CHAPTER XIII.
COUSIN MARIA.
After posting one of his men on each side of the house, which stood on the edge of a field, without any fence around it, Tony Kirk stepped up to the front door and knocked.

The door was quickly opened by a woman.
"Why, Cousin Maria," said Tony, "is this you ?" "Certainly it's me, Anthony," said the woman; "who else should it be ?" Cousin Maria was a tall woman, dressed in black.

She had gray hair and wore spectacles.

She seemed very glad to see Tony, and shook hands with him warmly.
"I didn't know you lived here," said Tony.
"Well, I don't live here, exactly," said Cousin Maria; "but come in and sit awhile.

You've been a-huntin', have you ?" "Well, yes," said Tony, "I am a-huntin'." Without mentioning that he had some friends outside, Tony went in and sat down to talk with Cousin Maria.