Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-01-19

rusty bolt and, going to the window, put
up shutter before it.
| Then she returned to me and said, in
low, hurried tones
81 will give you the shelter you ask /;
but it will be poor and comfortless one,
| for my father and-and others Will be
home presently, and they must not find
you here. You see that trap door, che
continued, pointing to one in the rude RAT
tered ceiling-"it leads TO loft. There
you will be safe. l will give you wrap
or two, and, at the worst, it is better than
being out of doors on such dreadful
night as this. But you must not in any
way betray your presence, and in the
morning wait till l let you know it is safe
to descend"
" You may rely upon my prudence and
carefulness," l returned earnestly.
She accepted my assurance without re-
mark then, pointing to the fire, she said ;
"Sit down now add warm yourself.
You must be nearly persisted with the
cold"
obeyed gladly, and, as l stretched out
my hands to the rudy blsze, gazed about
ne curiously. l was in large low kitch-
en-, the walls smoke-stained, and the floor
composed Of uneven red bricks. The fur
niture was Of the barest and scantiest-a
massive oak table, three or four chairs
and there were a few cooking utensils.
My protectress had disappeared +; but she
speedily returned, bearing plateful of
bread and meat and a tumbler containing
small quantity of brandy To the spirit
she added some boiling water from kettle
which depended from hook in the huge
cavernous chimney, and then set both the
food and the brandy on the table beside
me.
"You must need it." she said, when 1
would have refused the refreshment.
take it at once there is not much time
to spare ;" and she cast an anxious glance
towards the door.
she had laid aside the shawl which had
hitherto shaded her face, and, as I made
nasty clearance of the comestibles with
which she had supplied me, regarded her
furtively. She was but slender slip of a
girl, not more than 10 or 20, with fair hair
simply braided, q thin cll0rless face, dark
eyebrows and large dark eyes. There was
an air Of dignity and refinement about
her, and 1 marvslled greatly how she came
TO be in her present situation. During nv
repast she was evidently i'll at ease, listen.
ing and starting al the slightest noise, and
it was with ill-concealed relief that she
saw me rise from my feet.
After | had mounted into my retreat, she
handed me up a pillow and a couple of
rugs, repeating her injunction as to the
need Of caution.
When l closed the trap.door found NY
self in almost total darkness. Apparently
the loft was extensive, but empty. The
storm continued with undated fury. and
the nipping wind found its way in between
the loose tiles, frequently accompanied by
a plentiful sprinkling of snow. Altogether
it was dreary, gruesome place. was
better on undoubtedly than l should have
been out on the lonely moor nevertheless
it was by no means a pleasant or enviable
position for q respectable hard-working
lawyer l wrapped the rugs around me,
tucked the pillow under my head and
endeavored to make myself as comforta-
bic as possible IN the untoward circum-
stances.
l had begun to dozs VIXEN I was aroused
by the noisy entrance Of men into the
room beneath. Amid the loud talking and
boisterous laughter which ensued, | could
accents. These presently ceased, and |
imagined that she had retired to rest, for
the laughter and conversation became
more and more uproarious there vas
constant blinking Of glasses, and the fumes
OF tobacco and spirits assembled TO my hid
ing place. By-and by, however, l grew
accustomed to these sounds and dropped
off to sleep.
l was tired. had perfect health and a
clear conscience, and l slept on till gray
dawn was creeping through the many in.
terstices in the psnt roof above me. l list
ened irtantlv; silence reigned below. |
became impatient as the moments passed.
Every hour was an object 30 me, and, had
I not been restrained by my promise, l
should have attempted a descent let the
consequences be what they might-danger
appears so much less formidable in the
morning than it does amid the somber
shades OF night.
When the suspense had grown almost
intolerable there was gentle tap, twice
repeated 81 the trap.door, immedia ely
lifted it, and saw standing beneath NE the
young woman.
Come down, she whispered.
In few seconds | WAS standing beside
her. The room was uutsnanted save by
her; but traces of the previous nights
orgies We're discernible in broken pipes and
empty glasses and bottles.
Drink this, " she said, giving me a cup
Of steaming coffee and then you must
90 directly. See-here is some bread and
meat for you to eat on your way, and I
will give you any directions you may
need"
| drank the beverage as desired, almost
scalding my throat in doing so but it
warmed me, and fels the better for it.
How did You sleep? We're you able
to Sleep she inquired abruptly, as I sat
down the empty cup, watching me intently
as she asked the question.
!eep. Yes, l answered heartily |
slep. the whole night.
And did not the noise here disturb
you"
Not al all. slept as profoundly as
though l had been in my own bed at
home.
Her eyes dropped, and she grew red and
white by turns.
Aud-aud you did not care to listen
70 their conversation? II did not interest
you, l suppose 81
Her agitation revealed her fearg, and l
hastened to assure her that I was too
wearied to feel interest in anything but my
own fatigue. Then | would have thanked
her, but she interrupted me.
" No, no it was the barest act of char.
ity. l would have done more had been
able but l could not. If you are CRATE.
full show it by forgetting the whole occur
renee; forget that you have ever been
here, and, above all, for the love Of
Heaven, do not mention word about it to
a single person"
I Kept my wonderment 20 myself, and
gave the required promise.
Now, 20, she cried with feverish anx.
iety-" 60, 90 I am in terror while You
remain.
When I had reached the corner Of the
house l turned round and saw her standing
IN the doorway gazing after ne. Sac
waved her hand, as though 20 hasten my
movements, and 1, setting my face in the
direction she had pointed out, looked back
no more.
The storm was at an end, the wind had
sunk, and the sun presently rose, causing
the crisp unspOt.ei snow to sparkle with
the brllhance Of myriads Of diamonds. l
stepped out br,skly, aud in due time and
without further adventure arrived at my
destination. There | transacted my BUSH
ness in Haftsfarf,ry ,aauner was driven