The Afro-American advance., 1900-02-17

most OF despair. the man meanwhile
watching her and not uttering sound.
As soon as she had the tube ready,
she grasped the shovel, which was near
the kitchen door. and said: "Conei
BE quickl We haven't minute 10
spare"
The man followed her. not pcrceiving
her purpose, but too frightened to ques-
lion or protest. Quickly Mistress Fish
er ran to the ash heap and began odig
wit b feyeFish haste. Every moment was
precious now, and sne labored desper-
ately, knowing that the fate Of life
depended upon her efforts. As soon
as she had made u hole large CROUCH to
satisfy her, she dropped the shovel, and,
taking the quill tube, said to her COM
panion: Here! keep this In your
mouth! Now jump in ard I'll hide you.
BE sure and keep your eyes and mouth
closet,.Z Quick
Her purpose was clear now, ard in
stantiy The man obeyed. Then Mistress
Fiaher covered him with ashes, being
careful to see that the end of the tube
was left free. and as soon as the labor
Was completed size flung the shovel 10
one side of the house and entered the
kitchen, just as the tories came up on
The piazza. Her heart was trembling,
though her eountenaBce was bold, as
she advanced 10 meet the band.
"Who are you? What wish you here?'
the brave woman demanded.
Give up that rebel. Joe Butler" said
the leader; 1--WE saw him turn In here"
"Think you would give him up IL
he were here?"
you've got him here somewhere.
Now, give him overt" shouted the lead
er. fourishinR pistol as he spoke.
Mistress Fisher felt strangely sick
and fuint, but. still striving TO keep up
her bold appearance, said: Keep your
pistol to frighten children with; you
shall not intimidate me! Ifyou want to
give up your chase and look for my
neighbor Butler here, II is your priv
ilege. "Tis not the first time defense
less women In Westehester county have
had their homes invaded by hirelings."
Come on. boyx!" called the leader.
restoring his pistol to his belt and
turning TO his followers as he spoke.
"She hid that rebel husband of hers
under the Kitchen floor and perhaps
Joe Butler is there now!"
In moment the search was be-
gun. The loose boards of the floor
were torn away, but no rebel" was
| found beneath them. Then into the
cellar, into every room and closet,
tearing apart the beds and oyerturn-
ing chairs and tables in their efforts.
The men searched the house, but the
missing man could not be found.
'Some of you go out to the barn"
said the leader, at last "I'll stand
here and keep my eye on both Places
he added, as he stepped upon the ash
heap.
In en- agony of fear Mistress Fish.
er watched and waited. Would he dis
cover the presence of the man con.
cealcd beneath his feet? The mo-
ments dragged on like hours. but at
last the search was abandoned and
with many threats against her rebel
husband" and the whig who for tho
presen: had escaped them the men de-
parted. The woman waited until
half hcur had gone and then. taking
her shovel, began To dig into the ash
hcap again. Soon she had freed her
neighhor from his hiding place, but
what spectacle he presented tl-
most too exhausted TO stand, ztreaked
with the ashes, and almost blinded rs
well, II was long before ne was re-
stored But at last. by the aid Of
soap ard water and such simple means
as were In the house, he was made
ready 10 return to his horne or go to
the camp. rs he deemed best.
As he stood on the piazza he said:
Il thought | was dead man when |
erawleG into that ash heap. | was
thinking of the words OF the preach
er~-'DuSt TO dust, ashes TO ashes"
"Out Of the ashes you came TO life
again" responded Mistress Fisher.
solemLly, $50 may II be with our
country and win US ALL" And tho
truc-hearted woman stood In the door
way and watched her neighbor until
he disappeared in the forest. Everett
+. Tomlinson, m Congregs tionalist.