Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-06-19

II was in the beginning Of December
1874 said Fred Carew); we were sitting
down to dinner after capital days cock
shooting-besides myself there were Lore
Clontarf, Mohun, and Kate, my wife
when we were disturbed by perfec
hail of knocks at the hall door. Old Dar
Tucker, or the Spectre Horseman, neve
elamored more loudly for admittance
Fritz, Mohun's old Austrian servant
went down to see what was up, and, or
opening the door, was instantly born,
down by the tumultuous rush of Michael
Kelly, gentleman, agent to half dozen
estates, and attorney-at-law. In the las,
two capacities he had given, it seems
great umbrage to the neighboring peas
antry, and they had caught him that
night as he returned home, intending to
put him TO death with that ingenuity Of
torture for which the fine, watm-hearted
fellows are justly celebrated.
They did not wish to hurry over the
entertainment, so confined him in an up-
per chamber, while they called their
friends and neighbors to rejoice with
them, carousing meantime jovially below.
The victim con,rived to let himself down
from the window, and ran for his life to
the nearest house. which, unluckily, hap
p.ned to be the Lodge. Two boys, how
ever, saw and recognized him as he en-.
tered the demesne, and raised a whoop,
to show that they knew where the fox
had gone TO ground.
This We made out from a string of in
coherent interlections; and then he lay
painting and comforting himself in agony
of fear.
Mohun sat on the hall table, swinging
his foot and regarding the spectacle with
the indolent curiosity that one might ex-
hibit toward the gambols of some ugly
new importation OF the Geological Socie-
ty. When the story was told he pointed
coolly to the door.
The shrek that the miserable creature
set up on seeing that gesture shall nev-
er forget.
do YOU think shall turn my house
into a refuge for destitute attorneys -
Ralph said, answering my look of inqui-
~. "If there were no other reason.
would not risk it. with your wife under
my roof A night attack in the West is
no child's play"
Kate had come out, and was leaning
over the gallery. She heard the last
words, and spoke, flushing scarlet with
anger.
''If l thought that my presence pre-
vented an act of common humanity, |
would leave your house this instant, Cel-
onel Mohun."
Ralph smiled slightly as he bent his
head in courteous acknowledgment of her
interruption.
Don't be indignant, Mrs. Carew. II
you have fancy for such an excitement,
l shall be too happy to indulge you. 1t
is settled. them We back the attorney.
Don't lie there, sir, looking so like a
whipped hound. You hear You are
safe for the present" He had hardly
finished, when there came a rustling Of
feet outside, then hurried whispers, then
knock, and a summons.
"We'd ike to spake to the curnel, ay
ye plase.'
81 am here; what do you want y
Mohun growled.
"We want the 'torney. We know he's
widin."
Then I'm afraid you'll be disappoint
ed. It's not my fancy to give him up
wouldn't turn out badger to you, lie
alone man"
You see, he took the high moral grount
now.
Then we will have him out in spit
of yez," two or three voices cried out to
gether.
Try it." Ralph said. Meantime
am going to dine; goodnight
A voice that had not spoken yet wa
heard. with shrill gibing accent. "Ah
thin the best of appetites to ye, curne
and make hast over yer dinner. Ii
. Pierce Delaney that'll give ye yer SUI
per-" Then they went off,
"The said Delaney is large quarry
: man." Ralph observed. "He represent
the physical element Of terror hereabout
as believe I do the moral. We sha
have warm work before morning. h
does not like me. Fritz, send Come
up he is below somewhere"
!, The keeper came, looking very niue
surprised. He had been in the stable
!; and had only just heard of the disturb
ance.
"Get the rifles and guns ready, vii
Q bullets and buckshot," his master sait