CHAPTER VII.

OFFICERS OF THE LAW.


As Auntie Sue was closing the door of her guest's room carefully behind
her, Judy came from the kitchen in great excitement, and the knocking at
the front door of the house was repeated.

"Hit's the Sheriff, ma'm," whispered Judy. "I was just a-comin' ter tell
you. I seed 'em from the kitchen-winder. He's got two other men with
him. Their hosses is tied ter the fence in front. What in hell will we
do, now? They are after him in there, sure 's death!"

Auntie Sue's face was white, and her lips trembled,--but only for a
moment.

"Go back into the kitchen, Judy, and stay there," she commanded, in a
whisper; and went to open the front door as calmly as if nothing unusual
had happened.

Sheriff Knox was a big man, with a bluff, kindly manner, and a voice
that made nothing of closed doors. He returned Auntie Sue's greeting
heartily, and, with one of his companions,--a quiet, business-looking
gentleman,--accepted her cordial invitation to come in. The third man of
the party remained near the saddle-horses at the gate.