The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1877-02-22

The other was negro, but she did not
know who he was until Dick called out:
"Now, Bill Lyons, you are sure of
what you tell me 2"
Bill Lyons, she remembered, was
blacksmith employed on the Hill Farm.
"Course is" he answered. "I was
standin' on de gallery by de parlor
door, when Hill he coined from Harris
onburg, where he had been sellin' lot
OBJ cattle. 1 was fxin' de lock, an he
neber seed me. Iseed him put de money
in de top drawer OBJ de desk, an he said
to de ole CONAN: Sally, Pse sort o
feared to keep all dis money in de house
tonight, but it's too late to go to town."
every well; Pm going on your word,
and if you've lied, you know how I set
tie with folks, don't your Now do you
remember all you've got to de?"
eyes, Use got de kerosene an de
matches, an we's to fire de barn, an
when de folks runs out we's to break in
to de drawer an take de money, and den
we're 10 share an share alike"
cpl be bound you remember that"
said the ruffian with hoarse laugh.
"Is the parlor lockedT
"Ef it is, here's key" and he held
something up.
"Very well. Now for my mask. rve
got an account to settle with the old
man at the farm, for he's been a perse-
cutin' me, and reckon he'll lose some
money tonight, and something else, too,
ifhe don't keep out of my way"
The man mounted his horse, and, shak-
ing in every limb, Elsie watched them
ride slowly down the road.
What could be done to save her friends
from the evil fate which was creeping
upon them? Like a fash she remem-
bered an unused path which, stsiking
from the road, cut off more than half a
mile. She could not be far from the
path, which led directly to Mr.. Hilrs
back yard; in fact, it was one made by
the little girls and herself on their nut
ting expeditions. The men were moving
slowly down the roada She coulG strike
across and get to the farm before them.
The little tired feet grew feet when
she thought of this. Yes, here is the
turning, for dark as it was getting, the
starlight showed her the hickory tree
which stood where the path entered the
road. She plunged into it, the briers
tearing her at every step. But she felt
nothing, needed nothing, until she stood
beneath the window of Mrs. Hills bed
room. The dog had growled at her, but
at the sound of her well-known voice had
grown quiet again. She raped at the
window.
"Who is that?" called out Mr.. Hill,
startled from his sleep.
ats me-Elsie Layton. Don't make
a noise, but let me in"
"Elsie" cried the astonished couple,
opening the door, and the little girl stag
gered in, and for a moment thought she
would faint, so utterly exhausted and
overcome was she. But there was much
to be told, and as soon as Mr.. Hill.under-
stood the peril before him, he called his
son, and posting him in the room where
the money was deposited, fastened him
self to the barn.
"Don't be scared" he said as he went
cut, "if you hear shot or two. Pll have
the advantage of the rascals, for they
won't expect me, and 1 shall be looking
for them. Willis, too, is well armed,
and l reckon two are enough to deal
with such fellows"
Nearly quarter of an hour passed,
and the dog barked furiously, but sud
denly ceased.
"He knows Bill" whispered Mrs.
Hill; "that's silenced him."
The light had been put out in the
house, and the watchers sat silent and
expectant. Then came a shot at the
barn, and another loud report, and Mr..
Hill's voice shouting:
"Pve got one of 'em safe. The other
is running as fast as his legs will carry
him down the road"
In few minutes Mr.. Hill was back at
the house.
az haven't killed the scamp, and am
very glad of it. l only intended to
wound him, so as to prevent his doing
mischief. It's Dick Simmons, and I've
secured him so that he will be safe until
the authorities can take him to town.
Now, wife, 1 want mattress and some
linen. If the fellow is scamp, he must
be treated humanely."
Now that the excitement was over,
Elsie's thoughts returned to her father.
"Oh, l must go" she cried. az was
afraid while those men were on the road.
Goodnight ALL"
Mr.. Hill laid his hand on her shoulder.
Going to trot back on those tired lit
tie feet of yours, eh, and past midnight ?
Willis, harness up the buggy right of,
and take Elsie home; and he can bring
the doctor back with him, if he's not
needed by your father. 1 haven't
thanked you, my little girl, though
you've saved my property, and possibly
my life, too. But Pll never forget it,
and possibly 1 may be able to do you a
good turn before long. Pm proud Of
you, my child, and your father is hap.
py man to have such daughter"
Speeding along in the buggy, the night
seemed hideous dream to little Elsie
Would she ever forget it, or would hel
heart ever cease beating SO strangely
1t was dream, however, which had s
happy ending, for when she reached
heme and entered her fathers room-tc
the utter astonishment of DR.. Wilson
who thought her safe in Pineville-sht
found matters going on well. Her fathe,
was sound asleep, and not as seriousl!
hurt as he had thought, although his lie.
was fractured.
So little Elsie knelt down to her pray