The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-11-15

We had now advanced SO far that thu
broad, spacious residence Of Colone
Mansley, surrounded by trees, was il
sight, with the winding highway in
front. Had I deserted any Of my enc.
mics when I cast my last searching look
to the rear I should have changed my
line Of flight go as to pass to one side
Of the dwelling and grounds, while
sought safety somewhere else, but with
the coast clear it seemed that it was my
duty to call at the dwelling and per-
sonally thank Miss Mansley for what
!. she had already done and for the inter-
est she showed In my welfare.
Trifling matters intrude on the most
momentous occasions I looked down at
my clothing and felt that was not in
proper form to appear before young
lady. While my garments had suffered
little damage during my fight through
the swamp my shoes were soiled. I
needed clean linen, my hair was un-
kempt. and three days growth Of
beard demanded attention. II I only had
my travelling bag, which presumably
was still at the inn at Aldine, the neces-
sary metamorphosis could be effected,
but it was hardly the part Of prudence
for me to go in quest Of it.
Erastus," said, stopping Short
with new inspiration, "can't you 20
down to Landlord Bulfinch's and get
the yalf6e left thera?''
mo, sah," was the prompt response.
"Why not?" / demanded.
"'Cause it amt dar."
How do you know that9''
ut hab been tux away"
"Who took it9''
"Me."
"You! When did you do that"
"Dis mawhnin.
"How came you to do that?'' :
miss Esther sent me fur it. fotch.
ed dat and yo' umbreller, and dey bofs
likewise am at de house now
This was gratifying news in every
sense, for it not only provided me with
what ! greatly needed, but showed that
Miss Mansley expected me to come to
her home. That put new face on mat
tiers and sealed my determination to go
thither.
But bewildsring complication i'm
pended. What had become of the real
Hank Beyer9 Had he presented himself
to the young woman since the affair Of
last night? Was she lending hand to,
protect him also? 1t was vain to specu-
late over that which was beyond my
comprehension, and I gave up the at.
tempt. :,
Still as I drew nearer the house fly
appeared in the ointment when I saw
far up the road the figure Of a man who
was evidently watching the residence
Of Colonel Mansley, on the lookout to
see whether / appeared there. 1t must
have occurred to many of the neighbors
that I was likely to go thither whenever
I believed the pursuers were thrown of
my trail. With Colonel Mansley absent
there was no ono left to defend the place
against the mob, with the exception Of
the servants, who could not be counted
upon for effective work. True, I had q
revolver, with two Of its chambers load
ed, and probably there were additional |
firearms in the house, bat few buildings |
are more defenseless than the old fash /
Toned southern mansion. with its low
roof and broad spreading rooms that
cover great area Of ground. There
were dozen avenues through which an |
entrance could be forced, while in case
Of an effective defense OIL the part Of
half score of brave MEN nothing was
easier than to apply torch and reduce
the whole structure to ashes.
This extremity might appear improb-
able, but nothing is SO unreasoning and
merciless as mob which will proceed