ollowed by a faint report, which meant a
bullet to where he knew not. He knew that the long looked for trouble
was on in real earnest, therefore hastened his pace. The firing from
many rifles became more general. He had got close enough to see that
there were more than a half dozen combatants firing on Judson's cabin
from toward the hill. Judson and his son Tom were returning the fire at
intervals in an effort to repulse the attack, and had been successful in
holding off a rush. From his position Wade could have taken off two of
the opponents before they discovered him, but the flashing fire of his
rifle, however, would have disclosed his hiding place.

He thought for a moment, raised his rifle to his shoulder and took
deliberate aim at a foe sitting on the back of his horse. No, that would
be murder straight out. God forbid! Still, the impulse to fire clung to
him, but he could not seem to pull the trigger. The firing between the
combatants now became more furious, and suddenly he heard someone in the
house cry out with pain. Again he took aim at the man nearest him,
fully intending to put out the light of life. His finger touched the
trigger and in another moment one would have been slain, when a hand was
laid gently upon his shoulder. It was so sudden, however, in that
terrible moment, that fright ran through him and he accidentally pulled
the trigger of his rifle, but the ball went high into the air. He was
hastily pulled into the cover of the barn.

The effects of his shot worked terror to the hearts of the attacking
party, however, who thought they were being surrounded on all sides by
unknown foes, therefore took time by the forelock and fled in great
confusion toward the hills. But look! one horse bounded off riderless.
Could it be possible that one was in hiding near, and intended doing a
bit of guerrilla fighting?

Wade stood like one transfixed to the spot, looking after the fleeing
horses of the enemy, not once turning to see who touched him, until the
last fleeing form had passed from view and the firing had ceased
altogether; then he turned and stood face to face with Nora Judson. A
flush, unseen through the darkness, covered his hitherto pale face. For
one brief moment they stood facing each other.

"How came you here?" he asked.

"Our mutual friend told me that you was about to fall into an error."
She looked toward Rover, who stood at one side wagging his tail. "Jack,"
she said, tenderly yet sorrow