Barbour County index., 1905-11-15


of spurred boots on the path below
coming from the back gate-the way
to the barn. Another moment and,
distinctly, in sudden lull of the
breeze, he heard low, cautious voice
in half murmur, half whisper. Words
were indistinguishab1e, but he knew
the tones-Lounsberry beyond Ques-
ton, and Lounsberry hailing in ex-
pectation of finding there an accom-
plice.
Not second could he lose nowi To
go would be to meet the death of an
escaping prisoner-or, at best, justifi-
able Imprisonment behind the bars. To
stay where he was might involve her
might at least so startle as to force
from her cry of alarm. Quick, light
and 1.-THE as panther he sprang to
his feet and met her just outside the
door. No time for explanation!
''Silence!" he whispered, almost saw
agely. "Lounsberry is there" and then
defiant even of her wrath, he wrapped
that one strong arm about her, fol
(this at least, long after, was his one
eXcuse) he thought she would fall, so
sudden was the shock and start, so
wildly beat the little heart once more
1uttering on his breast. For moment
she was too dazed to use her strength,
then, through her set teeth, savagely
as he had spoken, she Kissed at him,
while slender fingers tore at his muscu-
lar hand:
Let me go, instantly"
And when he had released her, she
again seemed like to fall, and he again
essayed to hold her, but now with
clinching little fists she fairly beat him
eff. Then, springing past him, reeling
bit, but desperate and determined,
flew to the window, knelt and listened,
leaving him faltering one moment at
the door. Only moment, though;
for, casting aside all scruple, he fol-
lowed and knelt beside her. Shrinking
from him, with her white hands pressed
to her temples; amaze, indignation,
then triumph in her face, though he
could not see it, she seemed listening
absorbed. Again it was Lounsberry's
voice, and Lounsberry had found his
fellow spy, and with amazing conf
Oh. what glibness of guile!
yeas, sub. dom tole him so. He
cum down the back stayuhs an outen
de back do mos an hour ago, an fe'
We could show him de way, sub, Miss
ROsalie come tay'in after him, an
draw'd him back into de house again!''
Benton could feel, although only a
fold of her gown touched his knee, that
the girl beside him was fairly quivering
at that barefaced whopper, but CULVER
ing with wrath or delight he knew not
hich.
"You imp of hell, If you are lying
I'll skin you alive! Whose horses were
those in the side lot as l came up?'
demanded Lounsberry.
"FO' Gawd, captain, 1 do know!
Dey wasn't ouhs-ouhs is in de bahn.,
sub. Take de key and see fo' yoself.
HyHh's the dochtuh now, suh!''
A stream Of yellow light had shot
suddenly forth as a door in the
north wing was thrown open, and,
lantern in hand, out came the head of
the house, angering, bareheaded.
What are you doing here at this
hour, you black rascal, and with whom
are you talking? Maj .Lounsberry!''
and with amaze and dismay in his voice
the old Virginian faced his unlocked
for visitor
II do not wonder at your surprise,
DOCTOR" promptly replied the staff
officer, stepping forward into the little
circle of light. 81 had thought to be
at Gordonsville before this, but
strange things are happening, strange
stories are afioat. 1t came to my ears
while on the way that your servants
had been. bribed to enable Lieut.. Ben
ton to escape this night. 1 returned
at once, and two Of my escorts declare
that two hOrsemen rode away from
your side yard yonder barely ten
minutes ago. You can hear their story.
or satisfy yourself and me, if you will,
that-that our prisoner is still here"
Still here. Maj. Lounsberry," an
swered the doctor, with grave dignity.
Though l warn you now that since
your order was issued remanding him
to Libby l no longer assume response
bility. I know that he is still here.
but-do you prefer to search in person.
sub ?"
In an instant Rosalie was on her feet.
Only second or two she stood there.
quivering with excitement, then seized
him by the arm. "Quick! Follow me-"
she whispered. Out into the broad
landing she rushed, and to Bentcn's
amaze, struck light, threw open the
lid of an old colonial desk that stood
with its back against the wall between
the doors of her own and her aunt's
room, pumped him down into chair,
and scattered paper and envelopes in
front of him. BE writing your let
ters," she whispered command Then
away she sped, closed her door behind
her just as the doctors voice was
| again heard in the hall below
Two minutes later, lantern bearing.
the master of the house came slowly
up the stairs, followed by the clinking
boots Of Mai TOunShorry EaiCpi in O