The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1897-03-17
CHAPTER XII

CHAPTER XII.
The long expected Christmas ball was
In full swing, but the late corners enter
ed snow covered and buffeted. for n
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 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 i'll 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. 1t was at the win
dow Leale found her and gently but
firmly drew her to one side and closed
the shade
81 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.
"Yes," he answered, land well l
know now why you gaze at her. l know
all the miserable truth. Ormsby told
me when he came to ask my counsel
and my help. He has only left me a
short time since. was pledged to help
your husband, Helen, and am doubly
pledged to help that dear, dear woman 8
son. / must protect Royle Farrar 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. l know what must do
and what | cannot do l am not strong
enough to play at friendship with the
woman 1 love with all my soul. l
can only be your friend by serving
YOU from far away. When what is
coming to Royle Farrar has come, l
shall take leave of absence and 20
over the sea. 1t is goodby between
us now. IOnlBnJ LOOK NY iaso uPoii
the face of Royle Farrar's wife. What!
You want me, WHIP" he 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 his mother.
Eyes, sir. The news of Grow Knife's
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. l don't think he's too drunk not
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 =" Ito
hold the prisoner and to protect him
too"
az understand, said Will firmly.
"The 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 oolonel's arm.