The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1900-02-16


occasional glances behind him. and
soon she could see that he was not her
husband, but neighbor. Mr.. Butler,
one of the stanchest wings in all the re-
gion.
It was evident, however, that he was
in trouble, and Mistress Fisher, relieved
as she was to discover it was not her
husband who was being pursued, wait
ed with almost breathless eagerness for
him to approach. He was near now,
and she could easily see that he was la
boring under great excitement; the
perspiration poured in streams down
his face and his alarm was evident in
every movement. He was soon near
iheshouse, land as she thought he was
going to pass without recognizing her,
Mistress Fisher called:
"Mr. Butler! Mr.. Butler! What is
it? What is it?'
The fleeing man glanced up, and in
stantly changing his course, darted into
the house after her.
''What is it? What is itY' repeated
the excited woman.
1.-The tories! the tories!" gasped the
almost exhausted man. They're after
me. They're close behind me! They'll
get me sure, Mistress Fisher, if you
don't hide mel"
Mrs. Fisher stepped to the door again
and gazed down the road. Just emerg-
ing from the woods she could see a band
of men coming swiftly up the road,
and her neighbours words needed nc
further confirmation. Had they seen
him turn into her house? She could not
tell, but, satisfied that in any event
they would stop there to make inquir-
les, it nothing more, the courageous
woman instantly turned and once more
faced the painting man in the room.
Hide me! Hide me somewhere, any
get mel"
Mistress Fisher glanced hastily about
the room. What could she do? Through
the kitchen door she could see the hens
f1uttering in the ash heap. Beyond was
the barn, and it was useless to think of
hiding there. And the tories were al
ready approachinga and would soon be in
the house.
'Here!" exclaimed the undaunted
quilts lying on the table. Taking
knife she quickly cut several of the
quilts loose. Then, cutting the feathered
parts away, she blew the "pith'' out of
each and joined four of them in the
form of a long tube. She worked rap
idly and with a desperation born al
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: ,''Come!
Be quick! We haven't minute to
spare"
The man followed her, not perceiving
her purpose, but too frightened to ques-
ton or protest. Quickly Mistress Fish
er ran to the ash heap and began to dig
with feverish haste. Every moment was
precious now, and she labored desper-
ately, knowing that the fate of life
depended upon her efforts. AS soon
as she had made hole large enough 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 and I'll hide you.
Be sure and keep your eyes and mouth
closed. Quick!"
Her purpose was clear now, and in
stantly the man obeyed. Then Mistress
Fisher 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 she flung the shovel to
one side of the house and entered the
Kitchen inst as the tories came nm IN
the piazza. Her heart was trembling,
though her countenance was bold, as
she advanced to meet the band.
"Who are you? What wish you here?"
the brave woman demanded.
"Give up that rebel, Joe Butler" said
the leader; 'we saw him turn in here"
think you I would give him up if
he were here?"
you've got him here somewhere.
Now, give him overt" shouted the lead
er, fourishing pistol as he spoke.
Mistress Fisher felt strangely sick
and faint, but, still striving to keep up
her bold appearance, said: keep your
pistol to brighten children with; you
shall not intimidate me! If you want to
give up your chase and look for my
neighbor Butler here, it is your priv
ilege. IT'S not the first time defense
less women in Westchester county have
had their homes invaded by hfrelings!"
"Come on, boys!" called the leader.
restoring his pistol to his belt and