Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1859-04-28

mo lndeed. MY father and mother,
and brother Robert live here with me-
care they all at home tonight 20
Dorothea glanced quickly at the ques
toner, only to meet the keen, dark eyes
that seemed to read her alarm, and de-
light in it.
mo, sir" she replied bravely. "My
father and brother have gope to Mark
ham-my mother and l are alone.'
A shadow Of disappointment crossed
the mans face at these words. He was
silent for moment, but as Dorothea
handed him cup of tea, he resumed
his questioning.
"What business called them to Mark
ham %
The girls temper was reused, and
fastening her eyes full upon his face, she
said, with spirit:
Il shall answer no more questions
sir. | have opened the door to you, as
would to any Of Gods creatures on a
night like this. l have made tea for
you, and now, if you are warm enough
will show you room where you can
sleep. That is all have to saw
"Not all Zhave to say however" said
the man, angrily. "And l will thank
you to answer my questions-or it will
be the worse for YOU"
''Do you see that dog?" asked Dor
othea, pointing her finger at Bruno, who
looked intelligently in her face. "With
one grasp of his teeth, he could kill you.''
IL am not very much afraid ofthat or
any other dog, so long as I have these
with me-" was the reply, as he drew
from his pocket a brace of pistols, and
laid them down beside his plate, on the
table. "And now, young woman, since
we understand one another, you may
sit down until | eat my supper"
Pale with Indignation, more than
fear, Dorothea remained standing by
the fire. She could hear the regular
breathingof her mother in the next room
and it seemed to her she would feel bet
ter, if she were only awake to bear her
company. But Mrs. Blake, poor soul,
could have been of bit litrle aid, for she
was rising Of seventy, and not over
strong, even when young woman.
Now, said the stranger, when he
had finished a hearty supper, "now if
you please, Squire Thornycralt has
gone away for the winter,'I hear %
eyes"
"And has given your brother the care
of some money and papers, hasn't hep"
eyes"
"Where are thev?'
cat Markham, before this time, out
of the reach of thieves"
SOFTLY, young woman said the stran-
ger, provoked at her boldness s'All
the money isn't taken to Markham. That
| know. Now tell me where it is.
Dorothea was silent.
"Where is the rest of the money? will
you tell me?"
"No, | will not"
''Then see here" and, getting up from
his seat, the man grasped his pistols,
and approache d her. Bruno saw and
seemed to understand the movement,
for he sprang up, growing, and made
one bound across the floor, but before
his teeth fastened themselves in the
villains flesh, there was the report of
pistol, and the faithful animal with one
howl Of pain fell dead at his feet.
Dorothea shrieked aloud.
"Now l would do the same to you,
and promise I will do it, unless you
show me where the money is conceal
ed" said he, kicking the dog from
him.
Dorothea stood still, as if uncertain
what to do; at length, she said =
"If | must tell you or die, come with
me-"
She took the candle in her hand, and,
opening a door, led the way down a
stairway to q small cellar beneath the
kitchen. The robber followed close
behind, his keen eyes glittering beneath
his thick, over hanging brows.
Dorothea paused in corner Of the
cellar, in front Of an upright cupboard.
1t was locked.
"Now, I've forgotten the key; it is
in the pocket Of mothers dress"
Her companion eyed her steadily for
a moment, but not muscle Of her face
moved under his scrutiny.
"Go up and get it then; and / will
go with you ~ he said, qui ly.
every WELL" returned Dorothea; and
they retraced their steps Mrs. Blake,
still slept, notwithstanding all the noise
made by the fatal shot, and Dorothea's
scream. The pocket Of the dress was
searched, and the key found. She han
ded it to the man, who was now evil
IDENTITY satisfied as to the honesty of her
intentions. Again the brave girl led
the way down stairs, and stood while
her companion fitted the key into the
lock. But before he turned it, she sud :
denly blew out the candle, and with one
spring gained the stairs III d moment
she was standing in the kitchen, the
cellar door closed behind her and bolted
while the man, cropping his way through
the darkness, swearing most frightful
oaths, sought for the staircase in vain.
There was heavy bar OF oak standing
in the corne, and this Dorothea raised
and put in its place across the door !;
and then, feeling at least for awhile Sc
cure, she went to see if poor Bruno were
quite dead. Tears Of genuine grief fell
from her eyes, upon his faithful head
when she found that it was indeed all
over with him; but she had no time to
waste in unavailing sorrow, and now
she felt her limbs shaking with excite
ment long controlled; and fearing she
was going to faint, she sprang up for a
tumbler of water, when her eyes fell
upon the pistols laying side by side up
on the table. Nothing could have been
better. In his haste to find the money,
the robber had forgotten to take them
with him. Now Dorothea felt quite
secure, although the sound of his exc
crations, as he stamped with rage, were
terrible. Yet she had the pistols, and
would defend herself and her mother
with them. even il she killed him. And