t the first who laid hands
on me, or who attempted to take her home violently, would get a dose
from my pistol which I then exhibited:

"Sarah must go willingly or not at all," said I.

The production of my pistol, the only weapon in the crowd, brought about
a new state of affairs, and the brother and others tried persuasion; but
Sarah stoutly insisted that she would not return. "Now hold on," boys,
said I, "I am going to say something to her." I then took her aside and
told her that there was no use in trying to run away then; that she had
better go home quietly, and tell the folks that she was sorry for what
she had done, that she had broken off with me, and would have nothing
more to do with me; that I would surely see her to-morrow, and then we
could make a new plan. So she announced her willingness to go quietly
home with her brother and she did so. I went to a public house half a
mile below the ferry. That night the gang came down to this house with
the intention of driving me away from the place, or, possibly, of doing
something worse; but while they were howling outside, the landlord sent
me to my room and then went out and told the crowd I had gone away.

The next morning I boldly walked up to Scheimer's house to get a few
books and other things I had left there, and I saw Sarah. I told her
to be ready on the following Thursday night and I would have a ladder
against her window for her to escape by. She promised to be ready.
Meantime, though I had been in the house but a few minutes, some one who
had seen me go in gathered the crowd of the day before, and the first
thing I knew the house was beseiged. Mrs. Scheimer had gone up stairs
for my things. I went out and faced the little mob. I was told to leave
the place or they would kill me. One of Sarah's brothers ran into the
house, brought out a musket and aimed it at me; but it missed fire. I
drew my pistol the crowd keeping well away then, and told him that if he
did not instantly bring that musket to me I would shoot him. He brought
it, and I threw it over the fence, Sarah crying out from the window,
"good! good!" The mob then turned and abused and blackguarded her. Then
the old lady came out, bringing a carpet bag containing my books and
things, asking me to see if "it was all right." I had no disposition
to stop and examine just then; I told the mob I had no other business
there; that I was going away, and to my surprise, I confess, I was
permitted to leav