a secluded dwelling occupied by an old
half-hermit sort of a fellow and his family, which, though affording but
poor accommodations, would be preferable to the forest as a shelter for the
night. As predetermined by him, they reached this desolate looking
habitation, and put up for the night. Seeing that Eveline was ill at ease,
he found means to whisper in her ear:

"Do not be alarmed at appearances; these people are rough, but honest; and
in any emergency, be assured we will defend you with our lives!"

But this whispered assurance of defense had the contrary effect from what
was intended, for Eveline at once had her fears confirmed that there _was_
danger to be apprehended. She did not, however, manifest her increased
apprehensions of evil, but seemed as calm as possible until she was shown
her sleeping apartment for the night, which was a room on the first floor,
with a bolt to the rude door on the inside. She fastened herself in; but
instead of sleeping, put out her light, and listened with sharpened ears to
every noise that disturbed the stillness of the night. She had been in her
room but a little while when she was startled by a call from without:

"Halloo, the house!"

She waited a moment, and then heard the owner go to the door and demand:

"Who's there?"

"A benighted traveler, who has lost his way, and wishes to obtain shelter
for the night."

"The house is already full of guests, and I cannot take any more."

"Let him in;" said Bill, whose voice Eveline recognized. "He may be worth
taking in, you know."

The man then called out:

"My guests think you can be accommodated; so you may come in, I reckon, and
share such fare and lodging as we can give, which are none the best."

"If you will show me the way to the stable, I will first see to my horse,"
said the traveler.

The host pointed out a shed where the beast could stand, and soon the two
returned to the house.

The moment the new-comer entered the door, Bill and Dick cast inquiring
glances at each other; paleness as of death was on their cheeks, and
superstitious alarm at their hearts; for in the stranger they beheld
CHARLES HADLEY! Was it his ghost come to torment them in the hour
of their triumph and security? Several minutes passed before they could be
assured of his identity, that he was veritably flesh and blood, and not a
spirit. It was well for them that the obscure light of the room cast their
features in shadow, or their blanched ch