The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1896-12-22
CHAPTER XII.


Tho long expected Christmas ball was
in full swing, but the lato comcrs enter
cd snow covered and bufrctpd, for u
bowling blizzard was sweeping down
from the gOrgcs Of tho Rockies and
whirling deep tho drifts about the walls
Of old Fort Frayne. Lcalc had como i'll
about tattoo, grave and taciturn, his
fine face shadowed by II sorrow whose
traces all could see. IIc had como for
no festive purpose, was still in undrcss
uniform, and, after Il brief low toned
conference with his colonel, had turned
ut onco in search of Helen DauntOn,
who, over since the dance began, had
hovc1cd near the windows that looked
out toward tho guardhousc, barely 100
yards away, yet now, even with its bril-
liant light, only dimly visible through
tho lashing storm. Twice had Mrs. Far
rar cssaycd 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 tho conversation. 1t was at tho win
dow Lcalo found her and gently but
firmly drew her to ono sido and closed
tho shade.
II have felt in every fiber" said ho,
chow you were waiting, Watching and
agonizing here for news from-from
him. There is no news, Helcn except
you know tho man he stabbed-who
gave his life for me-is dcad?"
II know was tho shuddcring 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?" sho asked, unable to
comprehend his meaning and looking
with new dread into his compassionate
face.
Eyes, to tho civil authorities. He
has-I cannot choose words now-ho
has committed murder and must be
tried by a civil, not a military, court. 1"
"You must givo him up" sho moaned.
ooh, what can we do-what can we
do3" and fearfully she glanced to where
Mrs. Farrar was seated, chatting blithe-
ly, even joyously, now with her garrison
friends.
"Yes," no answered, "and well I
know now why you gaze at her. know
all the miserable truth. Ormsby told
me when he cnmo to ask my counsel
and my help. Flo has only left mo a
short time since. was pledged to help
your husband, Helen, and am Goubly
pledged to help that dear, dear womaM's 8
son. must protect Roylc tarrnr to the
utmost Of my power; but, Holcn. in this
last half hour, by tho bedside of the
brave fellow who gave his life for nc,
l have locked life and my own soul
in tho face. I know what must do
and what ] cannot 90. am not strong
enough to IlIy at friendship with the
woman 1 love with all my soul.
can only he yonr friend by serving
yOu from far away. NhCu what is
coming to Roylc Farrar has come
shall take leave Of ubsc,cc and 20
over the sea- 1t is gUoGhy between
US now. Tonight / look my last unon
the face Of Roylo Farrar's wife. What?
You want me, Will?" nc suddenly
turned and asked, for at this mCmcnt,
throwing back the SHOW matted hood
Of his overcoat, Farrar entered and came
quickly to them, unseen by his mother.
eyes, sir. The nows of Grow knife's
death is all over the garrison, and tho
men arc fairly mad over it. They won't
try lynching, but tho sentries at the
guardhouse arc double, front and rear.
Graice is sleeping yet or elso sham
ming. don't think he's too drunk not
to realize what would happen if Grow
Knife's people got at him.
"Thcn your duty is doubled, lad, >"
was Lcalo's low toned answer - "to
hold the prisoner and to protect him
too."
~ understand" said Will firmly.
"Tho man who gets at him tonight, sir,
will have to go through hell first
And then he turned to find Kitty
standing, smiling in saucy triumph, at
his elbow, leaning on the colonel arm.