“‘Hush! Ed, for Heaven’s sake don’t talk so loud, else we will be discovered, for I saw the detective tracking you last night. They will hang you if they catch you! fly immediately, or it will be too late--think of your pretty darling, and for her sake escape while you can.’ “‘Leave these premises this instant, you drunken vagabond!’ I angrily exclaimed, ‘else I will call a policeman and have you sent to the station-house.’ “‘Hush! I tell you, Ed, this is no time to crack jokes--it is a question of life or death; and if you are determined to throw away your life, you cannot say that I failed to do my duty--I have given you fair warning. You need not be afraid to trust me, for I would die for you if necessary--you may depend on me to fetch your darling to you in any part of the world.’ “I at last arrived at the conclusion that I was in the presence of an escaped lunatic, and that it would be good policy to keep at a respectful distance from him. An unusually bright flash of lightning now played for several seconds among a heavy bank of dark clouds that were hanging very low overhead, spreading a brilliant light over the space around me, which enabled me to get a plain view of the features of this mysterious intruder. The face was that of a young man--rather pale, but very handsome, and I could see that he was well dressed in a close-fitting suit of black cloth, and in the bright light I noticed a heavy watch chain glittering on his vest. Again I inquired of the man his name, and as it was the third time I had made the same demand, I accompanied the inquiry with a threat that I would instantly call a policeman if he refused to give me a definite answer. ‘“Ed, are you crazy!” exclaimed the strange intruder; ‘you know well enough who I am; I have encountered serious risk in making my way here in order to warn you of the approaching danger; fly to-night, else you are lost beyond question.’ “‘Why should I fly--who seeks my life? I have injured nobody; if you know of any reason why I should leave my home, say so in plain terms.’ “‘Good-by, Ed,’ exclaimed the stranger, as he moved toward the gate; ‘my conscience is clear, for I have faithfully discharged my duty, though I may lose my life by the act. They told me you were half mad, but I am now satisfied you are completely so--remember my warning, ere it is too late.’