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sheriff's officer. My mother entreated of my father to escape and hide himself until this first storm (illegible text) over-blown, but he would in nowise consent, assur(illegible text)s that he had done nothing of which he was ashamed and was determined to meet every one face to face, (illegible text)let them do their worst; so finding all our entreaties (illegible text) we could do nothing but sit down and weep. (illegible text)length we heard the noice of their horses at the (illegible text) "You had better take the men's horses (illegible text)es," said my father,"as there is no other man at (illegible text) “We will stay till they rap, if you please, (illegible text). The cautious officer did not however rap,(illegible text) afraid lest his debtor should make his escape, (illegible text)ped lightly from his horse, and hasted into the (illegible text) When we heard him open the outer door, his footsteps approaching along the entry, our hearts fainted within us-he opened the door and (illegible text)ped into the room—it was Duncan! our own (illegible text)ly beloved Duncan. The women uttered an involuntary scream of surprise, but my father ran and (illegible text) hold of one hand and I of the other—my mother soon had him in her arms, but our embrace was (illegible text)t; for his eyes fixed on Mary, who stood trembling with joy and wonder in a corner of the room, (illegible text)ging her colour every moment—he snatched her in his arms and kissed her lips, and ere ever she (illegible text)aware, her arms had encircled his neck. "O my dear Mary," said he, "my heart has been ill at (illegible text) since I left you, but I durst not then tell you a (illegible text) of my mind, for—I little knew how I was to find (illegible text)rs in the place where I was going; but ah! you (illegible text) elusive rogue, you owe me another for the one you cheated me out of then;" so saying, he pressed his lips again to her cheek, and then led her to a seat. (illegible text) can then recounted all his adventures to us, with (illegible text)y circumstance of his good fortune—our hearts were uplifted almost past bearing-all our cares and (illegible text)ws were now forgotten, and we were once more
