The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-10-16

 you here to-night?" asked Cadman. with studied impertinence.
 Vaughan overheard the words and turn ed sharply. but stood amazed at the girls evident effort to suppress her re- sentiment. as she said almost pleadingly:
 Do stay with me moment. Captain Cadmsnw
 oh. tste-a-tete in the moonlight is your idsa?" he smirked
 Grace set her lips haughtily. but followed her companion. he led the way out on 10 the fiaRsed pathway.
 Come now. young lady, what is N?"
 You know very we'll what I want! I ask 1t as favor-from-you--Ple please give me that paper!"
 Don't forget. Miss Grace. that begged a tavor from you not lonE ago. Why should I not treat your request with the scorn that you showed mine?"
 Think of my father. Captain Cadman- think of us all If it becomes known that my brother was in this dreadful thing. the disgrace will kill us! will do anything anything. for the possession of that scrap of writing!"
 "A bargain, my dear girl bargain !! You want to save your family name-per- haps your brothers life. want a pretty wife with a snug fortune"
 Never, sir, never! How dare you sug- gest such a tidnE?" she gasped
 Pardon me. you opened the negotiation! {! Think minute. You would not be bur dened with much of my society: my habits
 
 Grace reflected silently. Then she said: My money is at my own disposal. Name your price for that paper?"
 The proof which can bring a murderer to justice should command a high value. It is ransom. and not without danger. to myself Come have stated my terms!'
 Grace shrank in horror as he tock her hand. Waltz music sounded from the As sembly room, merry voices drew near. She turned to her tormeDtor.
 fha fo-n provr Come to our house tomorrow. when have had time to think"
 T can't leave the Reservation tomorrow. am on duty for the day, but you can come out here to the post"
 Do you know what would be said if I came here to keep an apointmeut with an officer? Its irnpossible! I cannot do 1t. Captain cadmanr'
 fort at sundown. We won't be noticed at that hour. An, Vaughan. looking for Miss Everett? must give way. sec. Miss Grace don't forget our little appoint ment!
 The girl turned into the shadow with a sobbing sigh After an instanfs silence Vaughan said. awkwardly:
 Miss Everett. that man has been annoy ing you. Can be of any use?"
 Its only a trifle Mir. Vaughan. don't lett talk about it."
 Gently placing her hand on his arm. he began to walk up and down.
 q have nothing but help to offer such a girl as you. I don't expect any return. Let me at least stand between you and eny trouble"
 At the tender worlds she dropped her face in her hands. and stood still.
 "Grace, can take you away from here I shall be made a captain in another ragi- ment in a few months, and you can leave here whatever it may be that distresses you. Let me give you my name (my love -a..- AE.~ right to stand between you and trouble we can be happy anywherer'
 "we7"
 She gazed stupidly at him. The mon light shone on strong. tall young figure fin a becoming uniform of blue and gold Silky black hair waved above fine noen brow, and handsome steef-Rray eyes. agiow with tenderness. looked into hers.
 Suddenly Grace laughed heartily. such curious change from her despair. that Vaughan looked at her in alarm. 'I'm silly and tired. Mir. Vaughan. Won't you find the carriage? must so home be- fore get more foolish.''
 As Winfield Vaughan closed the carriage door. Grace almost whispered. If should do something that will create gossip. would you still have faith in me?"
 Nothing could change my love for you. Grsoer'
 "Good-uight"
 The sun Is sinking below the horizon of another day.
 On the Presidio parade ground retreat roll call is over. The band blares out the National anthem. as the stars and stripes flutter down the flagstaff. As the mili- tary pageant dissolves. a girl on a bicycle glides from behind the saily-port. and takes the road to the old fort
 couple of young officers turn to look after the flying form.
 Why. :t's-yes. 1t is Miss Everett'" ex- claims one Wonder if she knows that worthless cad of brother of hers was killed few hours ago in a disEraceful row? It's luck for his family. say. tho people say she wns too fond of him. to realize that they're well rid of hims" Don't wait for me. I'll be along pres ently. I've forgotten something!" Vaughan rejoins hastily, and disappears around the corner of the barracks Through the twilight Grace hurried. Passing Washerwoman's Row." a woman stood in the doorway of one of the squaiid tenements while one upraised arm fastened a comb into her tousled auburn hair. As Grace whiried by the woman watched .,ar intently. and pulled closer the fastenings or her ragged gown, as if remembering that she. too. had once been trim neat girl. On skinned the wheel toward the sea wall on beneath the drawbridEe. past the grated dungeon in the court overhung by Iron galleries between whose pillars gaped open doors and windows The wind blow Ing In from the shrieked about the | stone enclosure. An evil sound it had to the girl. gazing nervously about her. as the fierce howls echoed from the masonry. In wild panic she ran up the stairway to | a gallery where twilight still fingered, | where she near the booming foz-bell. | md above the mist-wreaths which dimmed | the court below A dark figure appeared on the opposite | gallery Frenzied with terror. Grace ran dawn the stairway: something followed, | md seemed to pass her, crouchinE against l he wall ''Tala-lap! Tala-lap'' cIattersd a horses | loofs outside the Fort. Captain Cadman l 'ame hurriedly into the gloom.
 Miss Grace, She must be here. Gracer | Glancing up. as a moOnbeam piercsd the | og' he saw just above him the girls white | I'm here." she said hoarsely. Give l ne the paper. Captain Cadman. and let me | The man went up to the gallery | Promise to he my wife" he commanded | 'riefly alarmed at the girls wild @yss Look. here it isY' And he held up A paper ust beyond her reach.
 An honest voice echoed in her ears: "I pve you. Grace Let me stand between 1 ou and trouble""
 "I hate you. Captain Cadmani You are coward to behave like this to a girl" Gut the heroics. my dear! Promise. and et your rewardl" A sound made him urn his head. Grace snatched at the papel e held aloft-stumbled-and fell into her nemy's arms
 Come, kiss. and be friends" chuckled 'adman. "Fate's against you" He tried O raise her face to his. You'll never get Yer the fact that the little prude, Grace Everett has been here alone With me- in ny arms lessf'
 Make the hest of tt and say you'll marry