Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-28
CHAPTER w.
Strong Room and Strong Man.


THE south and-and-he, mistaken but
still-ah, where is my duty? The ship ana
Rhett Sempland! 1 love him. l cannot let
him go, 1t would be wicked. God pity me!
But how how to prevent It? If l can only
delay him until tomorrow l can tell the
general everything and-is there a way, is
there way, oh God?'
She thought deeply every atom in her be-
ing concentrated on the problem which
tore her between love and duty, devotion 10
the cause of the south and those other APP
peals which, finding Judgment in her heart
moved her profoundly. She Wresteu WIN
the question to where her duty lay as
Jacob wrestled with the angel OF Old, ana
If she did not conquer. at least she decided
Determining on a desperate course OF aC-
ton she rose to her feet and sharply struck
a bell by her side on the table Inc
house was an ancient mansion when II
had been rented by her aunt and herself
three years before. 1t dated back to colo
NAL times. There was strong room III H.
the windows of which were barred. 1t
would make safe prison for any one. He
should be put in there and be kept there
until morning. He would be safe there. No
harm would come to the ship and when the
general knew he would forgive her. She
would tell him the first thing in the morn
ing. 1t would cause her lover pain and
grief this summary action of hers, but she
could explain it to him, too; and he would
forgive her and she would reward him with
herself! There was compensation she
thought proudly and tenderly.
Caesar" she said as the aged butler
made his appearance in response to the bell,
send Joe and Sam and Cato to me. Boys,
she continued as three stalwart young ne
groes presented themselves before her soon
after Mr.. Sempland is coming here to-
night to see me. The" she found it some
what difficult to explain. General Beaure-
gard wants him detained here. l cannot let
him get away. Show him into the strong
room on the other side of the house when
he asks for me- and then lock the door on
him. Don't let him get out under any cir
CumstanCes until tomorrow. but on no ac-
count are you to do him any hurt You
hear? You understand"
"Ya-as Miss Fanny, l specs we does,
answered Cato. the oldest and most lntelll-
gent of the three
Caesar YOU show him into the strong
room. Say will meet him there in mo
ment. He won't suspect anything, l reckon
The rest OF you stay i'll the passage, ana as
soon as he enters lock the door upon him.
Don't neglect that! He'll try TO get out.
He may break the door down. But you
must keep Linn there even If he attempts
to kill you-unless say for you to release
him"
The three slaves were devoted to their
young mistress and accepting her orders
without a question, they at once began their
ureparations to carry them out AS they
were talking together light step sounded
on the porch. There was a ring at the door
The men hurried to their places OF conceal
ment Miss Fanny Glen hid In the dark
drawing room, as Caesar shuff1ed along the
hall to the front door.
Your mistress has sent for me. SAID
SempIand. And from where she stood in the
drawing room Fanny Glens heart leapeo
at the tones of his voice.
Vas, sub" returned the darky, obse-
quiously ushering him through the nan
Step right dis way, sub, Mass Sempland
Miss Fanny done axes you to go in dis
room at de end of de passage, sub. An she
told me she gwine be wild you IN minute
sub"
The room was one which Sempland had
never entered before. 1t small, fur
nished like library office, with several
large closets and an old iron SAFE ana had
two grated windows and one heavy mahog-
any door 1t had formerly been used as an
office and as a treasure room. Seeing the
visitor safe within, Caesar calmly with
drew and as he adroity coughed violently
in the passage Sempland did not hear the
ponderous key turning in the old-fashioned
lock He waited a few minutes, and then,
as time was precious he looked around for
hell Seeing none he walked to the door
laid his hand upon the KNOB ana tfled 10
open it. 1t did not give.
..J ockedi" he muttered in surprise.
Raising his hand. he struck light blow
on the panels, but there was no reply linen
he called out and received no answer. lie
struck and called again and again, his voice
rising to- a shout while his hands were
bleeding from the blows he had rained on
the hard surface. Finally voice came to
him family through the door.
Watts de malta, subj
open this door instantly, you black dog.
Where is Miss Glen?'
shes a-comn', sub
Il wish to see her Immediately he cried
imperiously battering again upon the door
in furious rage. which was stilled the IN
slant he heard her voice outside
Mr. Sempandg
what is the meaning of this action, this
outrage Miss Glen?" he cried.
for mo
locked in here? Open the door! l must
leave immediately!
You are locked in here by my orders,
Mr.. Sempland,' said Fanny Glen, nerv-
Impossible, For what reason?"
Because IL
BY heavens. this is maddenng! You
don't know what you do! | am ordered
tonight on a hazardous expedition. ] must
he at my post in ten minutes. Let me out
II know" returned the girl.
well then why don't you open this
door? 1 will say nothing of this
II can not"
why not?'
lido not wish you to go out on the
David"
what is II to you? How dare you inter-
fere? You said had done nothing but lie
in prison" he replied. Il will show you
tonight"
Not tonight"
This is madness! Think what you are
dong!'
II can't help it."
why not?'
Because Il"
In Gods name, what do you mean?'
Il will not have you take the risk. 1t
is certain death. to you, and the admirals
ship" said the girl softly that he could
scarce hear her. You will forgive
when you understand l shall release you
tomorrow Mercy! Have pity on me, l
am almost crazy"
"Do Won know that YOU will dishonor ME?
If you care, let 60"
There is another reason. | will not
have the Wabash blown up. There is "a
"a"
Another MANI" shouted Sempland. You
coquettei Let me out, i say! l will
get out! My God. was ever "a man in such
a s'tuation?'
He beat and hammered on the door until
his bruised hands BLEED again. He shook
IL in It's frame like mailman. He was ex-
hausted by the violence of his efforts and
OF his passion Through IT all the girl
stood in the hall frightened nearly to death
What mad scheme had she entered upon?
Had she strength enough to carry 1t
through? The three servants were terrified
al hafr In, hat.