Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1900-04-27

roof, but beyond these the sweep of level
was unbroken save by large bed with cur-
tains, table, and several chairs. A half
moon window at either gable end was let
high into the wall. A long ladder leading to
one of them showed it had been used as
post of observation, but now both were care
fully covered to prevent any interior light
reaching abroad.
Here, then, were comfortable quarters at
last. 1t was none too cool, but there was
plenty of sjr, and could but get bite and
few hours sleep I felt something might
come of it, especially as there was a safe
hiding place near at hand which could be
used at pinch, and such possible refuge
would prove mighty factor in preventing
decentralization
l was looking at the trapped hole in the
floor through which we had come when I
heard footstep on the stairs and a man APP
peared from below. He rose into sight as
though there was no end to him, SO tail and
gaunt was he, and as he came to the light I
saw that he possessed but one eye, and that
set in face which had the length and ex-
preston of that of horse. With barely
glance at me, he took my companion aside,
where they held whispered conference.
Suddenly turning, he held out to me an arm
like fail and grasped my hand. Then with
a smile which disclosed magnificent set of
teeth, and like magic TRANSPORTED the ex-
English and with voice of wonderful
modulation:
Donald Thorndyke, you are heartily well
come to the poor house of Peter Burt.
trust it will hold you in safety until way
of escape is made clear. Your deed is
known to me. I honor you for your gen.
crosby, bravery, and patriotism. Pardon
me-" he interrupted 1 was about to
speak, 81 know your present needs, and will
11xv 81 <hav, foil
And with this he abruptly turned and went
below.
He had barely disappeared when a strange
thing Happened. was facing the bed when
l heard an exclamation come from behind
the cur aims, which were drawn close, and at
the sa1ie time they parted, discovering
youth dad in long Quaker cloak which de
scended halfway down his shapely calves.
For the moment was startled, but at once
surmised that he was the dumb brother of
my companion. Ames sprang forward -
meet him, the boy greeting him with smile
and hand clasp, but, pushing past my
guide, he advanced to where stood by the
table, and with ripping laugh which there
was no mistaking astonished me by saying:
Donald Thorndyke here! Has he, too,
escaped? Heaven is Indeed good! have no
need of counterfeiting .dumbness with him.
Beverly, by what fortune"
Ames let out cry just as 1 cleared my mud
died brain and recognized the girl, Gertrude
King, disguised as a Quaker. With the
cloak gathered about her as though to con-
ceal her altered apparel, and slightly bent as
in shrinking modesty, she stood with eyes
and lips apart, while my late guide grasped
my hand and said:
'3By the Lord! but I struck better than I
knew. Why, man, twas you who gave me
he E,,ct ho, holv, ov,I hot ~ khaG
but l have never seen your face closely till
now. 1 knew you the savior of my sister,
but had no guess l was in your debt for my
SELF
Were quits, as you said, but tits small
debt. She is your sister, then!" l ex-
claimed, in my bewilderment referring to
the matter which had been bothering me.
"How is it 1 am thus hoodwinked? Have
we not just sworn"
NAY, friend,' he broke in entreatingly.
81 but guessed at you at first. This dumb
ness has been a mask from the start. Twas
that and your pass which got Gertrude
through the lower lines. / but continued it
with you, fearing you would shirk the risk
of having a girl share what adventure we
might have in store. You gave me to un
derstand that much. Be not offended.
NAY, Beverly, could have told you bet
teri" said the girl. "Capt. Thorndyke, you
unsexed inwardly as outwardly when say
that l know you will not refuse your help
TO me; for, as you once risked your life for
mine, you will not leave us and put it be-
yond my power to do my share in making
good the debt. The same feeling which babe
you defy Clinton will surely not allow you
Ito leave me while / am still unfortunate!
And can help. l will not faint nor lose my
head and cry out if danger comes. / can
shoot; ay, and will, if need be!'
She was a striking object as she stood
there in the light of the single candle. As
she spoke she stepped forward, the cloak
slipping from her hands and falling about
her in graceful folds. Not whit less of
beauty was she for all that her hair was
shorn for more than halt it's length and
stained almost black, for in her male at
tire there was no installing the grace of her
sex, which in her accentuated. In her pres
emit rig she seemed less tall than in her
proper costume, but it gave freedom to her
movements, and there were ease and supple
ness in even the small gesture of extending
her arms toward me as if to add weight to
her words. From top TO toe there was
witchery about her, and l little wondered
at ScamInelPs infatuations How on earth
she had passed the lines without having
! been suspected was puzzle, unless, indeed,
she too, like her brother, was skilled in act
ing part.
mistress Gertrude" I replied, bending
my head, whereat she attempted courtesy,
which, to say the least, was graceful despite
the lack of sweeping drapery, you need
not think me generous whSn I tell you that
the oath which binds me t3shelp your broth
er binds me to help you also, and to the
last extremity. These may be but empty
words; danger lies in every quarter, nor
can probe way through. Madam, do not
count on the success of my best efforts, but
| for the sake of all know them to be my best.
And now for your story; but, first, how is it
| that brother and sister bear different