Year: 1869

But it was not his custom to do so.-
Usually he deposited it in a secure
place. So he gave the matter no fnrth
er thought than to promise himself that
this should be his last journey (if he
did as we'll as he anticipated), and tug
ged around, fattering the rosey cheek
ed girls into purchasing fnery with
which to dazzle the eyes of their beaux
at the next fair.


With Kathleen, however, it was differ
ent. As the night began to draw near,
and the winds to creep round the cor
ners of the chimney with a mournful
sound, she bethought herself Of the
sovereigns her husband had left, and ia
king the bag in which they were kept
from the cupboard over the fireplace,
she carefully tucked it between the beds,
remarking at the same time to Bridget
that mo one would ever think of look
ing for it there


No. was the reply; sit would be a
smart man, shure. that would be looking
under the childer to find goold.'


The tea over, they were early sleep
ers as we'll as early risers, the girl re
quested that she might be allowed to
pass the evening with her sister, who
resided about mile distant, and the
anxious wife and mother, although sore
ly loath to do SO, at length consented,
insisting upon an early return.


But you will be back early, Brid-
gets -.


'Ay, coorse I will that same. But
don't be after fre.ting.' And the girl
departed.


The lone woman busted herself as
best she might until late hour, but the
girl did not return. In fever of anx-
iety she watched until fully another six
ty minutes had passed, although it ap-
peared to her like half day; and then
considering it useless to remain any
longer, sought her own pillow, after
commending herself to Him who is the
protector of the widow and fatherless.
But she had not closed her eyes before
there was loud rap upon the door.


Is that you, Bridget she asked hope
fully.


No. was the answer. and her heart
sunk like lead within her. No. am a
stran nger-have lost my way; you must
let me in


You need have no fear. As there is
a God in II eaven l will rot harm you l
am an escaped cons ict-an innocent one
and as You have mercy in your heart,
open the door.


When was such an appeal made TO an
Irish heart in vain? An escaped con
vict, and wanting succor? That is the
talisman to open every door-to have
the potato or the bite of bread forced
into the mouth. Yes, it is truly the
open sesame to an Irish heart, and it
operated so in this case


The woman arose, opened the door,
gave the fugitive food, and having again
received the assurance that he would do
her no harm, but on the contrary pro-
tect her, and having seen him stretch
himself upon the floor before the rem
nant of the peat fire, she again sought
the side Of her sleeping children.


But even then she was not allowed to
rest. At first her fears kept her awake.
Then came another loud rap for admis.
and both she and her strange
visitor arose.


Is this part of your gangP she ask
ed, in trembling whispers.


4 call on heaven to Witness he ans
wered, solemnly, shat such is not the
case. Ask them what they want


She did so, and was told they knew
she had money in the house, aud were
to have it,


Tell them,' whispered the stranger,
that you have a friend with you, and
that it will be dangerous for them to en-
ter


Il have friend here she said, going
close to the door, "a man who will pro-
tect me, and you had better not try to
get in


Il know BETTER laughed a female
voice, that of Bridget. the servant girl;
know that there is nobody there but
,he children


What shall I-shall I dor asked the
poor woman ringing her hands.


Tell them, said the stranger. shat /
nave pistols, and will shoot the first one
hat dares to step his foot within the
loor. God help me! would not have
blood upon my hands; but / promised
% protect you with my life, and will.
Warn them once more


Bridget shouted Mrs O'Brien, sthe
y 7 l.