The Chanute times., 1899-03-03
CHAPTER V-(Continued.l


murderers come; but not, l trust,
while the attack is making, for there's
a carbne loaded expressly for his head,
and II they make him prisoner they
will not spare his life, unless his gold
and your person are given in ransom.
But the arms, maiden-where are
they?"
Follow me-" replied Anime, leading
Philip to an inner room on the upper
floor. 1t was the sanctum Of her
father, and was surrounded with
shelves filled with bottles and boxes
of drugs In one corner was an iron
chest, and over the mantel-piece were
brace of carbines and three pistols
"They are all loaded" observed
Anime, pointing to them, and laying
on the table the one which she had
held in her hand.
Philip took down the arms and eX-
amined all the primings. He then
took up from the table the pistol
which Anime had laid there, and threw
open the pan. 1t was equally well
prepared. Philip closed the pan, and
with smile, observed:
$50 this was meant for me, Amine?
'No-not for you-but for traitor
had one gained admittance."
'Now, maiden" observed Philip, Il
shall station myself at the easement
which you opened, but without light
in the room. You may remain here,
and can turn the key for your Sc
curity."
"You little know me-" replied
Anime. "In that way at least l am
not fearful; must remain near you
and reload the arms-a task in which
I am we'll practiced."
'No, no." replied Philip, "you might
be hurt"
"I may But think you I will re-
main here idly when / can assist one
who risks his life for me? 1 know my
duty, sir, and shall perform it."
"You must not risk your life,
Anime" replied Philip; my aim will
not be steady if | know that you're in
danger. But l must take the arms into
the other chamber, for the time is
come"
Philip. assisted by Anime, carried
the carbines and pistols into the ad-
Joining chamber; and Anime then left
Philip, carrying with her the light.
Philip, as soon as he was alone, open
ed the easement and looked out-there
was no one to be seen; he listened.
but all was silent. The moon was just
F rising above the distant hill, but her
light was dimmed by fleecy clouds, and
Philip watched for few minutes; at
length he heard a whispering below.
He looked out, and could distinguish
through the dark four expected as
sailants, standing close to the door
of the house. He walked away softly
from the window, and went into the
next room to Anime, whom he found
busy preparing ammunition.
"Amine, they are at the door, in
consultation. You can see them now,
without risk l thank them for they
X will convince you that have told the
truth"
Anime, without reply went into the
front room and looked out of the win
dow. She returned, and, laying her
hand upon Philips arm she said:
Grant me your pardon for my
doubts. l fear nothing now but that
my father may return too soon, and
they seize him."
Philip left the room again to make
his reconnaissance. The robbers did
not appear to have made up their
minds-the strength of the door defed
their utmost efforts, so they attempted
stratagem. They knocked, and as
there was no reply, they continued to
knock louder and louder; not meeting
with success, they held another con-
sultation, and the muzzle Of carbine
was then put to the key-hole, and the
piece discharged. The lock of the door
was blow If, but the iron bars
which crossed the door within, above
and below still held it fast.
Although Philip would have been
justified in firing upon the robbers
when he first perceived them in con-
sultation at the door, still there is that
feeling in generous mind which pre-
vents the taking away of life, except
from stern necessity; and this feeling
made him withhold his fire until hos
tilities had actually commenced. He
He now leveled one of the carbines
at the head of the robber nearest to
the door, who was busy examining the
effect which the discharge Of the piece
had made, and what further obstacles
interviewed. The aim was true, and the
man fell dead, while the others started
back with surprise at the unexpected
retaliation. But in a second or two a
pistol was discharged at Philip, who
still remained leaning out of the case
ment, fortunately without effect; and
the next moment he felt himself drawn
away, so as to be protected from their
fire. 1t was Anime, who, unknown to
Philip, had been standing by his side.
you must not expose yourself,
4 Philip" said she, in low tone.
"She called me Philip" thought he,