The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-06

ger. by low whistle.
So 1 left the dimly-lghted room and
found myself in cross hall that led again
into the main hall OF the house. Keeping
close TO the wall. 1 worked slowly and as
silently as possible around the hall. finding
four great dark and silent rooms, in which
the ghostly furniture stood piled in the CEN
ter. No sign nor sound of living being ap-
peared. Then, coming TO the great stairway
l drew my sword and. holding pistol in
the left hand, mounted cautiously to the
second story.
Here again were more rooms, open, but
vacant. Under the sill OF a door leading
into the wing was what seemed to be a
faint light. The door opened, but in doing
so it creaked with sound that seemed to
echo all over the house. Directly opposite
across another small hall. was a door. half
opened. leading into a lighted room, and
on the instant a voice said something in
French.
IT'S ever the fact that what Is expected
is like to De the greatest. and to recognize
that voice now, knowing 1t must come
some time. gave me a s;-kening of the
heart that kept me silent.
"Well. Adele?" said the voice again.
louder than before.
It's not Adele. Mistress Philipse. but /.
Merton BaIfort. May / enter?''
There came a sudden exclamation and a
step. and the door stood wide open There
she stood in a long wrapper. with her hair
down about her shoulders-taller by inches.
1 remember noticing even then.
What do you here. sir7" said she. gaz-
ing at me.
For answer 1 stepped into the room. took
the door handle from her, closed the door
with as little noise as possible and looked
at her.
"Who are you. and what mean you by
coming thus into my house?' she asked
haughtily, standing away from me and
drawing her gown together at the neck.
Aye, the girl was beautiful under all condi-
tions, for here she was gazing at me like
a queen whose hallowed privacy had been
soiled with sacrilege.
You know me well, Mistress Philipse,"
said l, land need have no fears of me-
II know nothing OF you. sir. nor do !
fear you. But bid you leave this room and
this house at once. unless you are high
wayman come TO rob a defenseless wom-
an
VIII you be seated?'
mo! will notl''
81 have something to say to you"
"And / will no longer remain in your
presence" and she made as if to leave the
room. But I stepped before her, my own
temper beginning 10 rise at this denial OF
an acquaintance which. one would think.
she at least might recall.
Mistress Philipse, am sorry to be under
the necessity Of asking you to remain
am obliged 20 ask you
"You need not ask, sir. For I will not
answer a single question
sit down. Mistress said I sternly. 1t
is to this day a marvel TO me how this chit
of a girl could rouse my anger by her
very calmness. She did not move. but said
with fine scorn:
You are then a highwayman, 1 see,'
| and, following her glance, l flushed TO find
myself standing before her with a drawn
sword in one hand and a pistol in the 9th
er. One was sheathed and the other put W
in a moment. but l was upset and said
nothing for a space.
who is in this house besides yourself
and your maid?"
An infamous scoundrell Perchance-aye
no doubt-a highwayman! a man who has
neither sense of decency. nor honor
who"
who beside him? Tell mei' cried.
II will not speak with you further You
DO not dare to remain in my presence long
err said she. her voice rising in anger
and wounded pride, and beginning TO culver
| with nervousness.
Words said /, hastily. 81 am here TO pro-
tect you'-an involuntary exclamation es-
capped her-'to protect you from being ar
| rested a spy. This house is full of Brit
ish soldiers. who are
''Ah!' cried she, at that; "let them come
to me now. then" and she rushed by me
and grasped the door to open il. But
| caught her as she cried out, and put nv
hand over her mouth and lifted her from
the ground. setting her down in a large
| chair by the table. The result was enough
TO distract any man. For she burst into
tears and. looking up and stamping her
| foot in helpless rage. she cried:
Are you not ashamed to maltreat a
woman. who is helpless! Are you not
/ ashamed! oh, had 1 a strong arm to strike
| you down now. making war on a weak
woman!'
l was on my knees at her feet in a mo-
ment. and took her hand in mine in my ex-
| element.
Dear child" cried I, God forgive me-
Some Gay you will understand and forgive
me too. 1 cannot do aught else. II you will
but give me your word! Believe me, be-
heve me, l would not touch a hair of your
head. but tell me truthfully is this house
occupied by British soldiers? Nay. do no;
! move away IL must trust you. Listenl
! There is an attempt 10 take Andre-this
| house is the rendeEvous-teu Ine you know
naught OF 1T OH. tbs useless to try 10 es-
| cape. have the house surrounded with my
men; but tell me you know naught of it.
that l may protect you from my own peo-
plel DO you not see? You will be arrested
as a spy She was sobbing. convulsiveIy.
and could not stop her. / knew not what
TO do. and in the bewilderment L found
myself kissing the hand that lay in mine.
and begging her to stop.
Still she sobbed on. l was near at my
wits ends.
stop! stop! mistress; for the love of
heaven. listen TO me! Well so be it!"-for
she was almost hysterical in her weeping
There is the door. Go out and down into
the very arms of my men and be taken to
West Point as a spy In the employ of the
British
She was on her feet running wildly ~