nne, "are come to make a
New-Year's call, Esther. I have not your presents with me, but the
next time you are at our house, you shall have them."

"Miss Anne more'n all present," replied the pleased Esther. "She cold;
she must come to the fire."

"No," said Anne, as she was being ushered by the squaw into the cabin,
"I am not cold. Why, what a nice"--but the sentence was not concluded.
Her eyes had fallen on the stately form of Holden, who sat on a bench
near to the fire.

"O, father Holden!" exclaimed the lovely girl, running up to him,
throwing her arms round his neck, and kissing his forehead, "is it
you? How glad I am you escaped from those abominable men. Tell me all
about it. How was it? Did they do you any harm?"

At this moment, Pownal entered, and advancing, grasped the old man's
hand, and congratulated him on his escape.

"My God," said Holden, in his wild way, "hath sent His angel and shut
the lions' mouths that they have not hurt me. He raiseth the poor out
of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the mire."

"But," urged Anne, with feminine curiosity, "we are anxious to hear
how you escaped."

The Recluse did not seem to consider it necessary to make any
secret--at least to those present--of the events of the past night,
and, with the frankness that characterized him, spoke of them without
hesitation.

After stating what we already know, he said he was led away rapidly by
a man dressed in a sailor's suit, whose face he did not see, and who
accompanied him until they had passed the last house on the street.
They met no one, and, on parting, the man forced a purse into his
hand, and entreated him to make his way to the cabin of Esther, where
he would be safe and welcome, and there to remain until his friends
should be apprised of his retreat.

"To me," concluded the Solitary, "a dungeon or a palace ought to be
alike indifferent; but I will not thwart the minds of those who love
me, however vain their desires. The Lord hath brought this light
affliction upon me for His own good purpose, and I await the
revelation of His will."

"I do not doubt we shall be able soon to release you from your
confinement," said Pownal; "meanwhile, tell us what we can do to make
your condition tolerable."

"I lack nothing," said Holden. "These hands have ever supplied my
necessities, and I am a stranger to luxury. Nor liveth man by bread
alone, but on sweet tones, and kind looks, and gracious deeds, and I
am encom