‘ ‘ There is a heavy price set upon my head,” whispered the voice, “ and even now the bloodhounds of the law are upon my track. Let me not ask in vain. But for the sake of those at home, I would not keep up the struggle, for I am faint and weak and unmanned,” and there came up something uncommonly like a sob. “ Oh, Edward,” whispered my wife, * 1 pray help the poor creature. ” All very fine,” I whispered again ; “ but if his story is true, he has broken the laws ; and why should I mix myself up by sheltering one of the mad-brained party ?- And besides, who’s going to let a stranger in at this time of night ? How do I know that he is not a thief ? ”

“ Edward ” exclaimed my wife indig nantly, “for shame. Suppose you were in the same position 1 ” and then a great deal more passed between myself, and my master, terminating in another parley out of the window.
“Well,” I said, “What do you wish me to do ? ”

“ Only to give me rest for a night, sir,” whispered the voice—“ concealment till some time on the morrow, for I am tracked ; ” and I could not help noticing the peculiar Irish-American nasal twang with which he spoke ; and, besides, that sounded American, “ tracked.” “ But are you alone 1 ” I said. u Quite, on my honor,” whispered the man.
