The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-08-02
CHAPTER XVI.


control, Miss Beaubien had informed
them that she had promised to lead with
Mr.. JerTold, and since he was in duress
she would lead with no one, and sent
them off wondering and greatly excited,
there came running up to the carriage
telegraph messenger boy, who handed
her dispatch.
81 was going up to the avenue,
num-" he explained, "but I seen you
here"
Nina's face paled as she tore it open
and read the curt lines:
Come to me here. Your help needed
instantly"
She sprang from the carriage. "Tell
mother l have gone over to see some
fort friends--not to wait, j." she called to
the coachman, we'll knowing he would
understand that she meant the ladies
with whom she had been SO recently
talking. Like frightened deer she sped
around the corner, hailed the driver Of
cab, lounging with his fellows along
tho walk, ordered him to drive with all
speed to Summit avenue, and with beat
ing heart decided on her plan. Her glo-
rious eyes were flashing; the native
courage and fierce determination Of her
race were working in her woman's
heart She we'll knew that imminent
danger threatened him. She had dared
everything for love Of his mere presence,
his sweet caresS. What would she not
dare to save him if save she could? He
had not been true to her. She knew,
and knew well, that, whether sought or
not, Alice Renwicll had been winning
him from her, that he was wavering
that be had been cold and negligent
but with all her soul and strength she
loved him and believed him grand and
brave and fine as he was beautiful
Now-now was her opportunity. He
needed her. His commission, his honor,
depended on her. He had intimated as
much the night beforehand told her
Of the accusations and suspicious that
attached to hin-but made no mention
of the photograph.
he had said that, though nothing
could drag from him word that would
compromise her, she might be called
Gpon 10 stand 'twiXt him and ruin, and
now perhaps the hour had come. She
could free, exonerate, glorify him, and
Ia doing SO claim him for her own.
Who. after this, could stand 'twixt her
and him? Ho loved her, though he had
been cold, and shel Had he hidden
her bow her dusky head to earth and
kiss the print CT his heel she would
have obeyed could she but feel sure that
her reward would be simple touch Of
his hand, al assurance that no other
woman could find moments place In
his love. Verify. he had been doing
desperate wooing III the long winter,
for the very depths Of her nature were
all athrob witr love for him. And now
no conld no longer plead that poverty
withheld his offer of his hand She
would soon be mistress of her own lit
tie fortune, and at her mothers death
of an independence. Go to him she
would, and on wings Of the wind, and
90 she did. The cab released her at the
gate to her home and went back with o
double fare that set the driver to think
iag. She sped through the house and
out the rear doors, much to the amaze
OF cook and others who were in consul
tation in the kitchen She flew down o
winding flight Of stairs to the level be-
low, and her fairy feet went tripping
over the pavement Of plebeian street.
4 quick turn, and she was at a little
second rate stable, whose proprietor
knew her and started from his chair.
Whats wrong today, Miss NinaP"
II want tho roam mare and light buggy
again--quiok as you can. Your own
price at the old terms, Mr. Graves-si-
leuce."
He nodded called TO subordinate
and IN Ave minutes handed her into the
frail vehicle. An impatient chirrup and
flap of the reins, and the roam shot
forth into the dusty road, leaving old
Graves shaking his head at the door.
GIVE known her ever since she was
woaned," he muttered, land she's a
wild bird, if ever there was one, but
Eae's never been the like O. this till last
mouth.
And the roam mare was covered with
foam and sweat when Nina Beaubien
drove into the bustling fort, barely an
hour after her receipt Of Jerrold's tele-
gram. A few officers were gathered in
front Of headquarters, and there were
curious looks from face to face as she
was recognized. Mr.. Rollins was on
the walk, giving some instructions to a
sergeant Of his company, and never saw
her until the buggy refined up close be-
hind him, and turning suddenly he met
her face to face as she sprang lightly
TO che ground. The young fellow red.
dened to his eyes and would have re.
coiled, but she was mistress Of the stu.
alton. She we'll knew she had but tc
command, and he would obey, or, at the
most, If she could no longer command
abe had only to implore, and he would
be powerless to Withstand her entreaty.
IT am glad you are here, Mr.. Rol
lins. You can help me-sergeant, will
you kindly hitch my horse at that post
now" she added in low, hurried
tone, "come with me to Mr. Jerrold's y
Rollins was too stupefed to answer.
Silently he placed himself by her side
and together they passed the group al
the office. Miss Beaubien nodded with
something Of her old archness and co
quetry to the cap raising party, bu
never hesitated. Together they passed
along the narrow board walk, followed
BY curious eyes, and as they reached thC
angle and stepped beneath the shelter
Of the piazza in front Of the long, low
green blinded bachelors row there wal
sudden sensation in the group. Mr.
Jerrold appeared at the door Of his quar-
ters; Rollins halted some 90 feet away
t.oi aod biu nex, n. .,1 la -. ,..I III 1a,,,