Some of the more faithful of the negroes observing the unusual care with which Mr. H. adjusted the fastenings upon the doors and shutters, that night, hinted to him that they "reck'nd he 'spected trouble," and they would like to be near him. "No," said he, "go to your own places and don't come out; if they come in here, I had rather be alone, for then I can shoot and cut at random and be sure not to hit any of my own friends. Every man I strike will surely be one who ought to be stricken." Mr. Halliday was armed with two rifles, two revolvers, and a long bowie knife. Shortly before midnight, the Klan made their appearance in front of the house, to the number of about twenty. Halliday saw them through a small half-moon shaped aperture at the top of the shutter. They were all masked, and appeared each to wear a long rubber cape, falling from the shoulders to the waist. They came straight to the door, and, without saying a word, commenced to batter it in. The door gave way in a few moments, and as they rushed in, Halliday discharged his firearms with such fatal effect, that three of the Klan dropped dead upon the floor. The room was intensely dark, and a desperate fight ensued, in which the assailants more frequently encountered each other than the victim for whom they were in search. Halliday was finally grappled by one of the foremost of the party. He speedily freed himself through his superior strength and the prompt use of his bowie knife, thrusting it into his assailant's bowels, and throwing him violently back on to the crowd. The wounded man exclaimed: "He's got a knife! I'm murdered!" This caused a panic among the marauders, and the entire crowd left the house, taking their dead and wounded with them. After making certain that all of their own number were out, they discharged their firearms through the open doorway, and beat a retreat, taking a circuitous route, to avoid being traced by the blood that oozed from the wounds of several of the number, two of whom died soon after reaching their homes, thus making five in all who had paid the forfeit of their lives in the unholy cause. During all the time of this desperate encounter, the feelings of the wretched wife and frightened children in the upper room, may only be imagined. The father and husband, single handed, fighting against a horde of ruffians bent upon his murder; their own fate depending upon his, and not daring to cry out lest they should be discovered, and thus bring destruction upon their own heads, their situation was agonizing in the extreme. Mrs. Halliday did not forget the last words of her husband, so full of the strong faith that characterized the man: "_You forget that the Great Master is with me. Trust Him as I do!_" And sinking upon her knees, she poured her spirit out in silent and earnest prayer to God for help.