Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-04-11
FANNY Politics General News
Mechancsbwn Frederick County, Maryland Thursday April L, 1883

and that was followed by silent keen.
er than an Indian warwhoop would
have been. Presently / heard one say
in a subdued tone: .. .....
"Yes, this is the house. ., ~
/ then jumped to the conclusion that
our house had already been marked out
by one of their spies as prey. l had
some money in the house, and some
other articles priced highly; but how
willing was they should take all of
them, if they would only spare those
who were SO dear to me
But I had little time for thought be-
fore the door was flung open, aud the
party rushed boldly in, their heavy
boots making fearful clatter above
our heads. Immediately after their
entrance light was struck, and could
see it shining throug h a crevice in the
I floor. 't, .haf. e ..s
Nobody at home. l thought so,
said one.
There's no doubt this is the place p
querried another.
iNo doubt at all. Wasn't past here
last week ?
To reassure my wife I now whisper
ed:
We are perfectly safe. They think
there is no one about, and will take
what they want and leave
But if they should set the house on
fire
No danger, They won't take the
trouble
The conversation aboYe went on,
while we listened lntently
'Wil he be home Tonight {? one ask =
ed.
I understood so in town. another
replied.
Where is his wife ?
Probably at one Of the neighbors.'
She MAJ have been afraid to stay alone.
Something was now sald that | could
not catch. after which | heard one rise,
walk to the cupboard and open it. A
:. question was asked him to which he
replied
'Nota drop
Wonder if he keeps it p
Il think So.
For full hour we listened to the
conversation of the intruders, but could
not understand all that was said. One
thing was plsin-they were in full pos
session of the house, and behaved in a
very free.and-easy, at home style.
1t finally occurred to me that if their
horses were turned loose. they would
soon discover it, and fearing that a
force might be gathering about them,
hurry away. ...
I whispered this thought to my wife
AID at once obtained consent to 90
cautiously out and loose them, promis
ing to return to her in few minutes.
l, therefore. made my way noslessly
out through the hidden aperture, here
found five horses hitched. In a twink
ling l took my knife and cut all the
girths, dashed the saddles off, then cut
the brides into WORTHLESS pieces, and
sent the horses scampering in every d.
rection. I had never worked with such
rapidity before. and it seemed but like
a moment before was back in the dark
cellar with my precious ones.
Are they loose ?. she asked.
Yes, every one of them. They will
soon hear them scamperiug about, and
leave mighty quick.
At this moment the baby began to
grow restless, and uttered moan.
oh, Lord ! exclai med my wife. If
the baby wakes, we are lost.
"Trv to keep her quiet. Wrap her
up we'll
But the little thing grew more rest
less, and finally uttered a faint cry. |
shall never forget that fearful moment.
trembl I'd from head to foot, and great
beads Of cold prespiratlon were on my
forehead.
The child now awoke and uttered
loud wall. The conversation overhead
ceased a moment, then one asked:
What was that?'
Il don't know. 1t sounded like a
Child
Come, let us escape whispered my
wife.
At that moment affairs took very
singular and unexpected turn. An.
other voice was heard at the roadside
which was but few yards dlstant-as
If shouting to those within.
There he is now, said one of the in