The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-08

one OF the party for the night. he Knew every
inch of the ground from boyhood, and better
still, roundabout way to the chosen poinf OF
meeting. We decided to admit him, and after
receiving some special instructions he and the
lieutenant both withdrew. We had been dis
cussinR the question in the little bare sitting
room where such councils were usually held, and
when found myself alone, about 10 o'clock, l
went to the window and looked out, with some
sympathy for the midnight messengers upon the
almost impenetrable darkness and binding rain.
The window fronted a narrow strip OF ground
running along the embankment There were at
this point no steps or means OF ascent, save by
the most cautious and even perilous clambering.
A lantern swung here from high post. | was
watching it mechanically as 1t swayed ftfully to
and fro in the wind and rain, when its lurid
CLEAN suddenly fell upon two figures evidently
attempting the ascent. Once, twice. the fore
most figure slipped saw wild effort made to
clutch the soggy earth was in way spell
bound knowing it could be no one who had any
right to enter, or this point would not have been
chosen. My faculties seemed suspended; the
dull glow Of the lantern illuminated the strang-
ers' effort to reach the upper ledge and with a
sort of stupid fascination l watched them They
gained the terrace at last-two men, the slighter
of the two urging the other on. while the wind
and rain buffetted them cruelty. moment
more and one was beneath my window. My
senses seemed to return like a flash, and flung
open the sash, and bent down over the half
PROSTATE form Of a slender boy wrapped In q
long dark cloak, my candle showing me his COM
panion still making his way. uttering queer lit
tie means and groans as he did so.
The lad started at the sound OF my voice
turned his face upwards suddenly. and in spite
of the wind and rain andsall the strangeness OF
her coming, recognized my COUSIN Di! Another
moment and her companion reached us-DIs
faithful maid, Keziah Martin!
''Dianal" cried out, feeling almost suffoca-
ton in my breast
She did not speak, and with some difficulty
made her way into the room, followed by the
sobbng Keziah. Hurriedly and scarcely now
ing what / was doing, l relit the light and held
IL up closely to Diana's face. She caught me
quickly by the arm ana with sort of horror in
her face, motioned me to be silent
Are we quite alone" she whispered.
She was breathing quickly, poor child. Her
face was pale and haggard. I led her-almost
carried her-to rough lounge near the fire. She
glazed down at her disguise, a blush covering
her face, making it for an instant impossible for
her to speak.
DIANA" I said anxiously, 'for Gods sake
explain your coming. What does it meanp
In broken sentences-almost whispering it
and leaning her head back YEARLY on my breast
she told her story. Uncle Blake had been in
league with the English; had communicated
giish officers we're in waiting across the river. If
we sent out, as we expected, the party were to
be captured by the enemy, perhaps il it were
thought best killed on the spot. She. brave lit
tie Di, had overheard the plans that day and had
walked from Blake House here through many
perils, after nightfall, having fairly forced Ke-
ziah to accompany her.
"And thought" she said, putting her little
hands together. IF did not get here in time,
you might CO. Robert, and"
For all the shock and anxiety OF the moment,
thought of nothing then but that I had Dis
head on my breast, DIS voice, tender and sweet
sounding In my ears
'God brought you safely, Dr." whispered,
putting my arms closely about her. ''let US
thank Him for it..
And then with little sigh of relief or comfort,
l know not what, Di put one of her little hands
up to my face and drawing it down to her own
kissed my check passionateiy.
We were only silent and selfshly thoughtful
for ourselves for a moment. Action was neces-
sary at once. Di could tell me the name of the
foe within my door. It was Alpin, the ready
volunteer / told Di she must remain in dis
guise while | discussed our plan of action
with our officers. She drew her cloak about
her and sat like shy, pretty boy, apart in the
shadow of the fire when they came into the
room. Keziah, still inclined to be respondent
and weeping, remained near by, her cloak drawn
as closely as possible and her sharp old features
grimly cut against the firelight-the impersona
ton of Puritan severity, ludicrously in contrast
with the masquerading attire she had adopted at
her young MISTRESS bidding
1t was II o'clock We hastily laid our plans.
I would remain at home lest surprise was in
tended here. The rest of the party would 60
undisturbed, all but Alpin receiving private in
structions. A detachment would cross the river
somewhat above half an hour in advance, and
it was hoped to thus capture the English party.
/ saw Di listened anxiouSly and as soon as our
plans were laid and we were alone, / went over
to report to her. She caught my hand nerv-
ously.
Robert" she exclaimed, 'are you going?'
| explained that 1t was differently arranged,
and she sighed quickly, turning her face away.
No victory, no cry of battle, could have given
me the courage OF that little sigh OF relief that
was not to leave her
The party left, all but Alpin, informed of the
trap awaiting them. Then for three hours we
the officers and myself-having placed the regi
ment In waiting for attack--waited anxiously.
which Di lay still upon the lounge. Now and
then | went to the door and watched her in
silence. She had fallen into deep sleep from
the exhaustion and excitement of her walk. In
the dim light even, saw how pale and worn
her face had grown since saw it last The out
line was no longer round, the hue no longer soft
and blooming, but it was Di STILL Little Dr. for
all the change and as | watched her my heart
would almost force me TO kneel down and call
upon her to look up and tell me she had come for
my sake as we'll as for the country now knew
she loved as loyalty as myself.
think it was daybreak when we heard the
tramp of mems feet outside. The rain had
ceased-tho room was full of trembling gray
light / found Di by the window, whence she
looked out onto the steep embankment she had
so bravely assembled. In moment the room
was full of men. Our plan had worked we'll.
There were six English officers and Alpin in cap
tivity. In the confusion and excitement of their
arrival I did not recognize familiar FACET was
Di stard ding near me, who suddenly cried out:
"Montague!" and | recognized that one of my
prisoners was my old rival, Uncle Blakes guest
Captain Montague looked at me coldly, but on
hearing Diana's voice, his whole expression
changed. He glanced swiftly in her direction,
surprise. then something like anguish, darkening
his handsome face Not word was spoken for
that moment. Diana had returned his look with
one which, for an instant. sent stab of pain to
my heart. but at once her eyelids dropped and
she turned away
Presently, made an excuse to order all but
Captain Montague to withdraw; then, we three
found ourselves strangely enough together.
Montague was the first to speak.
Colonel Blake, he said coldly, and not look