128 



battle to a close, I shall explain some matters connected with 

 this daring outrage. 



" A man named Mitchell originated the intended robbery, 

 and arranged the method of attack. He was a slight, low- 

 sized person, but his activity was amazing, and no attempt 

 was too hazardous for his desperate courage to undertake. 

 On the morning of his execution (he, with the three others, 

 was hanged the subsequent assizes) he gave us a cool detail 

 of his plans. 



" The dogs were to be destroyed, and the premises recon- 

 noitred. In the disguise of a beggar he effected both ; laid 

 meat prepared with arsenic for the poor animals ; then made 

 his way into the kitchen, and ascertained that the fastenings 

 of the back-door were defective. He purposed surprising the 

 family at supper, or forcing an entrance when they were 

 asleep. The first attempt he made at the drawing-room, but 

 quickly perceiving that he had been observed by Miss Morden, 

 he retired hastily. A council was held by the robbers, and it 

 was fortunately determined to postpone the attack until the 

 family had gone to rest. 



" Nothing could be bolder, or more likely to succeed, than 

 Mitchell's desperate resolution. It was to leap feet foremost 

 through the window, and, armed with a dagger, to fight his 

 way, if opposed, and open the back door for his associates. 

 He made the attempt, and providential circumstances alone 

 prevented its being successful. That very morning a small 

 iron bar had been placed across the window ; it caught the 

 robber in his leap, threw him back with violence, and the 

 noise, united to the outcries of the idiot, alarmed the family 

 instantly. 



" Circumstances, they say, will often make men courageous. 

 In this case it had the same effect on two beings of a very 

 different description a lovely girl and an idiot boy. Miss 

 Morden, throughout the trying scene, displayed the coolest 

 courage ; and the poor simpleton, who commonly would avoid 

 the appearance of a gun, armed with his spit, defended the 

 breach like a hero. 



" We met at dinner. Julia, Miss Morden's cousin, would 

 hardly venture to join us, for her brother rated her timidity 

 severely. When the alarm was heard, the fearful girl buried 

 her face beneath the bed- coverings, and remained in pitiable 

 agitation until the contest ended. Mr. Morden took her from 



