The Red Cloud chief., 1900-01-26
CHAPTER tx.

Edward Harrison had. OF course.
attempt at escape or rescue. He had
been forced to yield to Captain VIII
sons demand for suitable accommoda-
lions for his prisoner and his refusal
to adopt other measures-indeed, the
latter would have been superfiuous.
william was in the charge OF his most
bitter enemy. and he guarded him bet
ter than any jailer.
In a s~ide-wing OF the building, at
the end of a long passage, was a room
where many valuable articles were
kept during the absence of the own
ers. The only entrance was through
a strong door with a double lock, and
the one window. which also opened
upon the passage, was protected by an
iron grating. which, though not heavy,
was remarkably strong. In addition,
the corridor was closed by a second
door, and Edward kept the keys OF
both in his pocket. No assistance
could come from outside. and her
cousin knew only too we'll that Flor
ence had not the energy to attempt to
free the prisoner. at least in her
fathers dying hour.
William paced up and down the
close, gloomy room in the most in
tense excitement. So this was the end
of the foolhardy ride which he had
undertaken in defiance Of every warn
ing. True, he had thought Of two al
ternativcs o~nly-success or death In
honorable conflict; and Colonel Bur-
ney. too, had had no other idea when
he uttered the fateful words: Dead or
dlshonored." There was a third:
Captured"
True. this captivity meant death.
The young officer did not deceive him
self concerning his fate; but little
as he feared death, his blood boiled
in fierce rebellion at the thought OF
being sentenced as a spy. Anything
save this shameful doom. There wal
one bright ray Of hope for him: He
trusted in the honor Of the Confed-
crates. Unless Edward Harrison
could hoodwink them into believing
him a spy, he seemed reasonably safe
Then came the thought of Florence
who would now be left wholly without
protection. How would she endure
the terrible event, and what would be
fall her after her fathers death? Ed
ward, as the sole male relative. woult
also be the guardian and protector O
the young girl, who would be abso
lutely in this scoundrel's power. vii
liam clenched his hands in helpless
fury, and a low groan escaped his lips
Suddenly he started. He fancie,
that he heard his name spoken b!
some one close at hand. or course 1
must be a delusion. yet he stood still
and involuntarily glanced toward tn
window. The voice reached him again
This time more distinctly.
william! Don't you hear?"
With a sudden spring, the youn
man reached the somewhat high win
dow, behind whose gratings the out
lines Of a human figure were now Wis
ible.
"John-you? impossible, 1t can
be-"
hoNV Nv hohoir W "
myself" IA the reply. Good even
ing. Will"
But how did you get to Spring
field? How did you hear of my fate
How did you succeed in making you
way here?'
Don't be in such a hurry. Pu
your questions slowly, in regular OF
der, and I'll answer in the same wa!
We shall have plenty of leisure for II
1t will be some time before l can "a
through this COMPOUNDED iron gra,
ing"
The faint sound Of a file showed tbs
the rescuer was really at work, an
n at the noise fresh hope and courae
t filled the young officers soul, Ere,
: dom! Rescue! He could have shou
ed for Joy at the bare thought. as
the rescue had already been accon
, plished.
/ ITO be continued.)