Year: 1875

ROBERT ELLIS, almost Immediately after
his marriage with pretty Mary Blake, had
departed with his young wife from his
pleasant home in one of the New England
States for the wilds of the far West,
which lust then was fast becoming the
land of promise TO all adventurers OF every
nation. The young couple were accom-
panied by Roberts sister Kate, who, like
the good sister she was, had left all the
old friends, and even the luNuries Of civ
ilized life, to share with her brother the
trials and pcris of establishing new
home in the wilderness.


A few months previous Robert had
cleared Il tract of land in delightful val
ley and erected and furnished rude, but
strong and comfortable, log house; so that
there was very little for the family to do
when they reached their destination, after
many days of weary travel, but to settle
down quietly to the pursuits of the new
life and the new duties which had de
volvcd upon them.


A single year produced many changes
in the appearance of the new home. Rob
crt was IN energetic and cntcrprislng man,
and had already begun TO reap something
of the sure reward for all his tolls. The
house itself, under the iudicious manage
mcnt of his wife, aided by the ready and
willing assistance which Kate Ellis was
ever anxious to give had begun to exhibit
a pleasant and tasteful appearance. And,
added to this, a few families from New
England, beguiled by the beauty and at
tractivcncss of the valley, had settled in
the vicinity, a few miles apart, and thus,
by mutual visits, many otherwise weary
hours were frightened.


One day there came messenger in hot
haste, stating that a particular friend OF
Ellis was dying and had expressed wish
to see him. The distance to his friends
house was considerable, and Robert knew
that he should be obliged to leave his
wife and sister alone the greater part of
the night and perhaps longer. Both
Mary and Kate laughed at the idea of
danger because of his absence. Though
the nearest neighbor lived mile away,
and succor, in case of need, would hardly
be possible, yet they all regarded the fact
of the isolated situation of their habitation
the best reason for security. Still, Robert
thought few words OF warning advisable
before he started


"You had better keep as much in the
house as possible" he said to them, AZ he
mounted his horse "And think it will
be as well to keep the doors fastened, es-
pecially after dark"


"Do not fear Mary answered. >" We
will be careful. But do not be absent
any longer than is absolutely necessary
for we shall be anxious about you on that
lonely road"


He bade them both good by, and they
stood in the low doorway and watched his
retreating form until it was lost at last
among the thick trees; then they entered
the house to attend to their usual duties


The day passed slowly by, and evening
set in, with gloom enhanced by thick
bank of clouds which had gradually over
cast the sky, and the mournful soughine
of the wind These signs of an approach
ing storm filled the two women witt
anxiety and dread, and gradually the lone
somencss of their situation began to bt
realized.


Mary Ellis, the more timid of the two
at length became so nervous aid down
cast that Kate, by an effort, conquered
her own depression, and endeavored t.
cheer up her companion. In this she wa
eventually successful; and the cabin wa
echoing with the laughter of the two
occasoned by some mirthful reminiscenc
which Kate was relating, when quick
hurried knock at the door put suddel
termination to their merriment.


The two women started to their feet, ant
gazed anxiously into each others faces
both of which had grown pale with appre
hension.


Kate was the first to recover herself
Gong to the door, she asked, in voic


which trembled in spite Of all her efforts
"Who is there, and what do you wantg
1.-TWO travellers who have lost thei


way" answered voice from withou
Cannot you accomnodate us for th
lpight?"