The Mt. Sterling advocate. (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) 1890-current, 1894-10-09

pidClu ttuu pcdCel I'll lOOheu the lamp,
shining serenely through the parted
I curtains Doubtless a happy family
were sitting around it, father and
mother, sturdy sons and pretty
daughters, laughing and talking and
never dreaming of the dark tragedy
enacting so near. Would they care
if they did know9 Would they come
to his aid if some instinct should tell
them2 and then he suddenly scram-
bled to his feet, resolving to make
one last effort for his life. He would
struggle on to the farmhouse and APP
peal to the quiet family circle. They
might give him concealment. 1t
was but death if he failed, and it
would be no less if he did not try.
1t took all the strength this last
faint hope gave him to carry him to
the gate and up the cinder walk,
whose hard, dark surface would be-
tray no footstep. Yet his heart failed
as he reached the door and leaned,
utterly exhausted, against the door
post.
T. "If only knew there were women
inside! A woman would be merci-
full. But it may be some stern old
farmer, who will only order me off
and set the dogs on me-"
The window was but step away.
He crept to it and looked between
the curtains. A plain, neat farm
house kitchen, and two women, evil
IDENTIFY mother and daughter, sitting
by the table before the fire, the moth
er sewing, the daughter reading
aloud. No one else in sight, yet Gill
bert gave a smothered gasp and fell
back in despair.
David Westfords mother and sis
teri That settles itr'
He had seen both faces at the trial
the elder, sad and patient under its
silvery hair; the younger, pure, pale
and clear cut, thrown into strong re-
lief by the dark eyes, long jet lashes
and heavy black braids.
He stood there still, hopeless and
helpless, when there came sudden
break 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 shone and was filling her
pitcher. Nerved by desperation, Gill
bert stepped toward her.
II will appeal to her. Why
shouldn't II did not kill her broth
er. She may pity me. She is a
woman, and they are half Quakers I
have heard" he muttered-and
aloud, Miss Westford, help for Gods
sake"
The clanking of the pump ceased.
The girl looked around, with star
tied air. who spoken she do
manded.
"A fugitive utterly exhausted with
fight from bloodthirsty mob. They
are close at my heels. 1 can't go
farther, and / am doomed unless you
have pity and give me help or con-
cealment"
"Who are you9" she inquired, and
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 cornfeld
the pursuers on his track.
"I 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 cutlery, 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's bereaved mother?" she said
bitterly, wonderingly.
why not2 l never harmed you
or him, he urged desperately. las
true as there is a heaven above us l
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 l do not know it now" Mrs.
Westford wavered. Thee speaks
fair, but do not all criminals the
same2 A trial was given thee, and
thy innocence was not proved. Why
should l save the murderer Of my
boy2'
Gilbert fell into a chair, too ex-
hausted to stand. You will know
when it is too late if you refuse me
aid. Madam, will you risk it-risk
feeling that you might have saved
an innocent man, but instead let HIM
go to his deathl"
"Ernestine," cried the old mother
piteously, what ought we TO do9i
How can we risk lifelong remorse,
or how can we risk letting David's
murderer go free to break other
hearts as ours are broken? What
does thee say9".
The girl stood at the open door,
her chances alternating between the
f,oo - +hn ga A nj f1,o