The drivers of the two forward talaccas, of which Mr.Meriam's was one, then increased their speed, endeavoring to escape; when the robbers pursued, firing rapidly upon the wagons, piercing the covering of Mr.Meriam's, and killing or wounding two or three occupants of the next vehicle.

The missionary and his family were shielded for a time by the boxes in the hinder part of the carriage, till the fall of one of the horses wheeled it round, so as to face the assailants.

Mr.Meriam sprang out to protect his wife and child, and immediately fell, pierced by two balls.

When the agonized wife expostulated with one of the brigands, saying, that "he loved the Osmanlees, and wished to do them good," he replied, "Why then did you flee"?
Had they quietly waited, though they might have been robbed, life would probably have been spared.
Mrs.Meriam retained her presence of mind, and placing her infant upon the ground, carefully collected the papers and other articles which the robbers had scattered about, and then sat down to watch the lifeless remains of her husband.

The Turkish authorities of the next village sent a conveyance to take her and her precious treasure to a khan.