The Washington times., 1894-12-09

He threw open the gate to let her pass. AS
she swept out she lifted her hand. As he
closed the gate there were the white marks OF
her four fingers on his check.
PART I-CHAPTER ".
For once Susy had not exaggerated. Capt.
Pinckney was lingering with the deputy who
had charge of him on the trail near the Casa
II had already been pretty well understood
by both captiyes and captors that the arrest
was simply a legal demonstration that the
sympathizing Federal judge would undoubt-
edly order the discharge OF the prisoners on
their own reCogniZances. and ii was probable
that the deputy saw no harm in granting
Pinckneys request. which was virtually only
a delay in his own liberation. Il is also pos
sible that Pinckney had worked upon the
chivalrous sympathies the man by profess
ing his disinclination to leave their devoted
colleague, Mrs. Brant, at the mercy OF her
autagonisiic and cold-blooded husband at
such a crisis. and il is to be feared, also. that
Clarence, as a reputed lukewarm partisan
excited nc personal sympathy even from his
own party. Howbeit, the deputy agreed TO
delay Pinckney's journey for a parting inter
view with his fair hostess.
How far this expressed the real sentiments
Of Capt. Pickney was never known. Whether
his political association with Mrs Brant had
developed into a warmer solieitude, under
stood or ignored by her, and what were his
hopes and aspirations regarding his future
was by the course Of fate never disclosed. A
man o. easy ethics bu. rigid artificialities of
honor. hattered and pampered by class
prejudice, a so-callei ''man OF thsworld, y
with no experience beyond his own limited
circle. vet brave and devoted TO that it were
well perhaps to leave this last act of his in
efficient life to the simple record of the
deputy.
Dismounting, he approached the house
from the garden. He was already familiar
with the low-arched doorway which led to the
business room, and from which he could gain
admittance TO the patio. But it so CHANGED
that he entered the dark passage at the mo-
ment that Clarence had thrust Susy into the
business room and heard its door shut
sharply. For an instant he believed that Mrs.
Brant lad taken refuge there. but as he eau
tiously moved forward he heard her voice IN
the patio beyond. Its accents struck him as
pleading; an intense Curiosity drew him fur
ther along the passage. Suddenly her voice
seemed TO change to angry denunciation, and
the word "liar" rang upon his ears. 1t was
followed by his own name uttered sardoni-
cally by Clarence, the swift rustic of a skirt,
the clash Of the gate, and then, forgetting
everything. he burst into the patio.
Clarence was just turning from the gate
with the marks Of his Wife's hand still red on
his white cheek He saw Capt. Pinckney'
eyes upon it, and a faint, half-malicious. half
hysterIc smile upon his lips. But without a
start or gesture of surprise he locked the
gate, and turning to him said, with frigid
significance:
Il thank you for returning so promptly.
and for recognizing the only thing now re-
quire at your hands"
But Capt Pinckney had recovered his
supercilious ease with the significant demand.
You seem TO have had something already
from aHother's hand sir-but l am at your
service, 50 he said. lightly.
You viii consider that have accepted it
from you. sir said Clarence, drawing closer
to him with rigid face. II suppose it viii
not be necessary for me to return il to make
you understand me-"
GO on, - said Pinckney, flushing slightly.
Make your terms. l am ready
But I'm not, !" said the unexpected voice
of the deputy at the grille of the gateway
Excuse my interfering. gentlemen bul this
sort o thing amt down in my schedule I've
let this gentlemen, pointing to Capt Pinck-
ney, ''on for mint TO say good-by TO lady
who, reckon, has Just ridden off in her
buggy with her servant without saying by
your leave; but / don't calkerlate TO let him
inter another business which like as not. NAV
prevent me from delivering his body safe and
sound into court. You hear me.' As Clar-
ence opened the gate he added: 81 don't
want ter spoil sport between gents. bat it's
got to come in after I've done my duty
IN meet you, sir, anywhere, and with
what weapons you choose" said Pinckney,
turning angrily upon Clarence, ''as soon as
this farce-for which you and your friends
are responsible-is over" He was furious
at the reflection that Mrs. Brant had escaped
him.
A different thought was in the husbands
min -g,,-r
are going on with the deputy?n he said, with
purposely insulting deliberation.
My word, sir" said Capt. Pinckney
sharply
And if that amt enuff, there's mine, ~ said
the deputy. For if this gentleman swerves to
the right or left betWixt this and Santa Inez
I'll blow hole through him myself And
that, be added, deprecatingly, sis saying q
good deal for man who doesn't want TO
spoil sport. and, for the matter of that, is
willing to stand by and see fair play done at
Santa Inez any time tomorrow before break
fast"
Then I can count on you?" said Clarence,
with sudden impulse, extending his hand
The man hesitated a moment and then
grasped it. well, wasn't expecting that, -
he said, slowly; ''but you look as if you meant
business, and if you amt got anybody else to
see Nou through, I'm thar / suppose this
gentleman will have his friends"
Il snail be there at with my seconds, -
SAID Plnckney. curtly. Lead on
The gate closed behind them Clarence
looked around the now empty patio and the
silent house, from which he could now see
that the servants had been Withdrawn to in
sure the secrecy Of the gathering. Cool and
collected rs he knew he was, he stood still for
a moment in hesitation. Then the sound of
voices came TO his ear from the garden room.
the Ii-k. frivolitv OF Susy-'s Iarrb and uooi-'
er's huskfer accents. He had forgotten they
were thero-ho lad even forgotten their ex-
isteuce
Trusting still to his calmuess. he called to
Hooker in his usual voice That gentleman
appeared with a face which his attempts to
make uneoncerned and impassive had. how
ever. only deepened into lunoreal gravity.
Il have something 10 attend to, said Ciar-
encc w,th faint sn'lo and 1 must ask you
aud SEsy 10 eXcEso ne Tor little while. She
Anc'@s t2e :-cGso perfectly, and will call the