Noble Deeds of the World's HeroinesMoore, Henry Charles
History
Noble Deeds of the World's Heroines
Moore, Henry Charles
Women heroes -- Biography
When the soldiers had departed, the Ogrens started on their twenty-five
miles' journey to the friendly old Chinaman's house, thankful at having
escaped one danger, and hopeful that they would reach their destination
in safety. But their hope was not realised. Before they had gone far,
their way lay along a track where it was necessary to proceed in single
file. Mrs. Ogren, riding a mule, led the way; a second mule carrying
their personal belongings followed, and Mr. Ogren with their baby-boy
in his arms came last. On one side of them was the rushing river; on
the other, steep, rocky mountains.
Suddenly a number of armed men sprang out from behind the rocks and
barred their way. Brandishing their weapons ominously, they demanded
Tls. 300. Mrs. Ogren, dismounting from her mule, advanced to a man who
appeared to be the leader, and told him that they had no money. She
begged him to have pity on them, and to spare her at least her baby's
things. Her appeal was not entirely wasted, for while they were
helping themselves to their things the leader handed her, on the point
of his sword, _one_ of the baby's shirts.
Having taken everything that they fancied, the robbers now looked
threateningly at the prisoners. Their leader began whetting his sword,
shouting as he did so, 'Kill, kill!' Again Mrs. Ogren pleaded for
mercy, and finally they relented, and departed without injuring them.
The fugitives now came to the conclusion that it would be certain death
if they remained in the province, and as soon as possible they crossed
the river in the ferry. It was a dark, wet night when they reached the
other side, and it was only after much entreaty and promises of reward
that the ferrymen allowed them to take shelter in the dirty smoky caves
where they lived. Mr. Ogren at once despatched a message to their old
Chinese friend asking for help, and four days later the man returned
with some money, nearly the whole of which the ferrymen claimed, and
obtained by means of threats. With little money in their pockets, the
Ogrens started off on foot towards the promised place of refuge. It
was a trying journey, for the heat was intense, and aroused a thirst
which could not be quenched. Once Mrs. Ogren fell exhausted to the
ground; but after a rest they continued their tramp, and on the second
day reached their destination, there to experience a bitter
disappointment. The people whom they expected would be friendly proved
hostile. They refused to give them food, and only after much entreaty
did they permit them to take shelter in a cave near by. This, however,
proved to be a very insecure hiding-place, and twice they were robbed
by gangs of men.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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