Evening journal., 1905-02-20
A NOBLE LIE
EorIgInaLl

Ardle, the comeliest maiden Of that
New Jersey village. But the young
lady's heart was already given to The
odore Hutchinson, Tory lieutenant in
the British army.
One evening Captain slade went to
call upon Miss MacArdle to plead
cause that be knew was hopeless. He
raped several times with the brass
knocker before being admitted. and
then It was Alene who opened the door.
On seeing Slade she paled. but recoy-
cred herself at once and cordially in /
vited him into the living room. The
two seated themselves before the great !
open fireplace, on which blazed a heap 4
Of logs, and Slade used every argument /
at his command to induce the girl to |
give up her Tory lover and marry him. /
She was an ardent American but she /
loved Theodore Hutchinson and de /
clined firmly though kindly TO give him |
up. During the interview she was III at /
ease, constantly casting glanees over |
her shoulder, as II expecting TO see
something she dreaded. To lose the girl, |
without whom his life would not be |
worth living, through a redcoat worked |
the young man into a frenzy. and he
vowed that he would 60 into the Brit
ish lines, call his rival out and shoot
him.
He had scarcely uttered the words.
spoken in the heat OF passion, when
the closed door opened, and Theodore
Hutchinson, in citizens dress, stepped
out, his eyes flashing and his face hot
with anger
"You do not need Captain Slade," he
said, ito come into our lines to call me
out. I am here to give you all the sat
isfaction you require"
While the two men stood regarding
each other defantly. their choler rem
dering them oblivious OF the danger OF
the situation to Hutchinson, Alene was
bitterly cognizant OF II. Stepping be-
tween them, she held the palm Of
hand to each, meaning to forbid their
meeting, and said:
Theodore are you mad? Suppose
Captain Slade should consider II his
duty to inform upon your presence
/ I
will be arrested and hanged"
The remark brought Slade TO his
senses. He was conscious that Miss
MacArdle had stated his duty exactly.
A change came over his face that be-
spoke his thoughts.
"a man." said Hutchinson, with a
sneer, "who would attempt to force
himself on a lady who is betrothed to
another would not hesitate to take so
base a method Of getting rid OF his
rival"
The imputation lashed slade into a
fury. "There is but one solution" he
said, "to this matter. Let Miss Mac
Ardle withdraw, and we Will settle
the matter right here with swords. If
die. / shall not need TO turn you in
for what you area spy. If you die
you cannot carry back information OF
our condition"
agreed" said Hutchinson, Will
ever increasing wrath.
Alene stood aghast. At that moment
the front door opened. and the com
mander in chief walked into the house
He was in frequent consultation with
Mr.. MacArdle and came and went al
his pleasure Entering the living room
he bowed deferentially TO Miss Mac
Ardle, returned Captain SHADES salute
with a nod, glanced at Hutchinson
whom he had never seen, and asked
Miss MacArdlc II he could see her IA
ther She managed to gather sufh
d Client voice TO say that he was not al
home. The general was about to with
draw when the embarrassed appear
ance Of every one Of the party arrested
his attention.
II have not been introduced to your
friend" he said to Miss MacArdle
looking scrutinizingly at Lieutenant
Hutchinson.
There are times when a noble mar
by nature viii temporarily look above
his duty. Captain SHADES nobility came
out like a fash.
. my friend, rather, general" he said
"Nr. Parks is a friend OF mine whom
l have brought to call upon Miss Mac
Ardle."
The general looked from one to tn,
other. "These are critical times" h'
{ said, "and It behooves us TO be guard
, ed. But since you vouch for the gen
tleman, Captain Slade, / am satisfied
Only pledge him If he does not belong
here not to reveal our condition wheI
r he leaves. He has the face OF a gen
tleman and can be trusted"
D With that the commander withdrew
AS soon as he had gone Miss MacArdl'
said hurriedly:
I "Splendid mani He suspected us
but was content TO leave the matter II
our hands. Promise me, Theodore, tina
] you viii reveal nothing you have seen
Il promise"
e 'NOw go" said Alene.
l. mot before l have expressed m!
gratitude to the rival who held terri
D Bile vengence in his hand and instead
D Of casting It upon me told his com
= mander the noblest lie ever uttered b!
l mortal lips"
/ "Since l have your promise" replie,
t Slade, "a promise which / have n,
j. doubt you will keep. and the implie'
= permission OF the general in chief 4
e permit you 10 return to your lines.
q will be happy to insure your safe exi
{ through our vedettes by escorting yol
e myself You owe your life TO the mai
= who knew by instinct that you hat
3 come here through love or friendship
The men left the house together, an'
] ~. 1. .