s were cast about
more warily, as if she feared the approach of danger. The house at
which she had proposed to spend the night was still ten miles, if not
more, in advance, and as the shades of evening began to gather around,
the hope of reaching this resting-place was abandoned; for there being
no moon, there was danger of her losing her way in the darkness. This
conviction was so strong, that Emily turned her horse's head in the
direction of the first farmyard that came in view after the sun had
fallen below the horizon. As she rode up to the door, she was met by a
man, who, accosting her kindly, asked where she was from and how far
she was going.

"I hoped to reach Elwood's to-night," replied Emily. "How far away is
it?"

"Over ten miles--and the road is bad and lonely," said the man, whose
wife had by this time joined him. "You had better get down and stay
with us 'till morning."

"If you will give me that privilege," returned the maiden, "I shall
feel greatly obliged."

The man promptly offered his hand to assist Emily to dismount, and
while he led her tired horse away, his wife invited her to enter the
house.

"Have you come far?" inquired the woman, as she untied Emily's bonnet
strings, looking very earnestly in her face as she spoke.

Emily knew not whether she were among the friends or the enemies of the
American cause, and her answer was, therefore, brief and evasive.

"Your horse looked very tired. You must have ridden him a long
distance.

"I rode fast," said Emily. "But still, I have not been able to reach
the place for which I started this morning."

"It's hardly safe for a young girl like you to take such a long journey
alone, in these troublesome times."

"I'm not afraid. No one will harm me," said Emily, forcing a smile.

"I'm not so certain of that, child. It's only a day or two since Greene
passed here in full retreat, and no doubt, there are many straggling
vagabonds from his army roaming around, whom it would not be safe for
one like you to meet."

As the woman said this, a chill went over the frame of the young girl,
for, in the tone of her voice and expression of her face, she read an
unfriendliness to the cause that was so dear to her heart. She did not
venture a reply.

"Might I ask your name?" said the woman, breaking in upon the anxious
thoughts that were beginning to pass through her mind.

Emily reflected hurriedly, before replying, and then answered,
"Gieger."

The qui