The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1906-07-07
Lavender /
Lovers /
BY OLIVIA ID. STROHN
CHAPTER IV.-CoxrINuED.

OF our enterprise than a champion OF
distressed females On my own behalf,
/ thank you for your zeal and loyalty;
on theirs-well. on theirs, have 10 ask
another favor; tits 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 bun
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; Il
Is. that the ladies be established for
the winter at Fort Massac. think there
will be no difficulty In this plan. am
II 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
keel boat up the river-the Mississippi.
Or, In the meantime. IL 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
WinsIow.
The pause and look were full OF mean
ing. but the younger man ignored both,
save by an expression OF polite inquiry.
II think you will agree with us. Burr
continued, that Il would be imprudent
TO leave the ladies al 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 a person
whose company viii be agreeable 10 the
ladies In question. You guess my drift,
sir?"
"Modesty forbids," and the young
man smiled.
Then, TO be direct. let me say that
you. of all men. seem best fitted for the
charge; II you will undertake II. let me
assure you Of the gratitude of all con
cerned"
Winslow drew a 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 20 in.
terpret them aloud. AZ last Winslow
spoke: II am deeply grateful for your
confidence, Col. Burr, believe me, re-
alize the honor also realize that hest.
tation Is unchlvalrous. but" a slight
pause, then he shrugged his shoulders
with ill-concealed impatience but all
niceties 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 a command as such obey Il
But frankly state that ! am sorry a
abandon the quarry especially now
that the falconer himself Is with us"
The leader bowed Il thank you
Your loyal appreciation makes II HARD
60 part with your services. even tenn
porarily. But we are confronted with
a choice Of evils. our chlyalry is al
stake; Il would be a bad beginning e
our enterprise were we 10 fail In duty e
women in distress. And am convinced
our duty can be best fulfilled with you
their guide and escort"
Wlnslow shook his head. Pardon
rue, but do not think your choice q
happy one. II smRcks OF the heroic, ant
L" 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
Nalor for valor's sake. is obsolete as th'
shield Il accompanied. or all the
synonyms for courage fortitude is,
think. the best. This. your friends as
sure me, you possess. Above all, you ar,
particularly congenial to the ladies'. an,
TO be frank. the suggestion of your naml
met with their distant approval"
THAT ought TO decide the question, 4
! have spark OF gallantry," winsloy
said. lightly.
Furthermore" Burr continued, Wv
do not consider that you are giving nj
the expedition: there will be many op
portnnities for you TO join us later; con
slider this but a furlough--a release OF
parole. not n mastering out" Rislng
lac added. In low, sihilant tones: The
we may believe II settled. and the ladle
can count upon your services. which
by the way. are not to be moderated.
village schoolmaster with a level hea
and temper well In hand. Is safer guild
than smashing gallant with a to
ready sword.
Winslow bowed his thanks, and wa
about To withdraw. when Aaron Bur
stopped him with a slight gestur,
zone moment Mr. wins!ow; there
yet another service I would impose
Il n a personal favor"
A slight pause followed. which, ha
Winslow been younger or more en-
thuslastic. he would have filed wit
protestations OF devotion and plcasur
at tho pTorpcct OF serving his chile