The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1877-02-09

d" How lar is At asheu thC saline VuiC,
atte u,ument ! Hesitation.
" little more than n mile" answered
Kate.
AK in there was a silent pause then th'
person from without said
I'VE cannot go that far tonight NJ
companion has been thrown from his horse
mi may die before we can reach there
| You must let us in, or otherwise his muI
der-it would be mo- less-will be upol
your head. Will you open the door,
Kate's sympathies were touched. ST.
iesitated a moment, then looked ut Mar,
what shall we do 2" she asked veI
lortly.
| " hardly know I'm afraid to adm
them" said Mrs. Ellis.
| But if this mans story concerning h
p'mpanion be trueS If he died we shout
| ever forgive ourselves"
| ut would be dreadful; and yet we run
fearful risk" said Mary, locking und,
Idedly at her sister inlaw.
1--WE must let them in," said Kate, aft.i
moments hesitation. "If they mean II
laim we will trust to heaven for protec
ion."
She tried to speak these words bravell
hands that she undid the fastening of the
door, opened it, and babe the applicant,
enter. She almost regretted the act whel
she came to see the two men rs they cross
ed the threshold and the light fell upnr
them. They were rough looking fellows,
even for the backwoods, Kate thought.
And so you decided to let us in a
last ~ said the more wollish looking ot
the two, as he crossed the room and I'M
tremendously seated himself before til,
fire.
Yes" said Kate. But she continued
with quick start. II thought one of you
was injured and nearly helpless"
Here one Of the men appeared to lean
heavily upon his companion, who said
Ny friend was not so much hurt
as ut first supposed. He was somewhat
stunned by the fall, but now has nearly
recovered, with the exception of being
weak"
Neither Kate nor Mrs. Ellis were quit
satisfied with the appearance of the men,
aud had even begun to discredit the story
by means of which they had gained adj
mittance. The man who pretended to
have been hurt would occasionally, when
he seemed to forget himself, appear as well
and strong as his companion; and the two
women began to feel very anxious, and
sometimes glanced at each other. They
were careful, however, not to betray their
apprehension to their guests
Suddenly one of the men asked
do you live here alone, young wo
men z"
Kate, to whom the question was more
L., 81, Il
managed to answer quietly
"Oh, no my brother has been called
away on business.
"Will he return o.night ~
Il don't know. He said he would come
back as soon as possible. He never has
been away over night, and | shall expect
him ut any moment
Kate Ellis said more than she really be
lieved. 1t was more than likely that
Robert would remain at his old friends
house until morning. The violence of the
storm and the dark ness of the night would
make it hazardous undertaking to set
out for his home before dawn. She die
not dare to let the strangers know how ut
terly defenceless they were.
A few moments afteiward, as she passed
them with a noiseless tread TO attend to
some household duty, she heard one of the
visitors ask of the other in a low tone, evil
IDENTIFY not intended for her ears
what shall we do with these women
if they should happen TO be very trouble
me2n
"Oh, this will be the way to silence
Them" returned the other, drawing
his hand significantly across his throat.
Enfa chn1HnrnI fin
deathly taintness came over her. She
knew then that all the fears she had enter
tanned were not groundless. But with the
Knowledge Of her own and Mary's peril
came the resolution TO meet it bravel!.
She possessed more than ordinary nerve
and courage under her quiet demeanor
and mastering her momentary fear, she
crossed the room to where Mary was pre-
pairing a repast for their unwelcome guests.
81 Let me make the coffee, Mary" she
said, and in an undertone added: Be on
your guard, these villains mean to murder
us. Do not betray sign that we are
aware of their purpose. | have plan by
which, if you are brave, we shall escape"
Mary, by ii gesture, signitied that she
cGmprehended what was required of her;
and the heroic women resumed their en-
ployment with beating hearts though out
wardly calm and unconcerned.
The rude pine table was covered with
snowy cloth, the plate laid, and in a few
moments tempting repast was placed be-
fnre the two men, to which they did ample
justice.
When the meal was concluded, one OF
the men leaned over and whispered a few
words, TO which his associate nodded af
firmatively. The former then arose and
expressed desire to retire.
This was what Kate was expecting; and
placing lamp in his hand she directed
him to the adjoining apartment. The ruff
fans wished their entertainers friendly
good night, and passed into the room, clos
ing the door.
IL don't see what can have come over
me, Bill" exclaimed ono of them, when
they were alone together. I'm uncom,
monty sleepy"
Il feel rather dozy myself said the
other. "S'posin we rest awhile before
proceeding to business There's time
enough. An hours snooze will do us good
after our long tramp"
I'm agreeable. Ellis can't get back
before daylight, anyways. He'll never sus-
pect anything, for he'll find Sutton dying,
just as lie was told. They'll keep him there
as long as possible"
The room was furnished with two good
beds in opposite corners. Each Of the rui:
fans staggered to one, and threw himself
upon it ;, and soon they were both sleeping
heavily.
Kate and Mary Ellie, who were listening
with anxious hearts in the out room, at
length heard the deep breathing of their
guests, which told them they were buried
in slumber.
"Thank heaven exclaimed Kate
Nov we are safe"
81 cannot feel safe while they are in the