tion, even dividing the interest of the religious
excitement.

But the next morning the whole community was thrown into a state of
consternation by the discovery that the burglars had broken jail and
fled, and that the notorious outlaw Black Donald had been in their very
midst, disguised as an elderly field preacher.

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE VICTORY OVER DEATH.

"Glory to God! to God!" he saith,
"Knowledge by suffering entereth,
And life is perfected in death."
--E. B. Browning.

One morning, in the gladness of his heart, Doctor Day mounted his horse
and rode down to Staunton, gayly refusing to impart the object of his
ride to any one, and bidding Traverse stay with the women until he
should return.

As soon as the doctor was gone, Traverse went into the library to
arrange his patron's books and papers.

Mrs. Rocke and Clara hurried away to attend to some little mystery of
their own invention for the surprise and delight of the doctor and
Traverse. For the more secret accomplishment of their purpose, they had
dismissed all attendance, and were at work alone in Mrs. Rocke's room.
And here Clara's sweet, frank and humble disposition was again manifest,
for when Marah would arise from her seat to get anything, Clara would
forestall her purpose and say:

"Tell me--tell me to get what you want--just as if I were your child,
and you will make me feel so well--do, now!"

"You are very good, dear Miss Clara, but--I would rather not presume to
ask you to wait on me," said Marah, gravely.

"Presume! What a word from you to me! Please don't use it ever again,
nor call me Miss Clara. Call me 'Clara' or 'child'--do, mamma," said the
doctor's daughter, then suddenly pausing, she blushed and was silent.

Marah gently took her hand and drew her into a warm embrace.

It was while the friends were conversing so kindly in Marah's room, and
while Traverse was still engaged in arranging the doctor's books and
papers that one of the men-servants rapped at the library door, and
without waiting permission to come in, entered the room with every mark
of terror in his look and manner.

"What is the matter?" inquired Traverse, anxiously rising.

"Oh, Mr. Traverse, sir, the doctor's horse has just rushed home to the
stables all in foam, without his rider!"

"Good heaven!" exclaimed Traverse, starting up and seizing his hat.
"Follow me immediately! Hurry to the stables and sa