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Show 212 R1CHAHD HUHDTS. hensive She looked as if feeling that all her previous fears were rcnlized. The knoek at the entrnncc w:~s repented. "Shall I open it, ncn 1" wns lter question, :li_Hl her eyes motioned him to a window in the rear. But ltc dtd not heed the oLYious suggcst im1 . Gathering courage ns he bcltcld her gltmcc, and saw her suspicions, he crossed t.he floor to tl1c entrance, boldly lifted tl1c bar which secured it, and in firm tones bad(\ tlte unknown visiter "Come in.'' TIH~ MYSTIC BROTIIEllrlOOD. 213 CHAP'rER XXXI. '!'HE l\IYS'fiC llRO'l'lllmliOOO. --"Our corning Is not for salutntion-we have business."-Catiline. THE stranger boldly stepped into the light as the door was opened for him. 'rhc h eart of Pickett sank within him on the instant, for guilt is a thing of continual terrors; but his glance was fixed on tho person without recognition, and there was nothing in the air or visage of the intruder to excite alnrm. His dark, swarthy features and sinister eye were, it is true, sufficiently unprepossessing; but. these were evidently the habitual features of the man, ancl, being in repose, gave no occult expression to his countenance. llis guise was common enough, consisting of the common blue-aml-whitc homCS}lUI1 of the count, ·y, and this bespattered with mud as if he had been long a. traveller. He demanded traveller's fare, and begged to be accommodated for the nigl1t. There was no denial of so small a boon, even in the humblest cottage of Alabama; aml though Pickett would rather have had no company, he could not yet refuse. " \Yell," said Pickett, "we arc not in tl1e habit of taking in travellers; but if you can make out with a blanket by the chimney, you can have it-it's all I can give you." "Good enough," said the stranger; "I'm not particulnr. Room by the chimney, and light wood enough for a blaze, and I'm satisfied." "Have you had supper 1" demanded Mrs. l:lickett; "we can give you some hoe-cake and bacon." • "'!'hank you, ma'am, but I took a bite from my bag about nn hour ago, as I crossed a branch coming on, which baited my hunger. I won't trouble you to g-et nnything more." |
