Year: 1875

other, as an impatient movement OF
the animal betrayed his proximity.


Just then the moon, emerging
from 3 cloud, revealed my form dis
tinetIv. as | stood. with one finger on
the trigger. watching for the first
CLEAN of light, TO make my aim
sure.


The landlords eyes fell directly
upon me, and with a muttered curse
he snatched a pistGI from his belt.
But be was too late; there was q
sharp whistle, followed by 4 dull,
heavy sound, aud throwing his hands
upward, be fell forward upon bis
horse.


As he fell, his pistol which was at
half cock, was discharged, to all ap-
pearsnces mortally wounding bis
companion, who dropped Instantly to
the ground.


Bot it seems that this was merely
a feint; for no sooner did be see that
| was of nv guard than he fired.
Fortunately he aimed too high, aud
the bali passed harmIessly over my
head.


/ sprang foreward, and a brief
struggle succeeded in disarming him.


Then perCeiFing that the bone of
his knee was shattered, making his
escape impossible. | left him, aud
mounting the fine animal be rode, |
resumed my journey.


1t was past midnight when |
A. and a accompanied
by magistrate, a posse Of and several
Of the villagers, | turned to the scene
Of nv nights adventure.


The landlord lay just as be had
fallen. bis pale face turned up to the
rays Of the rising sun. The other
william had managed to crawl away,
but was soon tracked and secured


We went in a body to the tavern
There was none in the house but the
old woman, who though she seemed
at first q little startled by our en-
trance, manifested the most stolid IN
difference even when told of her hus-
band. As she was believed TO be
accessory to his crimes, she was Ia
ken into custody.


To nv surprise and astonishment,
little Kathie was nowhere to be
found. It was in vain that ques-
toned the woman endeavoring by
alternate threats and bribes, to obtain
some clue to her state; she maintain.
ed a sullen silence.


They had all gone but l still lin.
gered, thinking sadly OF the dear
child. when | was constrained to feaI
in saving my life had lost her own
when l heard a faint..cry.


I put nv ear to the hOor whence il
seemed 70 proceed, and it was repeat
ed. As quick as thought, removed
some straw that was lying upon the
door, revealing a trap door. l lifted
it Cd, and there, ia Q dark, damp
noisome hole, was poor little kathie
almost fainting from terror.


Nv Joy in finding her, you ear
well imagine. and as for her, she
clung to me as we cling to the only
friend we have.


The man was tried and executed
the woman turning states evidence
He confessed upon the scatfold to tbs
murder of travellers, among whom
was Kathie's father


As soon as my little protege wa:
able to travel. l took her with me to
the states. Though the very idea o
parting with her was a painful one
a sense Of duty icdRced me 10 write
her neares. male relative an uncle
residing in Ohio, stating that l haC
ascertained in regard to his bro other'i
fate. and the singular Providence
which had given bis little niece SO
strong a claim upon my love and pro
lection.


But be had large family of hii
own: and though be would have
given a home of his brothers child
bad she stood in need Of it, upor
learning the circumstances, very
willingly relinquished her to me.


She has lived with me ever since
growing nearer and dearer to my
heart every day.


$50 you perceive" added my
friend, in conclusion. that l did not
speak lightly when said that little
Kathie saved my life. And | have
sometimes thought, he added, his ex-
pressive eyes growing soft and misty
as be spoke, that she had done much
toward making it worth the saving
for never, until 1 felt the clinging o.
her little arms around nv neck, did
realize the full import of those holy
words. "Ofsuch is the kingdom o.
Heaven"


And as I looked upon him, and
thought of the one great sorrow that
had hardened his youth, turning to
bitterness the sweet spring Of domes-
tic affection, and the life he had led
since so calculated to draw out the
harsher aud sterner part Of his nature
| thanked God for the angel, He had
sent to him, in the form of q little
child