Litchfield enquirer., 1853-03-17

quarter thrown off from the old church clock. warned us that the night was rapid ly passing away. We had almost resolved to Fetrace our steps if possible, and get ! back to where we had left our unfortunate horse, when I was again nudged by my friends elbow. = | Tell ye what r he whispered. Some. things going On,' and he pointed to a fee. ble glimmer on the rafters of the roof above us. ge ~ sEs
 The light proceeded from the next room which had not been built above the height of the ceiling joistx, so that the roof was common to both ,ctlambers-the adjoining one, and that in which we were-the par> tition wall being ouly seven or eight feet high We could have heard anything that was said, but we listened in vain for the slightest sound. Thelight, however. con. tinued to burn, we saw it Aickering across the top of the hablation, and dimIy playing far up among the dark lhatch of the roof.
 Tell ye what r said Tom. If we could get up on these old joists. we could see into the next room. Hold my pistol. till I get up and-tell ye what !-then can shoot 'em easy.'
 For Heavens sake, Tom D said, he careful. Let me see whether tt is the man'
 Come up. then,' said Tom. who had now bestrode one of the main beams and gave 'nS hand to aid my ascent. We were 0olh on the level of the dividing wall and by placing our heads little forward could see every portion of the neighboring room. A miserable room it was. There was a small round table, there was a couple of round chairs. but utter wretchedness was the characteristic of the cheeriess and fires less apartment.
 There was person, apparently regard> less of the cold, seated at the table and reading book. The little taper which had been lighted without any noise, vas the features and figure of the reader. and on the table at which she sat. They were wasted and pallid features, but she was young and very pretty, or the mystery and s,rangeaess of the incident threw such an interest around her. that thought so.- Her dress was very scantv, and a shawl. wrapped closely round her shoulders. rer- hnps displayed rather than concealed the deficiency of her clothing in other respects. Suddenly we saw at she far end of the room figure emerge from the darkness. Tom grasped his pistol more firmly, and put the cock back, preven;ingit it from ma king any noise with his thumb. The man stood at the doorway. as if uncertain whe. ther to enter or not. He looked for long time at the woman, who still continued her reading. and then slowly advanced. She heard his step, and lifted up her head and looked in his face without saying a word. Such face, so pale. so agitated, never in my life saw.' F ]a
 We shall go tomorrow he said, T have got some rnOney as expected.' And with these words he laid three golden guineas on the table before her. Still she said nothing-but watched his countenance with her lips apart. Htt Tell ye what!' said Tom, chats the money. Is that the man "
 Il don't know yet. till see his eyes = In the meantime. the conversation went on below. a.If "- fia s@ #ea 7#
 Il borrowed these pieces from friend,' continued the man. as if in answer to the lt,0k che bent on him--sa friend, I say. | might have had moro. but would take oaly three. They ase enough so carry us to Liverpool. and once ti,eie, we are sure of passage to the West Once in the West the world is before us. can work, Mary. We are young "a poor man has no chance here. but we can go to America with fresh hOpes--
 And a good conscience , said the wo. man, in whisper like Lady MacDeth's The man WAS silent. At last he seemed to grow angry at the steadinsss of her gaze. Why do you look at me in that manner !! I tell you we shall start to. morrow
 And the money P said the woman.
 X wsll send it back to my friend from whom borrowed it, out of my first earn. ings. l took only three. in case it should IncOpm0de him to lend me more.' I must see that friend myself.' said Mary. before l touch the money.' Tell ye what is it the man again asked Tom
 Hush !" I said. let us listen.'
 l recognized friend of mine in one of the clerks in tho Medfeld Bank l give you my word got the coins from him. Tell ye what He cOn;esses,' said Ton -.let us spring on him by surprise-al ugly ruffii as ever saw
 And with that sum- he continued, 'sss what we can do. Il will relieve us iron our distress. which has come upon us- Mary, you know speak the truth in thi. -irom no other fault of mine than ioG much confidence in treacherOus frirRd can't see you starve. can't see the baby reduced from our comfortable keep. ing to lie on straw at the end of barn like this. can't dO i,--I won't !! he went ou. getting more impassioned in his worts.- At whatever cost, WILL give you . chance of comfort and indepeadence.'
 'A8d peace of mind p replied Mary Oh, William, ! must tell you what terrible fears llave been in my heart. ali this drea- " night. during your sbsence--I have read and prayed. and turned for comfon to Heaven Oh. William, give the money oAck to your friend-I say Rn,hiag about the loaa-take it back. 1 can't look at iI !-- Let us starve-le, us die, if it must be so--- but take thus money away -
 Ton Ruddle gently put dowe the cock Of his pistol. and run the sleeve of his coaI across his eyes. t