Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1886-02-25
Mechancsown Frederick County, Mary land Thursday Feb 25 1885,

whole country is burning. You must
fly from here at once, he cried in low
eager tones.
where to?'
Up the road. I know Of a safe place
if you will trust to me-
your judgment is superior to mine,
she said. I will do whatever you
think best
Thanks. Is there money in the
house,
"A little
Get it, and anything else of value,
and then come. No time is to be lost
I came on purpose to save you. l knew
you would be Frightened
In rapid tones the man uttered the
words. Trusting him implicitly, next
to her brave husband, Amy complied
with his orders, and soon had small
bundle gathered, and fastened with a
stout cord. She came out then and
closed the door. The roar Of burning
timber was plainly heard now, and to
the south, toward Muskegon, could be
seen the red CLINT of leaping flames.
Come if you would not perish.
A hand clutched her own, and led
her swiftly away. She was fleeing from
home in company with the man whom
John Edison, the cripple, had warned
her against Less than half an hour
after, light vehicle drew up at the
door of the Zimmerman 5 house.
1t was Jerome Merlotte, with singed
beard and scorched face. He had come
to the rescue of his wife a little too
late. He had FASTENED his return
nome when he learned of the sudden
outburst of fire in the woods.
In the meantime, Amy and her COM
panion were far away. treading on an
ill defined road that LED into the depths
Of the green forest
THE country is swampy along this
road, and here we will be utterly safe
from the fire. said Rathlaore.
Amy went on in confidence, until
they came to an old log shanty that
stood on the edge of a deep gulch, the
sides of which were almost perpendic-
ular.
"A deserted shanty,' explained the
speculator. Then he left his charge
and passed in through the open door.
When he came forth ne had two
horses
"You will mount one of these pro-
ceeled Rlthmore, and. before morn
ing leave this region far be hind"
I do not understand. nesitated Amy.
Is it necessary
4 will explain, my dear girl. I've
known how it has been, all along. We
have a good excuse for fleeing now
Your house is burned before this, and
when Merlotte retuans he will i'm
agine you perished, and so never look
for you.
The man laughed, Amy regard
ed him with suddenly palIng cheeks.
I planned it all nicely, he said,
with his even, white teeth gIeaning in
a smile. You ought to thank me for
it.
Sir, l do not comprehend this Ian
gnage.
On, indeed ? Don't pretend that
you haven't enticed me on with your
killing ways. l could see with half
an eye how odious Jerome Merlotte
was, and so ! resolved to take you with
me to m elysian Of Hiss beyond the
lake. Mount and let us be off. There
is no danger. We cannot be discover
ed
'Scoundrel !
With the one word the young wife
shrank away from this man with
shudder.
'Ha do you repndiate the
past? What were all these tender
glances for if You do not love me ? he
demanded, sternly now, very devil Of
flame burning in his eyes. MY lady,
no squeamishness now. You must 60
with me-
He grasped her arm.
She uttered terrified scream and
broke loose, fleeing in terror. He
sprang after, with low imprecation.
She sped beyond the shanty. He had
placed himself between the roadway
and Mrs. Merlotte. Her only chance
was toward the gulch. A ladder lean