scenes, and animated by a high motive, had done their
duty promptly and efficiently, as the woful appearance of the
disconcerted ruffians testified. Some hard blows had been dealt; some
few upon both sides were severely wounded; but, considering the
desperate character of the invaders, the masterly tact of Jerry Swinger
had evidently saved much bloodshed.

Hatchie, as soon as he had secured his prisoner, hastened, somewhat in
advance of Jerry's party, towards the cottage.

Vernon waited the approach of the party in front of the cottage. While
it was yet at some distance, he discovered Hatchie, whom he recognized
by the light of his torch, running in front of it. The appearance of the
mulatto, alone, he interpreted as the signal of victory to the party in
conjunction with him, who, he imagined, were pursuing him. Resolving,
therefore, to lose no more time, he advanced towards the house, ordering
two of his followers to secure Hatchie.

Dr. Vaudelier had heard the sounds of the distant encounter, and
occasionally sought the window to assure himself the invaders did not
approach the cottage. The glaring torch of Hatchie, who was running
towards the house, gave him some misgivings, and, seizing the pistols
which lay upon the table, he went to the door, on opening which he was
confronted by Vernon.

"Come on, boys! come on!" shouted the ruffian, as he pushed by the
doctor. "The way is clear; let us make quick work."

The pistol of Dr. Vaudelier had been raised to shoot down the assailant;
but his hand dropped at the sound of his voice, he staggered back and
let the weapon fall from his hand, and uttered an exclamation of intense
feeling.

"This way, men! this way!" shouted Vernon, as he pressed on.

Entering the room at the right of the entry, in which a bed had been
temporarily placed for the use of Emily, he found the affrighted girl,
who had been aroused from her transient slumber by the noise of the
attack. Rising from the bed upon which she had merely thrown herself,
she was confounded by the appearance of her former persecutor.

"Ah, my pretty bird, you are again in my power, and I shall take care
that no weak indulgence again deprives me of your society," said Vernon,
as he seized her arm, and attempted to hurry her from the room.

"Unhand me, villain!" exclaimed she, roused to desperation by the sudden
and painful change which had overtaken her.

"Do not pout, my pretty dove! there is no chance to escape t