Year: 1870

What should do? Should fly to his
assistance, and with my simple arm combat
the whole gang and try to save his life or
should L make the best Of my way out of
the accursed spot, and run to the village
and give the alarm? For q moment was
undecided. Either way it seemed that
TOMS life was at stake.


AT last l formed the resolution to go for
help, and was just edging my way out from
beneath the stairs, when the door of the
secret apartment was again thrown open,
and the brilliant light which had seen be-
fore flashed out.


Hastily fell back against the wall, fear
ing that [ should be discovered and there
lay holding my breath, while three or
! four of the gang went peering about the
cellar and up through the house seeking for
any companions which Tom might have
brought with him. At last they were ap-
parently satisfied that he had came alone
and returned to their den, leaving me undis-
covered.


No sooner was the door shut than hav-
ing changed my mind as to the course of
procedure, l emerged from my hiding place
and crept noislessly up the stairs, across
the kitchen, out into the open air.


Here, in the thick shurbbery which grew
close to the house, 1 secreted myself, and
and there remained motionless, until I
counted as many leave the house as I had
seen enter the cellar. Then when I had
given them a chance to get well clear of
the premises, | re-entercd the house, and
fastened down to the cellar to hear if DOS
ible the fate of Tom. l carried with me a
rusty iron bar which had stumbled upon
outside, with which meant to break in the
door, could not open it in any other man.
ner.


Feeling my way to the door, which I
tried and found securely fastened, I placed
my ear to the crevice and listened intently.
At first heard nothing, and then sound
fell upon my ear which was sure was a
groan.


"Tom," / cried, through the crevice,
"you are not Dead hope?"


Another groan and then faint voice
said


"Not quite; can't you get to me?'


My only answer was blow upon the door
with that bar; till at last the bolt was bro
ken, the door swung back, and rushed in
to the secret chamber.
HTOm where arc Won o'' criad
Here" said voice, at my feet and
reaching down 1 encountered the face of
Tom, which in another moment I should
have put my foot on.


"Thank God that you are alive, Tom :;
but are you much hurt ?'' 1 cried, searching
for his hand, that I might give it friendly
pressure.


Some, l am afraid my head don't feel
just right yet. You must find my hand
there. The villains have fastened them be-
hind me, and my legs are bound too.'


The rascals but they shall suffer for
this" l said, as with my pocket-knife
set Tom free, and then helped him upon
his feet, where for minute he was unable
to stand alone, his head was so dizzy.


"Lead me out of this room. The air is
sitting. Get me out beneath the stars and
shall feel better.''


"Lean on me and will soon get you
there, Tom," replied and half support
ing him, led him out through the cellar
up over the stairs, through'th kitchen, and
soon had him out where the cool air could
battle his brow and bring him fairly to him
self again.


In little time he had in measure re-
covered his strength, and we had set out
for home.


"Did you recognize any of them, Tom P''
/ said, as we went along.


"No, not one," he replied. "It was not
light enough"


"Why did they bind you hand and foot ?
Do you remember what they said about it?''


"Yes, plainly. They tried to make me
take horrid oath that would never reveal