"I'll give up that promise; on
condition that you make another--that you'll keep all this a secret for
twenty-four hours, so I can make my escape from the neighborhood before
they get after me with their bloodhounds."
"That I promise, if you will be gone at once."
"You'll not say a word to any one of having seen me, or suspecting I'm
about here?"
"Not a word until the twenty-four hours are over."
"Then good-bye. Your pluck has saved your life; but remember, I've not
said I won't shoot him or your father, if chance throws them in my way,"
he added, looking back over his shoulder with a malicious leer, as he left
the arbor, then disappearing from sight among the trees and shrubbery
beyond.
Elsie's knees shook and trembled under her; she sank back into her seat,
covering her face and bowing her head upon her lap, while she sent up
silent, almost agonizing petitions for the safety of those two so
inexpressibly dear to her. Some moments passed thus, then she rose and
hastened, with a quick nervous step, to the house. She entered her
boudoir, and lay down upon a couch trembling in every fibre, every nerve
quivering with excitement. The shock had been terrible.
"What de matter wid my chile? what ails you, honey?" asked Aunt Chloe,
coming to her side full of concern.
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