Semi-weekly Windham County reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1897-1901, 1901-09-03

Meanwhile JaQueline had drifted In
to the dance and was whirlinS. bend
ing, floating. every muscle alive with
its especial motion. At times she
would lull, poise herself for moment,
then. like titful wind, start again
with renewed fervor. At no time could
there be discovered aught but delicate
refinement In her movements, and now
it was her purpose to attract without
exciting her spectators. Stimulated by
frequent bursts Of applause and by
the rapt attention Of the men surround
Ing her. she found her main incentive
in far deeper, nobler motive. feeling,
as she did the critical situation. the
dread responsibility, for human life
resting upon her.
What singular scenel The ring OF
ugly faces momentarily softened by
the sight Of grace and beauty; the cap
tain. his sharp face turning with the
dancer and following her wherever she
goes; Pete Halliday. standing with
folded arms. lowering from under the
broad brim Of his sombrero, grinding
, with pride at furnishing the music for
his young mistress. inspiring her with
his own inspired melody; little Buck,
standing between two lank suerrillas
In "butternut," staring at his cousin
and forgetful of her danger In his inter-
est In her work; Helen Stanforth,
standing apart. her strong face wear
pf
watches cavalry charge intended to
turn position on which hangs the fate
of the day.
The guerrillas, not one Of whom
would hesitate TO slit throat. at the
slightest prospect OF gain. were watch
Ing the little soubrette not only with
admiration. but with respect Once
during her performance one Of the men
applauded with rbald remark. lie
was standing by the captain. who
stretched bis arm. brought 1t down
with q backward stroke and sent the
| man sprawl!ng. JaQuellne saw the
act and the approving looks OF the out
laws, who were In no mood to have
their sport interrupted. The color left
her cheeks, but she kept right on, ana
tho episode passed without further con-
sequences.
| Al a moment when the attention OF
the men had become riveted upon the
dancer Helen, who had been gradually
working her way from the group to-
ward me, came and sat down on the
log behind Ginger. where she was par
tally screened by him. Watching her
opportunity, she deity took revolver
from her pocket and concealed 1t In
the folds of her dress. With her eyes
fixed upon the group about Jack, she
waited for a burst of applause. ana
when It came, reaching back. she drop
ned the weapon behind the log at my
feet; then, rising, rejoined the circle.
pushed the revolver under the log with
the toe Of my boot, then kicked dust
and leaves over it This accomplished.
/ breathed the most comfortable Sign
of relief have ever drawn In my life.
The whole situation seemed changed
by that little dust covered combination
of bits of metal STOPPING. | slipped 1t
into the leg of my boot and felt that
half the battle was won.
| At that moment the setting sun came
out from behind a cloud and shot
lances of light through the trees. cover
ing the group-the beautiful and the
uglv. the good and the bad, the refined
and the yulgar-with gilded splendor.
l saw but Jaquellne. The usual ftful-
ness of her disposition, her natural eS-
precision of careless Indifference. had
! riyen place to a serious intensity de-
! noting great purpose. Posing herseir
3 between two movements. the gliding
| rays shone on her forehead. Then dart
| ing on her toes TO another part or the
ring. n quick succession of lights ana
shades passed over her brow. glitter
iny diadem of sun flashes. Truly Coo
is wonderful artist. since he can
touch even a dance with celestial pu-
rity.
Helen Stanforth turned to me. Pull
ing her sunbonnet forward so as 10
conceal her face from the others,
though they were too intent on Jaque-
line to notice her, she moved her lips,
and though no sound came l knew she
|
Cor
Near me was a tree, not far from
that another, underbrush, bushes-just
the cover through which to make n re-
treat. l could easily get down behind
the log, crawl into the thicket ana
away. Now for the first time the pur-
pose of dear Jaqueline was fully up
parent.
But how could leave these friends
who had risked so much, accomplished
so much, for me? l stood still ana
shook my head.
Again Helen looked an order for me
to go.
i met without the others" / whis-
pered.
Sitting down on the log so as to I've
nearer to me, she replied in a low
voice:
1--WE will leave here when you are
safely away. She will dance on 10 keep
them from knowing you have gone. we
have planned it So"
."rhey will know you connived at my
escape and murder you"
"Why should theyf Go at once, or
shall consider you an migrate"
She looked so anxious, they had all
made such a noble effort in my behalf,
that could not find 1t in my heart to