The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-09-02

but waute no time in words. You re-
member that night? Women like you
forget no more than men like me.
Then swore to serve you to the death.
Stop! know what you would say. the
gulf between us-the shame-the hor-
ro1t Oh, Godl Carolyn, do not stop for
thatl You life-your honor-ny worth
less life net connted-an rest on one
single instant nowl Come; you are
free!''
Something in the strong, low-spoken
words, will hers could not combat,
forced the girl to listen, even while she
shuddered and shook her head. Then,
as the man eagerly, pleadingly, held out
his hand, she drew back, her old self
once more.
keep back!'' she cried, with flashing
eyes. "You are lying to mei-lying for
your revengel He who could betray his
country would not scruple to betray a
helpless woman .....
A shadow Of agony unspeakable
swept the mans face, and his lips
opened-as Il to speak. But mighty
effort closed them again; and he an
swered only with pleading gesture to
the door.
"Leave met' the woman said, low but
imperiously. "Gotor + call the guard!'
sBister, hard as you are" the man
answered, calmly, but with laboring
breast, s'your pride will ruin all Miss
Clay. by every memory Of the past-by
the grave Of my dead naosher-I swear I
speak tie truth. In the copse yonder
stands nay horse. The sentry is-power-
less. An hours ride brings You to
roads you know; sunrise sees you safe
with confederate cavalry. By my soul,
swear Tspeak only truth"
'sAad3did I trust you"
eyes, know" he interrupted, eager.
~, almost happily. EFF yous do, II is
not that you hate-despise me less, but
that you mast use such vile means for
the cause VIZ you Gomez"
Again he extended his hand, entreat-
ing. Again the woman drew back
with shudder.
ooh, God! Dare I trust this manp''
burst from her lipssin half sob.
'sYou can!' he whispered, eagerly.
"You can trust me as you could Evan,
for yossr csoas sake-for your cause-for
little Fairfax
ssToss know" She stared at him.
eyes, I know" He hesitated an In
slant, adding, almost fiercely: ut is the
spy's business-She trassosss-to know
all. Poor little Fairfax!"-again his
voice softened to infinite tenderness
che will die-you will murder him-un-
less you use these means to save. An
hours ride, and you are free, safe
among friends"
With something like asob he finished,
raising his hand to push the damp hair
back from his forehead. The embers
fickered into blaze again, throwing
full light upon his face. and the woman.
-hesitaut till then-again drew back,
shuddering.
"An omen!" she cried. ''That scar
Gains brand upon your forehead-warna
me not to trust the traitorI"
He stared, at her wondering.
''Hypooritei' she answered to the
look, II too know aH-the swift con-,
federate brand upon you-Capt. Charl.
tons bullet marked"
'sCharlSonp'
A great amaze made his face blank
one instant. Then the name passed his
lips, low, vengeful as curse. His
breast rose and fell. as he dashed his
hat to his head, striding ono step to-
wards her:
! obstinate, relentlessl' he said, rap
idly, in hollow voice. "Will youaprove
selfish as well? Carolyn Clay, have
said what man dare say. Did say one
word more,-did I conc5nce you,-then I
should despise myself as you despise me!
have solemnly sworn to save you, at
risk of-of all that is left TO meat
risk of losing what girl like you could
never dream! A moment more, the
relief comes and all Is lost; ior. swear /
actn not leave this hut alone! No; do NOT
answer: there is no time. If your own
honor is rislxed, - u your mothers
heart is broi<en,-if little Fairfax dies
for want Of remedies his prideful sister
might have won him,-then call God
to witness that the sin is on your
headp'
The woman's bosom rose and fell,
words rushing to her lips died upon
them; she heard her own heart beating
thunderous in her throat.
"Comel For the sake of all dear to
,you,-cause, mother, brother,-comep'
the man pleaded. ''Vile, despicable as
I am in your eyes, let me atone in part,
by saving you-and Fairfax"
The sob SO close to Carolyn Clay's
lips burst through them. A great JOY
CLEANED in the deep eyes Of the traitor
Virginian; and again-with observation
'piteous in it's meekness-he held out his
hand.
With bowed head, but quick gesture
of dissent. the woman withdrew her
own, half extended to take it; but she
pointed to the door, without a word.
Into the binding drifts of snow,
,whirling and eddying now in the colder
wind, passed those two, he carefully
closing the door, to hide all CLEAN from
within. A few PAGES through the soft
white carpet, then the woman drew
back shivering, with what had been
cry, but for his warning hand upon her
arm.
''My Godl You killed -"