whether he should ever have any trouble with "spooks" or not, one thing was true of him, as of many others in all stations of life, he was haunted by the ghost o

omisin' frame, Jeff. Ef I'se ony shoah dat yer hole out long anuff ter get 'mersed, I'd hab hopes on yer, but, law! yer'll be a-fiddlin' de debil's tunes 'fo' de week is out. I'se afeared dat der

g a moral point, the most urgent one was, "S'pose dat ar soger miss him box an come arter it ternight. Ki! If I go ter see, I mout run right on ter de spook. I'se a-gwine ter gib 'im hi

f's nerves were stronger, and he bega

ght. I'se done bin fa'r wid him, an' now ter-night, ef dat ar box ain' 'sturbed, I'se a-gwine ter s

d to find his treasure where he had slightly buried it. The little b

olored boys 'spec' someting. Ki! I isn't a-gwine ter be tied up, an' hab dat box whip out in me. I'll tink how I kin hide an' spen' de money kine of

sisters, proving their essential kinship. To-day he began to sniff disdainfully at his menial tasks; and in the evening "Ole Dan Tucker" resounded from his fiddle with a rollicki

nd "cut stick" for Washington, where he believed that wealth and his fiddle would give him prominence over his race. For prudential and other reasons he was in no haste to open the box, preferring rather to gloat

ulled gemmen in dese parts fit ter hole a cannle when she braid her long straight ha'r, but when she see de ribbin I kin git her ter tie dat ha'r up wid, an' de earrings I kin put in her ears, she larf on toder side ob her face. 'Fo' I go I'se a-gwine ter

color of gold, and that is the best that can be said of it; but it had left its purchaser penniless. This fact sat lightly on Jeff's mind, however, as he remembered the box at the foot of the

herto ebon flame, "yer comes in like a

ay, but, law! you'se had yer spell. A culled gemmen kin

bles, does yer mean

kyant 'spec' a gemmen to be degaged in de music an' a gal

nity. "Yer wait on me here, an' yer kin wait on me home. I'se 'shamed on mysef dat I took u

'ud be wringin' yer han's wuss dan yer did at de las' 'tracted meetin

crumptious an' bumptious like dis ebe

yer de cake an' cider. I'se sumpin fer yer. Gemmen an' ladies, took yer places," he added i

r, scra

g about

ter de pr

'em on

ith such inciting strains that soon th

on "Mister Johnsing." Jeff did not lose his sudden and unexpected indifference; while the great ring glistening on his finger added to the mystery. There were many

p. So far from resenting this, Jeff put his violin under his arm and stalked across the im

eriod,'" and he held out his arm in such a way that the massive ring glittered almost under S

ha's mo', I doan 'cline ter hab dese yer common niggahs a-whisperin' an' a-pintin' an' a-'jecturin' about us. Lemme

spered "suggestations," and was led to a seat under the shadow of a tree. A chorus of not very flatt

h de airs ter-night," Suky remarked, w

s. Wobbles," he answered, l

. Who is she ter be?" repl

r and far' wuss. Dis am a case wha

if yer'se 'dressin' yer remarks ter me.

oon catch up wid me. Yer'se a lady

ne yet,

mum as a possum w'en

'pe

ter bite yer own nose off. Does yer see dat ar ring,

n' da

k an' gape an' pint in dar yonder w'en

l ter be captivated by a ri

! dis ain' nuffin ter what I'se 'll git yer. Yer'se shall hab rings an' dres

foun', Jef

se gib yer de compliment ob s'lecting yer ter shar' my f

b in dis yer 'rangement," Suk

ab ter gib her but a lickin' some day? I'se done wid dat common class; I may fiddle fur 'em now an' den, jes' ter see dem sport deysefs, while I'se lookin' on kin' ob s'periur like, yer know. But den, dey ain' our kin' ob folks. Yer'se got qulities dat'll shine like de ri

night elapsed but some one was missing, the more adventurous and intelligent escaping first, and others following as opportunity and motive pointed the way. The region under consideration had not yet been occupied by the Fe

and an escape to Washington agreed upon as soon as circumstances permitted-Suky's mind, I regre

act had been made, Jeff supporting her on his arm with the conscious air of one who has taken the prize from all competit

tening on Suky's hand as she ostentatiously fanned herself. The clamor broke out, "Mister Johnsing," incited by Mand

he disaffected. These were bent on the natural progression and conclusion of the dance. In consequence of the wor

s homeward walk. Suspecting their purpose, he dodged behind some shrubbery, heard their

put everything on such superior grounds, she felt that she should prove herself fit for new and exalted conditions of life by seeing to it that he made good all his remarkable

to manifest tendencies to sentiment and tenderness. Her response was prompt: "Go 'long! what dese common niggah ways got ter do wid a 'liance? Yer show me de gole in dat box-dat's de bargain. Den de 'liance

him, with the added chagrin of remembering that he had fir

l'ar ter me dat I'se got ter keep de han'lin' ob dat gole or you'll be a-carryin' dis 'liance business too far! If I gib yer gole, I expec' yer

de gole an' de 'liance come out all right." Then she retired, bel

d forearmed. Since her heart responded to a golden ke

collar from a savage dog, and soon there was a stampede from a neighboring grove. An hour after, when all had become quiet aga

en he struck the "open sesame" blow, that beauty which captivates young and old alike would dazzle his eyes. With heart now devoid of all compunction, and exultant in anticipation, he struck the box, shaving off the end he held furthest fr

this horrid mess? One thing, however, was clear-he had lost, not only Suky, but prestige. The yellow girl would scorn him, and tell of his prepo

e ter git eben wid dat yallar gal yet. I'll cut stick ter-morrer night and she'll tink I

to sustain Suky under the gibes of her associates except the rin

d even more than that of his tolerant Southern mistress; but when by the

ON THE

part of the grounds of a summer hotel on the Hudson, and seated in the shade of a tree, had lapsed into such de

he had ever known. Minnie Madison, a young lady he had long admired, was the magnet that had drawn him hither. Her arrival had preceded his by

places to which he might

still mean business by coming here? I'm not sure that I do, although the popular idea seems to be that a girl should have no vacation in the daily effort to find a husband. I continually disappoint the good peop

est and take life very leisurely, and he had mentally congratulated himself that he was doing a wise thing in securing proximity to Miss Madison. She had evoked his admiration in New York, excited more than a passing interest, but he felt that he did not know her very well. In the unconventional life now in prospect he could see her daily and permit

tact can be when so minded, even at a place where people meet daily. It was plain to him from the first that he was not the only man who favored her with admiring glances; and he soon discovered that young Merriweather and his friend Hackley had passed beyond the neutral ground of non-committal. He set himself the task of learning how far these suitors had progressed in her good graces; he would not be guilty of

s not disappointed. He had intended to permit his mind to receive such impressions as he should choose; and now his mind asked no permission whatever, but without volition occupied itself with her image perpetually. He was not sure whether she satisfied his preconceived ideals of what a wife should be or not, for she maintained such a firm reticence in regard to herself that

which brought h

cottage (or rather, hovel), there were sounds of acute distress within-the piercing cries of a child evidently in great pain. There was a moment of hesitancy in the party, and then Miss Madison's graceful indifference vanished utterly. As she ran hastily to the cabin, Scofield felt that now probably was a chance for more than mere observation, and he kept beside her. An ug

under her gentle touch, caused increased outcry, "it is evidently broken. Let me take

n at the earliest poss

, turnin

heart. "The ice is broken between us now," he thought, a

oing after the doctor, but also after the girl. Securing a stout horse and wagon at the hotel, he drove furiously for

e as she saw his kindled eyes and the reeking horse, which stood trembling and with bowed head. His ardor was a little dampened when she went directly to

out, "I never saw such driving! I

remarked brusquely. "As for the horse, I'll soon bring him ar

to do?" Miss Madis

good shape as w

a smile as she thought,

ay of restoration. "He will do very well now if my directions are c

g leddy's" head. Finding that he would come in for a share of the latter, Scofield retreated again. Miss Madison walked quietly out, and looking critically at the horse, remarked, "You have kept your word very well, Mr. Scofield. The poo

of all others, Miss Madison, know how inordinately happy

little well-feigned surprise

o longer noncommittal, even to the most careless observer. The other guests of the house smiled; and Mr. Merriweather and Mr. Hackley looked askance at one who threw their assiduous attenti

ing following the episode in the mountains he was waiting to meet her when she

are a very kind-heart

to every one except me-for I saw your expression as you examined t

field," she replied with an e

thought it would be well worth while to have my l

kind-hearted as I supposed you to be;" and

ou up to see the boy?" in

ised to go up with the

ut was not sure. He knew that she was as well aware of his intentions and wishes as if he had proclaimed them through a speaking-trumpet. His only assured ground of comfort was that n

propose by letter? "No," he said after much cogitation. "I can see that little affected look of surprise with which she would read my plain declaration of what she knows so well. Shall I force a private interview with her? The very word 'force,' which I have unconsciousl

passed him to join it, but he ground his teeth as he saw Merriweather and Hackley escorting her away. When they were out of sight he tossed the paper aside and went down to the river, purposing to row the fever out of

s way back, but firm in sudden resolve to depart on an early train in the mo

he boat-house, and was surprised to notice a rowboat high and dry upon the beach. "Some one ha

d faintly, "M

was she; and he put his boat about with an energy not in keeping with his former languid strokes. Then, recollecting himself, he became pale with

she who would never graciously accord him opportunities must now be alone with him; but as a gentleman, he could not take advantage of her he

his oars, he rose and faced her. Was it the last rays of the s

Scofield," Miss Madis

ather be in your

tupid thing! I stole away here to finish a book, and-well-I didn't notice

but could make little headway. He was glad to learn by the effort, however, that the black mud was n

, you do not intend t

di

pany, I must make sure that my boat does not become as fast as yours o

ow understand. But h

y, proceeding to take of

gh that horr

p that distance

yself! The mud may be very deep, or t

sprang overboard up to his knees, dragged the boat till it was su

recatory laugh, "it's a comfort no

welcome under an

w that you were never more we

your aid. It is merely your misfor

misfortune. You proved in the case of that li

very pleasing spectacle with blackamoor legs, and it's time I put my superfluou

ed till the veins knotted on his forehead. At this she

ruptured heart, and you ar

you to talk in tha

will now attend st

ee what yo

o my boat-that i

r. Sco

uggest any

t the intervening blac

tel and bring Mr. Merriw

away to hid

the tide is running out fast and the stretch of mud growing wider

I c

u wish me to go

running out so

it will so

there was distre

for you to walk over. You can at least imagine that I am a gentleman, that you may soon be at the h

n for such an allu

hat you had no

t how in the world

to put your arm

O

post, wouldn't you?" he asked w

-s;

r will grow cold at the hotel, and you are only the longer in di

u were in danger of l

there is no need of satire, Miss Madison. I will do whatever you

satirical. I-I-Well

prefer som

way. I'm sorry that my misfortune, or fault rather, sho

u can. Put your arm round my neck, so-oh, that will never do!

rapidly for his boat. Stepping on a smooth stone

so fast," she said

deal, but for obvious reasons must go

I not very heavy?"

as my heart, a

sur

ve scorched their wings before now,

defiant, and she felt his grasp tighten vise-like around her. "I shall not affect any concealment of the feelings which she has recognized so oft

s greatly as before, and the boat gradually sli

to put on your sho

when I put

tain way of revealing the p

ving you from the society which you have hitherto avoided so succ

as he raised his head he saw a form which he recognized as Mr. Merriweather rowing toward them. "There comes one of your shad

he approaching oarsman. "I think it will

ntirely safe," he

r must have seen

r thing which

ld," she be

kling with mirth as she continued, "Are you satisfied that a certain yo

bably it would have made no difference. You must do me the justice, however, to admit that I did not maintain the role of observer very lon

ing of Mr. M

oubt

he might row the other way if-if-well, if he saw you-what shall I say-sitting over here

cipitous effort to gain a seat beside her

S EVE IN

the parade-grounds on which the combatants had first learned the tactics of war. The majority, however, of those now in the ranks had since been drilled too often under like circumstances, and with lead and iron shotted guns, not to know their duty, and the lines of battle were as regular as the broken country allowed. So far as many obstacles permitted, Marlow kept h

ier desperately wounded in a narrow ravine, through which babbled a small stream. Excepting the voices of his wife and children no music had ever sounded so sweetly

or so unconscious if it were true that he was soon to lie there DEAD? He saw the speckled trout lying motionless at the bottom of the pool, the gray squirrels sporting in the boughs over his head. The sunlight shimmered and glinted through the leaves, flecking with light his

he bitter truth. His wife had then sat beside him, while his little ones played here and there among the trees and shrubbery. They would hear the same song to-day; he would never hear it again.

fe, my wife! Oh, my

elled afresh from his wound; what seemed a morta

* *

is he do

se words were spoken by two stout negroes, who had stole

nly swoonded," asserted the man addressed as

'd hab bad luck

on will keep him; and h

rter; he's

him; 'tain't so

* *

scarce, and much of the time she had been too ill and feeble to do more than care for her children. Away back in August her resources had been running low; but she had daily expected the long arrears of pay which her husband would receive as soon as the exigencies of the campaign permitted. Instead of these funds, so greatly needed, came the tidings of a Union defeat, with her husband's name down among the missing. Beyond that brief mention, so horrible in its vagueness, she had never heard a word from the one who not only sustained her home, but also her heart. Was he languishing in a Southern

ted the post-office, and if a stranger was seen coming up the street toward her cottage she watched feverishly for his turning in at her gate with the tidings of her husband's safety. Night after night

order that she might have strength to provide for them. She would make pathetic attempts to follow this sound and thrifty advice, but suddenly when at her work or in her troubled slee

ependent upon her, she must rally every shattered nerve and every relaxed muscle. With a heroism far beyond that of her husband and his comrades in the field, she sought to fight the wolf from the door, or at least to keep him at bay. Although the struggle seemed a hopeless one, she patiently did her best from day to day, eking ou

ers. He believed that he could still provide for those dependent upon him, and if he fell, those for whom he died would not permit his widow and children to suffer. But the first popular enthusiasm for the war had largely died out; the city was full of widows and orphans; there was depression of spirit, stagnation in business, and a very genera

part, bidding her call that morning. She knew why-the rent was two months in arrears. It seemed like death to leave the house in which her husband had placed her, and wherein she had spent her happiest days. It stood well away from the crowded town. The little yard and garden, with their trees, vines, and shrubbery, some of which her husband had planted, were all dear from association. In the rear there was a grove and

long winter evenings in his favorite corner by the fire. Around her, within and without, were the little appliances for her comfort which his hands had

e without one farewell word," and she buried her face in her hands and rocke

their play and came a

ig enough to work for you; and I'll get rich, and you shall have the

despairing thoughts were banished for a time. The deepest chord of her nature, mother love, was touched; and for her children's sake she rose up once more and faced the hard problems of her life. Putting on her bonnet

nt from whom she rented her home, and be

. "Surely in this Christian city there must be th

ce, was touched slightly, and said in a voice that was

d would surely return, and I have hated to say a word to discourage you; but I fear you will have to bring yourself to face the truth and act accordingly, as so many others have done. I know it's very hard

ng strong that like Him in whose memory the day was honored, she and her little ones might soon not know where to lay their heads. She succeeded in getting the small sum

ording to their nature. "After the holidays are o

k now," she ventured to say

not be overcome. On every side she heard the same story. The times were very hard; requests for work and aid had been so frequent that purses and

I were stronger! Oh, that I could take my sorrow more as others seem to take theirs! But I cannot, I cannot! My burden is greater than I can bear. The cold of this awful day is chilling my very heart, and my grief, as hope dies, is crushing my soul. Oh, he must be dead, he must be dead! That is what they all think. God help my little ones! Oh, what will be

ic than tears she greeted the children, who were cold, hungry, and frightened at her long absence; and they, children-like, saw only the smile, and n

and kindlings that I bought, and then we will have a good fire an

e sank into a chair, so white and faint that even little Susie left

only a little tired. See," she added, tottering to the

asped it, and was o

d coal, the mother had so far rallied from her exhaustion as to

the boy took what was ambrosia to him, and danced around the room in joyous reaction from the depressio

d, I fear-I cannot be with them another Christmas; therefore they shall remember that I tried to make them hap

lamp. Then she cowered shiveringly over the revivin

d to enjoy it. He had scarcely left his door before a man, coming up the street with great strides and head bent down to the snow-laden blast, brushed roughly against him. The stranger's cap was drawn over his eyes, and th

"I'm glad to see you. It's a pleasur

gasped, "she's still in

the hasty reply. "It'

an? Has it not

, "we have been very lenient to your wife, but th

ou sleek, comfortable stay-at-home people care for those fighting your battles. After you concluded that I was dead, and that the

e's no cause for pitch

t I am but a

o-day were there not men like myself, who are willing to risk everything and suffer ev

ating reply; "she wa

What did yo

felt sorry for her, and gave her more t

much

no doubt I could have

holiday season? It might have caused remark; but that consideration and some others that I might name are not to be weighed against a few dol

no need of

ntly has not received the letter I wrote as soon as I reached our lines, o

o doubt of the soldier's ability to provide for his family. He gave his receipt in silence, feel

rm favored his project, and in brief time he saw the light in his window. Unlatching the gate softly, and with his steps muffled by the snow that already carpeted the frozen ground, he reached the window, the blinds of which we

break the news of my return in my own way. The shock of my sudden appearance might be too great for her;" and he went back to the window. The wife's eyes were following her children

n anything to-day. You are always giving everything to us. Now I declare I won't eat anot

ur father when you spoke that I could almost see him;" an

going to grow up just like papa and do everything

aced what was left of her cak

, mamma; and to-morrow

stmas, and then we'll a

ly a man weeps; and his tears in the bitter cold

knew what it was to be homeless and shelterless will provide for our need; so we'll try to trust Him and keep His birthday. And now, Jamie, go and bring the rest of the coal, and then we will make the dear home that papa gave us cheery and warm

t papa come down from heaven and spend Christmas with us

o, we must be patient and try to do our best, so that we can go to him. Go now, Jamie, before it gets too late. I'll get supper, and then we'll sing a Christmas hymn; and you and S

slowly homeward with the burden, and he followed to a point where the light of the street-lamps ceased, then joined the child, and said in a gruff voice, "Here, little man, I'm going your way. Let me carry your basket;" and he took it and strode on so fast that the boy had to run to keep pace with

n't go quite so

s pace, and in a constrai

you going,

mamma's. She's Mrs.

, I reckon I do. How

half-way now. I say, you

Marlow, with a lump

aven't heard from him for a good while, and-" choking a bit-"mamma's afraid he is

isappear in the snow and darkness with both basket and coal; but the apparent stranger so far forgot his part that he put down the basket at Mrs. Marlow's gate, and th

back so soon with that heavy basket? It was too heavy f

man. He knew where we lived too, for he put the basket down at our gate before I could say a word, I was so out of b

ing the coal at the store," Mrs. Marlow said, "Yes, Jamie, it was a good, kind ac

he'll have a happie

made that we cannot do a kind act

ever knew any one to walk so fast. I spoke to him once, but he

me to his wife and children,

rd the city, first going to the grocery at which he had been in the habit of purchasing his su

over, "the snow has made you almost as white as a ghost; but I'

account here now?" wa

to her as cheap as any one: that I believed you'd come back all right, and if you didn't she could pay me when she could. What do you think she did? Why, she burst out crying, and said, 'God bless you, sir, for saying my husband will come back! So many have discouraged me.' I d

, "Come with me to your back-office"; for the soldier feared that some one mig

d out if you too had thriftily shut down on a so

very kind. I ought to have gone and seen your wife and found out ho

return in my own way. I mean they shall have such a Christmas in the little cottage a

sugar, flour, bread, cakes, apples, etc., was dashed off rapidly; and Marlow had the satisfaction of seeing the errand-

low cut short all words by his almost feverish haste. A huge turkey had just been roasted for the needs of the coming holiday, and this with a cold ham and a pot of coffee was ordered to be sent in a covere

estrain his impatience no longer, and almost tore back to his station at the cottage window.

. "Why, there's scarcely enough for little Sue. Thank God, my darlin

blessing, and wondered at her faith. Then he looked and listen

Claus will fill our stock

There are so many poor little boys and girls in the ci

laus, anyway?"

t of the one who had always remembered them s

n to open it, and started back as a man entered with cap, eyebrows, beard, and shaggy coat all white with the

an; but the children, after staring a mo

uld be spoken he was gone. The face of the grocer's man was not very familiar to Mrs. Marlow, and the snow had disguised him completely.

said the mother, bewilder

heeked apples!" and he and Susie tugged at it until they dragged it over the side of the basket, when the bottom of the bag came out, and the fruit flecked the floor with red and gold

ring as she examined the baskets and found how liberal and var

"Santa Claus brought 'em. Haven't you always to

is purchases were at the door. With a look so intent, and yearning concentration of thought so intense that it was strange tha

e breathed the balmy breath of a Southern forest, the wood-thrush sang in the trees overhead, and he could-so it seemed to him-actually feel the water-worn pebbles under his palms as he watched the life-blood ebbing from his side. Then there was a dim consciousness of rough but kindl

not be mistaken for Santa Claus even by the credulous fancy of

bled also, for even their faith could not accept such marvellous good-fortune. Jamie looked at the sled with a kind of awe, and saw at a glance that it

nson Marlow?" asked the

es

he opened his tray and placed the turk

. "Them was my directions;" and they were both about to

hands and trem

ese things?"

ied the boy from the re

ked imploringly into his face. "Who ordered th

ile, and stammered awkwardly

glanced around with a loo

and looked out into the black, stormy night. What seemed a shadow rushed toward her; she felt h

assed. In response to his deep, earnest tones of soothing and entreaty, she speedily opened her eyes and gave

w. It seems as if a new and stronger l

uched that they drew their rough sleeves across their eyes as they

LITTLE Q

ON OF THE

ving room, and they were so large that a horse could pass through them, dragging in immense back-logs. These, having been detached from a chain when in the proper position, were rolled into the huge fireplace that yawned like a sooty cavern at the farther end of the apartment. A modern housekeeper, who finds wood too dear an article for even the air-tight stove, would be appalled by this fireplace. Stalwart Mr. Reynolds, the master of the house, could easily walk under its ston

uld sit on either side of the fireplace and watch the stars through its wide flue; a

fortress, giving security against any ordinary attack. There were no loopholes in the walls through which the muzzle of the deadly rifle could be thrust and fired from within. This feature, so common in the primitive abodes of the country, was

of hate and fear to a gang of marauders, who, under the pretence of acting with the British forces, plundered the country far and near. Claudius Smith, the Robin Hood of the Highlands and the terror of the pastoral low country, had formerly been their leader; and the sympathy shown by Mr. Reynolds wi

n enfeebled by early toil, and a pair of resolute and often mirthful blue eyes bespoke a spirit not easily daunted. She was a native growth of the period, vitalized by pure air and out-of-door pursuits, and she abounded in the shrewd intelligence and demure re

t sentinel, for a rumor had reached Mr. Reynolds that sooner or later he would have a visit from the dreaded mountain gang of hard riders. Two roads leading to the hills converged on the main highway not far from his dwelling; and from an adjacent knoll Phebe often watched this place, while her father, with a l

r Phebe, who had never thought of herself as an angel, and indeed rarely thought of herself at all, as is usually the case with those who do most to sweeten and brighten the world. She was a natural, wholesome, hum

urn him out, the flames would bring down upon them a score of neighbors not hampered by Quaker principles. Therefore they resolved upon a sudden onslaught before he had fin

appeared among the trees. Soon afterward she caught a glimpse of two other horsemen on the second mountain road. One of these soon came into full view, and looked up and down as if to see that all

ather! Thee must be

thout. The marauders did not dare make much noise, for fear that some passing neighbor might give the alarm. Tying their horses behind the house, where they would be hidden from the road, they tried various expedients to gain an entrance, but the logs and heavy planks baffled them. At last one of the number suggested that

the hearth the housewife instantly emptied her basket of feathers; and a great volume of pungent, stifling smoke poured up the chimney. The threats of the men, who by means of ropes were cautiously descending, were transformed into choking, half-suffocated sounds, and it was soon evident that the intruders were scrambling out as fast as possible. A hurried consultation on t

o her and the little brood of which she was the eldest! How much it meant to her dear mother, who was soon again to give birth to a little one that would need a father's protection and support!

in fastnesses. But Phebe knew that her father's enemies were still at large with their hate only stimulated because baffled for a time. Therefor

John Reynolds was betrayed by his patriotic impulses. He was awakened by a loud knocking at his door. Full of misgiving, he

m without, speaking quietly and seemingly with authority, asserted that they were a squad from Washington's forces in search of deserters, and that no harm would ensue unless he denied their lawful request. Conscious of innocence, and aware that d

est epithets, seeking in their thirst for revenge to inflict all the terrors of death in anticipation. The good man, however, now face to face with his fate, grew calm and resigned. Exasperated by his courage, they began to cut and torture him with their swords and knives. Phebe rushed forward to interpose her little form between her fa

, one of the gang threw a noosed rope over Mr. Reynolds's head, and

w got to settle with the avengers of Claudius Smith; and you

gain entered; and furious with rage, they again seized and hanged her father, while one, more brutal than the others, whipped the poor child with a heavy rope until he thought she was disabled. The girl at first cowered and shivered under the blows, and then sank as if lifeless on the floor. But the moment she was left to herself she darted forward and once more cut her father down. The robbers then flew upon the prostrate man and cut and stabbed hi

he smoke from the kindling fire without was already curling in through the crevices around the door. There was not a moment, not a second to be lost. The ruffians' voices were growing fainter and she heard the sounds of their horses' feet. Would they go away in time for her to extinguish the fire

to the trough near the barn, which she knew was full of water. Back and forth she flew between the fire and the convenient reservoir with all the water that her bruised arms and back permitted

n, but clambering in at the window, made all secure as had been customa

father, who would indeed have been a ghastly

ther lives!" cried the woman. "Is it my th

d the girl, putting her little ha

the bed, and then we must stop this awful bleeding. Oh, that I were well and strong! Phebe, thee must

e fields to their nearest neighbor. The good people heard of the outrage with horror and indignation. A half-grown lad sprang on the bare back of a young horse and galloped across the country for a surgeon. A few moments later the farmer, equipped for chase and battle, dashed away at headlong pace to alarm the neighborhood. The news sped from house to

robably her mother's-for, "I was too sick to climb out of a window," she said; when she told how the child after a merciless whipping had again cut her father down from the trammel-hook, had extinguished the fire, and had been nursing her father back to life, while all the time in almost agony herself from the cruel blows that had been rained upon her-Phebe was dazed and bewildered at the storm of applause that greeted her. And when the surgeon, in order to intensify

riously that Phebe thought with a strange little tremor at her heart that he might in his speed face the robbers all alone. The stout yeo

ness that they led the pursuers through exceedingly difficult and dangerous paths. At last, June ever in the van, caught sight of a man's form, and almost instantly his rifle awoke a hundred echoes among the hills. When they reached the place, stains of blood marked the ground, proving that at least a wound had been given. Just beyond, the gang evidently had dispersed, each

bud is the promise of the flower, Phebe must have developed a womanhood that was regal in its worth; at the same time I believe that

followed almost literally a family trad

E