Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1886-12-23
A Young Girls Bravery.

ground and there was no danger of be.
ing storm bound Louis Stacy left his
little home in Arkansas to go down the
river with boat-load of furs and skins.
He expected to bring back a supply
of provisions for spring and summer
use, as we'll as tiny little sum of
money as reward for his labor during
the winter in trapping and hunting.
He left his wife and niece without
even shadow Of forethought of harm
coming to them during his absence, for
living as he did, twelve miles from the
nearest town, and remote from the
road taken by travellers and tramps,
they had few visitors and seldom saw a
savage face; and then, too. both women
were accustomed to the use of firearms,
and Lewis knew they would not hesi-
tate to employ them if necessary.
Just at this time stranger was lying
ill in the hunters cabin-a young man
who had accidentally shot himself
while hunting in the woods, and to
whom Lewis had willingly given shell
ter and every attention.
Fever and delirium had followed Ar
thur Morris accident, and he had been
confined in the cabin six weeks, being
now in conyalescent state. He said
he was well off in the worlds goods,
and told Laura Stacy when he first met
her that he wore money belt about
his waist and begged that it might re-
main there no matter how ill he be-
came.
Lewis had been gone several days
and life had gone on as usual in the
little cabin, which Mrs. Stacy and
Laura had managed to make comfort
able and home-like after much trouble
aud with many Ingenious contrivances.
Much of Mrs Stacy's time was spent
with Arthur Morris, who grew restless
and feverlsh if left alone. Laura, too,
frequently read and talked to the inya-
lid, unconcious that his handsome,
worn face and dark eyes had caused a
more tender feeling than compassion to
find place in her heart.
The cabin consisted of three rooms
on the ground foor-a main room, used
for cooking, eating and general pur-
poses; a bedroom, and small room
used as pantry.
Beneath was deep cellar, where
provisions were kept in the summer,
and even in the winter, for frost never
entered the deep hole Lewis Stacy had
dug. Above was loft, reached by
ladder from the pantry, and here the
two women slept, giving their SICK
guest the pleasant room on the first
floor.
1t was nearly midnight of the fifth
day of Lewis absence, when Laura
was aroused by hearing noise at the
cabin. Not disturbing her aunt, who
was sleeping heavily, worn out by
watching with the lnyalid the previous
night. the brave girl hastily threw on
her clothes and descended the ladder
just as the door of the main room open
ed, and two men in bare feet entered,
carrying lantern.
They stared little at seeing Laura,
standing silent and motionless with
lighted candle in her hand. One of
them, tall, burly fellow, with an evil
eye, advanced toward her and shook his
fist in her face.
Speak one word above wisper,' he
said, and l will put a bullet through,
your brain,' fourishing huge revolver
as he spoke.
Laura knew that If she disobeyed the
command the threat would be carried
into execution, and recovering from
her terror she asked the men in an un-
faltering voice what they wanted.
we want that money-belt on the
stranger You have here,' was the reply
in a hoarse whisper. 'We know all
about it, so you needn't lie to US. Tell
us where it is, and be quick about it,
Surely you would not rob a sick
MANI? said Laura, trying to gain time
and think what was best to be done III
this terrible emergency. 1t would GER
tainly kill him TO be aroused in such
brutal Manner
We won't give him any chance to
speak, growled the man who held the
lantern. He'll never know who hurt
him. Hurry up, girl, we're wasting
time. Is he up On the loft?'
Laura turned deathly pale. In that
terrible moment she realized how dear
to her Arthur Morris had become, and
she resolved to save his life even if she
had to sacrifice her own.
This way, gentlemen she said, soft
ly; and she turned toward a door STU
ated midway between the bedroom of
the invalid and the pantry. She open
ed it little way. DO you hear him
breatheg' she asked.
Yes, yes,' answered the ruffians: but
it was the heavy breathing of Mrs
Stacy in the loft above that they heard.
Laura threw the door wide open; it
opened inward. Then the men saw
dark void and pressed eagerly forward,
not pvnu stoOninO tD throw I ho lirbt nf