Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-06

Stlil her companion said nothing, ana
silence reigned for some moments.
Maud at length stirred, and then, ras-
ing herself with much effort, she be-
gan speaking in tone so unnatural 10
the gentle Maud that poor Kate could
only stare round the room in bewild-
cred way, and wonder what it could all
mean. At length Maud said,-
skate, did you see him ?
"See whom. Maud?" asked Kate, try
ing TO appear calm.
why, Katie, do you mean to say you
do not know to what am alluding ?" said
the amazed Maud.
Kate assured her that she had not the
most remote idea what she meant, and
besought her to explain the cause of her
sudden alarm.
"Well, Katie" began Maud, speaking
in scarcely audible tone, "when you
went over to the window just now, was.
as perhaps you recollect, standing a lit
tie aside; aud as you we're about to close
the shutter distinctly saw the form Of
man pass directly under the window and
hurry off in the direction of the end
room. am sure he can have no good
purpose in being around this time of the
evening"
"You are quite right dear; he can, as
you say, have no good intention. !, how
ever. am not afraid, and if be is secreted
in this building he will not enjoy his hid
ing place very long"
So saying, Kate sauntered TO the end
Of the room. followed by Maud. who was
made stronger by Kate's true courage
and brave words The room mentioned
above was very small, devoid Of furni-
ture with ths exception of a very large
chest, which stood in one corner, and at
present was empty. Rates first suspicion
was directed to this chest. it being the
only place in,the house where any one
was likely TO conceal themselves. Kate
and Maud stood in the centre of the
dreaded room, not daring to utter
word for fear Of detection; the beating
Of their hearts was audible, and Kate,
who hitherto had been SO brave, stood
immoyable with terror, while Maud was
pale and trembling. At that instant,
while the girls were deciding what plan
they had best pursue. creaking sound
was heard, and the lid Of the chest was
slowly raised just enough to disclose 4
pair of eyes. 1t was quickly put down
again, but not soon enough, for the
girls had already seen the action. Maud
gave a piercing cry, which resounded
through the building, and Kate, fearing
that Mauds alarm would instantly bring
forth the culprit, flew to the chest and
bore down with all her strength upon it
Kate ever after taS ght that super
human strength had ~ IN sent to her aid
for the constant struggle from within
showed she had stropy arm to contend
with; only once did her prisoner seem to
gain the advantage, but Kate had called
loudly for Maud, and the terrified girl
came to the rescue. Then they were
safe, for the man was so exhausted that
strength failed him and he could do
nothing but writhe and pour his useless
threats on the innocent girls. II was
past midnight, and the girls We're so
overcome with fear and fatigue that their
strength and courage could have lasted
but little longer, when Maud quite sud-
denly EXCHANGED
Listen, Katie; do you not hear foot
steps?"
Yes, Kate did hear some one walking.
and before they could conjecture who it
was, William, the butler appeared on the
scene of action.
Thank God" :" they both exclaimed, in
q breath.
Everything was hurriedly explained
TO the faithful butler. cur heroines
then dismounted from the chest, and
stood aside while William quickly pro-
eeeded to raise the lid of the chest. II
was indeed 4 most revolving sight which
met their gaze; for there crouched man
Of about medium size, with face so vii
lanous that the girls shrank from his
penetrating glance; his eyes were deeply
set under q forehead SO low that nothing
was discernible but quantity of black,
bushy hair. The struggle with his OPP
ponents had beenso long and fierce that
he had become horribly bloated and dis
figured. The lid of the chest was not
allowed to remain up sufficient length
Of time TO allow the culprit to come from
his hiding place, for William thought it
wiser to let him spend the rest of the
night there, and told the young ladies
that he would see TO him until the morn
ing, when he would get the assistance
of some Of his friends and convey their
prize to Jail.
Morning dawned, and brought with ii
Mr.. Renyolds.- who had been necessarily
detained in the city the night previous.
The story of their wonderful adventure
was related over and over again, and as
Mr.. REYNOLDS listened, he looked with
unmingled pride and love upon the
two girls who had displayed such
heroism.
my dear daughter" he said, at length,
II have always been proud Of you, but
never until this day did l realize your
trua vslue. And he continued, turn