Louisiana capitolian., 1880-07-31


que hills, now flooded with the moons
pale beams, and then calculated with
nv eve the distance Of the window from
tho ground, aud the possibility Of a leap
in the dark in case we were attacked
from the other side. Having satisfied
myself that the leap would be certain
death, I turned back into the room and
began to examine the strength and
position Of my barricade. Then l sat
down on the side Of the bed to await in
silence and solitude the termination Of
my dreadful watch.
I aroused Harry, md he took my
place on tho watch. laid down upon
tho bed, but l had not long been doing
when touch on my shoulder awoke
me, and at a gesture from Harry l
checked the exclamation that was rising
to my lips, aud turned my eyes upon the
antique secretary which formed our for
tress aud only defense against our enc
mics.
Look sharp said my friend, in a
breathless whisper, aud you will 500 it
move
A steady gaze convinced me that no
was right. The huge thing was moving
to ward ns-almost imperceptibly-
without the slightest noise, but steadily
and surely it was advancing into the
room. ! glanced toward tho top, and
could distinctly see that, whereas we
had placed it with its back close
against tho door, 80 that not even
sheet Of paper could be introduced be-
tween, there was now al open
space of more thnn an inch in width.
We grasped our pistols, aud stood side
by side ready for the first shot. Our
assailants no doubt throught we were
wrapped in deep and motionlcss slumber
We were prepared for an attack ut any
moment, when q low note, which might
have been uttered by bird or insect
struck the ear Of both aJ the same
instant. turned toward the window
and, glancing out, perceived q ladder
resting against the sills,the other end O
which was held tirn,ly by tho gypsy gir
below. Without an instaut's delay
sn.tchcd the pistol from Harry's hands
and motioned to him to descend. lie
hesitated to leave mo alone, but l wa
peremptory in my entreaty. lie thel
clutched the ladder with one hand
swung himself lightly from tho window
and disappeared just rs tho body OF
man, crawling on his hands and knees
became visible from behind the shelte
of tho bureau. As soon as the villia
saw that was ready for him, he spran
to his feet ami uttered q cry for help.
pointed my pistol at his head an
fired. In the confusion and Obscurit,
that ensued from tho rush Of Others int
theroom, and from the smoke of severa
pistols that were fired simultaneously,
se;zsd the end of the ladder and was o
terra tirma and flying down the narro,
ravine between Harry aud Zingar'
before the ASSISTANTS were aware OF m
escape.
Wepiunged into tho forest and 500
regarded ourselves safe. The girl tol
us the plot she had heard devised for 0,
murder, that our guide himself was OF
of the band, and had brought us to Il
"posada' with q fixed purpose. III
panels of the door had been removed col
tigious to the bureau, and five ruffia
hoped to crawl in on their hands al
kness and murder us in our sleep.
!, "Icould not come sooner to your rescu
senors," she said, "because was suspe
tod and closely watched, but the insta
y saw them all at the top of the ladd
=, which led to your room, lrushed to- 20
window to give you tho chance to escap
Mariana has done one good acti
J. more!' and she raised her eyes to hea
! en- with a glance mournfullv peniter
like that of Guido's Magdalen.
a The purple light of morning began
. tinge the tops ofdstant hills.
h ave part here. senors,' said Marta
|, her form standing out in clear rel
!" against the eastern sky, and the mass
d Of her golden hair sbimmerng in
y SUMS first rays. "Youder is the inn wh'
b, YOU will find fresh horses and M
lie trusty guide May all the holy sail
1t protect you."
(. "Stay, Maritana,' cried Harry, seizl
9. her by the hand. ''you shall not 90 ba
T. to the pen of thieves. If the devotion
II my life will prove my gratitude for &
o. nights service, / offer to you now"
ne He was going on to lay his hand a