Night soon came on, throwing
its sable mantle over the earth, the sounds of the busy day were hushed,
and all the world seemed wrapped in the tranquil stillness of a summer
night. The stars, in countless numbers, were twinkling and sparkling in
the blue heavens above, while the new moon, like a silver crescent, shed
its soft light upon a scene of rare beauty and quiet loveliness.
Arriving within a short distance of the old farmer's house, the horses
and buggy were secreted in a little grove of trees that skirted the main
road, and the men stationed themselves in convenient hiding-places along
the lane, to await the return of the farmer and his nephew. From the
appearance of the farm-house, it was evident that the fishing-party had
not yet returned, and they settled themselves down to a patient, silent
waiting, which, as the hours wore on, grew painfully tedious and
tiresome. At last, long past midnight, and after they had begun to
despair of accomplishing the object of their visit, they heard a faint
noise, as though footsteps were approaching.
"Hist!" cried Robert, "some one is coming."
They listened intently, and gradually the noises grew louder and more
distinct.
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