Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1860-03-31
VOL. No. 4S.

man who advanced to greet him. Benevolence
and frankness were depicted on his counte-
nance, as he welcomed the wet and weary wan
derer The hand of the youth sank powerless
as he relinquished his dagger, and his tongue
stammered as he inquired, if he were now in
the presence of the proprietor Gilbert. The
man replied in the affirmative.
"Then greet you in the name of God, and
of ST. John, whom we both acknowledge as our
PATRON" said the youth, holding out his hand.
"And call upon you to greet me at my en-
trance under your roof" .. -
At this salutation, Gilbert staggered back as
tonished, while the mysterious grasp with
which the unknown pressed his hand increas-
ed his fear and bewilderment
"Why do you not respond to my greeting?
Why not make the sign with your hand 2" ask
ed the stranger, boldly. "Brother Perrail, that
is not rightr'
Ashy pale, Gilbert supported himself against
the wall. "Then you know" he stammered
but soon recovering himself he continued.
" Let us see" said he, "if some rogue is not
mocking me. Your pass-word2p
"Notuma," replied the youth.
"Give me the wordp r. continued Gilbert, in
an anxious anu threatening tone' 4lls
zen me ene hrst ieeter-------i shaii tnen
give you the second" answered the stranger.
In this manner they made out the word
Gilbert had no longer any doubt. He clasped
his hands together, and whispered, " Man, what
ss,. 1.
"ouiost tnou IN my mousse tna' .hou CONTEST
upon me IKE tniei IN the nignt .,s...s.
wan. preao, sait, afe'anu shei'er' repheu
the stranger
Dare trust you Z" inquired Gilbert, with
some hesitation. t.-...
Arc we not bound by an oath Z" said the
stranger.
Aiasl the oath i---- signed Giloer'i
whist ms mead sunk upon his breast. fl
Calm yourself" reJoined the youth. slam
runaway ike yourself therefore am come
10 you.
Giioert scrutlnized him for some moments
with attention, and then shook his head dis
trustfully' AT last he closed the door, and led
his singular guest into an apartment, in the
- "-N ~~ = Pt.i "
ing couch. he then set bread and wine before
him, and stirring the fire, proceeded to dry his
wet mantle. !,
81 wish you sound and peaceful slumber,'
he then said to the youth, who in silence
watched all his proceedings. @You are in
perfect safety in my house. Tomorrow we
shall talk more" ..s.-,-
"Gilbert| cried a soft and pensiye voice
from an adjoining apartment "where are
your With whom are you talking 81
" am coming" replied Gilbert, calmly, as
he shook hands vita his guest
2 "ls that your wife, brother Perrail2" asked
the latter, in significant whisper.
eyes my wife, replied the host in firm
voice, after moments pause; and then With
drew, saying good night to the stranger.
The youth long remained standing before the
fire, watching the burning embers, and plung-
ed in contemplation. Now and then he pres
sed his hand on his breast, as though he would
thereby calm the tumultuous emotion within
"And shall bring death into this peaceful
house?" said he to himself. "This man, upon
whose cain. brow is legibly impressed benevo-
lence and truth, utterly incompatible with the
perjury of which he is accused-shall blot
him out from the land of the living, and make
: his wife, whose soft voice SO touched my heart
a widow2--Uncle cruel, cruel uncle wha
a price hast thou set upon my admission into
| thv orderlr He now paced in great agitation