New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-06-24

and extended his hands 1t was his only chance
for life, and it would be the height OF folly 70
object Yet faint color came into his face as
the cold steel snapped on his wrists, rendering
him helpless-yet scarcely more 80 than fatigue
had already made him.
The hesitation OF both was over now. Ernes-
tine babe him remove his muddy shoes. while
she swiftly closed the door and drew down the
blinds. and the mother hurried into another ne,
low, pausing only to thrust the shoes out OF
sight
At the door she turned. 1T Is David's room,"
looking keeny into his face. Come in'
Did she think he would draw back? Guilt IT.
self would hardly have done that now, with the
pursuers so near.
'If David can sec. know he is willing" Gilbert
answered quietly.
II was a small plainly furnished ROOM Mrs
WcstfOrd had drawn the bed from the wall ana
thrown back the last breadth Of carpet, revealing
a tiny trap-dOor. At his entrance she opened IT,
and notOned him down.
ut is only four feet. You can drop that far,
said rrestine encoura gingly. There Is no outer
door. You Will be quite safe"
Her mother smiled sadly. How many fright
ened fugitives have slept there in safety! But
that was years ago-before the war Thee need
not fear. Eow-but stay. thee must be faint.
will bring thee food and drink
She hurried away, and he swung himself down.
IT not very easy, with his manacled hands,
and Ernestine helped him. His heart thrilled at
touch Of her cold, trembling fingers.
"She shrnSs from my touch. She thinks my
hand stained with her brothers blood" he
though bitterly.
But another glance at the pure pale face re-
lieved him. She listening anxiousy, and
said with hurried kindness There is an old bed
down there. Look, while hold the light down.
There! Even half an hours rest Will help YOU
But you must cat and rest in the dark. for this
cellar extends under the kitchen which is carpet
less. and has cracks in the floor. Here comes
mother
filled dish and pitcher to him. reporting the mob
almost before the house.
Cover up, quickly Ernestine. going to
wake Harry"
That was her youngest son. still sleeping
soundly uDstairs.
She hurried away and Ernestine quickly low
cred the trap-door ard pushed back the bed
Shut down In the darkness Gilbert CROPPED his
way to the old bed. and sank down on it in utter
exhaustion. He could do more. be II life
death. He heard the girls quick steps, the clos
ing door, the louder steps directly overhead and
q slender spur Of lamplight came down through
a crack. She was back In the kitchen-and there
were stern voices indistnctly 10 be heard with
out Ernestine heard them more plainly and
stood with clasped hands and pale face, praying
silently but Oh earnestly. that the innocent II
he were innocent. might be saved. when. her
young brother came rushing downstairs just
there came a laundering knock at the door.
Mrs. Westford had told him more than
that n crowd Of men with lanterns were APP
preaching, and IT was In perfect good faith that
he flung open the door and angrily demanded
their business. They soon satisfied him.
"The tramp that murdered your brother IL
at large. and we are hunting for him. We have
looked all up and down the road. for We know
he came this way. and ii looks nightly as IL he
had slipped into your promises and hidden some
whore. Your folks will have no objection to our
searching, I rcckon?"
Not q BIT. I don't think he would stop here,
but If he did hope you'll catch him and hang
him 10 the nearest tree" the boy answered
fercey.
The fugitive, plainly hearing every word shud-
drred but he had no idea how many times that
old house had been searched In vain for hunted
souls. or he would not have feaced Harry knew
the secret Of the long unused cellar. but never
dreamed that his mother and sister could know
anything Of the hunted trGmp-murderer. and
had no idea that he could be in the house So
the outbuildings and premises were thoroughly
searched while Ernestine and her mother looked
on with pale quiet faces and wildly beating
hearts. and the fugitive lay and listened in the
darkness. Then the men de on, grmbling and
cursing the Sheriff for letting the prisoner escape
Harry fretted a little, never guessing that his
every word reached the ear Of the man whom he
would willingly have surrendered to his MUIR
derers. and then went back 70 bed.
silence settled on the old farmhouse. and Gill
bert actually fell into a light doze. from which
Mrs. Westford's soft call aroused him Half
asleep. he made his way to the trap door and
was helped up Ernestne, in cloak and hat
stood waiting
Mother thinks IT best that you should be
back in safety before daybreak." she said SIM
ply. II can drive you very soon"
Il hate to let thee go, dear" her mother said
anxiously.
girl: "and we can hardly trust Harry He is only
a boy and 50 impetuous and bitter"
Mrs. Westford sighed. 'It TO be a duty
and surely our Father will not let thee suffer
for doing thy duty. Well GO Ny prayers shall
go with thee. But be careful. child
The light wagon and bay pony stood at the
door. The prisoner helped Into the back seat
and Ernestine sprang in before. The big watch
dog followed at her call and cured up under
her seat and Gilbert felt that however kindly
these women might feel they were not disposed
TO run any useless risks
"Go0d-by. mother. Don't fret" was Ernestine's
parting word. and Mrs Westford's earnest NAV
God protect thee" showed her uneasiness Yet
she added kindly word TO the prisoner And
may He bring out the truth. I hope shall
see thee free before all the world right speedily
Then they drove away in the darkness. Ernes-
tine spoke little; her heart beat too fast She
half apologized for taking the dog.
The roads would be so lonely coming back"
an apology which he readily accepted. Could he
resent fer prudence when she had given him his
life? But he could not help being intensely
thankful that the dog had been asleep in the
barn when he approached
Their trip was about half done when lanterns
cleaned ahead. and wheels and voices were
heard approaching. THE mobw was his first
thought. and Ernestine whispered hurriedly,
Down under your seat till they pass" then with
a sudden joyful change In tone and manner, "Oh.
IL Ia the Sheriff. Thank heavens"
The Sheriff 1t was. looking anxously for his
charge, but with little hope Of ever seeing him
again alive. Ernestine turned quickly.
Your wrists. please" and the manacles fell
Off There! You need not tell that part unless
you wish 1t was ony-but you understand
Mother had n right to be cautious, you know
And then the Sheriff was hailing them and as
much surprised as delighted TO find his prisoner
In such hands. The transfer was soon made and
with kindly word of farewell Ernestine has
tened back to her anxious mother.
At the new trial Gilbert Hazelton had no diffi-
Guilty in proving his identity and was
trumphantly acquitted. OF all the warm hand.
clasps and congratulations he received. none gave
him more pleasure than those Of Mrs Westford
and her daughter
You must come and u.s." Ernestine said
bushing. Il know we were not over-polite to
you, mother and l: but come again. and you will
find that we can be civil"
And he did come-not once. but many times
and at last carried sweet Ernestne away as his
br!de.-(Ada r. Ferris in The Overland Monthly