Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1909-10-07

his step with piteous entreaties
that he would not venture into col.
lision with the band, who, il was
now evident, must, in a few moments,
make good their entrance into the
house.
Leave me. daughters-get back
TO your chamber" he cried, as he
forced his way through their feeble
impeachment. with a blunderbuss in
his hand. aud, followed by the ser
wants, took station mid way in the
ball, whence he was able 10 direct
his defence TO either the front or
the rear.
| The precautions tn which the in
habitants Of the province were &C.
customed to resort for the purpose
lot guarding their dwellings against
the attacks OF the Indians, had rem
dered, in fact, every house almost q
castle, and it was no easy matter,
without the proper tools, TO force an
admission against the will OF the
owner. The stubborn character OF
the defences OF Mr.. Warden's dwell
ling detained the assailants longer
than they expected, and gave time
to the small garrison within TO take
all measures for guarding tham-
se.yes that the condition OF the house
afforded.
The door at length yielded to the
vlgor of the attack. and as il few
wide Cpen. the veteran master OF
the mansion stood with dauntless
front. in full view of the eager sea-
men;-iu the same instant his piece
was discharged with such effect that
the two formOst men reeed aud fell
across the threshold.
Give me thy gun, Michael" he
exclaimed, as be turned 10 the gar
dener and seized the long Spanish
fowliug piece with which nv read
er has already hai some arquain-
tance; Il will teach these rufiaus
good mannersl Back, knavesl-un-
hand me, villains!-Michael, Nicho-
las!'
Stay that blow, coward" roar
ed COcklescraft at the height OF his
voice, in the exertion of his full com.
mand over the crew, as they had,
Immediately on receiving the Col
lector's fire, rushed forward and
overcome the old man by the press
OF numbers, the servants having
fled at this onset. Strike him, and
you shall fall by my own swordl"
he continued, as with his cutlass he
turned aside the pike of a seaman
who had aimed it at the Collectors
breast Is it for men TO war
against gray hairsf"-
Save my father--oh God, spare
his lifel" screamed Rlsnche. as she
now sprana.. wild wl4h terroE. hxIf
way down the stair. Men of blood.
have mercy on his age!-he is old
too old TO do you harm. Oh. save
himl"
by the Blessed Virgin, gentle
mistress. swear not one hair upon
his head shall suffer harm,-for thy
sake. dainty lady, il for no other!"
exclaimed Cocklescraft, as with one
bound he placed himself beside the
maiden; and raising her aloft on
his arm, he leapcd back TO the hall
and thence out upon the lawn.
Follow me. comrades !" he shouted,
as he bore the screaming maiden
stoutly on his shoulder down the
bank. and laid her senseless upon
the seat OF the boat. Here he threw
his cloak over her person, and sum
moned his men Immediately 70 their
posts,-having taken care 20 bring
away the two wounded seamen
The boat was about TO be shoved of
from the wharf, when the figure OF
female was described coming at a
rapid flight, from the direction Of
the yelling, and u'tering a shri!l
note OF lameutation, as she begged
them TO stop.
For the love Of God. leave her
behind! Oh. have pity, good men.
aud do not tear away the Collectors
daughter. our young mistressl
Christian men, spare her TO US!
She will die of cold-she will per
isb on the water-her blood will be
on your heads
Thou 'rt good nurse, Mistress
Coldcale, said the Skipper with a
sDortive tone which mOcksd the dis.
tress OF the sufferers. and as our
queen will wat az attendant, thou
shalt even go With 1s. Put the Old
woman aboard, comrades" ?" he added,
speaking 70 some Of the men. who,
almost before the housekee per could
utter the shrek which now rose
from her lips, was lifted over bali
dozen heads. and deposited besides
her young lady.
"Cheerily, nov 10 your oars!"
shouted Cocklescraft. exulting 10 the
success Of nIs inroad Lay your
sinews to it, lads, until we get clear
OF the creek, and then Up with your
sail!-we have fair wind and a
merry voyage before Us. Speed
thee ] scent the coming dawn.
Almost in as brief space as we
have taken to relate it, the bat had
shot forth into the middle OF the
creek, and now glided over the wa
ters like an imp OF darkness flying
homeward TO his ocean cave freight
ed with the spoils Of some evil err
rand.
CHAPTER XXI.
And hurry, skurry, forth they 20.