The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-07-06

young New Yorker in knee brooches of snuff color. top boots, q double-breasted waistcoat, with a frilled shirt and long buff coat. He threw off a riding coat and discovered his pistols and long hanger.
 The calm, serious face was as composed as usual, nor did the man disturb him self to look at any one in particular, but took the seat assigned to him near the rest of us. One of the strangers spoke to Acton after a moment.
 You say that you have come from the westward, sir. Did you hnd the road free from traffie2.
 'I met not soul from the time left the river"
 we two are bound westward, and t is said the road to Gowan's Ferry is full of these wild Slkinners and eowboys.'
 'I can answer for that road" volun- teered Curtis. Not a soul is stirring to- night for I have but just come over it."
 Meantime had caught Curtiss eye and by an almost imperceptlble movement saw the same thought in his mind that was working in mine. These two men coming from the east had a suspicious manner. Neither of us could have san just why at that moment but by this glance we both agreed to watch them The meal went on and in a few moments lilt lWO SNIduSeTS InElT pipes ana went over to the fire Curtis was still eating.
 What are we to do?" I asked under my breath.
 Wait" said Curtis in the same voice. and then he added aloud Master-er-"
 Holt, sir, at your bidding, sir" said the landlord, trying to bend hIs fat belly in bow and rubbing his hands together.
 Master Holt, can you give me room tonightg'
 Well, yes. gentlemen said the tavern keeper effusiYely. Certainly, certainly I suppose now, these two gentlemen" pointing to the two men from the east, will have room by themselves-a large room t is at that. sir, and I can give you three gentlemen accommodation easily or course. In these times, sirs, perhaps two will never mind being together. We keep a fine tavern, sirs none such another the whole country round, and my madam she"
 The landlord stopped abruptly and turn ed around. for the door at the back of the room opened and a little shaver ran up to him and was now tugging at his coat. The host stopped and listened to what the boy had to say. Then out rang howl from him, and he turned a clay colour:
 My God Ohi oh! sirs, we shall be killedl' and he rung his hands.
 What is t Holt, man? What's to do?' cried the two soldiers
 ''Oh, Lord Ohl they're here again. they've been here before. know em. Ihey know l have little set by for my old age! I'm ruined! I'm ruined!" and the tears rolled down his cheeks.
 At this moment the woman shrieked from behind the counter, and we knew that the wife had the news as well. Ey- eryone had arisen and was standing, when such an Interruption at this mo- ment so bewildered and maddened me that I cried out:
 Well man, what In the devils name ais thee? Speak up!'
 The Skinnersl the Sxinners! They're coming to rob me" screamed the terri fled tavern-keeper.
 Tn that case" said the calm voice of Srrtis, two would not be amiss to drop that bar across the front door and pull the shutters to-"
 Evidently the landlord had a little sense left, for in Q bound he was at the door and had the huge iron bar in its place between two iron staples. At the same moment one of the two soldiers stepped to the front window to close the wooden shutters. His head had scarcely passed through the frame when a loud report came to us from outside and the poor fellow rolled back and fell upon the floor shot clean through the head.
 was quit enough to break the spell that hung over us. Every one was talk Ing and running to blockade windows with tables and chairs for most men of those days had had some training in such scenes before now. Curtis, Acton and naturally drew together, and as we thrust table against window, another shot came through it, and a pounding began on the door
 lis bad. bad!' I muttered.
 On the contrary" said Curtis, "noth- Ing could be more fortunate"
 l do not see 1t in that light" answered l, testify. We shall be separated with out having talked"
 on the contrary, again, my friend. we can now talk without fear of interruption; while before we would have been hard put to it to find a way"
 Another shot came through the table and clipped bit off the shoulder of Ac- tons coat
 But we shall be killed. and then our expedition will fail" cried l.
 Nay nay" said acton, Rob has the right of 1t. We need have no fear of in- teruption now. We can"
 Master Holt turn out the light" cried l sharply then they cannot sec" Out went the light instantly. Outside every nolSe ceased as If by magic.
 Well, how shall we talk?' muttered I, for 1t seemed the last straw-this untime- ly attack.
 Hold thy tongue, man. and I'll show thee,' said Curtis. Holt" he continued, and you, sirs, come over this way So now, landlord. you are attacked, I sec"
 Attacked? My God, I'm ruined. I'm dead man"
 That you will be, if you do not act" But what can I do?"
 Have you guns?"
 Aye. three"
 Very we'll; do you, your wife and this remaining soldier with the boy upstairs with two of the guns and fire down on these men from above"
 "We can fire through the old loop holes" said his wife.
 Good, so much the better These two