the
flight at once.

With his hand on Snip's head as a means of preventing the dog from
growling in case any unusual sound was heard, Seth began the descent
of the stairs, creeping from one to the other with the utmost
caution, while the boards creaked and groaned under his weight until
it seemed certain both Aunt Hannah and Gladys must be aroused.

In trying to move yet more cautiously he staggered against the
stair-rail, squeezing Snip until the little fellow yelped sharply; and
Seth stood breathlessly awaiting some token that the mistress of the
house had been alarmed.

He was surprised because of hearing nothing; it appeared strange that
any one could sleep while he was making such a noise, and yet the
silence was as profound as before he began to descend.

Never had he believed a flight of stairs could be so long, and when it
seemed as if he should be at the bottom, he had hardly gotten more
than half-way down.

The descent came to an end, however, as must all things in this world,
and he groped his way toward the kitchen door, not so much as daring
to breathe.

Once he fancied it was possible to distinguish a slight, rustling
sound; but when he stopped all was silent as before, therefore the
fugitive went on until his hand was on the kitchen door.

The key was turned noiselessly in the lock; he raised the latch, and
the door swung open with never a creak.

The moonlight flooded that portion of the kitchen where he stood
irresolute, as if even now believing it might be better to confess why
he had been forced to come away from New York; and as he turned his
head ever so slightly to listen, a sudden fear came upon him.

He saw, not more than half a dozen paces distant, a human form
advancing. A cry of fear burst from his lips, and he would have leaped
out of the open door but that a gentle pressure on his shoulder
restrained him.

"Where are you going, my child?" a kindly voice asked; and he knew
that what he had mistaken for an apparition was none other than Aunt
Hannah.

Seth could not speak; his mouth had suddenly become parched, and his
knees trembled beneath him. He had been discovered while seemingly
prowling around the house like a thief, and on the instant he realized
in what way his actions might be misconstrued.

"Where are you going, Seth dear?"

"I wasn't--I had to run away, Aunt Hannah, an' that's the truth of
it!" he cried passionately, suddenly recovering the use of his tongue.

"