Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-18
CHAPTER Xy.

~ IDNEY TkONE sat lalRlng a N while with Miss Letitia. Miss Samantha, unable longer to
 bear the unusual strain of dan ger and publicity, went away. to bed sbon after supper. Funk Hosely came in with candle about 3.
 'Waal, mister" said he, you ready [ go t bed?"
 AT am," said Trove and followed him to the cold hospitality of the spare room, place of peril, but beautifully clean. There was neat rag carpet on the floor, immaculate tidies on the bu- reau and wash table and spotless quilt of patchwork on the bed; but, like the dungeon of mediaeval times, 1t was a place for sighs and reflection, not for rest. Half an inch of frost on every window pane glistened in the dim light of the candle.
 ssAs soon as they unlock my door I'll come an let ye out in the mornin'," Funk whispered. 6 % g"Are they going to lock me inw
 .sWouldn't wonder" said Funk sober N. 4'What can ye 'spect from couple O dummed or maids like them?"
 There was note of long suffering in his half whispered tone.
 "Good night, mister" said he, with look of detection. "Orter have night cap CT yell git hoar frost on yer hair."
 Trove was all a-shiver in the time it fSok him to undress, and his breath &me out of him in spreading shafts Of steam. Sheets of flannel and not less than half dozen quilts and con- fortables made a cover, under which the heat of his own blood warmed his body. He became uncomfortably aware of the presence of his head and face, however. He could hear stealthy movements beyond the door and knew they were barricading it with furniture. Long before daylight a hurried removal Sf the barricade awoke him. Then he heard rap at the door and the excited voice of Funk.
 Say, mister. come here quick" it called. ra
 Sidney Trove leaped out of bed and Into his trousers. He hurried through the dark parlor, feeling his way around . clump of chairs and stumbling over a sofa. The two old maids were at the kitchen door, both dressed. one holding q lighted candle. Funk Hosely stood by the door, buttoning suspenders with one hand and holding musket In the other. They were shivering and pale. The room was now cold
 Hear that" Funk whispered, turn Ing to the teacher.
 They all listened, hearing a low, weird cry outside the door.
 ''Soun's t me like a raccoon," Miss Samantha whispered thoughtfully.
 "Or lamb," said Miss Letitia.
 "Er painter" Funk ventured, his ear turning to catch the sound.
 Lets open the door," said Sidney Trove, advancing.
 Not me-" said Funk firmly, raising bis gun.
 Trove had not time to act before lhey heard a cry for help on the door step. It was the voice of a young girl. He opened the door, and there stood Mary Leblanc. scholar of Linley school and the daughter of a poor Frenchman. She came in lugging ba by wrapped in a big shawl and both crying.
 "Oh, Miss Tower" said she, pa has come out O the woods drunk an has threatened to kill the baby. Ma wants to know if you'll keep 1t here tonight"
 The two old maids wrung their hands with astonishment and only said ''y!'
 "0f course we'll keep it" said Trove as he took the baby.
 'T must hurry back" said the girl, now turning with look of relief.
 Funk shied off and began to build a 6re. Miss Samantha sat down weeping. the girl ran away in the darkness. and Trove put the baby in Miss Letitia's arms.
 "I'll run over to Leblanc's cabin" said be. getting his cap and coat. aThey're having trouble over there"
 Re tutIu Du HIS way to the little cabin.
 Loud cries of the baby rang in that abode of silence. Ii began 10 kick and eQuirm with determined energy. Poor Miss Letitia had the very look of panic in her face. She clung to the fierce lit- tie creature. not knowing what to do. Miss Samantha lay back fin fit of hys- terics. Funk advanced bravely. with brows knit, and stood looking down at the baby.
 Lord, this Is awfulF' said he. Then . thought struck him. "l'il git some milk" he shouted. running into the buttery.
 fhe baby thrust the cup away. and ii fell noisiIy. the milk streaming over < new rag carpet
 -Its sick. I'm sure its sick" said Miss Letitia. her voice trembling. -s'manthG. can't you do soSnethingT'
 Miss Samantha cslmed herself lit- xle and drew near.
 -yes' like a wiTest.- said Funk znoughtfuliy. Powerful too he add d with an effort to control one of the sicking legs.
 Shat shall we do7- asked Miss Le- zria-
 My sister had a baby Oace.- said TuDk. approaching il do1btfully. but with a s.udiOus Iook
 He made a few passes with his hand fin front of the tahy's face Then he gave it q little poke in the rihs teuia- lively. The effect vss Ike adding in suit to injury.