Wilmington daily commercial., 1876-05-06
A Thrilling Tale.
BRAVE w0MAM'S STRATAGEM.


with his young wife from his pleasant home
in one of the New England States, for the
wilds of the Far West, which just then was
fast becoming the land Of promise to all
adventurers of every nation. The young
couple were accompanied by Roberts sister
Kate, who, like the good sister she was, had
left all the old friends, and even the luxu-
ries of civilized life, to share with her
brother the trials and perils of establishing
new home in the wilderness.
A few months previous, Robert had
cleared tract of land in delightful valley,
and erected and furnished rude but strong
and comfortable log house so that there
was very little for the family to do when
they reached their destination, after many
days of weary travel, but to settle down
quietly to the pursuits of the new life, ard
the new duties which had devolved upon
them.
A single year produced many changes in
the appearance of their new home. Robert
was an energetic aud enterprising man, and
had begun already to reap something of the
sure reward for all his tolls. The house,
itself, under the judicious management OF
his wife, aided by the ready and willing
assistance which Kate Ellis was ever anxious
to give, had begun to exhibit pleasant and
tasteful appearance. And added to this, a
few families from New England, begulled
by the beauty and attractiveness of the
valley, had settled in the vicinity, few
miles apart and thus, by mutual visits,
many otherwise weary hours were bright
ened.
One day there came message in hot
haste stating that a particular friend of
Ellis was dying, and had expressed awlsh to
see him. The distance to his friends house
was considerable, and Robert knew that he
should be obliged to leave his wife and
sister alone the greater part of the night,
and perhaps longer. Though the nearest
neighbor lived mile away, and succor in
case of need would hardly be possible, yet
they all regarded the fact of the isolated
situation of their habitation the best reason
for security. Still, Robert thought few
words of warning advisable before he
started.
'' You had better keep in the house as
much as possible, he said to them, as he
mounted his horse. Aud [ think it will
be as we'll to keep the doors fastened, es-
pecially after dark"
"Do not fear" Mary answered " We
will be careful But do not be absent ally
shall be anxious for you on that lonely
road"
He bade them good bye, and they stood
in the doorway and watched his retreating
form until it was lost at last among the
t nick trees; then they entered the house to
att tend.to their ususl duties.
The day passed slowly away, and evening
set in with gloom, enhanced by thick
bank of clouds which had gradually over cast
the sky. and the mournful sigbing of the
wind. These signs of an approaching storm
filed the two women with anxiety and
dread, and gradually the lonesomeness OF
their situation began to be realized.
Mary Ellis, the more timid of the two, al
length became so nervous and downcast
that Kate, with an effort, conquered hel
own depression, and endeavored to cheel
M her companion. In this she was even
tually successful; and the cabin was echo
ing with the laughter of the two, ,occasionec
by some mirthful remIniscence which Kate
was relating, when quick hurried knock
the door put sudden termination to thei
merriment.
The two women started to their feet, an,
pazed anxiouslv into each other's faces, botl
Of which had grown pale with apprehen
sion.
Kate was the first to recover herself
Going to the door, she asked, in voic
which trembled in spite of all her efforts
NWlO lB there, WlHD 90 you Wlbu
1.-TWO travellers who have lost their way,
answered voice from without
''Cannot you accommodate us for tn
night 2"
eve cannot do so, conveniently Kate 6
last managed to artculate. " You mut
pass on to the next house"
CHOW far is it p asked the same voic'
after few moments OF hesitation.
ga little more than mile,' ~ replied Kat
Again there was a slight pause; then th
person from without said, " We cannot
90 far tonight My companion has bee
thrown from his horse, and may die betol
we reach there. You must let us in, othe
wise bis murder-it would be no less-wl
be on your head. Will you open the door
Rate's sympathies were touched. 81
hesitated moment, and then locked
Mary
WWhat shall we do p, she asked shortly
''I don't know. I'm afraid to admit them
said Mary.
"But If this mani story concerning b
companion should be true Z II he DIED '
shall never forgive ourselves"
tsIt would be dreadful and yet we run
fearful risk, said Mary, looking undecide
" at her sister in law.
eve must let them in, said Kate, after
moments thought. off they mean us mari
we must trust to heaven for protecuon.
She tried to speak these words bravel
but, nevertheless, IT was WIN Temoii
hands that she undd the fastenings,of tt
door. opened it, and bade the applicants
ter. She almost regretted the act, when g
came to SEQ the two men as they cross
the threshold aud the light fell upon the
They we're rough-looking fellows, even
the backwoods.
sAnd so you decided to let us IN at las'
said the most wolfish-looking of the two
he crossed the room, and unceremoniou
seated himself before the fire.
eyes," said Kate. But, she cont
ned. with a quick start, 81 thought one
Won was injured, and nearly helpless =
Here one of them appeared to lean hei
ily upon his companion, who said
friend was not so much hurt as l at Il
supposed. He was somewhat stunned
the fall, but now has nearly recover
with the exception of being still "
weak" -.
Neither Kate nor Mrs. Ellis was qu
satisfied with the appearance Of the IN
and had even begun TO discredit the st
by means of which they had gained
mittance The man who pretended to hi
been hurt, gould occasionally, when
seemed to forget himself, appear as '
and strong as his companion aid the
women appeared very anxious, ard sol sol