The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1893-03-09

tne ain mouse the morning MARX MAD
left it for Chattanooga, and once when
the young Confederate had defended
him at the trial.
No sooner had Captain Fitz Hugh laid
eyes on Marks face than he recognized
the spy he had defended at Chattanooga.
Professor" he said coolly, ''you are
very adroit.
Mark turned scarlet, and then ashy
pale. For moment it seemed that his
legs would not support him. It required
time for him to collect himself to make
any reply whatever.
s'Since you are so good at extricating
yourself from difficulties, you have a
fine opportunity to show your skill now. .
Fitz Hugh spoke with his hand on the
handle of his pistol. MAY trouble
you to throw up your hands, professor?
''It is not necessary" said Mark. Il
am unarmed.'
across his mind, and he wished Fitz
Hugh would shoot him.
''On your word of honor?
"Why do you ask such question:
You know that | am an arch deceiver.'
AT any rate, you are gentleman.
Never mind throwing up your hands"
Meanwhile Mark had been giving his
heart time to cease humping, aud had
gathered his wits.
Laura remained silent, staring at them
both as though she had lost her reason.
Had she hundred things to say her
tongue could not have been made to
utter one.
Mark turned toward Fitz Hugh and
looked him square in the face. He had
conceived an idea; forlorn hope, it is
true, still a hope. Quick to discern peo-
pies peculiarities. he had gotten an in
sight into Fitz Hugh's character when
that officer had defended him at Chatta-
nooga. He DOW resolved to take advan-
tage of that knowledge
Captain" he said, notwithstanding
the position in which you saw me few
days ago, Notwithstanding the painful
situation in which you see me now, you
have on both occasions done me the
honor to consider me gentleman. ]
assume to a perception in this respect
not less keen than yours. Indeed so
sure am l of the delicacy, the refinement
of your instincts. that l feel perfectly
safe under this roof"
"How SOP asked Fitz Hugh, surprised.
II am the guest of that young lady"
Mark stood with his arm outstretched,
his finger pointing to Laura Fain. Laura
gave glance at Mark as he spoke, which
caught the eye of Captain Fitz Hugh.
It contained admiration, devotion. Fitz
Hugh gazed from one to Inc other with
out word.
81 need not explain further, captain, "
Mark added. "A gentleman cannot mis-
take my position: only a gentleman can
understand it."
"You mean, SIR said Fitz Hugh,
''that cannot honorably enter this
house and profit or cause my country TO
profit by what | find here without the
consent of the inmates"
Il do
MRS. Fain is the acknowledged head
of this house, and she is evidently de-
l.
right to speak for her. l acknowledge
Miss Fain's right to hold me to this
secret, If any one has, such a right. But
when Miss Fain shall haye been fully
advised of all the facts
s'Pardon me-; she knows all you
know"
'.Then when Miss Fam shall have
S,,<> ~, ~ he,
country am quite sure she will give
her consent"
The attention of both men became
fixed upon Laura, for it was evident
that she would be called upon to make
a decision between her country ami her
lover on the one hand and the defense
less Union spy on the other. She was
standing near the sofa. on which she
had been sitting, steadying herself by
resting her hand on the back Of chair.
It was moment of intensest feeling to
all three. Lara knew the sterling
worth, the high sense of honor and
duty of her lover. She knew that il she
held him to, secrecy he would considerit
evidence that she permitted her interest
IN Cne spy 10 ONeIWuciIN Ac1 Scuse VI
duty. And would he not attribute her
protection to something more tender
than an ordinary interest? Fitz Hugh
realized her position; indeed there
seemed to flash into both Of them the
feeling that her decision would lie be.
tween two member lover and the
Federal spy. With Mark it was ques'
ton of life or death.
'sMiss Fain-Laura," said Fitz Hugh
speaking slowly and impressive]y, 81
ask your permission to give up this inn
postor-pardon me, sir, for the plainness
of my language; it is essential-this spy
who desires to carry information NORTH
to the detriment of our country; who
seeks the defeat of our cause.-The cause
in which your brother is every day risk
ing his life; though this may b.
matter of small importance the cause
for which I, your lover, would lay dow1
my life as would lay it down for you
It seems to me that it is a question be
tween your duty and your inclination
Does it seem so to your"
SIT does"