rently insatiable thirst, and it was
impossible to keep liquor away from them. Sorrel Top's husband, Harry
Herrick, was the worst case of the kind that ever came under my
observation. He drank quite moderately at first, but suddenly appeared
to have lost all control over his appetite. I reasoned with him in
vain, and finally, out of pity to his family I refused him admission
here altogether. Well, the result was he stole from my cellar what he
could not beg; for the miserable creature was penniless, and before I
was aware of it, he actually drank himself to death. It happened while
Miss DeWolf was away at school, and on her return my conduct was
basely misrepresented to her, and she espoused the widow's cause and
took her into her family, and ever after has treated me with contempt.
However, I harbor no ill will towards Miss DeWolf. I would gladly make
one of your party, were it not entirely impossible for me to leave
here; but believe me, I wish you success, Mr. Sherman."

CHAPTER XII.

THE COTTAGE IN THE GROVE--THE DISGUISE--BACK TO
HEALTH--IMPATIENCE--SEARCHING THE BOX--ANTOINETTE
LA CLAIR'S STORY.

Very sad and dreary seemed the hours to Antoinette La Clair, as she
watched by Little Wolf's bed side. While her loving hand bathed the
burning brow, and her soft musical voice soothed the wild ravings of
the invalid, she thought much upon the strange loneliness of their
situation. Day after day passed by, and no living soul approached the
cottage. She often wondered why it's owner came not, and it was a
mystery to her, why Bloody Jim had not discovered their retreat.

From the first, she had taken the precaution whenever she appeared
outside to disguise herself in the various articles of clothing, which
she found strewn about the house, and, as she went to procure water
from the spring, which was at some distance from the house, she would
assume the air and gait of a logy country boy. Her sun-burnt straw hat
with its crown piece flapping about in the wind; great coarse boots
slipping hither and thither on her little feet and her other generally
loose fitting attire would, but for her absorbing anxiety, have
excited rather more than a smile on her usually melancholly
countenance.

It was well that the fact of having remained unmolested for nearly
three weeks did not lesson her vigilance on one eventful occasion. It
was about sun rise; as she was toiling up the eminence with a heavy
bucket of wat