The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1906-08-31
Lavender
ECreightOn's
Lovers
By OLIVIA B. STROHM
(Copyright, 1905, BY Olivia B. Strohm).
CHAPTER IV.-CoNTINUED.


thank you for your zeal and loyalty;
on theirs-well, on theirs, have to ask
another favor; tbs the way of the SEX"
His black eyes twinkled merrily, and he
took pinch of snuff. Then blowingsome
of the particles of powder from his buff
waistcoat, he said: 1.-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, l 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. 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.
I'm early spring, they can proceed by
keel boat up tie 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.
81 think you will agree with u.s., Burr
continued, that it would be imprudent
TO 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 a gentle
man; that he must have courage and
address, and above all, must be person
whose company will be agreeable to 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; if you will undertake it, 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 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
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 it.
But frankly state that am sorry to
abandon the quarry-especially now,
that the falconer himself is with u.s."
The leader bowed 81 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 we're 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 do not think your choice a
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. 81 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, /
think, the best. This, your friends as
sure me, you possess Above al, 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 spark of gallantry," Winslow
said, lightly!
Furthermore" Burr continued, I'VE
do not consider that you are giving up
the expedition; there will be many OPP
portunities for you to join us later; con-
slider this but furlough-a release on
parole. not a mustering-out" Rising,
he 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 a level head
and temper well-in hand. is safer guide
than a smashing gallant with a too
ready sword
Winslow bowed his thanks, and was
about to withdraw. when Aaron Burr
stopped him with a slight gesture.
"0ne moment. Mr.. winslow; there is
yet another service would impose;
It IS a personal favor"
A slight pause followed. which, had
Winslow been younger or more en-
thusiastic, he would have filed with |
protestations Of devotion and pleasure
at the prospect Of serving his chief ]