sly training herself in the use of firearms, and kept her
loaded revolver at hand; and now she would create a diversion in her
husband's favor, keeping the raiders at bay at the front of the building
while he escaped at the back; they believed him to be in the upper
story: if she could prevent it, they should not learn their mistake,
till he had had time to gain the woods and distance pursuit.

The door could not much longer withstand the heavy blows dealt it;
already there were sounds as if it were about to give way.

"Archie," she said, turning to her son and speaking very rapidly, "those
men are here to kill your father; you must help me to prevent them from
coming up to hunt him. The rest of you children stop that loud crying,
which won't do any good. Kneel down and pray, pray, _pray_ to God to
help your father to get away from them. Archie, throw this black cloak
round you. Here are two loaded pistols. I will take one, you the other;
we will station ourselves on the landing at the head of the first flight
of stairs. It is darker in the house than out of doors, and they will
not be able to see us, but as the door falls and they rush in we can see
them in their white gowns, and against the light. Come!"

They hurried to the landing.

"Now we must not be in too great haste," she whispered in his ear; "keep
cool, take sure aim, and fire low."

The words had scarcely left her lips when the door fell with a crash,
and with a yell like an Indian war whoop several disguised men rushed
into the hall and hastily advanced toward the stairway; but the instant
the foremost set foot upon it, two shots were fired from above,
evidently not without effect; for with an oath he staggered back and
fell into the arms of his comrades.

He was borne away by two of them, while the others returned the fire at
random, for they could not see their adversaries.

The balls whistled past Mrs. Leland and her son, but they stood their
ground bravely, and as two of their assailants attempted to ascend the
stairs; fired again and again driving them back for a moment.

At the same time sounds of conflict came from the rear of the
dwelling,--an exchange of shots, whoops and yells, the hurried tramp of
many feet, and the yelping, barking and howling of the dogs--and
instantly the hall was cleared, every man there hastening to join in
this new struggle, apparently satisfied that their intended victim was
endeavoring to make his escape in that d