'I recollect you now,' rejoined Julia, scornfully--'You are the scoundrel who treacherously admitted burglars into the house, and who was captured and sent to the State Prison, from which you were pardoned, as I saw stated in the newspapers. You are mistaken if you think that a dread of exposure will induce me to submit to be outraged by you. Heavens, I will not yield my person to every ruffian who comes to me with threats of exposure! Vile menial, I will dare ruin and death sooner than become the slave of your lust!' As she uttered these words with a tone and air of indignant scorn, she looked more superbly beautiful than ever--her dark eyes sparkled, her cheeks glowed, and her uncovered bosom heaved with excitement and anger. But Brown was a determined ruffian, and resolved to accomplish his purpose even if obliged to resort to force. Grasping the lady by both arms, he said, in a stern whisper-- 'Missus, I am stronger than you be--keep quiet, and let me have my way and you shan't be hurt; but if you go to kicking up a rumpus, why d----n me if I won't use you rather roughly.' He forced her back upon the bed, and placed his heavy hand over her mouth, to prevent her from screaming. Holding her in such a position that she could not move, he covered her face, neck and breasts with lecherous kisses; and was preparing to complete the outrage, when the report of a pistol thundered through the chamber, and the ruffian fell upon the carpet, weltering in his blood. His body had been perforated by a ball from a revolver, in the hands of Mr. Hedge. 'Die, you d----d treacherous villain,' cried the old gentleman, swearing for the first time in his life. The dying wretch turned his malignant eyes upon Julia, and gasped, faintly-- 'Mr. Hedge--your wife--false--negro--Sydney--' He could say no more, for the hand of death was upon him; and gnashing his teeth with rage and despair, he expired. Mr. Hedge had paid no attention to the ruffian's dying words; for he had caught Julia in his arms, and was inquiring anxiously if she were hurt. 'No, dearest,' she replied--'only frightened. But how came you to arrive so opportunely to my rescue?' 'I was endeavoring to get some sleep on the sofa in my library,' answered the old gentleman--'when suddenly I fancied I heard a noise in your chamber. Thinking that robbers might have got into the house, I grasped a pistol, and cautiously approached the door of this room. Pausing a moment to listen, I heard the villain threaten you with violence in case you resisted; the door being open a little, I stepped into the room without making any noise, and saw him preparing to accomplish the outrage. Then I raised my pistol with unerring aim, and put a ball through his infernal carcass. Thank heaven, I have reserved my Julia from a fate worse than death.'