Battle — Victory — Death. 1 2 7 



the neighboring town to draw it out of the Savings 

 bank ; and while poor Buz remained a prisoner in 

 the cobweb, the old couple sat by the fire, counting 

 out the yellow gold which it had taken them so long 

 to collect, but which they were giving away with 

 such ready generosity. 



It looked so bright and beautiful — quite tempt- 

 ing ! 



Tempting ? Yes, indeed ; too tempting by far ! 



For as they were counting it over, a face appeared 

 at the window outside. 



It was an evil face, deeply carved by many vices 

 — drunkenness, cruelty, theft, and even bloodshed 

 having stamped their ugly marks upon it. 



It was the face of a convict recently discharged 

 from prison, who, coming to the cottage to see 

 what he could pick up, was having a stealthy look 

 round before knocking at the door. 



As his cruel, cunning eyes peered into the room, 

 they suddenly caught sight of the money, which 

 had been counted out on a small round table in 

 front of the fire. 



The instant he saw it, he crouched down, hiding 

 himself as well as he was able, and devouring the 

 gold with hungry eyes. 



After a time, the old man took up the pieces one 



