Maryland free press., 1866-12-13
Because I'm hungry was the uuhesitating

reply. Wl.. .r ..
swell, and SO are we hungry, girl; so &c
| something quick, for we've got TO tide dozer
miles yet that is if the fellow don't disappoint
US again. Confound him we might have bcer
on the right track by this time if the hors.s had
been forthcoming" he muttered, as IIettie (as
he called her) busiel herself in placing eatables
be ore them, as she had been bidden. SRI
While this had been transpring the mother
had silently left the cabin, entered an outbuild-
ing, and was preparing a comfortable place in
which to conceal Hastings before her husband
return; and this will account for her absence
when his proximity had been so opportunely
discovered by the young girl.
While the men were satisfying the demands Of
appetite she entered, but started back in alarm
at perceiving what a change in affairs the last
fifteen minutes had wrought. Hottie caught
her eye, and a warning glance checked the ex-
clamation that was upon her lips, recalled her
usual presence of mind.
"Well ?" she said, nterrogatively, approach
ing the table,
'We've had to wait for horses and the rascal
will give us the slip if we don't ride for dear
life" returned her husband moody. ~ say
Ben, he added with an impatient gesture, hav mt
you almost done eating2"
'Just finished" replied Ben, pushing his chair
back and buttoning his coat. ~ am all ready )"
"'We'l go then as soon as get another hat, e"
and he approached the closet which contained
the object of their solicitude and pursuit. The
speaker stepped in, and began to search for the
object he had named.
The reader can imagine the sensations of our
hero. as he crouched behind pile of bedding,
trembling lest sudden movement of the man
should expose his person. lie was certain that
Lis heart beat loud enough to be heard-and
when he felt the clot' es move before him he gave
up all for lost.
The emotions of the young gill were none the
less intense. Her face assumed an ashy hue. bar
feet seemed glued to the Goor and her breath al
mcst stopped as her eye marked each emotion of
her father. As he advanced near the coner
where she knew Hastings stood she placed her
eyes and sank into a chair
But discovery did not ensue. The hat was
found at length, and when uettie raised her eyes
she breathed more freely. Her father stood
without the closet, while his companion was as
surng him that if much more time was wasted
they might as well give up the undertaking.
"Wherc is hep" inquired the woman when
the men had gone.
''In there" replied the daughter, pointing to
the closet
at is a providence indeed - was the fervent
ejacula ton of the mother, al she comprehcnded
his narrow escape.
No time was lost in conducting Hastings to
the out building we have named. 1t Was Gu
tered but seldom, little used, and being SO near
the rendezvous of the kings troops would not be
likely to be subjected to very thorough search
by his enemies who probably believed him much
f.ther Off
In this place he remained several days receiv.
ing tho best care from both mo tler and daughter
who visited him as often as they could without
attracting observation. When his strength had
partly returned; and he was able to travel, hi:
generous protectors furnished him suitabl,
disguise, and by means of the husbands absence
were enabled to assist him considerable dis
tance upon his journey. lie encountered many
difficulties and dangers and felt himself far from
secure until he had passed the British lines and
knew he had nothing more TO fear.
But he did not forget the maiden whose prompt
action saved his life. After the close of the wal
he met her again under more auspicious circam.
stances, and pleasant acquaint ntauce term mated il
happy marriage.