"Ah I wish it were so," he said caressing her, "but I begin to fear that the sounds we have heard with so much relief and pleasure, were as unreal as Bruno's talking a while ago."
"Oh, was it you, Mr. Lilburn?" she cried in a tone of sore disappointment.
"Ah well, my bonnie lassie, the Ku Klux are gone at all events: let us be thankful for that," he answered.
"What, what does it all mean?" asked the two young men in a breath, "what strange deception has been practiced upon us?"
"My cousin is a ventriloquist," replied Elsie, "and has done us good service in using his talent to help in driving away the Ku Klux."
He instantly received a unanimous vote of thanks, and the young people began pouring out eager questions and remarks:
"Another time; my work is but half done! I must pursue!" he cried, hastily leaving them to seek an exit from the house.
Elsie hurried away to see if her little ones still slept. All did but little Elsie, and she was full of joy and thankfulness that her dear papa's cruel foes had been driven away.
"Ah, mamma, God has heard our prayers and helped us out of this great trouble!" she said, receiving and returning a tender embrace.
"Indeed he has, daughter, let us thank him for his goodness, and ever put our trust in him. Have you been long awake?"