Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-06-29

with sundry papers that were also
open, in his pocket He was still
occupied in this manner when the
voice of the peddler talking in IN
usually loud tones, was heard directly
over their heads.
Stand farther this way, Captain
Wharton, and you can see the tents in
the moonshine. But let them mount
and ride; | have a nest there that wiU
hold us both, and we viii go in at ouS
leisure"
And where is this nest? I confess
that / have eaten but little the last
two days, and I crave some of the
cheer you mention"
HEM" said the peddler, eXerting
his voice still more, "hem-this fog
has given me a cold: but move slow
and be careful not to slip, or you may
land on the bayonet of the sentinel on
the Hats; tits a steep hill to rise
but one can go down 1t with ease"
Harper pressed his finger on his lip,
to remind Frances of her promise,
and, taking his pistols and hat, so
that no Vestige of his visit remained,
he retired deliberately to a far cor
ner of the hut, where, lifting several
articles of dress, he entered a recess
in the rock, and letting them fall
again, was hid from view. Frances
noticed by the strong freight as he
entered that it was a natural cavity,
and contained nothing but a fed more
articles of domestic use.
The surprise of Henry and the ped
dler on entering and finding Frances
in possession of the hut may be easily
imagined. Without waiting for ex-
plantations or questions, the warm
hearted girl flew into the arms of her
brother, and gave vent to her emo
lions in tears. But the peddler SEEM
ed struck with very different feel
ings. His first look was at the fire
which had been recently supplied with
fuel; he then drew open a small
drawer of the table, and looked
little alarmed at finding IT empty.
Are you alone, Miss Fanny?" he
asked, in quick voice; you did not
come here alone?"
'As you see me, Mr.. Birch" said
Frances, raising herself from her
brothers arms, and turning an ex-
pressive glance toward the secret
cavern, that the quick eye of the
peddler instantly understood.
But why and wherefore are you
here?" exclaimed her astonished
brother; and how knew you Of this
place at al?"
Frances entered at once into a brief
detail of what had occurred at the
6
motives which induced her to seek
them.
Birch examined her features as,
with open righteousness, she related
the simple incidents that had made
her mistress of his secret; and, as she
ended he sprang upon his feet and
striking the window with the stick
in his hand, demolished IL at a blow
lis but little luxury or comfort
that | know he said, but even that
little can not be enjoyed in safety!
Miss Wharton" he added, advancing
before Fanny. and speaking with the
bitter melancholy that was common
to him, i am hunted through these
hills like a beast of the forest; but
whenever, tired with my tolls I can
reach this spot. poor and dreary as it
is, / can spend my solitary nights In
safety. Will you aid to make the life
of a wretch still more miserable"
'Neveri" cried Frances, with fer
vor; your secret is safe with me-"
Major Dunwoody-sai the ped
der slowly, turning an eye upon her
that read her soul.
Frances lowered here head upon her
bosom for moment in shame then,
eleVating her fine and glowing face,
she added with enthusiasm:
Never, never. Harvey, as God may
hear my praYersl"
The peddler seemed satisfied, for he
drew back, and, watching his oppor-
tunitY, unseen by Henry, slipped be-
hind the screen and entered the cav
ern.
For the continuation of this thrill
ing narration see Next Sundays
American.