There were times when she seemed likely to get the better of the brute, but he finally overpowered her, and succeeded in getting his rope around her arms, and in firmly tying her to the tree, at which he had been aiming.

This done, and Nelly was at the mercy of his merciless lash; and now, what followed, I have no heart to describe.

The cowardly creature made good his every threat; and wielded the lash with all the hot zest of furious revenge.

The cries of the woman, while undergoing the terrible infliction, were mingled with those of the children, sounds which I hope the reader may never be called upon to hear.

When Nelly was untied, her back was covered with blood.