The Springfield herald., 1900-02-23
he silently beckoned to the daughc~
to resume her place.
CHAPTER TX.


Edward Harrison had, of course.
taken every prscaution to prevent any
| attempt at escape or rescue. He had
been forced to yield TO Captain VIII
sons demand for suitable accommoda-
tions for his prisoner and his refusal
to adopt other measures-indeed, the
latter would have been super1uous.
William was in the charge Of his most
bitter enemy. and he guarded him bet-
ter than any jailer.
In side-wing Of the building. At
the end Of long passage. was q room
where many valuable articles were
kept during the absence of the own
ers. The only entrance was through
strong door with 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 second
door. and Edward kept the keys Of
both in his pocket. No assistance
could come from outside. and her
cousin knew only too well that FIer-
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 h-
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
ternatives only-success or death in
honorable conflict: and Colonel Bur-
ney. too, had had no other idea when
he uttered the fateful words: Dead or
dIshonored." 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 spy. Anything
save this shameful doom. There was
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 n 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, would
also be the guardian and protector Of
the young girl, who would be abso-
lutely in this scoundrel's power. Will
liam clenched his hands In helpless
fury. and low groan escaped his lips.
Suddenly he started. He fancted
that he heard his name spoken by
some one close at hand. OF course 1t
must be a delusion, yet he stood still
and involuntarily glanced toward the
window. The voice reached him again.
This time more distinctly.
| "Williami Don't you hear?"
| With sudden spring, the young
man reached the somewhat high win
dow. behind whose gratings the out
ible.
"John-you? Impossible! 1t can't
bel"
II have the honor, however. to be
myself was 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 your
way here?"
Don't be in such hurry. Put
your questions slowly. in regular or
der, and I'll answer in the same way.
We shall have plenty of leisure for it;
1t will be some time before can saw
through this confounded iron graf
ing"
The faint sound OF file showed that
the rescuer was really at work, and
at the noise fresh hope and courage
filled the young officers soul. Free
dom Rescued! He could have shout
ed for joy at the bare thought, as
the rescue had already been accom-
plished.
ITO be continued.)