The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1862-03-26

hearing
There was heavy fall against the sill
and then low means. Her woman's ma
ture could stand no more true TO the in
stiuct of her being she uubarred the door
aud threw it open. \ closely muffied
figure reeled by her into the room, and
shutting The door she followed.
On reaching the fire. place, the stranger
threw of his disguise, and stood erect aud
strong, without a sign of Inconvenience
from the effects of the weather.
Milly retreated FROM him in namazement,
but recovering herself, and putting the
best face Oh the matter she tremuleusly
addressed the man:
Il am sorry, sir, you are cold. 1t is a
bitter night to be abroad. Will you not
sit by the fire Z" and she pushed chair
! forward
The man made no response, but, stoop-
ing forward, ran his fingers through the
( blaze. Then Re turned and stared at her
with look which made her blood run
cold. She would pretend there were 9th
ers in the house, for she already felt afraid
of The man and bitterly regretted having
admitted him.
"SV ,ud YOU like to see some Of the
uicn folks, sir 2" she inquired. "lf so,
/ | will call them from their beds"
The man laughed hoarsely al d replied:
"Aiiiiy Dean, for that | believe is your
name, vou cannot deceive me. You are
alone in This house. | took particular
care 10 ascertain that before | came So
| you can make yourself easy on that score,
and do as bid you"
DO as YOU bid NE y exclaimed Miily,
in terror what do yon want Of NE ?"
Il want the twelve hundred dollars ~
goiI your husband received for his pro
duce two days ago. You probably know
where it is
Mill, sprang into the entry and would
| bave fled, but the stranger caught her by
the wrist and dragged her rudely back.
You cannot escape NE, young wo-
man, he said You will find it mos.
convenient 10 make a clear breast of it at
once 1t will be better for you" "
Mily strovc to release her arm The
rough treatment she received aroused her
temper, and Indignation overcame all 9th
er feelings.
Let me 90, you scoundrcl, let me go,
or | viii call for help, she cried.
Gail. you fool" said the rufhan, "and
,nuch good may it do you. Keep your
self still and tell tie where the money is.
Il will not! :" she exclaimed, her eyes
fasting fire.
"You will not" he then replied, "we
shall see
He released her wrist so violently that
she reeled half across the room. Then he
seized her sleeping infant from its cradle,
and held it at arms length almost into
the blazing fire, so that the terrified
mother expected to see It's light garments
catch the fame
Nov then where's tie money! Speak
out quick or hear your baby shrek with
PAIN. | will burn 1t to death before your
eyes If you do not tell me where the mo-
ney is
Monster, give me my child" shfieked
Sliliy. endeavoling to reach the little one.
Lies me have my baby"
But every effort was frustrated, for a
gain and again the strong hand Of the
robber thrust her bach.
See, its clothes will be on FIRE in a
minute" said the nan, putting the help,
less infant closer to the flames. The
mother looked into his eyes. She saw
there the look of heartless determination.
She became aware that the cotton gar
ments of the child were already smoking
with the heat
"How shall it be 2" said the rufBau.-I
Hurry or the child dies. | have no
time to waste"
"ApytEing-anything, only give me
my child ~ she cried.
The uexi Instant it was handed to her,
aud she sank upon ths floor and folded it
TO her bosom
Come" said the man touching her
rndely with his foot, "you have not told
NE where the money is.
I'D the eoX Oh tife upper Shefl, she
replied pointing to the closet.
The man found the box placed it on
the table, and opened it saying"
so far so we'll 1t is nearly all gold
I will pocket it with your leave, or with
out your leave, juss as sou please" He
filed his pockets with the golden coin
and threw the empty box in the fire.
Then he came aud stood beside her.
''Put your baby in the cradle" he
said, if you wish TO save its life. | have
other business for you"
"What do you mean ?" cried MiIly,
cycling the man with suspicion.
LET NE have him. he said, trying to