Middletown transcript., 1912-01-27

In our terrible need for haste, an
amid the thick, swirling smoke al
ing that inner room almost to suffC
cation, grasped the woman chancin
to be nearest me, without l1nowin
at that moment who she was. A
ready the rifle-butts were splinterin
the light wood behind us into slaves
and I hastily dragged my dazed CON
panion forward. The others were Il
advance, and we 6.oped our way lik
blind persons out into the hall. B.
rare good fortune it was yet unoc
cupied, and as we took the few hur
ried steps toward the foot Of tn,
stairs found my arm was encirclini
Celia Minor. The depth Of despai
within her dark eyes and the speech
less anguish of her white face, swep
for an instant the fierce rage Of battle
from my brain
At that moment the mob, discover
ing our direction Of escape, jammeC
both doorways and surged forth howl
ing into the hall.
"Up!" I cried. forcing her forward
up with you; quicki"
paused a scant second to pluck q
saber from beside u dead soldier on
the floor, and then with a spring up
the intervening steps. faced about al
Brennan's side on the first landing,
we ought to leave our mark on
those incarnate devils here" he said
grimly, wiping his red blade on the
carpet.
Unless they reach the second story
from without, and take ua Ia the
rear" I answered. I'VE ought to hold
back the who'e eowardly crew. 80
long as they refuse to fre."
1t was a scene to abide long with a
man-2 horrible nightmare, never to
be forgotten, Above us, protected
somewhat b. the abrupt curve Of the
wide staircase. crouched the women,
Two were sobb.ng. their heads buried
in their hands, but Maria and Mrs.
Brennan sat white Of face and dry.
eyed. l caught one quick glance ut
the fair face l loved-my sweet lady
OF the North-thinking. indeed, it
might prove the last on earth, and
knew her eyes were upon me. Then,
stronger of heart than ever for the
coming struggle. l fronted that scene
below.
Through the rising haze of smoke
l looked down into angry faces, un-
kempt boards, and branished weapons.
The bafRed rascals poured out upon
us from both doors, crowding into the
narrow space, cursing, threatening,
thirsting for revenge. Yet they were
seemingly leaderless, and the boldest
among them paused at the foot of the
stairs. They had already felt our
arms, had tested our steel, and knew
well that grim death awaited their
advance.
But they could not pause there long
the ever increasing rush of those
behind pressed the earlier arrivals
forward. Grim necessity fur
nished a courage naturally lacking,
and suddenly giving vent to a fierce
shout, they were hurled upward, se=G-
Ing to crush us at whatever sacrifice.
by sheer force of numbers. We met
them with the point. in the good old
Roman way. thrust:ng home remorse-
essly, fighting with silent contempt |
for them which must have been mad. |
iening. l even heard Brennan laugh, |
Is he pierced a huge ruffan through !
he shoulder and hurled him back
ward; but at that moment I saw Craig
mock aside a levelled gun and press
lis way to the front of the seething
mass to assume control. His face was
his eyes bloodshot; drink had |
changed him into a very demon.
Damn ye. Red told you rot to f1re!"
lie yelled. Come on, you dogs! You
,ould eat 'em up if We wasn't sich
blamed towards. There's only two,
md we'll hang them yet"
He leaped straight up the broad
teps, his long cavalry sabre in hand,
While dozen of the boldest followed
i'm. Brennan swung his sword high
'ver head, grasping it with both
lands for a death-biow, even as
hrust directly at the fellows throat.
The uplifted blade struck the chain
4 the hanging lamp, snapped at the
lit, and losing his balance the Major
lunged headlong into the ruck be-
cath. The downward fall of his body
wept the stairs.
AS stood there, painting and breath.
sss, a woman rushed downward. Be
ewing she would throw herself into
hat tangled mass below, I instantly
aught her to me.
Don't" cried anAiously. you
annot help him. For Gods sake go
ack where you were"
TT is not that" she exclaimed, her
oice thrilling with excitement ooh.
aptain Wayne, do you not hear the
ugles?"
AS by magic those hateful faces van.
'hed, disappearing by means Of ev.
ry opening leading out from the hall,
nd when the cheering blue-coats
urged in through the broken door, !
as yet standing there, apparently
lone but for the dead, leaning weak
nd breathless against the wall, my
rm about Edith Brennan.
CHAPTER XXXII. ,
After the Struggle. ,
A young officer, whose red face was ,