The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-10-05

ground OF thick foliage, and here and
there wagon and sleepy horse bespoke
the thrift of this gypsy tribe. A large
log fire was blazing in the centre of the
settlement, and about it was seated
group OF several men and women.
ASH approached, feeling somewhat
insecure as to the prospect of recep-
tion, dog sprang out at me, barking
wildly. In an instant dogs of all sizes
and every description surrounded me,
and stood still, too terrified to move.
By the assistance of curses and kicks
administered indiscrimlnately the beasts
were called off, and was regarded curl
ously by many pairs of bright gypsy
eyes. described my gypsy fliend as
could, and was relieved to find they
knew whom 1 meant.
"Oh, she means old Sal," said one of
the men. In an instant several eager
messengers started off to acquaint told
Sal' with her visitors arrival. They
came back with message from her for
me to enter her tent.
With my heart beating fast / soon
found myself standing face to face with
the old gypsy woman who had saved
me from watery grave, and who had
afterward tempted me to commit the sin
for which had suffered so acutely, and
for which was about to make atone
ment.
She retained the same shrewd eyes,
the same wrinkled, shriveled skin, but
the insinuating tones, with which she
had proposed her scheme and demanded
my watch and pin, were gone, and
hard and bitter look of hatred, that
warned me of danger, had settled on her
face
What more do you want of me 20
she asked, regarding me intently.
came for the innocent girl l COM
mitted to your care so cruelty. Where
is she ?"
She stepped to the further end of the
tent, and lifted covering, disclosing a
sleeping figure. By the bright moon-
light that entered the tent L recognized
the features of Minnie Lee. Not in the
bloom of health and girlish beauty as l
had last seen her, but wasted by suffer-
ing. Overcome with remorse at the
sadness expressed by that pale face, L
threw myself on my knees by her rough
bed, and took her wasted figure in my
arms.
Look at me, Minnie Lee. L have
come to take you home, home to Her.
bert"
She opened her large blue eyes, and
gazed vacantly at me, but there was no
recognition in her look.
"Speak to me, Minnie," / cried,
alarmed by the vacant expression. "Do
you not know me, Herberts cousin
MaggieY" t
"No," she said softly, and closing her
eyes wearily, 81 don't remember you,
but please let me go to Sleep"
" 1t is no use," said the old gypsy
with bland grin. You won't get any
other answer out of her. She has been
just that way ever since she found out
she could not get away from u.s."
"What have you done to her ?n 1
cried wildly. "You shall answer for
your inhuman conduct. Help me to
dress her, for she must leave this vile
place instantly. Why do you not do as
/ tell you ?" said, stamping my foot in
my despair at her delay.
Because" she replied slowly and
vindictively, +" 1 don't choose to allow
either you or her to leave us. You shall
answer to the wretch and 'hag' that
you would have the keepers drive off,
foryour insults to her. You will find
that gypsy never forgets an insult.'
In moment dark forms appeared, to
whom she addressed some order. Re-
gardless of my struggles and entreaties,
1 was hurried off and placed in small
hut, the door of which was locked upon
me.
1t was in vain to call for aid. L was
in the power of relentless enemies who
would stop at nothing, for, once in their
possession, no help from without could
reach me. tried to think, to form
some plan of escape. To break the
walls that surrounded me was impossi-
BILE, and even if I did succeed in doing
so would be captured before L got out
side of the camp. Suddenly my eyes
fell on the two rings wore. They
were left me by my dead mother, but
they should now save her child. A
gypsy's heart is always to be reached by
gold, and 1 felt sudden sense of security
in the thought.
The next morning man appeared