South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1877-11-16

1 would not harm hair OF your head
Tor the world. love you too we'll for
that"
Then why are you here tonight?
Answer me that question"
Believe me, Kitty, it is for vour
sake alone that have come said Hal.
earnestly. II am poor man. YOU know
& could not bear to have nv bride en-.
dure the miserics of poverty with me.
would gladly clothe her in silks and
jewels, had L but the means. Miss Har.
grave is old, and could spare money
enough to make us both happy and not
miss it. l do not think it will be at all
wrong for US to get it. We mean no
harm to ANYBODY. only we must have
money"
And to think. HAL she broke out
again, that should have let you have
the key by which you have broken into
the house. You said you had lost it.
Low could you deceive me SOP"
lie only laughed and uttered some
thing about being "smart enough to
play any clever trick" But his COM
panion who had been quiet witness OF
TINS scene now stepped up so that they
had no opportunity for the interchange
OF further words.
This foolishness has gone quiet far
enough, Hail." he said, resolutely.
I'VE did not come here TO barley all
night. but for business. What shall we
do with this girl while we search tho
house?"
"Oh, Kitty will be quiet. She will
never peach on us. She is to be my
wife next week, and loves me too well
to serve me an i'll turn. Go ahead and
never mind her, Dick"
but | shall mind her." Dick returned.
drawing pisto! from the breast pocket
of his coat. 1.-The least sign OF treach-
cry. or attempt to betray US, and will
not answer for the consequences So
lead on. my fine lady, aud show us the
way to your mistress room"
He placed the muzzle OF the pistol
close to her temple, and she dared do
nothing but obey. They paused on the
landing just outside the door.
Miss Hargraye received 1--WE hundred
dollars ono day last week, and it is i'll
in the house." said the man Dick, in O
hoarse whisper. Tell US where it is to
be found"
Kitty hesitated. She could not deny
this fact, for she remembered to have
mentioned it accidentally to Hal only
the day before.
How can I?' she returned. You
must think my mistress has abundant
confidence in me. Ofcourse she would
not intrust such a secret TO servant"
Not another subterfuge." interrupt
ed the man, pressing the cold steel
against her temple. 1--WE are bound
to. have the information"
1T is a safe which is kept in the Gel
lar" said Kitty, reluctantly.
And where is the lyey?"
MY mistress always sleeps with il
under her pillow"
Very good. You must get it for us,
and bring us her watch and purse. But
attempt TO play us false and your life
and hers shall pay the forfeit. Now 60
and be quick about it,
lie pushed her toward the door Hal
stood by, attempting no interference
Miss Hargrave was still sleeping sound
~, as she knew by her deep and regular
breathing, therefore she performed her
errand as soon as possible, securing the
purse. watch and key, and then hasten
ed out again, weak and trembling from
emotion.
Dick took them without word, only
motioning for her to lead the way down
stairs. In the dining room they paused
to stow away few articles Of silver
and then went to the cellar door. Kitty
longed unutterably TO cry out, or make
some noise that would alarm the house,
and bring the men servants 90 the res.
cue, but she dared not. She could only
perform their bidding in silence, hating
Hal with an intense hatred, for all this
shame and modification ha was bring
ing upon her. Oh, If Edward were only
therep
After whispering a moment apart
they gave her the lantern and made her
descend the cellar stairs first. lighting
the way for them TO follow. The safe
stood against the wall. and the two rob.
bers FASTENED eagerly forward to un-
lock 1t and secure their prize. for the
moment utterly forgetful Of the girls
presence,
a sudden thought dashed like light
ming on Kitty's brain--a thought That
God himself must have sent. The door
to the safe was furnished with spring
lock-a sure. careful movement, and
she might yet save all She was still
carrying the lantern. and. lifting IL high
or In her hands. as If 30 afford them bet.
ter light. she suddenly dashed 10 at
Dicks head, who was nearest 90 her.
and sprang through the door closing IL
with loud clang and q snap as the bolt
showed into its socket behind her.
The lantern must have been oxtin.
guished when IL fell, for Kitty heard
them cropping for the door. At FIRST ours
ing and threatening Then Hal began
TO coax and plead and call to the poor
girl. telling her how much he bad al
ways loved her and declaring that any
crime he had committed had been done
entirely for her sake. aud shat she ought
70 have mercy on bin and let him out.
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