The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1852-1855, 1855-01-18

when she appeared in the sitting-room,
this is what | call scandalous. | know
how late you got home. saw you run up
stairs. Where have you been?'
Out taking a walk
Taking walk. indeed You'd have
been much better employed at home doing
something useful But if anything is Of
use, that's enough for you-you don't
like it. Isuppose you will be too tired to
go to prayer-meeting with me this evening
You always have some excuse
'Yes, l can't CO. said Lucy.
ooh! what are you coming to? Do
you ever think of the state you are in, Lu-
cy?.
She did not answer, and her aunt de-
parted for meeting" with an expression
ofpious horror.
Mr.. Holmes kept good country hours,
and all in the house were supposed to be in
bed at ten o'clock. Lucy glided down to
the buttery,& filled basket as large as she
could carry of the best there was. Then she
paused, while nervous trembling stole
over her. What was she about to do?-
Go forth alone, at night, to put herself in
the power of a murderer. How much she
would have given to run away into her own
room, and bury her face in her r;l-
low, and shut out all responsibility-all
necessity for action. But not so-the pal
I'D and hungry-worn must not die, felon
Enough he be. She lookup the basket and
unbolted the kitchen door, when the watch
dog began to bark.
Hush! Bruno, hush be quiet' size said,
as the animal came toward her.
Recognizing the familiar voice, he sub
mitted to be caressed, but would not leave
her. She knew not what to do. His bark
ing might have already awakened some-
body-she started at every sound. She
harshly ordered the dog away, but his low
growl at this alarmed her far more. He
evidently scented the meat in her basket,
and kept continually jumping about it.
Almost in dispair, she went round to the
other side the house, and pulling out a
large piece of meat, threw it to him, and
Immediately he plunged his teeth into it,
Then she speed away breathlessly.
The night was dark and damp. Her
feet were soon wet, and her slight form
chilled through, but it was another feeling
that was shaking in every limb.
Other fears than those of discovery, or
the nameless ones of the night made hei
breath come short All was dark in Joe hid
ing-place, and her trembling fingers could
notmove fasteno'gh pushingback the slide
of the dark lantern she carried. With the
first ray ofl:ght, she caught the gleam ofa
pair of fierce eyes in the fartherest corner
She shuddered and drew back.
! Don't be a1eared, Miss, said Joe, com
ing forward.
Like famishing wolfhe seized on the
food. Not word was spoken for many
minutes, but bread and meat and pies and
pickles were fast disappearing. AT las
Joe looked up. TO Lucy the sight of the
avidity with which he ate had been fal
greater reward than thanks, but tumultu
Gus, broken words rushed in deep sincerity
to his lips, as he looked on the slight young
figure before him. Lucy was half fright
ened at the strength and vehemence of hi.
expressions, but he again entreated her no
to have any fears of him.
You have saved my life, and can yol
think I'd harm you? You're not more
safe in your own fathers parlor than here
murderer though am
'Mr. Read Gs dead, 1 suppose said hC
after pause.
No, he is living yet, though there is NJ
hope of his recovery
Pm glad he isn't dead, said Joe, draw
ing long breath. There isn't blood upol
my head YETI
How are you to get away?' asked Lucy
Il can't tell
There was long silence. 4 don't SCI
any way said Locy, but don't be dis
couraged. I'll do all l can. Something
may happen. You can stay here in safety
You have food enough there for to-mor
row, havn't you? III come again to-mor
row night
God bless you Miss was the half chok
ed response, and that night the hunted fel
on slept soundly on the premises of tn
sheriff of the county. ....-.t.-.-
/ They're off to look after that wretch
Joe Tucker, said aunt Tabitha, coming in
to Lucy's room next morning.
At dinner, Mr.. Holmes first words wer
I'VE may give itup now. Joe Tucker wa
about here week ago, but he's off now
Pm persuaded. He'll not run far though
They've got some of the knowing ones o.
the watch, and they'll ferret him out n
matter where he is. Why, Lucy, what o
, earth is the matter with you? What make
you flush SOP
[ Lucy was taking her first lesson in tn
art which every woman must learh-cotr
mand of countenance. She stammered o,
, some excuse, and left the dining-room {
soon as she could. After dinner the col
!, sciousness of hersecret made her fancy SUI
picion in her fathers every look, and whe
night came how softly she crept dow
, stairs!
She provided herself with piece
, meat for Brono, land then opened the kitcl
en- door and softly called him. Leavin
him deeply engaged, she took her way
, the old house. Joe received her vii
kind of affectionate reverence, as if 81
, were being of another sphere. He hf
made himselfa den in the loft, so concealt
4 that one might search long without fin,
/ ingit. Lucy had broughthim some boo
and papers, but she found he was but I
q indifferent reader. She could devise !
nlan of escane. and theV both THOUGHT