The Four Canadian Highwaymen; Or, The Robbers of Markham Swamp

lied. 'I am certain that ther

sed over many an unhappy head, even s

ld me of the m

e bush and seized her; and then dragged her almost lifeless to his lair. Ah, my God, how my heart went out in pity for the sweet young creature; but what could I do. The villain had his way; and all night long his victim wailed in a way to melt a heart of stone. They became alarmed at

ernoon Marguerite, for that was the girl's name, set out, on foot; from her own house, to pass the Sunday with her aunt. The Rev. Mr. Jonas, who had

at seeing you, my dear. How bountiful God is to give us all those beautiful wild sprays of beauty. Do you know, my dear, that I think I get half my inspirat

re," the poor girl said, as she looked a

for your good aunt. Give her my blessing when you see her. This way, my dear Marguerite; this way. If we could reach a beautiful lake, which lies about a mile dis

nd she thought that it was so good of this gifted man

y say the robbers live. Lots of men have come in her

of this sombre wood. The boughs grow so heavy and the trees so close as you advan

y should I be?" and this poor unsuspecting

horrible. A week later, through some means or another, the poor girl made her escape from the den, but the old woman and Silent Poll speedily followed. A short way from the road they overtook her; and when the fugitive saw the wretches she screamed murder, and appealed for help. But

ro's face; and two or three times tears glistened in the ey

r twice while intoxicated forgot himself. But he is too good a man to put aside. I am sure that the chief must have made up his mind that you shall aid him in some desp

ll so much as raise a finger to aid either him or them in any work of infamy or

ake use of you, you would have been put to death

y, more than the chief would h

utal strength. I fear that he c

h or without arms; and I rather concluded this mo

t, you were at the mercy of Murfrey's knife. And I well know what a stealthy murderer that is. Your danger

ery; and it will be never safe for you by night or day if you ha

n the night? I must sleep sometime

this morning that you would give yourself up to justice rather than stain your honour. You will be able to sleep without alarm therefore; but lest an attempt should be made by the old woman or by Joe to open your door from the outside, you had better barricade it from

et? Why did you drink so m

that I felt at seeing such a face as yours, on

impossible for you to preserve yoursel

or girl blu

uth. Seldom since coming here have I indulged so freely &a you saw me

ive by your face that your drinking habit is a stronger one than you yourself suppose. I h

face, and the tears

e tomb of Hope. But what would be the use of this unless you have some hope for my future. I h

rrible people. A victim you are, and naught else that I can see. Of course it cannot hut seem strange, inex

with themselves. And oh, I was afraid to face the world's pure and honest face. How could I? to think what I

"voluntary residence," that is not true. Besides, it would be difficult to show that it is voluntary;

compact between us to have as our highest aim our escape from th

grow in my heart and then be crushed again, I kno

nd together we should be able to make our way to the American Republic.' The girl threw herself upon her knees and turned her streaming eyes to heaven. Never before did more hearty prayer of gratitude ascend before the t

'I hope she told you about the lake and why the Capteen

thin the past hour become a changed girl,

nteen because your swee

happy with you as with him. But mi

about that. I am too cunne

m myrtle to coffee brown in colour. Each such piece of still water had a congregation

the fact that he was in the toils of a den of robbers. Strange to say he had come to think less of the blood upon

each dark and threatening. There was no hilarity, and supper was eaten in silence. Then the robbers smoked for an hour, while the