Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1903-12-25
CHAPTER Ky.
A SOLDIER AND \ GENTLEMAN.

- ACCOMPANIED by the marine
guard and leaning upon the
EsexS arms of the surgeon and Cow
vSG$SJ entry, who tenderly assisted
his faltering steps, O'Neill was taken
below. followed by Elizabeth, scarcely
yet comprehending what had hap
pened. The girls heart was exulting
madly. SO far she had triumphed
What next? When they reached the
little screened Enclosure between the
guns in which O'Neill had been con-
fined the guard saluted and released
the prisoner. He had not been ironed
again, and by some oversight no one in
tie confusion following the reprieve
called attention to 1t. AS he stepped
within the screen and Elizabeth pre-
pared to follow him Coventry inter-
rupted her by holding out his hand
with mute glance. Was she going to
pass him by without a single word Of
gratitude, Of farewell even?
"Oh." she said, with unconscious
cruelty which pierced his heart, for
this was the second time, II forgot
you" And then. as il repenting for
the situation and to make amends for
that forgetfulness, which was, to say
the least, most ungrateful, in spite of
the presence of the seamen and ma
rines she seized his hand, drew him
toward her and pressed q long, sweet
kiss upon his forehead.
God bless you for what you did"
she whispered.
What you do do quickly" he re-
piled. II will replace the sentry. You
will be safe. God grant you may sue
coed. Twas bravely done. Goodby."
"Goodby. We shall not forget you,"
she said. hurriedly Withdrawing with
in the screen. And this was the only
reward he received for nis sacrifice.
By his direction the sentry on guard
withdrew to the opposite side of the
deck, and he himself mounted guard
in front Of the canvas. With what
feelings he paced to and fro in front
Of that little strip of cloth which alone
separated him from the woman he
loved, in the arms Of the man who
loved her-and he had put her there!
As soon as she entered the Enclosure
Elizabeth threw herself in the arms OF
the bewildered O'Neill.
"Oh," she whispered, you are saved
-saved-and through mer'
mo, dearest; not yet" replied he.
straining her to his heart and kissing
her fondly. Il scarcely yet under
stand 1t all. But II heard Alright its
but q reprieve until tomorrow. Build
no hope upon It"
I'VE will not wait for the morrow.
ny dearest she answered softly, Tor
the boat swings under the counter yon-
Ter. When night falls and it Is quite
lark we will slip out Of the port and
80 away together. In few moments
Il will be time"
s The Irishman caught eagerly at the
suggested idea. It was full Of i'm
probability, but it did present a bare
possibility Of escape If they were for
tunate.
VERY good" he whispered: excel
lent But the sentry therer
I'VE will wait until there is some
hustle on the deck" she answered,
1and in the confusion and noise they
will not hear. At any rate, we must
risk it" Something told her she would
better not inform him that Coventry
vas keeping watch.
hew did you prevail upon the ad-
mirai 10 esent the reprieveY' he asked
after another pause, not unemployed,
however.
+ "I-well, you see-on, scarcely
know how. The admiral loves me, YOU
knoW-I cannot explain Il. It e~vuB
IKE q bewildering. frightful dream to
ma." said the girl, passing her hand
Dver her hair and turning a shade paler
rs she spoke. and studiously avoiding
bis eye. "Do not speak Of it now. You
are safe for the moment-you saw the
paper-Edw1td also-it was all right
Let that suffice"
!, He soothed her with tender words
ind loving caresses. The sound of them
was death to the NAle faced young
man, alone with his own broken
thoughts, on the other side of the
screen. Unheeded the night came steal
ing over the harbor; lights in the town
sw1nkled here and there; the boat
SWANS whistle rang out between
decks on the frigate. There was a call,
a hoarse cry or two, q hurrying Of feet,
q little confusion.
p "Now is the time" said Elizabeth,
releasing herself from his unwilling
arms and looking out through the port.
THE man is watching. I met him on
the strand rs was seeking for boat
to bring me out to you. He Is faithful:
he says he knows you-has served un-
der you"
Knows mew said O'Neill, surprised,
thrusting his head through the open
port. There, right beneath him, a little
skiff was being brought up deity and
without noise from where 1t had lain
unnoticed under the counter In the
confusion since the girls arrival. The
side Of the ship was in deep shadow,
and the broad main chains extending
over their heads above the ports fur.
Their concealed them from notice.
Gathering her skirts about her. Eliz-
abeth slipped first through tn" ---'