I heed not the sneer and the sarcasm which is upon your lips and in your eyes.

I went boldly and confidently even into the chamber of the youth--I aroused him from his slumbers--I defied, at that moment of peril, what were far worse to me than your suspicions--I defied such as might have been his.

I was conscious of no sin--no improper thought--and I called upon God to protect and to sanction me in what I had undertaken.

He has done so, and I bless him for the sanction." She sunk upon her knees as she spoke, and her lips murmured and parted as if in prayer, while the tears--tears of gladness--streamed warmly and abundantly from her eyes.

The rage of the outlaw grew momently darker and less governable.