Year: 1859

sincerely thank you for your kind protect
ion,' she feebly murmured, and sank back
exhausted.


was about to offer some assistance when
| again heard steps on the stair and earnest
talking as of persons remopstrating.--
Thinking the attack on the door would be
renewed, drew the bedstead against it.
and threw the light bedding over The the
head board, and thus formed a kind Of
breast-work


Say Mister don't shoot, 1 want to
speak few words with you,' said a voice
at the head of the stair.


I'll shoot the first man who comes neal
that door, Ireplied savagely.


'Oh no! don't, I'm your FRIEND he re-
piled in tone which carried treachery
with it. Come to the door will You?'


Yes, but don't you come


4 won't, are you there?'


Yes


'Close?'


Yes


felt slight moving OF the bed over
the trap, during which time the man on
the outside kept up an incessant jabber-
ing.


One end of the bed vas raising softly.
and taking hold of it with my left hand, l
gently raised it up until | could discover
the head and shoulders of stalwart vii
lain above the trap door.


Are you at the door,
Yes.


Simultaneously with my answer went Il
leaden messenger through the head into
the trap and bang came bullet through the
door,


The sound of I, heavy fall announced
that my shot had taken effect.


/ searched for the revolver the girl had
used, and forlunatly found it, and was hap
pv to discover that but one load had been
shot out off, which replaced, and being
thus reinforced | felt more confident Of
victory.


But to ovecome this gang seemed almost
hopeless, as their numbers might be very
large, and l SO far from assistance. But
might not some providential circumstance
transpire to deliver me from the hands of
these desperadoes? was determined to
do my best, and leave the result in the
hands of Him, who directs the affairs of
men.


A nois at the window drew my attention,
and caught glimpse of a mans head
slowly rising above the sill. Taking a
deliberate aim, gave him the contents OF
one barrel, and he descended much quicker
than lie came up.


What would be the next feature Of the
programme | could not imagine, but like
wild beast at bay watched every move
and had my ears open to every sound.
But felt somthing decisive must be done,
for day would soon make its appearance,
and then they would have the advantage
over me.


Again they asconded the stairs, | now
detrmined to put ali end TO the contest and
! if possible overcome them and make them
come TO terms, or die III the attempt.
! | drew the bedstead around SO as 10
protect the girl from their fire. and then
stationed myself near the door, but be-
yond their reach.


Crash went an Ak agains. the door and
splinters flew in every direction. 1t
was but the work Of moment to break the
door in, and when it fell | sailed forth
with a revolver IN each hand One man
dropped before me, another reeled and then
fled down the stairs. \ few shots were
returned one OF which took effect in my
shoulder, and as | felt the blood tricle
down my side, it only increased my des-
peration. rushed after them, firing when
ever was sure my Shot wo'd be eiiectual.


When | reached the bar-rootn, | could
see but one man, and as he fled through
the door | gave him my last shot. He fell
and begged me to spare him, rs he was
the only remaining one of the party
Thinking he was SO crippled that he could
not escape, returned to the house, and
taking light, searched it thoroughly, and
could not find another live man about the
premises. | then ascended the stairs and
found the girl had somewhat recovered
We then set about dressing our wounds,
and was so absorbed in the matter that We
did not notice a cleaning light which was
breaking through the door.


The house is on firc!' exclaimed the girl
springing to her feet.


Taking her by the hand, we rushed to
the stairway, but it was one continuous
shee: of fire. We then returned TO the
window. and finding the ladder still there
n