The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1902-05-01

After giving the Colonel "a final
bump against the partition he re-
leased him and dashed from the Office
CHAPTER VII.
It was about II o'clock when GUY
left the Colonies office. He did not
go to the hotel Immediately, but
fastened first across the street to
the livery stable. A big strapping
fellow came out and advanced toward
him from the shadowy regions be-
tween the stalls. Guy was surprised,
for in spite of the big fellows
turned=up coat collar and continued
attempts to keep his face averted, he
recognized him as Barney.
Guy had not much time to waste in
useless expressions of establishment
or in any other extended chain of
thought. He Immediately connected
Barney with that note of which he had
been the bearer, and which was writ
ten on the back of sheet of newspa-
per copy" The next instant he re-
called Vlandingham's words about
Barney's inability to read writing If
this were true, Barney certainly could
not have been the author of that note
Possibly there were four spies in
camp instead of two. Was the fourth
man Sampson?
"Well, Barney" said Guy, cynical
ly, eve meet again."
you've got the best O. me-" an
swered Barney, staring blankly at
Guy.
Don't try to play the Innocent"
went on Guy, drawing closer to the
stableman and speaking in low and
hurried tone. 81 know you're Har-
mony man, but I give you my word
that I won't say anything about it,
providing you stop your spying oper-
ations from this on. Just now I want
you to help me. Miss Vlandingham
and Miss Pinkney are here in town dis
guised as Sisters of Charity. Col.
Keever has found it out and I want
to get them started back to Harmony
before any harm befalls them. Put
your best team to double-seated car
riage in the shortest possible order
and drive to the hotel.''
Without another word Guy left the
stable and fastened to the hotel office.
AS he passed the Emporium he caught
a glimpse of Col. Keever standing in
side in close and animated conversa-
ton with Mr.. Glimmer and several
others. The young man had little
doubt that Keever was retailing the
information obtained from Hepburn.
There was not an instant to be lost
if Miss Vlandingham and Miss Pink
ney were to be saved from the conse-
quences of their rashness.
On reaching the hotel Guy found the
office empty, but quickly discovered
the proprietor smoking his pipe on the
veranda.
81 must have word with those Sis
tiers of Charity at once, Mr.. Smith,"
said Guy.
Pedro took his pipe out of his mouth
and stared at Guy wonderingly.
''It isn't possible, Mr.. Herbert" said
he.
why not? Quick, I'm in tearing
hurry"
'They're not here, that's why. They
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where did they go?'
'Can't tell you"
Guy ran out through the rear of the
building. He was about to wheel
sharply into the main street when he
saw an excited throng making in that
direction, the Colonel at their head.
Facing about, he hurried along under
the shelter of a barn and some sheds,
thereby avoiding the crowd, which
was just entering the hotel as he came
out on the street again.
What could he do? He was per-
picked and had an uncomfo rtab bic feel
ing of helplessness. Suddenly he saw
Barney drive a. team and carriage out
of the barn. The vehicle was a COW
cred surrey and Barney had shot
gun lying beside him on the front seat.
His face was set and determined.
Hes loyal to Vlandingham," was
Guys mental comment. I'm glad of
that, for I can count on him to do his
utmost. But where are the ladies?
What has become of them?''
AS he asked himself this question
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horses down to slower pace, swerve,
sharply to the right and come to an
abrupt halt in front of the new court
house. There were no workmen en-
gagged on the building, the force en-
ployed there having been sent into the
country to assist in repairing some
roads. Raising his whip, Barney mo-
toned with it and Guy was quickly at
his side.
They're in there" said Barney,
nodding his head toward the court
house. .@
Guy stepped into the building. Miss
Pinkney, white as death, was leaning
against one of the unfinished walls.
At sight of Guy an expression of hor-
ror crossed her face. Miss Betty was
standing little distance away jotting
down something in notebook. A
tape line was Topped over the gloved
fingers of her left hand. u,