Connecticut western news., 1884-10-22

seeming quite discouraged and dis heartened by the event which had just occurred.
 "Verily, l know not the proper course to pursue," he mourned. al can't afford to leave this house and the growing crops smiling upon us with promise of sustenance for the winter. I fear this villain is a rascal of utter dye, who will not hesitate at bloodshed. It may be well to go, yet must remain for a time"
 An anxious night was passed, and very early next morning all hands were aStir. The sisters had been engaged in consultation during the night, and when they descended from the loft, Ruth drew her father aside.
 "What wilt thou do, father, in case those bad men come ?" she asked.
 "Verily, know not" he replied, "I have studied upon the matter all night, but my mind is far from fixed. If they insist upon it, I suppose we shall be obliged to flee; our religion doth not al- low us to fight with carnal weapons"
 "Let us manage that, father," the girl insisted. "Truly we cannot fight, for we have no worldly weapons, but I much think if we are not sadly mistaken we can induce these outlaws to go their own way"
 'I pray that thou mayest, my dangh- ter," the father returned, "though know rot how woman can persuade such fearful beings"
 "But thou wilt leave the matter to Naomi and myself if they come?"
 "Yes, daughter, was the reluctant as- sent, "thee can have thy way; but I pray thee do nothing rashly."
 The maiden went her way, we'll satis- fed, and in a short time had large kettle over the fire containing small l quantity of water. When this was brought to boil more was added, until the kettle was nearly full.
 Surely, Ruth, thou dost not intend to wash today" the mother remarked, seeing these preparations.
 "Never mind, mother" was the sig ni6cant reply. ''Naomi and may need to do little washing, but shall not disturb thee"
 The young ladies were quite accus- toned to having their own way, so no demur was made, although an attack from outlaws was every minute expected.
 The morning meal was eaten with de- votional fear, and almost before the table had been cleaned, Bob Bellows, accompanied by five or six rascals, like unto himself, rode up to the door
 Come r he shouted, from his horse, ''get out of here in quick time. I told you to be gone before I come" Nehemiah Strong rose to his feet, and approached the door, but he was pulled back by Ruth, who said:
 "Stay there, father. Thee promised that sister and l might meet these vaga- bonds of the earth and deal with them"
 '.But it is not fit" he commenced to say.
 The brave girl, however, waited for no words, but springing to the door, she | said:
 ''This IS our home, and truly we will not be driven from it save in legal manner. We would never resist officers of the law, and if they come in due form we will obey them, but such as thou art we neither fear nor obey"
 "By my soul, little Quakeress, the rascal cried, you've a heap of life in your delicate body, and I don't mind if you stay. But the rest must tramp. Come, git out O this, or we'll throw ye out p'
 We shall not go, neither shall we be thrown out !" returned Ruth. i've do not fight with carnal weapons, for such is not our faith, but if you meddle with us you will speedily find yourselves in hot water"
 "Come on, fellers," said Bob, as he sprang from his horse. ''See if one of these prayin' gals kin fight on their knees as we'll as we kin afoot."
 With hoarse laugh the marauders sprang from their animals, and when they had been fastened to the Quaker's garden fence, they turned to enter the dwelling. But the door was fast against them.
 'No danger from bullets, boys" the leader laughed; ''so we'll have some fun. Plenty of wood here to make a ram of. Sam, you git a stick, while I persuade 'em to open the door for us.
 In accordance with this plan, a small log was raised by four of the men, while bob grasped the door and shook it vio. lently.
 "Open," he said with many oaths and disgusting language, which We have nc right to record; "open, or it'll be the wuss for ye We'll break the dool down, and yell find nest of roarin wildcats in yer late peaceful home Yea, verify thee will"
 But his words brought no response and presently the men bearing the los approached.
 Smash her down." he growled "They are stubborn as -, or they ar, goin' to play some trick on us."
 The bearers of the battering-ram nov approached, and Bob, after giving tn, door two or three not very gentle kicks indicated the place where the blov should be given. But even while the beam was poised and almost ready to descend, the valian } leader of the gang gave fearful howl , and sank upon the ground, crawling away like huge spider, and accompany ino each movement with n proau.