The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-08-07

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and decidedly averse to answering
questions: and he was petulant and
crusty, too: but this | naturally at
tributed to his being called out in such
weather, and, having secured my port
manteau, | made my way back to the
house.
The same woman who had thus far
attended me prepared some food for
me. and politely requested me to par
take of it. Wet and cold as | was, the
fireplace was more comfortable and
desirable than the table. bat | sat down
to the repast out of courtesy.
During the evening l tried to con-
verse with the woman, she was my only
companion, but it was with difficulty
that got any answers to my questions.
| asked her where l was, and the only
reply was dubious shake of the head.
Then | asked her who lived in the
house, and she tremblcd but said moth
ing. She seemed anxious for me to re-
tire: and, at length, after | had mostly
dried my garments, | signified my read
mess to be shown to my bed. The
woman actually Sprang to obey me,
ANA nav IlItll StCOlltl ldlllD Sllt
badc me follow her. | was conducted
up flight of stairs. and shown to a
respectfully furnished chamber, and
there my strange guide left me.
As | was eft alone, / was not little
puzzled by what had seen and heard
The house was evidently a large one,
and, from what little had seen of the
outside of it by the light of the lantern
from the stable. | judged it to be built
of hewn timber, dove-tailed together
at the corners, with the crcvices plaS-
tered with cement The inside, such
as had seen, was finished neatly with
well-matched boards. planned and paint
ed. 1t was strange that | had seen
nothing of the owner of the place: and
the behavior of those | had seen was
equally strange. | was confident that
the house must he far from any other
habitation, and it is not to be wondered
that allowed an unpleasant train of
suspicious thoughts to pass through
my mind.
The powder in my pistols had be-
come somewhat damp. My portmanteau
had brought to my chamber with me.
and in that | found dry powder |
carefully reloaded my weapons, and
placed them under my pillow, and hav-
ing fastened the door, | partially I'M
dressed myself, and got into the bed
| 1t was certainly an hour before | slept,
hut at length the drowsy god overcame
me.
| could not have slept long, not over
half an hour, when was awakened 10y
a quick shake of my shoulder | sprang
! up in the bed and seized a pistol
There was a man by my bedside, and
he held a lamp towards me. He was
tall but far from being stout, and his
countenance was kind and gentle in
its expression. He had entered by a
small door at the end of the room.
which had not noticed
''-sh.'' he muttcred, placing his
finger upon his lips. Make no noise.
| Put up your pistol.
But what seek you here?' | asked,
feeling assured that my visitor meant
me no harm.
II WOuld save you.''
Save me- | repeated
"-sh, Yes. You have one foot in
your grave while you are here. Doyou
know this house,"
NO. What is it, uttered, spring
ing from my bed.
BE careful! You'll wake the demon
before his time. lie thinks do not
know him: but by chance l found
him out in time to save my own life
and yours"
by this time l had nearly dressed
myself, and with trembling limbs
listened, while my visitor explained
himself He told me that the owner of
the house was a murderer by profess
sion, that he entrapped travellers and
killed and robbed them. His tale was
Il horrible one. and he had learned it
all by ovcrhearing a conversation be-
tween the man of the house and the
fellow who had taken care of my horse
He had himself arrived and retired be-
fore | came along; but he had
awakened just in season to hear the
conversation he had related take place
in an adjoining room.
Come, come" he said, as | threw
my portmanteau across my arm and
took my second pistol from beneath
my pillow: there is not moment to
lose. If we are discovered we shall be
killed"
With catlike, noiscless tread my COM
panion led the way out through the
same door by which he had entered,
the existence of which, he informed
me. he had learned from the conversa-
ton he had overheard between the
man of the house and his hostler.
This door gave us entrance to a room
in which there was a bed, the outer
door of which was open. | could not
help noticing, as passed this last door.
the stout iron bolts which were fixed
upon its outside.
My guide placed his finger upon his
lips for an instant and then he shaded
the lamp with his hand and hurried
down the stairs, which led directly to
the shed. The outer door was easily
unfastened, and breathed more freely
as | stepped forth into the fresh air.
The storm had passed over and the
stars We're sailing away to the south
ward, The lamp did not go out, and we
gained the stable in safety.
'Out with your horse! Quick" ut
tered my companion, as he set the