The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1886-09-30
A W0MAN'S BRAVERY.
A STORY OF THE FRONTIER.

STORY OF THE tkONIlEh.
As soon as the frost was out of the
ground and there was no danger of being
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 tidy little sum of money as n
reward for his labor during the winter
in trapping and hunting.
He left his wife and niece without
even the shadow of a forcboding of
harm coming to them during his ab-
sencc; for, living as they did, twelve
miles from the nearest town, and remote
from the road taken by travellers and
tramps, they had few visitors, and sci
dom saw strange face; and then, too,
both women were accustomed to the use
of firearms, and Louis knew that they
would not hesitate to employ them if
necessary.
Just at this time a stranger was lying
ill in the hunters cabin-a young man
who had accidentally shot himself while
hunting in the woods, and to whom
Louis had willingly given shelter and
every attention.
Fever and delirium had followed Ar
thur Morris's accident and he had been
confined in the cabin six weeks, being
now in convalescent state. He said he
was we'll off in this worlds goods and
told Laura Stacy when he first met her
that he wore a moncy-belt about his
waist and begged that it might remain
there, no matter how ill he became.
Louis 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 comfortable and home
like after much trouble and with many
ingenious contrivances.
Much of Mrs. Stacy's time was spent
with Arthur Morris, who grew restless
and fevcrish if left alone. Laura, too,
frequently read and talked to the inva.
lid, unconscious that his handsome, worr
face and dark eyes had caused more
tender feeling than compassion to find ;
place in her heart.
The cabin consisted of three rooms or
the ground floor--a main room, used TO
cooking, eating and general purposes;
bed room,' and small room, used as
pantry.
Beneath was deep cellar, where pro
visions were kept in the summer, ant
even in the winter, for frost never en-
tered the deep hole Louis Stacy had dug
Above was loft reached by ladde
from the pantry, and here the tw
women slept, giving their sick gucs
the pleasant room on the first floor.
1t was nearly midnight of the fifth do
of Louis absence when Laura was rouse
by hearing noise at the door of tn
cabin. Not disturbing her aunt, VIII
was sleeping heavily, worn out by watch
ing with the invalid the previous nigh
the brave girl hastily threw on ht
clothes and descended the ladder just {
the door of the main room opened an
two men, in bare feet, entered, carry
ing lantern.
They started little at seeing Lauri
standing silent and motionless, with
lighted candle in her hand.
One of them, tall, burly fellow, wit
an evil eye, advanced toward her an
shook his fist in her face.
"Speak one word above a Whisper"
said, land 1 will put bullet throug
your brainl" fourishing huge revolv
as he spoke.
Laura knew that if she disobcycd Il
command the threat would be carrie
into execution; and, recovering from h
terror, she asked the men in an unfalte
ing voice what they wanted.
"We want that money-belt on t
stranger you have here" was the repl
in hoarse whisper. 1--WE know
about it, SO you needn't lie to us. T
us where he is, and be quick about it.
"Surely you wonld not rob 81
: MANI" said Laura, trying to gain til
and think what was best to do in u
terrible emergency. 1T would sure
kill him to be reused in such bru
manner"
"We won't give him chance to speak
growled the man who held the lanter
"He'll never know what hurt hi
Hurry up, girl, we're wasting time.
A. he up in the loft7' Laura turned deaf
~ ly pale. In that terrible moment S
" realized how dear to her Arthur Nor
:. had become, and she resolved to save
life even If she should have to sacrif
hsp own