The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-09-18
II

III
Such a dinner! Shall I ever forget
It? l who was then young and awk-
ward, for 1 was a soldier and not a
ladies' man, was put at my ease by
Dorothy's girlish unconsciousness, and
chatted as freely as did she. Before
dinner was over we were fast friends.
So delightful was 1 that 1 fingered, and
so far forgot myself as to neglect, for
even that short time, his excellencys
orders to make all haste to Lafayette.
Finally I said I must go, and Dorothy
sent word to have the best horse in the
stable saddlsd for me, for poor Bess
would not be fit to travel for some
weeks. We stood on the broad piazza,
/ thinking of some fitting words of
farewell. which somehow would not
| frame themselves upon my halting
tongue. 1 held out my hand; she laid
| her small one in 1t, and as she did so
we heard the tramp of horse upon the
road. AS we listened they drew rapid
ly near
"Goody-by," cried, and was off for
the stable.
there" she exclaimed; they will see
you"
| Back I ran, and together we darted
! into the house, and through the draw
| ing-room window saw a score or so Of
redcoats coming rapidly up the road.
quick, l must hide you," Dorothy
cried. Never have 1 seen a maid so ac.
tive. In one corner of the room was a
cabinet, about the height of my shoul-
der, and behind it and apparently
| Inc hn in
Quickly we pulled this out, and I
slipped behind, finding myself in a
small alcove, which had at one time
evidently been a bay-window. I saw
Dorothy pick up some sewing work and
sit demurely down. l heard the troop
ers draw up in front of the house, heard
the order to the men to surround it and
search the grounds, and the next mo-
ment a handsome young officer was
ushered into the room. He advanced
directly into the light of the lamp,
while Dorothy had withdrawn some
not see her clearly in the partial sha-
dow, for the next moment when the
light beamed on her face I could see
his start of surprise and the admira-
ton in his eyes.
was most courteous and his bow most
graceful, Madame, I am Capt. Hollis
ter of his Majesty's Fourth Dragons
l am in chase of a colonial captain
carrying important dispatches to the
Marquis de Lafayette, and have reason
to think he is in this vicinity. May ]
ask if you have seen or heard of him.!
Sir" she replied, and l was sur
mr. a6 Of hnf iopi 10
many American officers in this quiet
place"
True" he said. my Lord Corn
gled him for saying such a thing tc
Dorothy
She did not reply, and the officer con-
tinued: You did not answer my ques-
tion. Have you seen him?"
do you not think it probable I should
be the first to report the fact IL he were
here?' SHE replied, to my astonishment
Il do not doubt you are as good a
subject of his Majesty as your father
but I must have your assurance that
the man am after is not around here >
Your tone is insulting, SIR" Dorothy
cried, in some anger.
You will not answer" he exclaimed;
Il
sorry, but it is my duty"
/ admired him for his persistence be.
fore such a maid as Dorothy. He was
a good soldier.
At this moment a trooper came to the
door and whispered to the Captain
heard him exclaim, and he hastily Sent
the man out with orders to search the
grounds.
| ~ arnt.
mans horse has been found in the
stable" he cried. 1--WE followed hin
by his horse tracks; they turned thi:
way, and am sure that If you have
not seen him he is hidden somewhere
around here" He picked up the lamp
You will pardon me-" he said, "but
l must make the examination thor.
ough." He walked around the room
and then started for the door. II will
spare you all the trouble 1 can," h,
said.
l was about to speak to Dorothy
when he returned hastily.
Il have been here before" he cried
land If l remember correctly, ther,
was another window in this room
Where is it?"
1T has been closed" said Dorothy
walled up"
He paused moment in thought. "I
was a bow-window," he exclaimed
} Opening upon the portico. You have .
cabinet in front of It," and he advanced
: toward me.
stand back. SIR" cried Dorothy
springing before him.
He stopped where he was, and saw
he suspected from her remark that
: was hidden behind the curtain. / re
solved to wait for his next movement
and nuietlX drew my sa her