The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-01-27

| uWdIl was budHuinB elect3 buu gOuuB,
and 1.-THE; the woman's garments had
been discarded, and saw before me-a
man, small, but muscular, and with a
diabolical face. He was STOPPING over
the form of Aunt Dnhh, In one hand a.
vial, which he held to her nostrls. /
comprehended the situation at glance
Aunt Dlnah was drugged; even the
frail protection of her presence was gone,
and the next step would be robbery,
perhaps murder
The villain replaced the vial In his
pocket, with grin on his ugly face.
"There ~ he calculated, "that will
work. With the old Niger out of the
way, the rest is easy. Lucky that 1
know where to look for the money; it's
In the old woman's room, saw the gal
put it there. Let me see, right hand
corner, top drawer in dressing table"
1t flashed over me then, my own care
lessness, when father had given the
pocket-book into my keeping; the open
window near us, and some gay words
that had uttered, all came back to me.
l was so frightened, 1t seemed as If l
should die. Then calmer thoughts sue
ceeded; and 1 resolved to fight for that
money to the death. Softly 1 stole
away, and re-entered my mothers
apartment. Taking the pocket book
from the drawer, hid it in my bosom !;
and then, pausing, to assure myself that
she still slept, l turned to the hall where
our small provision of fire arms was
stored Oh, heavens They wore gone !
A low, horrible chuckle fell upon my
ears. The robber stood at my side, a
look of triumph on his hateful face.
WE'LL" he sneered, boldly, "where
is it ?"
"What do you mean 2'' gasped.
The money, of course I've just
been to the old woman's room but l find
you've been too many for me. Now,
girl" he stepped closer to me, and
raised one hand threateningly; his
awful eyes glared into mine his lips, as
they opened, resembled those of some
huge wild animal. 81 know you have
the rocks, haud 'em out !"
With low cry of fear, turned and
fled. Back to the large, old kitchen; !;
my heart surging and beating madly,
l flew like the wind. Old Dlnah still
lay upon the floor, in blest unconscious
ness. j shook her, and called aloud,
and shrieked for help, but no other
sound broke the stiffness, save the low,
dreadful laugh of the robber, who had
followed me.
Stop that noisel" he growled.
"You're wasting breath, you know.
The nigger's drugged, and won't wake
up till I'm safe out o. this. See here,
1 want that money. Give it to me, and
promise to leave you in peace; refuse,
and -o
thought of Frank, and our future.
81 never will ~ cried, as bravely as
l could. Again, that horrible, mocking
laugh. He sprang forward, and seized
my arm; one hand passed around my
waist, and held me tightly; the other,
prepared to close about my throat. Just
at that moment, my eyes fell upon the
huge brick oven something unknown,
in these days, Bessie; an immense
structure, occupying one side of the
kitchen. noticed that the wide door
had been left open and sudden thought
an inspiration-darted into my mind
1t was worth risking, at all events.
The Villains hand was pressing closer
about my slender throat; I felt dread
ful, choking sensation. l was sure that
l should die. Now = or never - 1
thought. / thrust one hand, quickly,
into the bosom of my dress, and snatch
ing the pocket-book there-from with q
quick, sudden movement, L threw it
into the oven-away in-I could hear it
all upon the bottom with heavy thud,
for most of the money was in gold.
With horrible imprecation, the wretch
released his hold, and darting forward
sprang into the oven. darted towards
the huge door. seized 1t in both hands;
with supeIhuman efforts, pushed it
shut, and slid the heavy bolt into its
place. was saved Then 1 sank upon
the floor in blissful insensibility.
was aroused by the pressure of lips
upon my own; and felt my head pillow
ed In somebody's arms. opened my
eyes. Frank was holding me close to
his heart, his face pale and anxious. He
had returned Unexpectedly I; and seeinga
light burning in the house-an unusual
occurrence at so late an hour, for it was
midnight and fearing that was ILL