Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-04-03
IRAsBURGH, VERMONT, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1868

ye. Come down, will ye"
A pause and then she said from
above; " / shan't be long"
l breathed hayd
"Come, now," he called again 'the
gentlemap's waiting )" and then the foot
came slowly down. / few minutes after
[ saw her, with relief no words can tell,
20 off with a basket on her arm to the
hen house and garden, Now was my
time, aud there was not moment to
lose. Followed by old Pearce crossed
the hall. As | stood waiting while be
unfastened the door, the lads words
about the son came to my mind. He
might be away; if so--if there was but
this one man to face, | would battle it
out alone and not leave her an hour in
their hands.
Il don't know" said very carelessly,
"whether your sons at home-if he is,
would he direct me, by-aud-by, to Lsek-
ford, and carry my bag and basket?'
"Yes, he can CO." was the reply.
That course, then, was hopeless, and l
must try the other way. Slowly saun-
tered along the wood path, pausing from
time to time TO look with seeming inter
est at the trees and shrubs around me
and back to the old house, and still that
man stood in the doorway looking after
me. at last ! turned my head and he
was gone but while within sight oil
those windows l dare not quicken my
pace. A few steps more and | was
close to the old gate | leaned upon II
for a minute and then unlatched it and
passed through. All was still and quiet
in the early morning light, save rabbit
bounding across the path and the rocks
cawing overhead. ] went on "A little
way, then stopped and once again looked
back-the old house was hidden and no
human figure was in sight Another
glance, and then away like the wind
through the fields and woods and over
(the common where low red house stood
in its solitude. On | went into the I'll
plantation, through more fields and ther
clambered a fence aud made for a whit,
house on the brow Of bill. That hous'
my boy guide had said belonged to Mr.
Archer and he had said too that he wa
a magistrate. Little as l had notice.
his words at the time, all-the name, tn,
, place-had come fresh to my mind il
my night-wateh, and | was going ther'
to ask his aid. On-on-and now ny
laboring breath was failing, and my fee
seemed fastened to the ground but still
| struggled forward, and at last. tbanl
heaven, had gained the door.
Mr.. Archer looked surprised ther
led the way indoors to a small study. Ii
few hurried words told him all bu
as I went on | saw the wonder of BIZ
face turning to disbelief, and the kline
, thoughtful eyes involuntarily glancinl
now at my disordered dress, now at m.
flushed and agitated face. He though
me surely mad. With great effort
composed myself, steadied my voice an'
said-"You think this wild story, bu
/ swear solemnly that every word is true
and l call on you as magistrate to give
me help
He was silent for a moment, and ther
, replied "As a magistrate and as man
| should be bound to help if this were Sc
but pardon me, it does seem wilt
story, and l should hardly like, withou
strong proof, to enter any mans bous'
with such charSe.
l laid my hand upon his arm "Lis
ten" said I, 81 can give you this proc
only, that on the truth of what | say
hangs my own character Now if yo'
20 with me and find it false, you hav'
only been deluded by a madman or
rogue if you refuse to go after M
word, her blood and mine may be upol
your head, for at any rate shall return
instantly there"
, He hesitated, then said "You speal
strongly and at least, as you say, M
going can do but little harm, | am nov
: ready"
b. 1 stopped him again. "NOt alone
, Let some of your servants go with US
not for my sake" l added, as hal
4 smile curled his lip, 81 only ask but On
E mans aid but would not draw yo
into danger and they are both stron
g men and may have to be secured.
!, "And if not Z" he said.
D "If not, you have been deluded,"
L repeated.
d "very well. SO be it, he answered.
r Half an hour later Mr.. Archer an
a mvself. with two servants, stood befol
r the door of Brocklehurst Grange. A
= seemed as undisturbed and quiet