Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-05-28

afraid shall loose my heart If l escape with my
life. Ah, well IL fall III die in good cause
that's Que point for satisfaction.
lie thrus. the revolvers back into his pockets,
and taking the candle in his hand, he went into
he hall to look about him
Aha here's door under the stairs I'll open
it, A cozy little nook for me to hide 10 =
With these words the traveller stepped in and
closed tue door behind him.
For long time he waited impatiently for the
arrival Of the two villains. Seated on q trunk
listening the minutes seemed like hours. At
last he heard them enter the bar room and
personally they came into the hall they began
to ascend the stairs.
I guess she's asleep, said one. 'Hush we'll
make her get up and put on her riding dress !;
and when they have her safely mounted on one
of the horses. you'll have no trouble''
The youth heard no more. His plans were
charged. He hurried from the closet, passed
through the bar room. and went out Of the inn
The storm had passed over and the stars were
shining brightly above. Two horees were tied
to tree that stood before the door and Ralph
saw that one of them had q side-saddle on its
back. lie was not lcng getting his own good
steed from the stable Springing lightly into
the saddle, he rode short distance from the inn
AMI halted by the roadside.
Twenty minutes passed by, and then the door
forth with their victim. She uttered no cry /;
she ifered no opposition, but suffered her uncle
to lift her into the saddle A few whispered
sentences were exchanged between Blinky Ben
and himself, and then the villain seized the
iiaiden's bride rein and robe off. The inn door
closed, and Ralph heard the sound Of horses
footsteps approaching. The young man hraeed
himself firmly in the saddle, drew forth one Of
his revolvers, and waited his time. Slowly they
n and naedad hu xutt tha
horseman by the roadside. Ralph put the spurs
to FREELY. and the spirited animal bounded for
ward Quickly he thrust the revolver into his
pocket, and graped his riding whip firmly in his
right band. The villain heard the noise behind
him, and he turned quickly to see who was COM
ing. Ralph Manners was upon him-the whip
descended heavily, and so truly was the blow
aimed, Blnky Ben fell from the back Of his steed
TO tue ground. The youth grasped the bride of
the mai lens horse, and. exclaiming:
Keep firm seat, Miss Wilbur" started at q
rapid race along the muddy road.
Daylight was slowly breaking in the east,
wheu the young man aud his companion halted
before small hostery in tue village Of De Sioux.
After seeing the maiden comfortably provided
for, he went Immediately to the house of the
constable, and told his tale In half an hour
that officer, in company with Ralph aud three
stout backwoodmen, were on their way to Thomas
Wibnr's inn. When they arrived they found
the landlord in his chamber, ready equipped for
flight He was arrested and put under care Of
the aids, while the constable and Ralph ran
sacked the writing desk OF tho villainous land
lord. The will could not be found. They next
searched the landlord, and found that, like Major
Andre, he had the important document 10 his
boots.
The prisoner was taken to the village and
tried. lie was sentenced to serve q term Of i'm
prisonmcnt of ten years. He is now there, pay
ing the penalty Of his crime. Blinky Ben made
n home run TO the mountains, and he has never
been heard of since.
On examination il was found that Mr.. Wilbur
had all the money belonging to his niece, de.
posted in Cincinnati. The young lady's claim
to the property was established by the will, and
everything now was at her disposal.
There is small, neatly sanded parlor in the
humble inn Of the village, and seated side by
side on lounge near one Of the windows, are
Ralph Manners and Miss Wilbur.
4 know cannot repay you for all your kind
ness aud the dangers you have went through for
my sake the fair girl was saying, but, sir, l
shall always think of you, and your name shall
be remembered in an orphans prayers
Il have done no more than any other man
would have dono,' replied the young man, 'and
you can repay me, aye, more than repay me, if
you will.'
In what way, my generous, my brave protee-
tor Half my fortune shall be yours IL you ask
it,
4 have wealth enough Of my own, said Ralph,
taking her band in his own, but If you could
become my bridge, Nettie, would ask no great
er happiness than to be your protector through
life Will you, Nettie p
Nettie Wilbur looked up in his face for mo-
meut, very earnestly, and replied, Yes
They were visited by the village clergyman,
and the next day, they were on their journey to
Brooklyn. The family of Ralph Manners well
coined the stranger bride and she has never
regretted the day when she gave her heart,
hand, and fortune to the Midnight Guest She
found The Reward Of Hospitality