The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1891-10-15

ASN3H eAAN NAAAShANa CNCA W hNA hAAIOA0
feet When at last she reached the
shanty and sank into her brothers arms
she was breathless from fright and ex-
haustion.
But. dear, ! cannot keep you 0 mo-
ment, she painted, after he had glanced
over the papers she thrust into his hands,
not even TO answer questions You
don't know the danger we are In or the
FIsk have run in coming Oh. Frank.
1t would break mothers heart II any
thing should happen to you. No. dear,
we women are not In any danger. The
soldiers are quartered upon Us, but they
are civil enough in their bearing. But,
oh, Frank. you must hurry Let me
give you mothers love and her blessing
and her kisses, with dear little Missy's
and mine. and then you must 60"
And not moment to talk with you.
GIenr
Not Q moment. Is that Black Bess
tied out yonderT Wait, will go with
you TO mount, and then you must ride
like the wind"
It was quite dusk in the wood
Black Bess whinnied with pleasure
and snuffed daintily as Glen passed her
hand caressingly over the creatures
satin neck Her brother held her for .
moment in q close embrace; there was
q whispered God bless you," quick
vault to the saddle, and then the spirited
mare. with her gallant rider, dashed for
ward out Of sight. Glen watched them
until the last glimmer Of Confederate
gray had vanished. and then turning.
with tear filled eyes and 4 beating heart,
saw Captain Campbell not ten rods dis
tant, leaning quietly against . tree,
with his arms folded on his breast.
In an instant the indignant blood
rushed hotly to her face and throat He
evidently expected her to speak. In
deed, he lifted his cap and advanced .
step. but her pause was only momentary.
With her head up. she went swiftly past
him. noticing him no more than II he
had been the tree against which he had
leaned With one stride he was beside
her.
will you accept my escort, Miss
HelenY he asked courteously. "This
wood is a lonely place, and particularly
unsafe In these unsettled times and at
this hour"
1T seems infested with spies at any
rate" she said haughtily. 81 could
scarcely expect you to relinquish your
role so quickly for that Of protector
But to spy upon womanI" In her un-
controllable excitement she had turned
in the narrow pathway to confront him.
and her face shone white in the dark
ness. when you and your soldiers
forced yourselves upon US, Captain
Campbell, we accepted the fortunes Of
war as gracefully as we might, and
treated you, II not in the spirit at least
in the letter Of courtesy, as our guests
DO you know that o southerner-yes,
the humblest Of us-would sever his
right arm from his body sooner than be
guilty Of what you have seen ct to con-
slider your duty9 And q gentleman
would scorn to accept information from
q base slave who betrays his masteri"
Perhaps the latter character is an ex-
otto which exists only south Of Mason
and Dixon's line, Miss Helen"
His tones were perfectly calm. II she
had not been 90 swept out Of her ordi.
nary self control she might have detected
q faint amusement in his voice, but her
passion had blinded her perceptions
And now. II you have fulfilled your
mission" she said after pause, "you
will permit me to find my way home"
MY mission will not be fulfilled until
have seen you safe ct your mothers
door" be said gravely, as he lifted his
cap and fell pace behind her. II her
life depended upon It she could not have
uttered another word Of protest There
was nothing 70 be done consistent with
dignity but to hurry homeward and rid
herself as quickly a. possible Of his hated
presence. As she pressed swiftly for.
ward. trying to forget that she was not
alone. but hearing always that steady
trn step behind her. hundred ques
tons buEEed in her brain. Why was he
alone, and on foot2
She had expected to see Q squad Of
cavalry dash from behind the trees and
scurTy forward in the direction which
Black Bess and her rider had taken.
Was he arIned2 No; she had not thought
Of It before. but now, as II his presence
had been photographed upon her mem.
Ory, she saw him as he had leaned care
lessly against the .tree-in dark blue
frock coat. with his cap pushed back
from his brow and not even his sword
dangling from his side-as peaceful Q
figure Is one might meet on an afternoon
stroll What could 1t all mean2 She
was faint with excitement and perplex-
ity. The way seemed interminable. and
1t had grown very dark An owl hooted
close at hand and the wind sighed In
the pine trees above her. and still that
firm step sounded behind her, bringing
with it--how dared she acknowledge Il
to herself-a certain sense Of protection
and comfort. Once he stretched out his
hand to hold aside an overhanging
bough that she might pass, and then,
thank heavenl they cleared the woods,
the way grew smoother, and at last the
lights Of home twinkled before them.
As they entered the long. dark avenue
which led TO the house II seemed like 20
ing into the gloom Of another wood.
Strange TO say Glen was feeling wildly
that this silence must be broken-that
she must say some word Of achnowledg.
ment or dismissal. As she turned her
foot caught in the protruding root Of
one Of the old trees, and she would have
fallen heavily forward had not pair Of
strong arms caught and held her in .
close embrace.
Glen, my poor child, have you hurt
yourselfY When the FIRST spasm Of pain