They distinctly heard the flying footsteps.
"I must have hit him," said Mr.Travilla, "Dearest, you are not hurt ?" "No, no; but you ?" "Have escaped also, thank God," he added, with earnest solemnity.
Elsie, springing to the bell-rope, sent peal after peal resounding through the house.

"He must be pursued, if possible!" she cried; "for oh, Edward, your life is in danger as long as he is at large.

You recognized him ?" "Yes, Tom Jackson; I thought him safe in prison at the North; but probably he has been bailed out; perhaps by one of his own gang; for so are the ends of justice often defeated." He was hurrying on his clothes as he spoke.

Elsie had hastily donned dressing-gown and slippers, and now struck a light.
Steps and voices were heard in the hall without, while Aunt Chloe coming in from the other side, asked in tones tremulous with affright, "What's de matter?
what's de matter, darlin'?
is you hurted ?" "No, mammy; but there was a burglar here a moment since," said Elsie.

"He and Mr.Travilla fired at each other, and he must be pursued instantly.
Send Uncle Joe to rouse Mr.Spriggs and the boys, and go after him with all speed." Meantime Mr.Mason was knocking at the door opening into the hall, asking what was wrong and offering his services; a number of negro men's voices adding, "Massa and missus, we's all heyah and ready to fight for ye." Mr.Travilla opened the door, briefly explained what had happened, and repeated Elsie's order for an immediate and hot pursuit.
"I myself will head it," he was adding, when she interposed.
"No, no, no, my husband, surely you will not think of it; he may kill you yet.