Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1896-12-09
CHAPTER XII

The long expected Christmas ball was
in full swing, but the late comers enter
ed snow covered and buffeted, for a
bowling blizzard was sweeping down
from the gorges Of the Rockies and
whirling deep the drifts about the walls
of old Fort Frayne. Leale had come IL
about tattoo, grave and taciturn, his
fine face shadowed by sorrow whose
traces all could see. He had come for
no festive purpose, was still in undress
uniform, and, after a brief low toned
conference with his colonel, had turned
at once in search of Helen Daunton,
who, ever since the dance began, had
hove1ed 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. It was at the win
dow Leale found her and gently but
firmly drew her to one side and closed
the shade.
IT have felt in every fiber" said he,
chow you were waiting, watching and
agonizing here for news from-from
him. There is no news, Helen, except
you know the man he stabbed-who
gave his life for me-is dead?"
81 know" was the shuddering an
swer. HAS he heard? Does he realize?'
POSSIBLY not. He seems to be sleep
ing. But he will know it soon enough.
Helen, do you 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.
Eyes, to the civil authorities. He
has-I cannot choose words now-he
has committed murder and must be
tried by civil, not a military, court. "
"You must give him up" she moaned.
"Oh, what can we do-what can we
do?" and fearfully she glanced to where
Mrs. Farrar was seated, chatting blithe-
ly, even joyously, now with her garrison
friends.
Eyes" he answered, land we'll
know now why you gaze at her. know
all the miserable truth. Ormsby told
me when he came to ask my counsel
and my help. He has only left me q
short time since. I was pledged to help
your husband, Helen, and I am doubly
pledged to help that dear, dear woman's
son. I must protect Royle Farar to the
utmost of my power; but, Helen. in this
last half hour, by the bedside of the
brave fellow who gave his life for me,
/ have looked life and my own soul
in the face. I know what I must dc
and what cannot do. I am not strong
enough to play at friendship with the
woman l love with all my soul.
can only be your friend by serving
you from far away. When what il
coming to Royle Farrar has come,
shall take leave of absence and &c
over the sea. 1t is goodby between
us now. Tonight I look my last upon
the face of Royle Farrar's wife. What
You want me, Will?" he suddenly
turned and asked, for at this moment
throwing back the snow matted hoot
of his overcoat, Farrar entered and came
quickly to them, unseen by his mother.
eyes, sir. The news of Crow Knife
death is all over the garrison, and the
men are fairly mad over it. They won't
try lynching, but the sentries at the
guardhouse are double, front and rear,
Graice is sleeping yet or else sham
ming. I don't think he's too drunk mo-
to realize what would happen if Grow
Knife's people got at him."
"Then your duty is doubled, lad, ,
was Leale's low toned answer -"tc
hold the prisoner and to protect hin
too"
81 understand" said Will firmly
"Tne man who gets at him tonight, sir
will have to 60 through hell first. "
And then he turned to find Kitty
standing, smiling in saucy triumph, a
his elbow, leaning on the colonel's arm
Still angered against her and deepl.
impressed with the Importance Of th'
duties devolving upon him, Farra
would have hastened by them with onl.
brief and ceremonious salutation, whel
Fenton stopped him.
Where rid I understand that yor
were going. ,ir1' said he with mocl