Connecticut western news., 1882-12-06
THE MILLER'S MAID.

Il III U V4 AIDs
 The parish of New Abbey, in Krcud- bright, derives its name from 8 Cistercian abbey, founded in the beginning of the thirteenth century.
 There used to be lonely mill close by the little picturesque monastery; and this lonely mill is said to have been the scene of the following story:
 It was on a Sunday morning, Cages long ago. that the miller of this mill and his whole family went forth to hear the holy mass.
 The mill, which was also his residence, was left in charge of aseryant-girl named Jenny, stout-hearted lass. An infant child, of an age unfit for church, was left in her charge likewise.
 The girl was brsily employed prepar- ing dinner, when who should enter but an old sweetheart of hers, named Rerrick Lochdee, an idle, graceless fellow, whom the miller had forbidden the house but whom Jenny only liked perhaps the better, because others gave him no countenance. She was glad to see him, and gave him something to eat. As he ate, however, he let fall his knife
 tsPiek up that, my lass,, said he in 8 joking way, to the good-natured girl.
 She stopped down, accordingly, to pick up the knife.
 As she was in the act of rising, how ever, the treacherous villain caught her by the nape of the neck, and gripping her throat firmly with his fingers to prevent : her screaming the while, drew dagger from under his coat
 s'Now, lass," he said, swearing as he spoke, "where's your masters money will have that or your life; so take your choice. ?
 j She implored him not to make such a horrible resolution, but Masters money or your life, lass,' was all he would say ''Well, well, Rerrick," " said she, re- signedly; "what is to be must be; but il you take the money I will even go along with you This will be no home for me any more. But ease you gripe of my neck little; don't squeeze so hard-1 can't move-you hug me so tight. Be sides, time presses, and if it be done al all it must be done quickly, for ths household will shortly be back. D
 The ruffian relaxed his gripe, anG finally let go his hold.
 "Come," she said, "quick! quick!- no delay. The money is in masters bed room"
 She led the way into her masters bed room and pointed out the coffer in whicl his money was concealed. "Here, 3 sht > said, reaching him an ax, "this vii wrench it open at once, and I shall jus step up to my own apartment and get few things ready for our flight"
 "Go, lass" he said, "but be not long.
 He immediately broke open the ches and began rummaging the contents.
 While he was employed the brave hearted girl stole down the stairs on tip toe, and creeping softly down the pas sage reached the door of the chambe unseen by him and likewise unheard.
 It was but the work of moment fo hec to turn the key in the ward and locl him in.
 This done, she rushed forth to the oute door of the mill and gave the alarm.
 "Fly fly p she shrieked to the child her masters little boy. "Fly to father Fly on your life Tell him we shall a be murdered, anhe haste not back Fly fyr' -
 The child at once obeyed the commau of the girl, and sped as fast as his leg could carry him on the road by which h knew his parents would return fror church.
 A shrill whistle from the grated win dow of the chamber in which she had shu up the ruffian Rerrick, reached her ears
 "Robin! Robin p she heard hin shout, "catch the child and com hither. I am fast. Come hither Brin the child here, and kill that girl p
 Jenny thought to herself that thi alarm was false one, but just as tn child reached hollow in the next fel she saw another ruffian start up, ant catching him in his arms, hasten towar the mill, in accordance with the direi tions of his accomplice.
 In moment she perceived ht danger.
 Retreating into the mill, she double locked and bolted the door, and tine took her post at an upper easement.
 She had scarcely time to secure he self within, when the rufian from witt out, holding the hapless child with or hand, and long, sharp knife in tI