Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1885-07-01

your life's earniT gs-for that's what it
is about"
well, We'll see," said the woman
| thought with reluctance and hesita-
tion In her tOne-''we'll seei Now
take what things you want. and go; and
don't come back till tomorrow night,
have been seen by Miss Corbould to-
day If l hadn't had my wits about me- "
Il believe she did see me. and that
Mrs. Keith will be told that am here ~
was the reply. ''If you do as | advise
We have no time to lose."
"She didn't see you, or she'd have
asked who you were-she did so once
when she saw the gardener in the kitch-
en-; and don't think she'd make any
mischief if she did. She's not bad
sort, as you say, Will"
He muttered something that sounded
like a curse.
Come" she added, "take what you
left aud let us go. l must see you safe
out of the house before Mrs. Keith
rings for her breakfast-and it is past
her usual time now."
Where's the gal gomez" he asked.
ITO church; so we are safe from her
But make haste"
a drawer was opened, and after a
minute or two | heard them leave the
room and shut the door. | trembled
lest L should hear key turn in the lock
but, happily for me, it had long been
lost. As soon as profound silence
made me feel secure. L came out of my
hiding place, and flew along the pass
age till | found the stairs, which de-
scended in great haste, only breathing
| freely when L was in my own room
again. Then sat down to think
There could lie no doubt that Mrs.
Wheeler's son had either escaped or OBJ
tained ticket of leave, and was actu-
ally in the house-nay, had slept in the
deserted rooms. And wha was the
advice he had given his motherp Surely
10 rob my aunt or kill mel Thus | un-
derstood his words. l resolved instan-
tly to start for church; the services
would be over and probably before |
reached it, but | should see Mr. Den
ham, the clergyman, and could tell him
what | had heard, and ask him what to
do.
| reached the church just as the con-
gregation was coming out, and found
TO my dismay, that Mr.. Denham was
from home, and that the clergyman who
had ofiiclated for him had just driven
off, on his return to his own parish. |
was terribly vexed. went to the par
Sonage however, and, on seeing the
Rector's old servant, | asked her if she
could let me write line there, to her
master, as / had message for him.
She consented civilly, gave me paper,
pen, and ink, and, while hastily wrote
my story to Mr.. Denham, dried my wet
boots for me by her fire.
Before left, 1 asked her if the al
arum at the park were rung, could the
villagers hear it. She replied, "Yes,"
she believed it had been heard many
years ago. But why did ask? re-
piled that was afraid of burglars, and
wished 10 know if help could be OBJ,
tanned.
Having her promise to give the note
to Mr.. Denham on his return-which
would be the next morning, she told
mel again set out on hurried walk
home, but arrived there so late that
Mrs. Keith had become alarmed, and a
little cross at her delayed dinner.
Wheeler was with her, looking,
thought little anxious.
"So you went to church after ALL"
said my aunt, when l had apologiZed
and explained that had been detained
at the RectOry while my boots dried.
"YO GU bad much better have amused
Yourself by exploring the old house or
walking up and down the corridor"
"Oh, but wanted also to get so
boot-laces III the village" L replied,
(which have done, or should have
been kept in again tomorrow On
some rainy day can get Mrs. Wheeler
to show me the house." AS l spoke, |
perceived the anxious expression pass
from Mrs. Wheeler'5 face.
wheeler Is Ill, you will be sorry to
hear" said my aunt, accounting for
her hOusekeeper' waiting on US. Mrs.
Wheeler tells me he had a sort of fit
last night. | want her TO send for the
doctor, but she thinks he is better and
only needs rest"
Dinner over, l took seat near my
aunt, and, first conjdring her not to
ltll Oily Ollc W lAoil "do dDOuI " COLu-
municate and not to be alarmed, l re-
lated my adventure of the morning
She listened with amazement and ap-
prehensiOn.
''He can mean nothing but wicked
ness!" she exclaimed as paused. "He !
is one of the most inscriptions villains
have ever heard of. To think of his |
being free again and taking shelter here! !
We might as well-or better-have |
loose tiger in the house. Jane Wheeler |
is an idiot to be so infatuated with that |
vile son of hers. She is and always will |
be mere instrument in his hands,
though really believe she Is attached
to me.
''And her husband?" asked.
''He is a poor feeble old man. What |
could he do without firearms? And we
have none IN the house. No; our only
chance of safety lies in Mr.. Denham's |
coming tomorrow morning, as have |
no doubt he will, ;" replied my aunt, who
showed no signs of fear after the first |
alarm had passed over. 1.-THE convict |
will not be here tonight, you sayp"
mo; Mrs. Wheeler said distinctly |
tomorrow night at ten But, auntie
dear, does your bedroom door fasten
"Yes; have strong night bolt. l
never lock my door because OF the con-
tingency of fire. Your door is also Sc
cured by bolt, as well as by lock and
key"
;.And the closet with your plate, which
is in yonr roomp"
at shuts with spring, and can be
opened by pressure on a certain flower
in the weod carving of the door, the
secret of which is known only to N.Y.
self"
"You are sure Mrs Wheeler has not
seen you open itp"
She paused and thought moment.
81 believe not she said at length;
"but | cannot be sure. may have
opened it before her, when L wished
the plate to be taken out and cleaned,
wears ago; for have trusted her entire
Iv But how came you to know that |
had a closet there at allp"