Windham County reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1901-1906, 1902-04-04
CHAPTER X.
WAITING FOR HELP,

If ever fellow was bewildered by {
single speech, it was Richard Gordon.
walked up and down that platform til
I was called to breakfast, trying to de
eide what Miss Cullen had expressed
only to succeed in reading 30 different
meanings in her parting six words.
wanted to think that it was her way o.
suggesting that I deceived myself il
thinking that there was anything be-
tween Lord Rallies and herself; but
though wished to believe this, haG
seen too much to the contrary to take
stock in the idea. Yet couldn't believe
that Madge was a coquette. I became
angry and hot with myself for even
thinking it for moment.
Puzzle as / did over the words,
managed to eat good breakfast and
then went into the Cullens' car and
electrified the party by telling them OF
Camps and Fred's dispatches and how
I had come to overhear the former. Mr..
Cullen and Albert couldn't say enough
about my cleverness in what had really
been pure luck and seemed to think l
had sat up all night in order to hear
that telegram. The person for whose
opinion cared the most, Miss Cullen
didn't say anything, but she gave me a
look that set my heart beating like a
trip hammer and made me put the most
hopeful construction on that speech Of
hers. 1t seemed impossible that she
didn't care for Lord Rallies and that
she might care for me; but, after having
had no hope whatsoever, the smallest
crumb of chance nearly lifted me of
my feet.
We had consultation over what was
best to be done, but didn't reach any
definite conclusion till the station agent
brought me telegram from the post
master general. Breaking it open, read
aloud:
Do not allow service of writ and retain pos
session Of letters according to prior instruc'
tions. At the request OF this department the
secretary Of war has directed the command.
ing officer at Fort Whipple to furnish you with
military protection, and you will call upon him
at once, II in your judgment 1t is necessary On
no account surrender United States property
TO territorial authorities. Keep department
notified.
"Oh, splendid" cried Madge, clap
ping her hands.
"Mr Camp will find that other peo-
pie can give surprise parties as well as
himself" l said cheerfully.
you'll telegraph at onoer" asked
Mr.. Cullen.
Instantly" said, rising, and add
cd, Don't you want to see what
say, Miss Cullen?"
"Of course dol" she cried, eagerly
jumping up.
Lord Rallies scowled as he said: Eyes |
Let's see what Mr. Superintendent has
to say"
"You needn't trouble yourself"
said. But he followed US into the ste
hon. was disguised. but at the same
lime It seemed to me that he had como
because he was jealous, and that wasn't
IN unpleasant thought. Whatever his
motive he was third party in the writ
ng of that telegram and had to stand
~ while Miss Cullen and / discussed
md drafted it. l didn't try to make
t any too brief, not merely asking for
guard and when l might expect it, but
living as well pretty full history of
ase, which was hardly necessary
you'll bankrupt yourself, laughed
dadge. "You must let us pay, ="
I'm let you pay, Miss Cullen, if You
want, ! said "How much is it, Welp-
W | asked, showing the blanks in to
he operator.
"Nothin for lady" said Welply,
"There, Miss Cullen" said. Does
he east come up to that in gallantry?"