The Arkansaw traveler., 1886-05-15

| 1 1elU the Of1F1ng Taln even as SIOOu within the hut. It was Miss Cleabyrn, and she at once stepped over my thresh- old. She had on large cloak, the cape of which was turned up so as to form a hood, and this was dripping with wet; great drops of rain were on her face, too. pushed my stool, the only seat in my hut, toward her, and strove to ask what had brought her to such a spot on such night; but l could get out no intelli- gible words. She had closed the door after her, and in her very manner of do ing so there was something which sug- gested fear and danger, so that caught my breath in sympathetic alarm.
 You are Philip Waitress, are you not?" she said.
 1 had never heard her speak before, and either l was still under the infiu- ence of my old entertainment, or she really had the most melodious, most thrilling voice in the world; assuredly l thought so. Of course I replied in the affirmative.
 Vel have heard you spoken of, D she continued; and always favorably. I am sure you may be trusted; am sure you will be faithful"
 II CdIl SCINt you III llldilIISI ! Miss Cleabyrn," l managed to say, " l will be faithful to any promise l may give-faithful to death" This was a rather strong speech, but l could not help it. As l made it, felt that she knew right well, without being led by any report or mention of me-even if she had heard anything of the sort-why 1 might be trusted
 She smiled as l said this. 1 knew how fascinating was her smile, but l had never seen 1t with such sadness in | 1t; it was a thousand times more en- thralling than before will confide in you," she went on. " 1 will tell you why am here in such tempest; to do this will be to contide in you most fully l will not sit down this was called forth by another offer of the only seat already mentioned-" will stand here "-she was standing in an angle be hind the door, much screened by my desk and some books which were heaped upon it-" then no chance or prying passer-by can see me"
 None will pass here for some time Miss Cleabyrn, said; on such a night as this, on any night indeed, the place is deserted but take the precaution if it will give you a feeling of greater safety
 She did so; and then proceeded firmly and collectedly-I was enabled afterward to judge how much the effort cost her-to tell me what had brought her to my station You have heard of Captain Laurenston?' she began.
 signified that had done SO | Nn,, tI,.t h., i ,,,I,.l,,.l l. the police; and you know, 1 have no was here in the early part of the sum mer?-I thought so. He is in this neighborhood; is not far from here He dares not enter our house at Elm Knoll, as that is not only under special watch, but we have reason to think that one or more of our servants are bought oyer, and would act as spies and inform CTS. He cannot get away without assist ance; and you he thinks are the only man he can trust"
 l am! ' exclaimed Why, what can do?"
 Perhaps nothing; perhaps every thing" replied Miss Cleabyrn. He has been seen and recognized here, and every hour makes it more dangerous for him to finger. He knows he can trust you. l am sure of it too" she added after a moments hesitation; yourvery look .iustiies me in saying so much"
 An! she knew what my poor stupid looks had revealed, months before, and speculated rightly that would have been taken out and shot dead on the line, rather than have betrayed her slightest confidence.
 told her that l would do anything to assist her. and the captain too. In what way" l continued do you-?'
 You must get him away in one of the carriages" she interrupted-" some carriage which leaves here; for if he ventures to the station, he will certainly be arrested You can, for the present, conceal him in your cottage, where, as l know, nobody lives but your mother and yourself We leave all to you He will come here tomorrow night. The rest is in your hands These are all l can l give you now" she continued, What ready money we can command he will want; but in short time you shall be properly rewarded As she spoke l saw her hands were busy under her cloak; and in the next instant she laid on the desk before me d handsome gold watch and chain.
 Miss Cleabyrn? gasped at last; you do not think-do not suppose for moment that l want-would take from you anything to buy my aid! am only too willing to give it. l shall be | proud"
 They are yoursl she interrupted. Watch for the captain tomorrow night. Do not follow me. No; keep them! All we can do will be but trihing to show our undying gratitude, if you aid us now" She opened the door as she said this, and in moment was lost in the darkness of the night, leaving me stand ing with the watch and chain in my hand,
 CHAPTER II.