The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-09-09
A NlGHyE OF CALAMITY.
BY 1Rs JEANETTE c. BANCROFT.
rAHE following is the thrilling nara

i tive OF lauy VINO docs NOT WISH
Ii her name made public:
A number Of years ago my hus-
band self and three small children remov-
ed from a Northern to Southern State.
In the section where we had located our
selves, there were a good many parties
engaged in illicit liquor traffic, aud it so
happened that not long after our arrival
there, a number of these were arrested by
government agents
Now, although my husband had no
knowledge whatever of their illegal trans
actions, he was suspected of having given
information that had led 20 their detection,
and from that moment he had their enmity,
and was doomed.
The ill-will of these desperadoes was
something to be dreaded, for they would
stop at no crime, not even that Of murder,
to obtain their revenge.
A friend of my husband had informed
him of how matters stood, and had advised
him to leave the country as soon as pos
sible, if he wished to save himself and
family.
We had often heard of outrages being
committed by these bad men, and we now
decided to return to the North as soon as
we could arrange our business matters sat
isfactorily. and in the meantime to take all
precautions against an attack
Some few nights after my husband re-
ceived the information that he was suspect
ed, we were startled, about two o'clock IN
the morning, by loud knocking at the
door, and, on rising and looking out of the
window, saw man standing below.
In answer to my inquiry, lie informed
me that he bad lost his way, and desired
to remain at our house till morning.
My husband was inclined to believe his
statement, and was about to address him,
when stopped him. for bad my suspic-
ions that all was not MS the man repre-
sented.
l then addressed the man outside, and
told him that it would not be convenient
for me to give him lodging.
He then became indignant, insisted upon
my opening the door, and said 1t was the
most heartless refusal he had ever received.
l still firmly declined to admit him !;
and, while l was talking to him, ] thought
perceived several others standing short
distance back.
In few seconds my suspicious were con-
frmed by seeing some half dozen men move
toward the house ; upon which the man at
the door declared that unless would admit
him and his companions they would break
in and burn down the house.
| replied that rather than have them
break in and burn down the house, l would
open the door in few minutes.
then turned to my husband and told
him he would have to secrete himself, for
there was no doubt in my mind that they
were in search of him.
But where was he to hide? Should they
search the house they would surely find
him. / went to the back of the dwelling,
and looked out of the window, thinking he
there was no hope in that quarter-for l
could see several men standing around as if
watching the dwelling.
Knock knock knock was again
heard at the door, and admittance de
manded.
The rutfians were getting impatient, and
/ must either admit them or have the door
burst open.
In that awful moment of mental agony,
an idea came to me like ray Of hope from
Heaven. The cords of our bedstead old
fashioned were loose and sagged. We had
been intending to tighten them, but had
not yet done so, and had placed quilt in
the hollow to level it. There, if anywhere
was the place for concealment.
Quick as thought | whirled eff the feather
bel and straw-bed, spread out the quilt
over the cords, and whispered to my hus-
band to lie down in the hollow.
In minute all was complete--the two
beds were on top of him, spread and
tumbled as if had just got out of them
and then, with Good save you, darling -
l darted down to the door and opened it.
Several masked figures rushed in and
demanded the whereabouts of my husband.
"WheIever he is, ! trust that God will
protect him ~ was my solemn reply.
Come" said one, who appeared to be
the leader, there is no use in wasting
time asking questions We will search
the house, and If he is here we will find
him"
There was no hope now if they discover
ed his hiding place, and sank down upon
seat, almost overpowered, and fervently
prayed that they would not be successful.
could hear them going into first one
room and then another, then into the very