Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-11-23

from his own mad folly-then checked herself. Y
 Enough Sergeant, take him to him securely locked in some upper room and well guarded until can find time to deal with him. Dear lady," he added, turning to Jane with goftened tone, as the soldiers obeyeq his orders, 1T most hurnbly crave your pardon for this unseemly in- terruption. Let us dismiss it from our minds and take up our discourse where it was so rudely broken"
 May" Jane answered in low tone, her face pale, her eyes trou- b1ed, first tell me that you did not mean your threat to hang Capt. Worthfngton if he does not give you the information you desire, 8 thing he wi't never do if he possess any. I am =4re, however, you do not mean to hang him. It was but a ruse, was it not, to induce him to speak-a mere bit of play?"
 "A bit of play, madam, which will cost Capt. Worthington his neck He is troublesome fellow whom I have long wished to be rid of; pesti- ferrous gadfy, ever buzxing around and annoying our troops. Besides, he is a cold-blooded murderer, we'll deserving of his fate. Nay, he shall hang by the side of his fellow-knave, and soon, at that"
 "Oh, you cannot mean it,' Jane cried. Surely, surely you arc only saying it to--to-appal me-"
 And is your interest, then. so great in this rebel?"
 My interest is great in anyone who is the subject of injustice. It is enough that you should hang that poor old gentleman who to-day had the misfortune to become your pris- oner, but that you should contem- plate hanging a man whom you have sent out your scouts, your spies, to hound down, and who has not even an discriminating paper upon his person, that is passing all bounds! I cannot believe that the king would approve Of having his cause sullfed by such acts.'' She spoke with fervor, carried beyond the point of discretion.
 "You speak with most surprising ardor, madam Bessemer remarked, his face black with passion, 'sbut permit me to advise you that his mai esty the king wisely leaves such mat ters to the judgment of his trusted officers, well understanding that an interruptions foe must be dealt with in a manner befitting the method of his warfare"
 "Unorupulous foe as you may term them," Jane answered, "I have yet to learn when the American forces have ever treated an honorable pris- oner of war in so summary manner. The three tories whom they hung were not, as you well know, real sol diers. They were but outlaws, brutal desperadoes, wearing the kings uni form as cloak and a shield'' "I fear, dear lady, the partialitv which you have for the enemies of your king has somewhat di1nmed the c1earness of your judgment. How ever, l feel that I owe myself most severe censure for the cruel wound which I have so unintentionaIly in- fiicted upon you. Had I sooner real fzed how deeply you are in love with this young Warrington. I should have taken pains to have kept from you the punishment which I feel it my duty to mete out to him."
 'Is woman's heart never to be swayed save by love?" Jane asked. Gan she never plead for justice with out having her motives impugned? If have spoken in behalf of Capt Worthington, if have besouRht you not to put into execution your cruel threat, I am impelled by motives of common humanity"
 ''Is this true, JaneP'' Bessemer cried eagerly, ''Is it so that you do not love him? Do you pledge me your honor on it?"
 Jane drew back. Pledge you my honor? No. If my simple word be not enough, where would find the honor to pledge?"
 Bessemer, torn betwixt rapture and uncertainty, searched her face with jealous eyes. Surely, twere too fair N