Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1906-08-08
Lavender
|CreightOn'S
Lovers
Copyright, 1905. by Olivia B. Strohm).
CHAPTER IV.-CoNT1NUED
BY OLIVIA B. STROHM


tude, sir, as being no less an adherent
of our enterprise than champion of
distressed females. On my own behalf,
thank you for your zeal and loyalty;
on theirs-well on theirs, have to ask
another favor; it's the way of the SEX"
His black eyes twinkled merrily, and he
took pinch of snuff. Then blowing some
OF the particles of powder from his buff
waistcoat, he said: "The plight of the
lady, Mrs. Creighton, and her daughter,
you doubtless know. They cannot con-
tinue with us ON the river, since their
final destination Is one of the new set
Elements in the recently acquired terri
tory-near st. Louis, believe. Mrs.
Blennerhasset has asked my advice; it
is, that the ladies be established for
the winter at Fort Massac think there
will be no difficulty in this plan. I am
i am acquainted with the command
err" Here Col. Burr cleared his throat,
as with tacti depreciation, and took an
other pinch of snuff
In early spring, they can proceed by
l:eel boat up the river-the Mississippi.
Or, in the meantime, if necessity arise,
the journey can be made overland But
whatever ultimate plans are decided
upon, our present duty is plain. We
must provide them with suitable es-
cort." He paused, looking straight at
WinslOW.
The pause and look were full of mean
ing, but the younger man ignored both,
save by an expression Of polite inquiry
Il think you will agree with us" Burr
continued, that it would be imprudent
10 leave the ladies at this time, in this
unsafe country, without one whose sole
care would be their comfort. You will
also see, that this one must be gentle
man; that he must have courage and
address, and above all, must be person
whose company will be agreeable to tho
ladies in question. You guess my drift,
sir?"
'Modesty forb1ds," and the young
man smiled.
Then, to be direct, let me say that
you, of all men, seem best fitted for the
charge; If you will undertake it, let me
assure you of the gratitude of all con-
cerned."
Winslow drew deep breath, and in
the long pause which followed his eyes
rove unseeing about the room. The
slight, dark man watching him, read
his thoughts, but made no effort to in
terpret them aloud. At last Winslow
spoke: Il am deeply grateful for your
confidence, Col. Burr; believe me, re-
alize the honor. also realize that hest
tation is unchivalrous, but" slight
pause, then he shrugged his shoulders
with ill-concealed Impotence, "but all
n1cettes of speech aside, and waving
gallantry, you surely can understand,
sir, that must be disappointed at your
command"
"My commando"
"A request from our leader is equiv
alent to command; as such I obey it.
But l frankly state that am sorry to
abandon the quarry-especially now,
that the falconer himself is with u.s."
The leader bowed Il thank you.
Your loyal appreciation makes it hard
to part with your services, even tenn
porarily. But we are confronted with
a choice of evils. Our chivalry is at
stake; it would be bad beginning to
our enterprise were we to fail in duty to
women in distress. And am convinced
our duty can be best fulfilled with you
their guide and escort"
Winslow shook his head. Pardon
me, but I do not think your choice
happy one. 1t smacks of the heroic, and
+" he glanced at his own slight fig
ure and threw up his hands with half
hooking smile. II am no hero; only
plain country schoolteacher in search
of pastures new"
But you are brave man, and gen.
tleman. You have, too, common sense.
Valor for valor's sake, is obsolete as the
shield it accompanied. Of all the
synonyms for courage, fortitude is, l
think, the best. This, your friends as
sure me, you possess. Above all, you are
particularly congenial to the ladies', and
to be frank, the suggestion of your name
met with their distant approval"
THAT ought to decide the question, if
l have a spark of lgallantry," Winslow
said, lightly.
Furthermore" Burr continued, s:we
do not consider that you are giving up
the expedition; there will be many op-
portunities for you to join us later; con-
slider this but a furlough-a release on
parole, not mustering-out" Rising,
ne added, in low, sibilant tones: Then
we may believe it settled, and the ladies
can count upon your services, which,
by the way, are not to be moderated. A
village schoolmaster with level head
and temper we'll in hand, is safer guide
than a smashing gallant with a too
ready sword.
Wlnslow bowed his thanks, and was
about to withdraw, when Aaron Burr
stopped him with a slight gesture.
One moment, Mr.. Winslow; there is
yet another service would impose:
it is a personal favor"
A slight pause followed, which, had
5W1nslow been younger or more en-
thusiastic, he would have filled with
protestations of devotion and pleasure
at the prospect of serving his chief.
But he only said, 'You do me honor.
SIR" with grave smile, and waited
further instructions. x :. x
Burr lowered his voice and stepped
closer 90 he said, Il have been en-
gagged in some: correspondence with
our commander-in-chief, Col. Wilkin-
son. Communication with him, how
ever; is difficult, and since what have
written is upon @private-1 may say
ticklish business. ]. am anxio11s fhatt