hat way. No, sir,
you never gave yourself that wound; but the question is who did? and what
for? have you been house-breaking or some other mischief?" Dr. Balis was
traveling in the direction of Viamede, intending to call there too, but
having several patients to visit on the way, did not arrive until the late
breakfast of its master and mistress was over.

They were seated together on the veranda, her hand in his, the other arm
thrown lightly about her waist, talking earnestly, and so engrossed with
each other and the subject of their conversation, that they did not at
first observe the doctor's approach.

Uncle Joe was at work on the lawn, clearing away the leaves and twigs
blown down by the storm.

"Mornin', Massa Doctah; did you heyah de news, sah?" he said, pulling off
his hat and making a profound obeisance, as he stepped forward to take the
visitor's horse.

"No, uncle, what is it?"

"Burglah, sir, burglah broke in de house las' night, an' fire he revolvah
at massa an' Miss Elsie. Miss dem, dough, an' got shot hisself."

"Possible!" cried the doctor in great excitement, springing from the
saddle and hurrying up the steps of the veranda.

"Ah, doctor, good-morning. Glad to see you, sir," said Mr. Travilla,
rising to give the physician a hearty shake of the hand.

"Thank you, sir. How are you after your fright? Mrs. Travilla, you are
looking a little pale; and no wonder. Uncle Joe tells me you had a visit
from a burglar last night?"

"A murderer, sir; one whose object was to take my husband's life," Elsie
answered with a shudder, and in low, tremulous tones, leaning on Edward's
arm and gazing into his face with eyes swimming with tears of love and
gratitude.

"My wife's also, I fear," Mr. Travilla said with emotion, fondly stroking
her sunny hair.

"Indeed! why this is worse and worse! But he did not succeed in wounding
either of you?"

"No; his ball passed over our heads, grazing mine so closely as to cut off
a lock of my hair. But I wounded him, must have cut an artery, I think,
from the bloody trail he left behind him."

"An artery?" cried the doctor, growing more and more excited; "where? do
you know where your ball struck?"

"A flash of lightning showed us to each other and we fired simultaneously,
I aiming for his right arm. I do not often miss my aim: we heard his
revolver fall to the floor and he fled instantly, leaving it and a trail
of blood before him."

"You had him pursued promptly,