The post. [volume] (Middleburg, Snyder County, Pa.) 1864-1883, 1878-03-21
A WOman's bravery.

The sun was sitting in apile OF
gorgeous colored clouds in the west.
eru horizon, aud its last dying ray
lighted up tho summer heavens with
dazzling splendor.
away out Oh the boundless prai-
tic stood long. lew log cabin; in
the rudo doorway was young girl
sixteen summers hal passed over
Apnie Welsh's dark stressed bead (;
she was a sweet, plump Irish lassie,
with deep. dark blue eyes, waving
black hair, aud full red mouth ;
sho made n pretty picture, standing
in a.gracefnl, idle fashion, with the
pine scented breeze lifting the damp
tculrills Of her low, white brow,
and sea shell pink blooming Oh
each rounded cheek
II do wish father would come
sbe rurmured, half aloud, "he said
he woald be home early TO night, aud
it is nearly seven O'clock with amos
ther searching gaze across tho vast
prairie she entered tho long, co2y
room Of the Gavin, ana sat down on
u rude rocking chair, to await tho
coming OF her father; she did not
wait long, however firm, quick step
was hoard without, aud the next in
slant tall, rather handsome man
entered the open door
Father" exclaimed the girl,
starting up from pleasant reverie,
in which she had fallen, what has
kept you so late Tonight 2
james Welsh gave his sunuy-eyed
daughter.ths usual greeting kiss,
and sat down 10 the round, we'll
laden table. II wanted to get the
wood cut" he seid, in reply to her
inquiry. ~ must go after the money
John Williams owes me; yon will
not be afraid, Puss' will not be
loter than eleven O'clock
Annie laughed "Ale afraid" she
replied, with little ring of sarcasm
in her sweet Irish voices pray,
what should be afraid Off
John Williams told me, yestor-
day that there are band Of robbers
around, but | will leave you my re-
volver, Annie, and I'll hurry back.
You are sure you're not afraid =
"No!' said Annie fearlcssly, He
ro is as good as two men but come
back soou, father.
SO, after he had finished his sup
per james Welsh kissed his young
daughter, and started tD his nearest
neighbors, some six miles below tue
cabin home.
Annie busted herself clearing q
way the supper dishes, and making
the long room tidy; she lighted a
wax taper and sat down by the TIL
BILE to read Nero, tho house dog,
was lying at her feet, aud a large,
spotted cat was purring at her side:
the old fashioned clock in the corner
ticked dismally, aud slowly rang out
the hour of nine. ten, eleven, and
still her father did not come Il
great fear stole into the girls brave
heart she thought of the robbers.
and her rosy face grew pale; ano-
ther hour passed slowly away, and
the clock Rang out the hour OF mid-
night.
Sue started to her feet, doping
the worn novel on the floor; "Hero,
she said, IL frightened glance at the
barred door. II am going to meet
yonr master some harm has befall-
en- him come!
And taking lighted lantern from
the shelf, she opened the door, and
passed out into the warm, scented
night, the hinge dog at her side f; it
was a lovely star lit scene the long,
damp grass, aud the warm breeze,
full Of spicy odors from the pine
forest, 70 the east. ward, but the
shadows hung heavy over the bound
less prairie; away of, in the dis
tance. Annie saw the dim, feeble
light Of dark lantern.
Come, Hero" she said horsely ,
aud she bounded over the damp
grass like fawn.
She was within seven feet OF the
little group she orept nearer, a
great fear at her noble young heart,
u loaded revolver clinohod tightly in
one firm hand o man was lying
senseless on the ground, and two
dark, murderous looking face we're
blending over bin she pssrsd cl0'