The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1879-02-20

lower than the other, The lrishman
was not in the least Disconnected by the
nishap, for, no doubt it was frequent
occurrence with him. He at once com
rnanded us to lay hold and turn the
wagon right side up. In trice all Was
in order. No damage was done save TO
our coats. Of course 1t required no mu-
sic to keep us awake from thence t0rth'
We arrived at Defiance just in time to
board the "packet," and were of for IT,
Wayne (then village). On arriving
there the priest left us after extending a
kind invitation TO visit him at his home
before we departed. My friend and ]
concluded to spend night In Fort
Ws;ne. Weirqnired for German tav'
ern arl we're directed to one. IL was q
new wooden structure. | thought it
could not be the one in which my
yite's kinsman had been robbed for that
was a log house. We turned in. The
landlords appearance did not strike me
fayorably He was gloomy, morose sort
of a fellow. Nevertheless we entrusted
our satchels to him. Mine contained a
considerable amount Of silver coin
Supper over, we wentinto the barroom
where we found number OF sqnaws
under the influence of tirewater. My
friend took delight in watching the con
duct of these intoxicated females. i
went out and took seat on o bench Iii
the doorway. Soon there was one Sit
ting by my side, one who appearad ike
q fellow COuntryman.
care yOu German" asked.
Eyes, sir"
"Are you acquainted in this town."
Somewhat"
"Iam stranger here. Will you have
the kindness to tell me whether | am in
a reputable tavern or nOtW
II think 80. The landlord is getting
rich at any rate. Two years ago he lived
in a log cabin and now he has built this
nice house,"
Correct, thought I. This is the same
landlord in whose house my wife's kins'
man was robbed. | at once called out
my friend and said to him:
1--WE will not remain here, we will 60
10 some other tavern"
He ridiculed me and said:
Don't be afraid, why we can shoot
three times if necessary"
| was compelled to yield. We then
told the landlord that we were ready to
retire, and demanded our satChels.
ursatChels are well taken care OF"
said he, "and you will get them to NOR
row"
But we want them now," l replied,
After long hesitation he delivered
them up, and conducted us to our cham
ber. It was somewhat ample room.
containing only bed, a small staud and
two chairs. After the hest had disap,
peared | undertook to lock the door but
found neither lock nor bolt. A barriCade
must he built. The small stand was
placed before the door and upon it q
chair resting obliquely against the door
The pistols were loaded and placed on
chair by the side of the bed. After com.
mending myself and friend into the
hands of the Almighty we disrobed and
Law down to rest. | was of the firm con-
viCtion that there was something rotten
in Denmark" and consequently could
not sleep.
YEARLY time Crept on until the old
clock in the barroom struck twelve. A
few moments later heard some one with.
out shoes slowly and cautiously ascend,
ing the steps. My heart beat audibly.
The door moved.
"Who is therep I cried, but received
no answer
My friend received slight lunge in
the ribs that he might wake up and help
defend the fort Soon there was another
push at the door but the chair did not
fall. l again demanded an explanation
Another and more telling push sent the
chair with loud racket to the floor, /
sprang up, seized pistol and cried;
"Stay out or | will shoot"
For next moment daggers and blum
derbusses foated promiscuously before
my vision, and | listened for sharp re-
port or gurgling blood My suspense was
relieved when | heard the nose of de.
sCending footsteps on the stairs. The as
sailant was evidently overawed by our
valor.
The night was passed without further
moestaton. But had the poor rogue
known what heroes (?) we were be would
not need have been frightened. | would
not have been brave enough to shoot,
and if l had shot, hit would have been
chance, for always close my eyes before
pulling the trigger. When we returned
home the pistols were still loaded. Nei,
ther of us was military enough to fire
them off. A gun.smith was consulted,
and, with a broad grin on his face, he
cont tbran ht1l1aku into tho Hhulpp nvaO