North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1866-03-14
A buxom woman presented herself at

Mr. Pink, "and should be very glad if you
would provide me with nights lodging"
"You are welcome, stranger" said The
woman, heartily. You, Jim, come here
and take the strangers horse. Step right
in, sir. We can accommodate you as well
as not"
Most men would have considered this
very warm and respectable fwelcome -
but Theophilus Pink felt troubled
"She's good deal too glad to see me"
he thought. II am afraid she has some de-
sign upon me. Perhaps she thinks I've
got money, and means to steal it during the
night, I've heard of such things before"
To the jaundiced eye Of Mr.. Pink, the
good natured face of his hostess assumed
the expression of Lady Macbeth, just as
she is about to use the dagger.
However, he had got himself into a scrape
and could not very well get out of it.
Better remain than arouse the woman's
suspicious of his knowledge of her purpose
by proposing to 60. She would undoubt-
edly dispatch emisaries after him who
would waylay and murder him.
Ugh it made him shudder to think of
such thing.
In very desponding state of mind, Mr..
Pink partook of his supper. He declined
taking any tea.
"Likely as not she has put a sleeping po-
Oh dear me! Why did ever come out
West? It's as much as anybody's life is
worth. If | only get home to Mrs. Pink
in safety. will never again tempt Prov
dence as | am doing now.
Mr. Pink sat with his back to the wall.
He thought that by so doing he should
guard against an attack from behind, though
for that matter. there was nobody to make
it except his hostess already mentioned,
and her son "Jim." boy Of ten, who in
deed was stout of his age. and might pos
sibly have proved match for Mr.. Pink,
who in contest would have been afraid to
use what little strength he had.
At length, in came burly farmer,
stout man, full six feet in height, clothed
in blue frock.
"How immensely strong he must ber'
thought Theophilus Pink, with his teeth
chattering in alright" Suppose he sho'd
knock me down with that sledge-hammer
fist of his, take my money, and bury me in
the cellar" This thought made him shiv-
er, so that Mr. Armstrong, the new conner
! inauircd-"Got the ague, Mister? ?"
IN no. What makes you ask 2"
Il saw you shaking. Didn't know but
what you'd got it. We have got it good
deal out this way"
The farmer had frank, open manner
this Mr.. Pink admitted to himself, but felt
little doubt that it was only meant to mask
deceit He was half apprehensivc that
no attack would be made before he retired,
and therefore expressed a desire to be
shown to his chamber ut once, though it
was but eight o'clock.
''No doubt you are tired with your long
tramp" said Mr. Armstrong, the farmer.
well, we keep early hours here. Shall
l carry your carpet bag for you!'
an no, | guess I'll take it. There isn't
much in it."
"But that little valuable, said his host
jokingly."
"Not at ALL" said Mr.. Pink, hastily, un-
willing to convey such a dangerous i'm
preston. 'Onlv few shirts
"Those are valuable to you, reckon,
for ifthey were lost / don't think mine
would fit you"
Mr. Pink laughed nervously at this joke
but said nothing.
"Hope you'll have quiet night" said
Mr.. Armstrong.
Mr.. Pink looked around him nervously.
There seemed to be nothing very peculiar
about the room. 1t was a large square
room. Mr.. Pink discovered, to his dismay,
that there was no lock On the door.
THAT i. SO he can get in better" thought
he to himself.
BY way of guarding against the contem-
plated attack, he piled up whatever nova
bes there were in the room, consisting of
an old chest and couple of chairs, against
the door, though he felt that this would at
ford but small impediment in case an at
tack was made.
He discovered that by leaning down
with his ear to the floor, he could hear
what was said down stairs.
IE this uncomfortable position he re-
mained for some time without any result.
At length he heard words that made his
blood run cold.
"When do you propose to kill him 2"
1t was the wife who spoke.
early to morrow morning was the hus-
bands reply.
"Then you had better sharpen your
knife over night.
"That is good idea, wife. I'm glad
you spoke of it. might have forgotten
it."
Directly afterwards, to Mr.. Pink's par
alyzing terror, he heard the noise of a
knife being sharpened.
"Oh, what shall dol" groaned The
ophilus Pink, wringing his hands in abject
fear. Shall | stay here to be murdered by
these blood thirsty villains No, | will
jump out of the window first
II