Where are all the ladies ?" "None are here except myself," answered Esther; "all the rest are below stairs." "And where are you?
I hear, but can't see you; give me your hand," said he, extending his own in the direction from which her voice proceeded.

"How cold your hand is," he continued; "are you frightened ?" "Frightened!" she replied; "I never felt calmer in my life--put your finger on my pulse." Mr.Walters did as he was desired, and exclaimed, "Steady as a clock.

I trust nothing may occur before morning to cause it to beat more hurriedly." "Let us put some wood on these coals," suggested Mr.Ellis; "it will make a slight blaze, and give us a chance to see each other." As he spoke he took up a few small fagots and cast them upon the fire.
The wood snapped and crackled, as the flames mounted the chimney and cast a cheerful glow upon the surrounding objects: suddenly a thoroughly ignited piece flew off from the rest and fell on the table in the midst of the cartridges.

"Run for your lives!" shrieked one of the party.

"The powder! the powder!" Simultaneously they nearly all rushed to the door.
Mr.Walters stood as one petrified.