Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1896-05-16
clarence

With difficulty Brant suppressed
start. 1t was clear to him now. The
information had been obtained at the
division headquarters and passed
through his camp as being nearest the
confederate lines. But what was the
information, and what movement had
he precipitated? 1t was clear that this
woman did not know He looked at
her keenly. A sudden explosion shook
the house, drift of smoke passed the
Window shell had burst in the gar
den.
She had been gazing at him despair
ingy, wistfully, but she did not blanch
or start.
An idea too possession of him. He
approached her and took her cold hand.
A half smile parted her pale lips.
You have courage-you have devo-
tion," he said, gravely. 81 believe you
regret the step you have taken. Ifyou
could undo what you have done, even at
peril to yourself, dare you do it"'
Yes she said, breathlessly.
you are known to the enemy. IL
am surrounded you could pass through
the confederate lines unquestioned."
"Yes,'' she said, eagerly.
"a note from me would pass you
again through the picllets of our head
quarters. But you would bear note
to the general that no eyes but his must
see. 1t would not implicate you or
would be only a word of warn
ing"
And you,' she said, quickly, would
be saved! They would come to your
assistance! You would not then be
taken?'
He smiled gently. "Perhaps-who
lnows?"
He sat down and wrote hurriedly.
This" he said, handing her slip of
paper, sis pass. You will use it be-
yond your own lines. This note,' he
continued, handing her sealed envel-
ape, lis for the general. No one else
must see it, or know of it-not even
your lover-should you meet him!"
''My lover!" she said, indignantly,
with Hash of her old savagery, what
do you mean? l have no lover!"
Brant glanced at her flushed face.
81 thought" he said, quietly, that
! there was some one you cared for in
yonder hnes-some one you wrote to;
it would have been an excuse"
He stopped as her face raled again,
and her hands dropped heavily at her
side. Good God. you thought that
too. You thought that l would sacri-
flee you for another ,nan?'
"Pardon me-" said Brant, quickly,
81 was foolish. But whether your
lover is a man or cause, you have
shown woman's devotion. And in re-
pairing your fault you are showing
more than woman's courage now"
To his surprise the color had again
mounted to her pretty cheeks, and even
eyes, ct would have been an excuse
--yes-to save man, surely. Well, 1
will go. l am ready"
"One moment" he said, gravely. cal
though this pass and an escort insures
your safe conduct, there is an engage
ment and some danger. Are you still
> ready to face it?"
81 am" she said, proudly, turning
back braid of her fallen hair. Yet
moment she hesitated. Then she said,
in lower voice: "Are you as ready to
I forgive?"
SIN either case" he said, touched by
her manner-"and God speed YOU"
He extended his hand and left u
slight pressure on her cold fingers. But
they slipped quickly from his grasp,
and she turned away with a heightened
color.
He stepped to the door. One or two
oids-de-camp, withheld by his order
against intrusion, were waiting eagerly
f with reports. The horse of mounted
field officer was paving the garden
! turf. The officers stared at the young
girl.
Take Miss Faulkner with flag to
some safe point of the enemy's line.
She is non-combstant of their Owl,
and will receive their protection"
He had scarcely exchanged dozen
words with the aids-de-camp before
the field officer hurriedly entered.
Taking Brant aside he said quickly:
Pardon me. general, but there is a
strong feeling among the men that this
attack is the result of some informa-
ton obtained by the enemy. The wom-
an you have just given a safeguard to
. is suspected, and the men are indig-
| nant."
THE more reason why she should be
conveyed beyond any consequences OF
their folly, major" said Brant, frigidly,
! "and / look to you for her safe convoy.
! Thers u nothing In this attack to show