The Argosy — page 97: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

82 One Christmas Eve. like a lapwing over the fields. But there was more light than she thought. She was seen, held fast, and a hand was placed over her mouth. “Don’t scream!” said Dr. Driver sternly. ‘‘ You town-bred girls always scream in an emergency, and risk your own and others’ lives by such folly.” As he spoke he removed his hand to let Kitty speak. “They are in the house—three of them,” said poor, trembling Kitty. “I am afraid old Dinah is murdered, and I ran away.” ‘‘Of course,” he sneered ; “‘ but you must come back again now. I will see to the ruffans. You must creep into some out-of-the-way corner and wait till I come for you.” “They will kill you,” cried Kitty, in an agonised whisper. “Come, come!” said Doctor Driver, as they came to the back door; “you must try and have a little self-control. I would stay with you if I could, but those ruffians must be punished. Let me put you in a safe place. ‘There is no time to waste,” he continued ; “they are up in Ned’s room, I swear.” ‘“T will hide,” replied Kitty, releasing himself from his grasp, as he drew her into the house. “Three to one,” said Dr. Driver, pausing to look at the blood- hound that was madly pulling at his chain. ‘‘I wish Ned would keep a dog one might let loose on occasions. ‘That creature would be worth a dozen men at this moment. Now, Miss Kitty, just show me the back stairs.” He followed Kitty to the head of the stairs, waited to see her conceal herself in a dark corner, then strode away to defend Ned’s property, having armed himself with a revolver, which was always kept loaded in a certain cupboard. Kitty, shivering with dread, again descended the stairs and went out of doors. Still hugging the heavy cash-box, she rushed towards Nep, whose deep bay was usually enough to make her tremble. As she knelt beside the huge animal he began to whine and hold his massive neck still that she might untie him. She tore her fingers on the rough leather strap, and the dog snarled impatiently at her tardiness. At length the buckle was unfastened ; Nep bounded into the house with one long stride, and Kitty fled back to her hiding-place, sick with horror. She could hear Dr. Driver’s voice mingled with Nep’s deep baying, cries and oaths. After a long interval, Dr. Driver came back to her, took her in his arms, and carried her downstairs. ‘“Now don’t faint again,” he said abruptly. ‘It’s all over and no great damage has been done. ‘Two of the men are caged, thanks to Nep, and in an hour they will be in custody. What have you got there ? ” Kitty recovered her senses if not her power of speech. She silently lifted the cash-box and placed it on the table. “Oh!” said the Doctor, opening his eyes. “I thought the third GomiilGcbooks co