Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-02-09


"When l met him again it was at the
Fains' house. Laura Fain, the woman
up stairs, then my betrothed, but now
his wife, was concealing him."
"Well?"
II saw that she was infatuated with
him. She claimed him for her guest.
T.
well, go on"
II could not honorably inform on
him."
ooh, Cameron-what absurdity-
what idiocy-what t.
This afternoon you sent for me. I
came. | saw the man | had seen twice
before-with my-with the loveliest, the
noblest of all women-his wife"
The major only stared at his friend:
he had no words to express his feelings,
his sympathy.
when we came out here he told me
that he would accept nothing further
for himself at my hands: that he would
not shield himself behind woman's
skirts. He walked away before me-
and YOU
IL permitted him.
Taliaferro shuddered. He knew that
his friend by his act had placed himself
i'll Il terrible position
"Cameron," he said. do you know
you are liable to be shot for this?
Il do"
Il always told you,' the major went
on anxiously, impatiently. "that your
notions of honor We're absurd. quixotic."
The highest sense of honor is never
quixotic. 1t is best fitted for Christian,
IL soldier and gentleman
And do you expect me to let this
spy go?"
No. Protect yourself-thc cause.
Send after him. 1t is | who have con-
nived at his escape, not you. You must
not suffer"
The cause alone is enough"
"Orderlv," he called to man stand
ing by the gate.
The soldier approached and stood at
attention.
go tell Captain Heath that the man
who was here this evening has gone, and
I want him followed and brought back.
Tell him to send Ivy all the roads"
The man saluted and went away.
"Cameron.' said the major, after Civ
! ing the order "God grant that this act
of yours may not be known. 1t will not
| be. for | am the only one who knows of
it, and it will never pass my lips
Il am responsible for my act, and if
! it becomes known | trust shall have
courage to meet the consequences like a
man"
And now. Wallace" he continued.
Il am going. The young wife who was
left in my charge l leave in yours. l
/ would gladly protect her myself, but
prefer to spare her the pain of being
under my protection. If her husband is
| taken and she needs me, send for me-
Cameron, you are leading me to
hope that he will not be taken"
Fitz Hugh went to the gate near by,
where his horse was standing, and
mounting rode away.
AS soon as he had gone Taliaferro
called a negro woman, and told her to
go to the ladys room and ask her Off
she had not gone to bed) to come to him,
as he had Il communication to make.
Laura had no thought of taking off her
clothes. She was waiting for what
might happen. When she received the
majors message she went down to him
with heart beating wildly
Madam said the major deferential.
ly, your husband has gone
"Where:" asked Laura, with blanch-
ed cheek.
He walked away in the presence of
Captain Fitz Hugh. who would not de-
tain him or inform me that he had gone
till he was obliged to do So
Laura clasped her hands and mutely
breathed blessing on the man who had
spared her husband for her sake.
How long has he been gomez she
asked.
More than half an hour"
"Iiave you ordered his pursuit.
81 have
'And he has start Of
"Thirty lninutes.'
you'll never take him. He bears q
charmed life"
"And now, madam. what can do 70,
you: My friend charged me to see that
you have every attention"
81 will go on and join my mother"
"Tonight:'
"Tonight-now.'
your phaeton shall be at the door il
a few minutes. You must accept NY es
cort. There will be a guard besides"
1T is not necessary for you TO 60"
II shall not permit you to go without
me-"
Orderly! Hey, orderly! The lady.
phaeton at once. And send for a cor
poral and six men
In ten minutes Laura, Major Italia
ferro seated beside her. six stalwar
cavalry men in gray about her, was OF
her way to Join her mother.