Year: 1859

tue neaQ 10 the trap, ana ONHS came q
bullet through tho door.


The sound of heavy fall announced
that my shot had taken effect.
| searched for the revolver the girl had
used, and fortunately found it, and was
happy to discover that but one load had
been shot out of it, which REPLACED, and
being thus reinforced [ felt-more confident
of victory.


But to overcome this gang seemed al
most hopeless, as their numbers might be
very large, and so far from assistance
But might not some prosidential circum
stance transpTe to deliver me from the
hands of these desperadoesl | was de-
termined to do my best, and leave the re-
suit in the hands of Him who directs the
affairs of men.


A noise at the window drew my atten-
ton, and caught the glimpse offs mans
head slowly rising above the sill. Taking
deliberate aim, gave him the contents
of one barrel, and he descended much
quicker than he came up.


What would be the next featue OF the
programme l could not i'm agine, but like
wild beast at bay, watched every
move, and bad my ears open to every
sound. But l felt that something deci
sive must be dono, for day would soon
make its appearance, and they would have
the advantage of me.


Again they were ascending the stairs. |
now determined to put an end to the con-
test, and if possible overcome them and
make them come to terms, or die in the
attempt.


| drew the bedstead around SO as to
protect the girl from the fire, and then
stationed myself near the door, but be-
yond their reach.


Crash went an axe against the door,
and the splinters few in every direction.
It was but the work of moment to
break the door in, and when it fell from
its fasteniDgs, sailed forth with re-
volver in each hand. One man dropped
before me, another reeled anG fed precip-
it6tely down stairs. A few shots were
returned, and one of which took effect in
my shoulder, and l felt the blood trickle
down my side. it only increased my des-
perstion. l rushed after them, firing
whenever l felt my shot would be effect.
ual. When l reached the bar-room |
could see but one man, and as he fed
through the door gave him my last shot
He fell, and begged me to spare him, as
he was the only remaining one Of the par
ty. Thinking he was so crippled be
could not escape, returned to the house,
and taking light l searched it thorough
ly, and could not fnd another man about.
/ then ascended the stairs, and found the
girl had somewhat recovered. We then
set about dressing our wounds, and were
so absorbed in the matter that did not
notice glaring light which was break
ing through the door.


1.-The house is on fire." exclaimed the
girl, springipg to her feet.


Taking her by the hand, we rushed to
the stairway, but it was one continuous
sheet of FIRE.


We then returned to the window, and
finding the ladder still there by which the
man assembled, [ took her in my arms
and descended, thus affecting our escape
from another iminent danger. The man
had set the house on fire, and either per-
ished in the flames, or dragged himself to
some place Of coucealment.


Finding two horses in stable close by,
We took possession of them, and returned
to little town near the Mississippi river.
The lovely girl and myself, who met so
strangely, never parted, but remained one
aud the Same until death. Nor have we
ever forgotten the robbers roost, or
Hans last victim.