The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1875-12-09

"a little more than a mile" replied
Kate.
Again there was a slight pause; then the
person from without said:
"We cannot go SO far tonight. My
companion has been thrown from his
horse, and may die before we reach there
You must let us in, otherwise his muir
der-it would be no less-will be on your
head. viii you open the door?'
Kate's sympathics were touched. She
hesitated a moment, then looked at Mary
"What shall we do?" she asked shortly.
~ hardly know. I'm afraid to admit
them" said Mrs. Ellis.
"But if this mans story concerning his
companion should be true: If he died
we should never forgive ourselves"
"It would be dreadful! and yet We run
fearful risk" said Mary, looking unde-
cidedly at her sister inlaw.
1--WE must let them in," said Kate, aft
er moments thought. "If they mean
us harm We will trust TO Heaven for pro
lection"
She tried to speak these words bravcly;
but, nevertheless, it was with trembling
hands that she undid the fastcnings of the
door, opened it and bade the applicants
enter. She almost regretted the act when
she came to see the two men as they
crossed the threshold and the light fell
upon them. They were rough looking
fellows, even for the backwoods.
And so you decided to let us in at
last" said the more wolish- looking of
the two, as he crossed the room and un-
tremendously seated himself before the
fire
YES" said Kate. But" she con-
tinued with quick start, g thought one
of you was injured and nearly helpless ?"
Here one of the men appeared to lean
heavily upon his companion, who said:
" NV friend was not so much hurt as at
first supposed. He was somewhat stunned
by the fall, but now has nearly recovered,
with the exception Of still being very
weak"
Neither Kate nor Mrs. Ellis were quite
satisfied with the appearance of the men,
and had even begun to discredit the story
by means of which they had gained ad-
mittancc. The man who pretended 10
have been hurt would occasionally, when
he seemed to forget himself, appear as
well and strong as his companion; and
the two women begun to feel very anX-
ious, and sometimes cast fearful glancCS
at each other. They were careful, how
ever, not to betray their apprehension to
their guests.
Suddenly one of the men asked: Do
you live here alone, young women:'
Kate, to whom the question was more
particularly addressed, though startled,
managed TO answer, quietly: " Oh, no!
My brother has been called away on busl-
ness"
Twill he return to-night!'
81 don't know. He said he should come
back as soon as possible. He never has
been away over night, and l shall expect
him at any moment"
Kate Ellis said more than she really be
l;eved 1t was more than likely that
Robert would remain at his friends house
until morning The violence of the storm
and the darkness of the night would
make it hazardous undertaking to set
out for his home before dawn. She did
not dare TO let the strangers know how
utterly dcfcnselcss they were.
\ few moments aftcrward, as she passed
them with noiscless tread to attend 10
some household duty, she heard one of
| the visitors ask of the other, in low tone,
| evidently not intended tor her cars,
"What shall we do with these women II
they happen TO be troublcsome:"
"Oh! this will be the best way to 81
| lencc them, ," returned the other, drawing
his hand significantly across his throat.
Kate shuddcrcd, and for the moment a
dcathly faintncss came over her. She
| knew then that all the fears she had en-
tertaincd were not groundlcss. But with
the knowledge of her own and Mary S
peril came the resolution to meet it brave
ly. She possessed more than ordinary
nerve and courage under her quiet de
mcanor; and mastering her momcntary
fear she crossed the room to where Mary
was preparing a repast for their unWci'
come guests.
Let me make the coffee, Mary she
said. aloud; then, in an under tone,
added: BE on your guard; these villains
mean to murder us, DO not betray by a
sign that we are aware of their purpose
l have plan by which, if you are brave,
we shall escape
Mary, by a gesture, signiticd that she
comprehendcd what was required of her
| and the heroic women resumed their en-
ployment with beating hearts, though
outwardly calm and unconcerned.
The rude pine table was covered with {
snowy cloth, the plates laid and in few
moments tempting repast was placed be
fore the two men, to which they did ample
justice.
When the meal was concluded one o
the men leaned over and whispered few
words, to which his associate nodded af
firmatively. The former then arose ant
expressed desire to retire.
This was what Kate was expecting; ant
placing lamp in his hand she directed
him to the adjoining apartment. Th
!. ruffians wished theiI entertainers friend
. ly good night and, passing into the room
closed the door.
81 don't see what can have come owe
me, Bill" exclaimed one of them, whe
they were alone together. Pm uncom
) mon sleepy"
Il feel rather dozy myself said til
other. "S'posin' we rest awhile befor
proceeding to- business? There's tim
enough. An hours snooze will do u
good after our long tramp"
"I'm agreeable. Ellis can't get bac
: before daylight, anyway. He'll neve
suspect anything, for he'll find Sutton dy
ing Just as he was told. They'll keep hi
there as long as possible"
, The room was furnished with two goo
beds in opposite corners. Each OF til
i, rufiians staggered to one, and threw hin
self upon it; and soon they were bot
| sleeping heavily.
, Kate and Mary Ellis, who were listenin
s with anxious hearts in the outer room,
s length heard the deep breathing of the
J, guests, which told them they were burie
G in slumber.
"Thank Heavenr' exclaimed Kat
q Z" Now we are safe.'
II cannot feel safe while they are in Il
I | l.,,,,, - Noru 90 I of fv