Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1898-06-02

cleared space, which stretched away
as far as she could see. This troubled
her, as the moon shone so brightly
down on the field that she knew she
could be seen, should she attempt to
cross it, at considerable distance.
So she kept along in the edge of the
woods skirting the field. In crossing
a rise Of ground, she saw, Mt some dis
lance. what seemed to be group Of
buildings-a plantation house, and the
cabins and outbuildings surrounding
it. Should she so there and claim
shelter? What if Rumford should track
her there! Would the family believe
her story? or would they not rather
believee his?
While she was thus debating this
matter in her mind, the bay of the
seemed to freeze the blood in her
! made in abandoning Saladin! If she
had supposed that Rumford had his
hounds with him she would not have
done so. But now it was too late!
They had found where she had left
the horse, and the dogs had again
been put upon her track. But she
could again battle them as she had
done before. Drawing her dagger from
her bosom, she looked hastily about
her for something to smear with
blood. She could find nothing but a
few sticks. These would not do, and,
in despair at the delay, as the baying
of the hounds came rapidly nearer,
she caught her bonnet from her head
for that purpose, when she heard the
NNttnrinr of foot in ~, n1,vrc1,oS onR
looking back, she saw the blOOdhOunds
in sight-could see the glare of their
eyes. as they straine dto reach their
prey, and hear dtheir cries, fiercer than
ever, as they saw their victim within
their certain grasp.
She turned to fly; but in an instant
they had dashed through the bushes.
leaped to her shoulders and dragged
her to the ground.
She swooned with terror; but the
last sight that her fainting ewes took
in was the form of -Rumford, as he
emerged from the thicket and STOOD
over her.
Good dogs! Pretty pups! come of,
now" said Rumford, addressing the
hounds, who, having pulled Astrea to
the ground, now held her fast, without
hurting her.
The dogs returned and crouched at
their masters feet.
Here, SAM" he continued, address,
ing the groom, who had followed him,
take up this girl and carry her to
where we left the hOrses.''
The man silently obeyed, and they
left the wood by short cut unknown
to Astrea, and came to spot where
the two horses were tied
"Give her to me now, and mount"
said Rumford.
The negro did so, and Rumford sat
with the fainting form Of Astrea on the
horse before the man, laid her head
upon his broad chest, and directed him
to support her with his left arm while
he guided the horse with his right
Rumford took charge Of Saladin (who
had been caught and tied with the
other horses, leading him by the bri-
die rein; and thus they went on to-
ward home. In due time they arrived
at the old plantation house, where the
still swooning Astrea was taken to her
own room and laid upon the bed, and
given up to the charge of Venus.
The first object that Astrea's eyes
fell upon when she awoke from her
swooD, was the kind face of Venus
bending over her and dropping tears.
''Oh-h-h, Venus" exclaimed the poor
girl, with prolonged wall of despair.
''Tis hard, honey, berry hard; did
all l could for you; KEEP 'em off your
track all day yes'day an dis mornin',
too, wild a cock an bull story of your
bein' gone to bed to sleep de gram
rounds. But at las you see, chile, dat
tale wouldn't bear tellin' no longer, an
so dey bus open your room an foun'
you gone, an den went to hunt you"
Astrea suddenly started, felt in her
bosom. ard then smiled. The little
poniard was safe. 1t was now past
midnight. She knew that the dreaded
interview with Rumford would not
take place until morning; she knew,
also, that after that no further grace
would be granted her. She determined
to husband her feelings tn meet the
crisis.
(To be Continually