his chickens in the hennery. On look
ing for the cause he discovere three
black men wringing the necks oil his
"Houdans," and putting them in
bag. The thieves seeing they were
discovered, ran from tho building
with their plunder; and Mr.. +. call.
ing his dog gave chase. The rascals
struck for hedge Of paw paw bushes,
about half . mile from the house,
into which they dsrted with the dog at
their heels. There they halted, and
one of their number fired two shots at
the dog, when the animal turned tail
and ran home. Mr.. Erb, would gladly
have followed his dog, but q pistol was
presented to his breast with the admo-
milton that his life depended on his 81
lence and submission. His money and
watch were demanded and reluctantly
given. Mr.. Erb now expected TO be
let go; but not so. The scoundrels
discussed the prOpriety, and cOnclud-
ed that they would take his clothing.
Mr.. Erb was compelled to take o6 his
overcOat, coats, pants-in short he was
stripped TO his shirt and drawers. Even
his hat and boots were taken. In order
to prevent Mr.. Erb giving the alarm
too soon, they gagged him, by passing
his suspenders through his mouth and
buckling them back of his head. His
hands were tied on his back. He was
then allowed TO 60 home. The thieves
took their leave going towards Harris
burg. The feelings Of Mr.. Erb can be
easier imagined than described a. he
walked home through the keen air.
But his troubles were not ut an end !;
for at his gate he was met by the dog,
who failing to recognize his master,
kept barking and swapping At his legs.
Mrs. Erb being aroused by the noise.
looked out the window. and seeing
this white figure dancing in the moon.
light, thought II was q ghost, called
her father who came armed with a
shot gun. and opening the door he
CAiicu tn0 uOks Ilo tucu ucbiTou w
know the mission Of one in so strange
on attire. Never was man more will
ing to speak, or more unable than Mr..
Samuel Erb. So the only reply was q
few mods ofthe head. accompanied by
o. many Jumps with the feet. His n :
ther .in.law then brought the weapon
70 his shoulder. and taking aim Ut the
supposed ghost, demanded 1t 70 speak
Immediately, or leave tho premises.
With this he coupled the promise that
. failure 70 comply would cause him 10
fire. Mr.. Erb was now in great dilem.
ma. Speak he could not. Ifhe stayed
he would be shot, ifhs went away he
would freese. In fact he was nearly
frozen already. He turned to 60, and
a. he did 80, his wife saw hrs arms were
tied on his back. Telling her father
this, that gentleman called to him 10
come back; but kept his gun pointed,
saying - long - there was no evidence
OF hostility, there need DO no fear. Mr..
Erb tremblingly obeyed, and on draw.
ing near wss recognized and cared for.
It was some time before Mr.. Erb could
give an account OF Whst he suffered
during the last hour. He says the rob-
bess we're white men in disguise, and
!hinks there y no posaibllisy Of detect
Ing them.