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.
Send Uncle Joe to rouse Mr. Spriggs and the boys, and go after him with
all speed."

Meantime Mr. Mason was knocking at the door opening into the hall, asking
what was wrong and offering his services; a number of negro men's voices
adding, "Massa and missus, we's all heyah and ready to fight for ye."

Mr. Travilla opened the door, briefly explained what had happened, and
repeated Elsie's order for an immediate and hot pursuit.

"I myself will head it," he was adding, when she interposed.

"No, no, no, my husband, surely you will not think of it; he may kill you
yet. Or he might return from another direction, and what could I do with
only the women to help me? Oh, Edward, don't go! don't leave me!" And she
clung to him trembling and with tears in the soft, entreating eyes.

"No, dearest, you are right. I will stay here to protect you, and Spriggs
may lead the boys," he answered, throwing an arm about her. "I think I
wounded the fellow," he added to Mr. Mason. "Here, Aunt Chloe, bring the
light nearer."

Yes, there lay a heavy revolver, and beside it a pool of blood on the
carpet where the villain had stood; and there was a bloody trail all along
the veranda where he had run, and on the railing and pillar by which he
had swung himself to the ground; indeed, they could track him by it for
some distance over the lawn, where the trees kept the ground partially
dry; but beyond that the rain coming down in sheets, had helped the
fugitive by washing away the telltale stains.

Elsie shuddering and turning pale and faint at the horrible sight, ordered
an immediate