The Washington times., 1894-12-09
Pact L.-CHAprER III.

ing. He had started forward. half expecting
that the complacent, self-confessed spy would
be inundated by his iniuriated dupes. But,
TO his surprise. the shock seemed 10 have
changed their natures and given them the
dignity they had lacked.
The excitability, irritation, and reckless
ness which had previously characterized
them had disappeared. The deputy and his
posse. who had advanced to the assistance of
their revealed chief, met with no resistance.
They had evidently, as if with one accord,
drawn away from Judge Beeswinger, leav-
ing a cleared space around him, and regarded
their ca,tors with sullen, contemptuous
silence. 1t was only broken by Col. Star
bottle:
'fYour duty commands you, sir, to use all
possible diligence in bringing US before the
Federal Judge of this district. Unless your
master in Washington has violated the Con-
stitution so far as to remove him, too.
u understand you perfectly returned
Judge BeeswiDger, with unchanged compes-
ure. ''and. as yod know that judge Wilson
unfortunately cannot be removed except
through regular cause OF impeachment, sap
pose YOU may still count upon his Southern
svmpathies TO befriend YOU. Vita that have
nothing to do: my duty is complete when my
deputy has brought you before him and L
have stated the circumstances OF the arrest.
y congratulate you, sir, said Capt. PIDck-
ney, with an ironical salute, ''in your prompt
reward for your treachery to the South, and
your equally prompt adoption Of the peculiar
tactics OF your friends III the way IL which
you have entered this house.
Il am sorry 1 cannot congratulate you,
sir returned Judge BeesWinger, grayely,
ION breaking your oath to the government
that has educated and supported you, and
given you the epaulets you disgrace Nor
shall discuss 'treachery' with the man who
has not only violated the trust of his country
but even the integrity OF his friends house
hold. 1t is for that reason that l withhold
the action of this warrant IN so far as il affects
the person OF the master and mistress OF this
house | am satisfied that Mr.. Brant has
been as ignorant OF what has been done here
as l am that his vile mas been only the foolish
dupe OF double traitor.
Silence
The words broke simultaneously from the
lips OF Clarence and Capt Pinckney. They
stood staring at each other-the one pale, the
other crimson-as Mrs. Brant, apparently
ObiviOus Of the significance OF their united
adjuration. turned to Judge Beeswinger in
the fury OF her still stihed rage and mortil-
cation.
''Keep your mercy for your fellow spy"
she said with a cOntemptuous gesture toward
her husband. Il 90 with these gentlemen
aYou viii not, said Clarence quietly, ''un-
til ] have said word to you alone.
he laid his hand 1irmly upon her wrist.
The deputy ana his prisoners fled slowly
out of the courtyard together the latter
courteously saluting Mrs. Brant rs they passed,
but turning from Judge BeesWlnger u con-
temptuous silence. The latter followed them
10 the gate, but there be paused.
Turning to Mrs. Brant. who was still half
in the EtrQnp grin OF her buRNand
he said:
"Any compunetion may have had in mis-
leading you in accepting your invitation here,
/ dismissed after had entered this housel
And I trust, he added. turning to Clarence,
sternly, Il leave you master OF itn'
AS the gate closed behind him Clarence
locked il. As his wife turned upon him an
grily he said. quietly: II have no intention
Of restraining your libertya moment after our
interview is over. But until then l do not in
tend to be disturbed.
She threw herself disdainfulIy back in her
chair. her hands clasped in her lap, in half
contemptuous resignation, with her eyes upon
her long. slim, arched feet crossed before her
Even in her attitude there was something Of
her old fascination, which, however, now
seemed TO sting Clarence TO the quick.
Il have nothing TO say TO you in regard to
what has Just passed in this house, exctpt
that as long as I remain nominally its master
il shall not be repeated. Although / shall no
longer attempt to influence or control your
political sympathies. ] shall not allow you 10
indulge them where IN any way they seem to
imply my sanction. But so little do l oppose
your liberty that you are free to rejoin your
political companions whenever YOU choose to
do so on your own responsibility. But / must
first know from your own lips that your
sympathies are purely pollucal-nOt a name
for something else"
She had alternately flushed and paled, al
though still keeping her scornful attitude as
he went on. but there was no mistaking the
genuiness Of her vague wonderment at his
concluding words. ''Idon't understand you. 50
she said. lifting her eyes TO his in moment
Of cold curiosity ''Nhat do you mean"
"What 90 mean? What did Judge Bees
winger mean when he called Capt. Pinck-
ney a double traitor?" he said, roughly.
She spraug TO her feet with flashing eyes.
And you-you---dare 10 repeat the COW
Erdiy lie Of a confessed spy. This, then, is
what you wished TO tell me-this, the insult
for which you have kept me here, because
you are incapable Of understanding unseilish
patriotism or deyotion-even TO your own
ceuse-you dare 10 Judge me by your own
base standards. Yes. it is worthy OF you.'
She walked rapidly up and down, and then
suddenly laced him.
81 understand it all. I appreciate YOUR
magnanimity now. You are willing | shall
Join the company of these chivalrous gentle
men in order 10 give color TO your calumnies
Say at once that il was you VINO put uu this
spy to correspond with me-to come here
tn order to entrap me. Yes. entrap mel
who moment ago stood up for you before
these gentlemen, and said you could not lie.
BahI''
Struck only by the wild extravaganza Of
her speech and temper Clarence did not
know that when women are most Illogical
they are apt TO be most sincere. and from a
mans gfauduDinr her unraaEoDiny 5nSua-
tions appeared to him only as an affectation
to gain time for thought, or a theatrical dis
play to dazzle, like Susy's. And he was turn
ing, half cOntemptuousy, away. when she
again faced him, with flashing eyes.
We'll, hear me. I accept, I leave here at
once to join my OWL people, my own friends
those who understand me-put what con-
struction on it you choose. DO your worse
You cannot do more to separate Us than you
have done Just noW."
She left him and ran up the steps with an
extravagaut return Of her old occasional
nymph-Ike gracefulness- movement of a
woman who has never borne children and a
switch OF her long skirts that be remembered
for many day after as she disappeared in
the corridor.
He remained looking after her-indignant
outraged and-unconyincedi Then there
was a rafting at the gate.
He remembered he had locked it. He
opened it to the flushed. pink cheeks and
dancing ewes of Susy The rain was still
dripping from her wet cloak as she swung it
from her shoulders.
Il know it al. all that's happened" 4" she
burst out. with half girlish eXuberance. and
half the actress defamation. 1--WE met them
al in the road, posse and prisoners. Chief
thompson knew me and told me all And so
you We done it-and you're master in your
old house again. Clarence. old boy. sim
n Ia cd rnr1'1 nnf-