rnon, compressing his lips, as one whose mind is
made up for the worst. "Proceed, sir. I know your mission."

"The deuce you do!" replied the other, in astonishment; "then you must
have a very remarkable faculty for divining secrets. I rather guess you
are mistaken though," he added, as he drew forth a couple of letters
from a side pocket; "but these will inform you whether you are or not."

Seizing the proffered letters with trembling eagerness, Algernon hastily
glanced at their superscription; then, breaking the seals, he devoured
their contents with the utmost avidity; while the stranger stood noting
the varying expressions of his handsome countenance, with a quiet smile.
At first his pale features seemed flushed with surprise--then became
radiant with joy--and then gradually saddened with sorrow; yet a certain
cheerfulness prevailed over all--such as he had not exhibited for many a
long month. As he finished a hasty perusal of the epistles, he turned to
the stranger, grasped his hand, and, shaking it heartily, while tears of
joy filled his eyes, exclaimed:

"I _was_ mistaken, sir--God be thanked! God bless you too, sir! for
being the messenger of peace between myself and conscience. Excuse me.
Tarry a moment, sir, and I will send some one to take charge of your
weary beast, and show yourself a place of rest and refreshment."

As he spoke, Algernon darted away toward the cottage. Observing Isaac,
he ran to and caught him by the hand:

"Isaac," he said, in a gay tone, while his eyes sparkled with delight,
"wish me joy! I have good news. I--but stay; I forgot; you know nothing
of the matter. Oblige me, though, by showing yonder gentleman and his
beast due hospitality;" and wringing his hand, he sprung into the
apartment where Ella was sitting alone, leaving Isaac staring after him
with open mouth, and wondering whether he were in his right senses or
not.

"Ella!" he exclaimed, wildly, as he suddenly appeared before her with a
flushed countenance: "Ella, God bless you! Listen. I--I am free! I am no
longer a criminal, thank God! These, Ella--these!" and he held aloft the
letters with one hand, and tapped them nervously with the other.

The next moment his features grew pale, his whole frame quivered, and he
sunk upon a seat, completely overcome by the nervous excitement produced
by the sudden transition from despair to hope and freedom.

Ella was alarmed; and springing to him, she exclaimed:

"For Heaven's sake!