Marian.

"Come with us, dear," said Anne to Grace, who stood looking dreamily
toward a patch of woods to the left.

"No indeed," replied Grace. "I'm going to explore a little in those
woods yonder."

"Don't go far," called Anne anxiously, as Grace turned to go.

"I won't," she answered. "See you later."

As she reached the cool shadows of the little strip of woods she drew a
long breath. How delightful it was to hear the rustle of the leaves over
her head, and tread upon Nature's green carpet of soft, thick moss.
Forgetful of her promise, Grace wandered farther and farther on,
gathering the wild flowers as she went. She found plenty of trilliums
and violets, and pounced with a cry of delight upon some wild pink
honeysuckle just opening. After stripping the bush, she turned into a
bypath that led straight up a little hill which rose before her.
Scrambling up the hill, Grace reached the top and looked about her.
Nestling at the foot of the elevation on the side opposite to the one
she had climbed stood a small one-story cottage.

"How funny," thought Grace. "I didn't know there was a house anywhere
near here. I'm going down there for a drink of water. I'm awfully
thirsty."

Suiting the action to the words, Grace hurried toward the cottage. As
she neared it she noticed that the door was wide open. "Some one is at
home, that's certain," she said to herself. "I hope they won't be cross
at my asking for a drink. Why," she exclaimed, "there's no one living
here at all. I think I'll venture in, perhaps there's a well at the back
of the house."

Entering, she found that the cottage consisted of but two rooms. The
front one was absolutely bare, but the back one contained an old stove,
a broken-down sink and a rickety chair. At one side was a good-sized
closet. Opening it, Grace found nothing save a dilapidated old coat.
Just then she caught the sound of rough voices just outside the cottage.

"I tell ye, Bill, we've got to do the job to-night and hike for the West
on that train that goes through Oakdale at 3.15 in the morning," said a
voice that was almost a growl.

"I'm wid yer, Jim," answered another voice in correspondingly savage
tones. "Even to layin' a few out stiff if dey gets in de way."

Grace listened. She heard heavy footsteps, and, peeping into the room,
she saw a burly figure outlined in the front door in the act of
entering. She glanced toward the back door. It was closed and fastened
with a bolt. If