Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-09-29
CHAPTER XII.

The long expected Christmas ball was
in full swing. but the late Corners enter
ed snow covered and bufYeted, for Il
bowling blizzard was sweeping down
from the gorges Of the Rockies and
whirlinR deep the drifts about the walls
Of old Fort Frayne. Leale had come in
about tattoo, grave and taciturn. his
fine face Swallowed by sorrow whose
traces all could see. He had come for
no festive purpose. was still in undress
uniform. and, after brief low toned
conference with his colonel, had turned
at once in search Of Helen Daunton,
who. ever since the dance began, had
lowered near the windows that looked
out toward the guardhouse. barely 100
yards away. yet now. even with its bril-
liant light. only dimly visible through
the lashing storm. Twice had Mrs. Far
rar essayed To draw her friend into the
little circle by which she was surround
ed. but Helen had speedily shown she
was unable to give her attention to
what WAS being said or to take any part
in the conversation. II was ut the VIII
dow Lea!e found her and gently but
firmly drew her to one side and closed
the shade.
u have felt in every FIBER" said he,
how you were waiting. watching and
agoniziDg here for news from-from
him. There Is no news. Helen, except
YOU know the man he s.abbed--who
gave his life for ne-is dead:''
IL know" was the shuddering au-
swcr ''lIas he heard? Does he realize"
Possibly not He seems TO be Sleep
ing. But he will know it soon enough.
Helen. do yoa know this-that tomor.
row we must give him up?'
GIVE him up?" she asked. unable to
comprehend his meaning and looking
with new dread into his compassionate
face.
Yves. tu the civil authorities. He
has--l cannot choose words now-he
has committed murder and must b.
tried by civil, not u military, court "
"Iou must give him up. she moaned.
"Oh. what can we do-what can we
do?' and fcarfully she glanced to where
Mrs. Farrar was seated. chatting blithc.
ly. even Joyously, now with her garrison
friends.
Yes" he answered, land we'll I
Know now why you gaze at her. i know
all the miserable truth. Olmsby told
me when he came 10 ask my counsel
and my help. He has only left me n
short time since. was pledged To help
your husband, Helen. and am doubly
pledged to help tha; dear. dear woman's
son. l must protect Eoylc Farrar TO the
utmost of my power. but. Helen, III this
last half hour. by the bedside " the
brave fellow who gave his life for me,
j have looked life and my own soul
in tie face. ] know what must do
and what cannot do. am not s,ron:
enough to play at friendship with the
woman love with all my soul. l
can only be your friend by servin.
you from far away. When what is
coming to Royle Fsrrar has come. l
shall take leave Of absence and 20
over the sea. 1t is gocdby between
Ms now. Tonight I look my last upon
the face of Royle Farrar's wife. What:
You want me, WIFI" nc suddenly
turned and asked. for at this moment,
throwing back the snow matted hood
Of his OvercoAt. Farrar entered and came
quickly to them, unseen by tus mother.
Eyes, sir. The news Of Crow knife's
death is all over the garrison. and the
men are fairly mad over il. They won Z
try lynching, but the sentries at the
guardhouse are double, front and rear.
Graice is sleeping yet or else sham
ming. don't think he's too drunk no,
10 realize what would happen If Crow
Knife's people got at him."
''Then your duty is doubled. lad. "
was I.eale's low toued answer - Ito
hold the prisoner and to protect him
too"
''I understand" said Will firmly.
''The man who gets Mt him tonight. sir,
will have 10 60 through hell first. F"
And then he turned to find Kitty
standing. smiling in saucy triumph. at
his elbow. lsanins on the colonial Q arm.