The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1883-04-18
riago portion, even at the risk of my owr

life.
went into my fathers room and found
his revolver; it was a six-shooter, and every
barrel was loaded Then carried the
money and jewels up stairs to my own
chamber once there, it occurred to me
hat the key of my door had been missing
for several days / believe now that Mary
was responsible for its disappearance
Even in my despair at the discovery.
recollected that my father had purchased
large bolt, a conmcn strong affair, which
had never been used. soon found it and
screw driver, and closing the door of my
oot- acu = intiuders, / went to work with
\ win, thanking God meanwhile for my own
aptitude in the use of mechanics tools; I
actually succeeded in putting the bolt upon
ny door. There was no other way of en-
trance, and l remembered that bolts are
safer than locks
by this time il was quite dark. hid the
Yaluables in my bosom, and placing the re-
7olver in my pocket, l went down to the
dining-room where | found Mary, demure
and silent as ever, awaiting me with n cup
of tea, plate of cake, and some cold chick
en-.
l ate little, for l was nearly exhausted
with excitement, but seized the opportun-
ty when Mary's back was turned, to throw
the ten away, for suspected that 1t might
be drugged
Then went out on the porch and sat
down. Two hours passed on leaden wings
and at ten o'clock, outwardly calm, arose.
"Secure the house WELL Mary" l said,
"and go to bed; we are quite safe here"
I could not avoid observing the odd look
in her pale eyes as she babe me goodnight.
went to my room and bolted my door Sc
curely; then I extinguished my lamp and
sat down near the window. After awhile !
heard n noise below stairs, and knew that
the burglars had entered the house and vert
Ut work
The maments lassed, aud then 1 caught
the sound of stealthy footsteps creeping up
the stairs to my ROOM
They hal found that tho treasure was
missing AID suspected tho truth of tho stu
alton. Softly hand was laid ON the knob
of my door; it turned, and the baffied
wretch knew that tho door was secured
There was short pause and whispered
consultation without then Mary called to
me through the keyhole;
"Pease Miss Mile, give me something
for my toothache. It's awful -
you'll find the toothache drops down
stairs in the pantry, Mary" l responded,
,rayely
A ominous silence followed then heavy
body was thrown against my door, striving
to burst it open.
"lt you cross this threshold you will die!"
cried
my revolver and stood waiting. And wo
man like, it seemed to mo at that moment as
though I had rather do anything in the
world than discharge the weapon.
Again they attempted to force tho door
I knew intuitively that it was Mary aud
David, and the villain who had tempered
with the study lock.
With whispered prayer for help /
ing my eyes fired one, two, three, four, five,
six
Once started | emptied the revolver. A
wild shrek burst upon my ears; then l fell
to the floor insensible.
opened my eyes to find Frank Melville
bending over me, pale and agitated Re-
turning from the meeting, he had felt inn
PEELED to take the road which led near our
home and hearing the six shots fired in
rapid succession he had leaped from his
horse, and dashed inside to find the three
confederates in crime, one dangerously
wounded, the others half dead with terror
They were safely landed in Jail, and after
ward sentenced to long term of imprison-
ment.
My father returned home to reveal the
startling fact that the telegram had been a
false one, and was only plot to remove him
from tue scene, that the robbery might be
effected
The robbers had thought that would lock
the study door aud retire to my own room,
of which Mary had stolen the key, 30 she
had attempted to drug me, and while ] was
sleeping the study door would have been
burst open, and the treasure removed.
was Marys confession, tor she
turned states evidence.
Frank and / were married not long after,
and with my father we went to Grandson
Farm to live But though many years have
passed since then, do not think / shall
,yer forget that memorable night or my
unpleasant adventure. Mrs b. Burk9 Col
Inns.