The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1891-03-21
THE ROSE Of CHATHAM.
By MAURICE THOMPSON
Copyright. All rights reserved.l
CHAPTER VII.

Copyright. All rights reserved.l
CHAPTER VII.
AZ the days, weeks and months dragged
slowly by it became apparent to both
Mrs. Fenwicko and Rose that their
safety, as well as their comfort, de.
pended almost wholly upon the unfag-
cling and ine-plicablc interest taken in
them by Maynard. Apace with the
lapse of time his cxertions in their be-
half increased. although it was plain
that he used every precaution to try to
keep them from knowing it. He never
mentioned his connection with any Of
their affairs. save to make some inquiry
when it became necessary for him to
reach facts that it was Of importance
for him to use in their behalf, and then
only in q way that precluded embarrass-
ment.
Neither Rose nor her mother could be
cruel enough to openly question his
honesty of purpose so long as not even
the slightest appearance Of questionable
intent was shown in his conduct. and GER
tainly their condition would have be-
come unbearable had he chosen to let it
be so. Still twas it the wound across
his cheek. or was it some half hidden
expression Of his eyes) they suspected
and feared him: indeed, they found
themselves all the time expecting him to
disclose the secret evil he was planning
for them.
Naturally enough they often talked
the matter over. frequently resolving
that they would make an end Of 1t By
telling him kindly and firmly that they
would prefer to be left entirely to them
selves. but. a. often when he came, in
his dignided and calmly courteous way,
to inquire about their health or to re-
port some necessary details touching the
affairs Of their estate, it was quite i'm
possible not to treat his kindness with .
certain degree of gentle consideration.
Never once did he in the slightest de-
port himself rs il he were entitled to be
treated as friend or even familiar
acquaintance.
So the time passed on from spring to
summer and from summer to autumn.
Early in September the fleet of Count
d'Estaing appeared of Tybee island, and
forthwith the British commander at Sa-
vannah made ready for desperate de-
fe6se. Maj. Gen. Provost had not been
expecting the movement to begin 60
early in the season and had not pushed
to completion the defenses that he had
planned. E ,..
Now, however. he displayed great
energy in finishing those works which
would cover Savannah to the eastward
and southwark. He ran his little feet,
consisting Of four briggs and ships, up the
river 80 as to have them assist him in
defending the town, sent dispatches to
Port Royal island, ordering his forces
there to march forthwith to join him,
ana drawing in all his outpost detach-
ments concentrated every available man
within the lines of defense. While this
was going on the American general, Lin
coin, was massing his little army with
view to cooperating with d'Estaing in
the attack.
1t was exhilarating news to Rose when
she heard of the approaching struggle.
She felt sure that Prescott would be
with Lincoln's army, and somehow the
thought was full Of cheer. It was her
turn now to hear, US if in her heart, the
parting words, ''Good-by, dear. dear
Rose" She was impatient for the battle
to begin.
Maynard came to tell them that the
city was practically invested and that
the siege might be long one. He did
not think, however. that they would be
in any danger 90 long as they remained
at the mansion. The caemy's shells
could scarcely reach there, he hoped. He
was ready and would be, he said, at all
times to do for them anything within
his power.
The guns began to below soon enough,
and the dreadful sounds brought with
them conclusions that shook the town.
The air grew murky SO that tho light OF
day had u jaundiced cast. and by night
the flash Of the mortars and the long
blaze Of rockets made a strange glare
peculiarly horrible.
The fascination Of the sight grew upon
Rose US she watched tho high curving
fight OF tho mortar bombs and listened |
to the loud jarring swish of the missiles,
followed by the heavy pounding Of their
tall or by the explosion of the shells. It
pleased her excited fancy to regard each
shot as token Of her lovers efforts to
reach her. Nearer, nearer, Us they fell.
and more and inore startling as their
became, the heart of tho girl
throbbed with increasing pleasure scarce
y mixed with tho terror Of the occasion.
"They never can take the town; we
ne FIR too we'll prepared for them" said
Maynard one day when truce had been
agreed upon to bury tho dead, I'VE