Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1890-08-07


insisted. Truly we cannot fight. for we
have no worldly weapons; but think. if
we are not sadly mistaken. we can induce
these outlaws to go their own way
Il pray that though may st, my daugh-
ter, the father returned, though know
not how won can persuade such fearful
beings"
But thou wilt leave the mater to Ma.
omi and myself if they come:
"Yes daughter. was the reluctant as
sent, thee can have thy way, but pray
thee, do nothing rashly."
The maiden went her way, well salts
fed. and in short time had vigorous
kettle over the FIRE, containing small
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 to-day? ?" the mother remarked, see
ing these preparations.
Never mind. mother, was the signi6-
cant reply. Naomi and may need to
do little washing, but shall not disturb
thee
The yoang ladies were quite accustomed
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 cleared, Bob Bellows, accompan-
led by five or six rascals like himself, rode
up to the door.
"Come!" he shouted, from his horse,
'get out of here in quick time. | told you
to be gone before | came"
Nehemiah Strong rose to his feet and
approached the door, but was pulled back
by Ruth, who said:
.'Stay here, father. Thee promised that
sister and might meet these vagabonds of
the earth and deal with them.
but it is not fit he commenced to
say.
The brave girl, however, waited fci 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 Qualseress, the ras-
cal cried, you've heap of life in your
delicate BODY, and don't mind if you
stay. But the rest must tramp. Come,
git out O. this, or well throw you out. !"
I'VE shall not 90, neither shall we be
thrown out, returned Ruth. 1--WE donot
fight with carnal weapons, for such is not
our faith, but if you NEEDLE with us you
will speedy find yourself in hot water. !"
Some on, fellers,' said Bob as he sprang
kin fight on their knees as we'll as we kin
afoot."
With high, hoarse laugh the Elaraud-
ers sprang from their animals, and, when
they had BEEN fastened to the Quaker's
garden fence, they turned to en-
ter the dwelling. But the door was fast
against them
mo danger from the bullets, boys
the leader laughed; 80 we'll have some
fun. Fenty of wood to make ram of.
Sam, you get stick, while persuade
EN- to open the door
In accordance with his plaE small log
was raised by four Of the men, while Bob
grasped the door and shook IT violently
'0pen," he said. with many oatbs and
disgusting language, which we have no
right to record; open or ut be the wus
TO rye Well break the door down, and
ye'll find a 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 log ap-
preached.
'eSmash her down." he growled. They
are stubborn as , or they are goin to
play some trick on us.
The bearers of the bat.eringram now APP
preached, and Bob, after giving the door
twosr three not very gentle kicks, indicat-
ed the place where The blow should be
given.
But even while the beam was poised
and almost ready to descend. the valiant
leader of the gang gave a fearful howl.
and sank upon the ground. crawling away
like a huge spider, and accompanying
each movement with groan.
"Why, Bob, what aiss yer?' asked one
Of his men in surprise
Before any answer could be given, how
ever, the questioner executed a like move
ment, and with very much less ado hasten
ed from the vicinity, closely followed by
the rest
To explain the cause on their singular
discontinue, we must return to the inte-
rior of the house.
When Ruth closed and barred the dsor
the plan she had in mind was soon maze
apparent. Naomi had been to tine loft
and now return I'd with an engine which
had been used in watering the garden
through the summer months; in fact,
within d few days. 1t was very simple
in design, being merely 4 hollow cylin-
der, fitted with piston. the whole form-
ing no more nor less than a large squirt
gun.
This the sisters had put in working or
der, the night previous, when they other
wise would have been sleeping. So that
it now was all ready for use.
1t required but few moments to fill the
cavity with the boiling water, and when
it was forcibly elected by the indignant
maidens arms, landing upon the person
and clothing of Bob Bellows it is easy to
foresee that the recipient did, as the Quak-
eress had affirmed, ''iind himself in hot
water
Nor was he alone, for before the alarm
had been taken every one of the others had
received sprinkling, which at such short
ranOa did most effective service