Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/93

 men. There was dead silence for a moment and then Isaac groaned:

"God save me now! we'se bof gone! De house done fall on us!"

"Na! honey, it's me!" cried Aunt Julie Ann, "an' I got 'im in de gills!"

She rolled over and pulled Alfred with her—both hands gripped to his throat.

In a moment Isaac was on his feet.

"De Lawd hear my cry!" he exclaimed with unction, pouncing on Alfred and pounding him unmercifully while his faithful spouse held him fast. Alfred found his voice at last, and began to yell murder.

Steve Hoyle, who was pacing the walk in front of the Judge's anxiously waiting an answer to a pleading letter he had sent to Stella asking for an interview, heard the cries and rushed to Alfred's rescue.

He pulled Isaac and Aunt Julie Ann off in time to save his hat and portions of his clothes.

As he entered the cottage, he had seen instantly the note in John Graham's handwriting which Alfred had dropped on the floor. He picked it up hastily and put it in his pocket.

When Alfred got out the door, he did not stand on the order of his going. He struck a bee