The Olneyville tribune. (Providence, R.I.) 1893-189?, 1894-07-07

in the clear voice within. The girl
had ceased reading. He looked in
and saw her pick up pitcher and
come toward the door. A moment
more and she had come out, all un.
conscious of the man so near, gone
straight to the pump, on which the
lamplight ehone, and was filling her
pitcher. Nerved by desperation, Gill
bert stepped toward her.
II will appeal to her. Why should
MT /? / did not kill her brother.
She may pity me. She is woman,
and they are half Quakers !
have heard, ~ he muttered - and
aloud, Miss Westford, help for God s
sake"
The clanking OF the pump ceased.
The girl looked around with IA startled
air. "Who spoke?" she demanded.
"A fugitive, utterly exhausted
with fight from bloodthirsty mob
They are close at heels. / can't 90
farther, and / am doomed unless you
have pity and give me help, or con-
cealment.
"Who are you?" she inquired, ard
with dreadful sinking at his heart
he gave his name, Gilbert Hazel
! ton"
She uttered sharp cry and looked
away where the distant lanterns were
cleaning through the cornfield-the
pursuers on his track.
II must ask mother" she said,
and snatching up her pitcher swept
past him into the house.
He heard her quick voice, and Mrs.
Westford's startled outcry, and in
very desperation followed her in.
The old mother met him, white
haired and venerable. $50 thee can
seek shelter here, OF David West
ford $ bereaved mother i? b" she said,
bitterly, wonderingly.
"Why not | never harmed you or
him." he urged desperately. As
true as there is n heaven above US, /
am innocent OF what is laid to my
charge. 1t will be proved when my
friends come. But that will be too
late unless you help me.
But ] do not know it now,' Mrs.
Westford wavered. Thee speaks
IulT, DuI w llOl All uo tiit
same2 A trial was given thee and
thy innocence was not proved. Why
should / save the murderer OF my
boy ?"
Gilbert fell into chair too ex-
hausted to stand. you will know
when it is too late IL you refuse me
aid. Madam will you risk it risk
e.. flat xyA, huyn onun1 n In M
cent man, but instead let him go to
his death ?"
"Ernestine, cried the old mother,
piteously, what ought we to do
How can we risk n lifelong remorse,
or how can we risk letting David 3
murderer 90 free to break other
hearts as ours are broken What
does thee say ?"
The girl stood in the open door, her
glances alternating between the
pleading face OF the fugitive and the
lanterns coming along the roadside.
1--WE must decide quickly, mother"
and her clear voice quivered with
feeling. He may be innocent. 1t
hardly seems as though guilty man
NOulu toIIlt buNih -
for shelter. And if we are acces-
sorry to his death-mother, it is MUIR
der for them to take the law into
their own unauthorized hands. Our
choice lies between one man, who
may or may not be murderer, and
"A score who will surely be if we do
not hinder
Then thee says save him?" Mrs.
Westiord asked, doubtfully.
IL dare not refuse it, mother. Do
you?'
The old lady hesitated, then, open
ing corner cupboard, took out
pair Of handcuirs-relics OF the days
when David had been deputy sheriff
and earned the enmity OF tramps and
evildoers-and held them towards
Gilbert.
III thee will put these on, that we
may have no fear from thy violence
when the mob are gone, we will con-
ceal thee safely, and when the search
is over send thee back to thy lawful
guardian. That is all. | cannot
place myself and my daughter mt the
mercy of one who may have none.
VIII thee consent?"
She was only prudent. Gilbert
bowed silently and extended his
hands. 1t was his only chance for
life, and it would be the height OF
folly to object. Yet faint color
came into his face rs the cold steel
snapped on his wrists, rendering him
helpless-yet scarcely more SO than
fatigue had already made him.
The hesitation OF both was over
now. Ernest,ne bade him remove his
muddy shoes, while she swiftly closed
the door and drew down the blinds,
and the mother hurried into another
room. Thither Ernestine beckoned
him to follow, pausing only to thrust
the shoes out of sight.
At the~door she turned 1T is
David's room" looking keenly in his
face. Come in !"
1t was n small, plainly furnished