A heavy, rolling crash of thunder followed close upon the sharp crack of
the revolvers; the robber's pistol fell with a loud thump upon the floor
and he turned and fled along the veranda, this time moving with more haste
than caution. They distinctly heard the flying footsteps.
"I must have hit him," said Mr. Travilla, "Dearest, you are not hurt?"
"No, no; but you?"
"Have escaped also, thank God," he added, with earnest solemnity.
Elsie, springing to the bell-rope, sent peal after peal resounding through
the house. "He must be pursued, if possible!" she cried; "for oh, Edward,
your life is in danger as long as he is at large. You recognized him?"
"Yes, Tom Jackson; I thought him safe in prison at the North; but probably
he has been bailed out; perhaps by one of his own gang; for so are the
ends of justice often defeated."
He was hurrying on his clothes as he spoke. Elsie had hastily donned
dressing-gown and slippers, and now struck a light.
Steps and voices were heard in the hall without, while Aunt Chloe coming
in from the other side, asked in tones tremulous with affright, "What's de
matter? what's de matter, darlin'? is you hurted?"
"No, mammy; but there was a burglar here a moment since," said Elsie. "He
and Mr. Travilla fired at each other, and he must be pursued instantly.
Pages:
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165