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Page 44
"There was something in her manner that awakened a chill in my veins
almost as if she had pointed out some dreadful doom which I had
unwittingly escaped.
"'This is, then, a dangerous road,' I murmured.
"'Very,' was her hurried and almost incoherent reply.
"How far we travelled through the mud and tangled grasses of that
horrible road I do not know. It seemed a long distance; it was
probably not more than three quarters of a mile. At last she paused
with a short 'Here we are;' and looking up, I saw that we were in
front of a small unlighted cottage.
"No refuge ever appeared more welcome to a pair of sinking wanderers I
am sure. Wet to the skin, bedrabbled with mud, exhausted with
breasting the gale, we stood for a moment under the porch to regain
our breath, then with her characteristic energy she lifted the knocker
and struck a smart blow on the door.
"'We will find shelter here,' said she.
"She was not mistaken. In a few moments we were standing once more
before a comfortable fire hastily built by the worthy couple whose
slumbers we had thus interrupted. As I began to realize the sweetness
of conscious safety, all that this young, heroic creature had done for
me swept warmly across my mind. Looking up from the fire that was
beginning to infuse its heat through my grateful system, I surveyed
her as she slowly undid her long braids and shook them dry over the
blaze, and almost started to see how young she was. Not more than
sixteen I should say, and yet what an invincible will shone from her
dark eyes and dignified her slender form; a will gentle as it was
strong, elevated as it was unbending. I bowed my head as I watched
her, in grateful thankfulness which I presently put into words.
"At once she drew herself erect. 'I did but my duty,' said she
quietly. 'I am glad I was prospered in it.' Then slowly. 'If you are
grateful, sir, will you promise to say nothing of--of what took place
at the inn?'
"Instantly I remembered a suspicion which had crossed my mind while
there, and my hand went involuntarily to my vest pocket. The roll of
bills was gone.
"She did not falter. 'I would be relieved if you would,' continued
she.
"I drew out my empty hand, looked at it, but said nothing.
"'Have you lost anything?' asked she. 'Search in your overcoat
pockets.'
"I plunged my hand into the one nearest her and drew it out with
satisfaction; the roll of bills was there. 'I give you my promise,'
said I.
"'You will find a bill missing,' she murmured; 'for what amount I do
not know; the sacrifice of something was inevitable.'
"'I can only wonder over the ingenuity you displayed, as well as
express my appreciation for your bravery,' returned I with
enthusiasm. 'You are a noble girl.'
"She put out her hand as if compliments hurt her. 'It is the first
time they have ever attempted anything like that,' cried she in a
quick low tone full of shame and suffering. 'They have shown a
disposition to--to take money sometimes, but they never threatened
life before. And they did threaten yours. They saw you take out your
money, through a hole pierced in the wall of the room you occupied,
and the sight made them mad. They were going to kill you and then
tumble you and your horse over the precipice below there. But I
overheard them talking and when they went out to saddle the horse, I
hurried up to your room to wake you. I had to take possession of the
bills; you were not safe while you held them. I took them quietly
because I hoped to save you without betraying them. But I failed in
that. You must remember they are my father and my brother.'
"'I will not betray them,' said I.
"She smiled. It was a wintry gleam but it ineffably softened her face.
I became conscious of a movement of pity towards her.
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