The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1896-12-24
CHAPTER XII.


Tho long expected Christmas ball was
in full swing, but tho late comcrs enter
ed SHOW covered and buifrtcd, for Il
bowling blizzard was sweeping down
from tho gorgcs Of the Rockies and
whirling deep tho drifts about the walls
Of old Fort Frayne. L,ale had como in
about tattoo, grave and tnciturn, his
fino face shadowed by Il sorrow whose
traces all could sec. Ho had como for
no festive purpose, was still in undrcss
uniform, and, after brief low toned
conference with his colonel, had turned
at once III search of Helen Daunton,
VINO, cvcl since the dance began, had
hoyc1cd Iuar the windows that looked
out toward the guardhousc, barely 100
yards away, yet now, oven with its bril-
liant light, only dimly visible through
the lashing storm. Twice had Mrs Far
rar cssaycd to draw her friend into the
Ittlo 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 amy part
In tho conversation. 1t WAS ut the Win
dow Lcalc found her and gently but
firmly drew her to one side aud closed
the shade
81 have felt in every fibcr," said hc,
chow you wcro waitinG Watching and
agonizing hero for news frnm--from
him. There is no news Hclcn, except
you know tho man he s,,bbcd-who
gavo his life for mc--is dcad?''
II know" was tho Shu;ldcring an
swer. "Has he heard? Docs he rcalizc?n
''Possihly not. Ho seems to bo sleep.
Ing. But no will know it soon enough.
Helen, do you know this---,nat tomor-
row we must give him up?"
'Givc him up?'' she asked, unable to
comprehend his meaning and looking
with new dread into his compassionate
face.
eyes, to tho civil authorities. uc
has cannot choose words nOw-hc
has committed murder and must be
tried by Il civil, not military, court. -
"You must give him up" she moancCl.
"Oh, what can we dO-what can wc
do2" and fcarfully she glanced to where
Mrs. Farrar was seated, chatting blitho
ly, oven joyously, now with hcr garrison
friends.
eyes" ho answered, "and we'll
know now why you gaze at her. I know
all the miserable truth. OrmSby told
mo when be came tC ask my counsel
and my help. He has only left mo II
short time since. was pledged to help
your husband, Helen, and am tlouLly
pledged to help that dear, dear woman'S
son. I must protect Roy!c rarrar to the
utmost Of my power; but, Hoien. in this
last half hour, by the bedside of the
bravo fellow who gavc his life for me,
have looked life and my own soul
in the face. | know what ] must do
and what l cannot do. / am not strong
enough to play at friendship with the
woman | love with all my soul |
can only be your friend by serving
you from far away. When what is
coming to Roylc Fnrrar has come,
shall tako leave of abScncn and 60
over tho sea- 1t is gnodby between
I'LL now. Tonight I look my last upon
tho face Of Roylo Farrar's wife Whati
You want me, Will?" he suddenly
turned and asked, for ut this moment,
throwing back the snow matted hood
Of his OvercOat, Farrar entered and came
quickly tothem, unseen by his mother.
eyes, sir. The news Of Grow Knifc's
death is all over the garrison, and the
men arc fairly mad over it. They won't
try lynching, but tho sentrics at the
guardhousc arc double, front and rear.
Graice is sleeping yet or else sham
ming. don't think he's too drunk not
to realize what would happen if Grow
Knifo's people got at him.. -
"Thcn your duty is doubled, lad,
was Lcalc's low toned answer "to
hold tho prisoner and to protect him
too.'
II understand" said Will firmly.
"Iho 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 tho colonels 8 arm.