Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-02-13
DAILY SHORT STORY
[OriginaL.l
A NOBLE LIE

lOriginall
During that period Of the American
Revolution when Washington was at
Morrstown, Captain Leon Slade fell
| desperately in love with Alene Mac
| Ardle. the comeliest maiden of that
| New Jersey village. But the young
| lady's heart was already given TO The
| odore Hutchinson, a Tory lieutenant in
the British army.
One evening Captain Slade went to
call upon Miss MacArdle to plead a
cause that he knew was hopeless. He
raped several times with the brass
knocker before being admitted, and
chen 1t was Alene who opened the door.
On seeing Slade she paled, but recov-
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
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
ease, constantly casting glances over
her shoulder, as if expecting to see
something she dreaded. To lose the girl,
without whom his life would not be
worth living. through a redCoat work ed
the young man into frenzy and he
vowed that he would go, into the Brit
ish lines, call his rival tout and shoot
him.
He had scarcely uttered the words,
spoken in the heat Of spassiOn, 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. l am here to give you all the sat
isfaction you require"
While the two mem stood regarding
each other defiantly. their choler rem
dering them obliviOus of the danger of
the situation 10 Hutchinson, Alene was
bitterly cognizant Of =. Stepping be
tween them. she held the palm of a
hand to each, meaning to forbid their
meeting, and said:
Theodore are you mad? Suppose
1dDAdlH CidIt COLSIlCI IL LIS
duty TO inform upon your presence
here. Being in civilians dress, you
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 n
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 dashed Slade into a
fury There is but one solution" he
said, ito this matter. Let Miss Mac
Ardle withdraw, and we will settle
the matter right here with swords. If
l 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, with
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 at
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 MacArdle If he could see her ia
Their. She managed to gather sufti-
cient voice to say that he was not at
home. The general was about to with
draw when the embarrassed appear
ance of every one of the party arrested
his attention.
Il have not been introduced to your
friend" he said to Miss MacArdle.
looking scrutinizingly at Lieutenant
Hutchinson.
There are times when a noble man
by nature will temporarily look above
his duty Captain Shades nobility came
out like a flash.
My friend. rather general" he said
mfr. Parks is friend of mine whom
/ have brought to call upon Miss Mac
Ardle"
The general looked from one to the
other. These are critical times" he
said, "and il behooves us to be guard
ell. But since you youch for the gen
tleman. Captain Slade, l am satisfied.
Only pledge him If he does not belong
here not - reveal our condition when
he leaves. He has the face Of gen
tleman and can be trusted"
With that the commander withdrew.
As soon as he had gone Miss MacArdle
said hurTieJly:
Splendid man, He suspected us.
but was content to leave the matter In
our hands. Promise me, Theodore, that
you will reveal nothing you have seen"
Il promise"
Now GO" said Alene.
Not before have expressed my |
gratitude 10 the rival who held a terri |
bic vengence in his hand and instead /
Of casting it upon me told his com |
mander the nobiest lie ever uttered by /
FnOrfoI Inns