The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1877-02-09
MI iSCeIla Q O IL 9.
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A WOMAN'S BRAVERY,

RODert Ellis, almost lmmedlately altcr
his marriage with pretty Mary Blake, had
departed with his young wife from
the pleasant home in one of the New Eng
land States for the wilds of the West, which
just then was fast becoming the land of the
promise to all adventures 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 luxuries of civilized life, ta
share with her brother the trials and perils
of establishing new home in the wilder
ness.
A few months previous, Robert had
cleared tract of land in delightful valley
and erected and furnished rude, but
stlong and comfortable little 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 and the new duties which had de-
volved upon them.
A single year produced many changes in
the appearance of the new home. Robert
was an energetic and enterprising man and
had really begun 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 anx-
ious to give, had begun to exhibit pleas
ant and tasteful appearance. And added
| to this, a few families from New England,
| beguiled by the beauty and attractiveness
of the valley, had settled in the vicinity, u
| few miles apart, and thus by mutual visits,
many otherwise weary hours were bright
ened.
One day there came messenger in hot
pursuit, stating that particular friend OF
Ellis's was dying and had expressed wish
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. Both Mary
and Kate laughed at the idea of danger be-
cause of his absence. 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 rea-
son for security. Still Robert thought a
few words of warning advisable before he
started.
| "You had better keep as much in the
mounted his horse. "And 1 think it will
be as well to keep the doors fastened, es-
pecially after dark"
do not fear" Mary answered. We
will be careful. But do not be absent any
longer than is absolutely necessary, for we
shall be anxious about you on that lonely
road"
He babe them both good by, and they
stood in the low doorway and watched his
retreating form until it was lost ut last
among the thick trees-they then entered
the house to attend to their usual family
duties.
The day passed slowly by and evening,
with gloom enhanced by thick bank OF
clouds which gradually overcast the sky,
and the mourntul soughing of the wind
These sigma of the approaching storm filled
the two women with anxiety and gradual
ly the lonesomeness of their situation be
gan to be realized.
Mary Ellis, the more timid of the two
at length became 30 nervous and downcas'
that Kate, by an effort, conquered her own
depression, and endcavored to cheer heI
companion. In this she was eventually
successful and the cabin was echoing with
the laughter of the two occasioned by Il
little mirthful "Reminiscences which Kate
was relating, when quick hurried knock
at the door put sudden termination to
their merriment.
The TWO women started 10 their feet, and
gazed into each others faces, both Of which
had grown pale with apprehension.
Kate was the first to recover herself
Going to the door she asked, in voice
which trembled in spite of all her efforts
"Who is there, and what do you want =
1.-TWO travellers who have lost theil
way" answered voice from without
Cannot you accommodate US for the
night 7"
ave cannot do so conveniently" Katf
at last managed to articulate. You
must pass on to the next house."