Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-29

whose arrow had flown wide of the mark
 He doubtless belonged to the Osages o1
 which tribe the wounded man was [
 member. Examination of the tattoo
 marks had satisfied him that he and his
 victim were akin-that they worshiped
 the Great Spirit and tortured their en.
 emies after the same good way. Probably there would have been nc trouble in any event, but now they might feel doubly secure.
 And you Owatoga, you come from Washington"
 The Indian nodded. and his question. era corporal of the guard persisted:
 But where are the dispatches?"
 In the seconds pause which followed Lavender held her breath.
 z "Owatoga has lost them" the Indian
 grunted, and, with show of great fa- tigue, his head fell forward on his breast.
 Beg pardon, corporal" Lavender in. terfered You see he is so weak; can. not the questions wait?"
 ! Obedient to her suggestion, the squad proceeded to camp, bearing the wounded man on the litter.
 Winslow and the corporal walked with Lavender. The officer said: Tt is curious that Owatoga should have lost those dispatches. He is frequently sent from Fort Washington here, and Is usu- :; ally careful. He had nothing in the way of papers when he fell. Miss Creighton?'
 Lavender paused to disentangle bit of briar from her skirt, and replied, without looking up: Indeed, you can well imagine that was too frightened to pay much attention to particulars. " q am sure it was pretty hard expe- rience," the soldier agreed. She is plucky, isn't she?" he said to Winslow, with an admiring nod in Lavender's di- rection
 Very" was the laconic response, but Winslow's manner as he took her arm implied much more.
 The soldier chatted aimlessly, and in silence the two followed him back to camp. Occasionally the maid stole a glance half humble, half defiant, at Winslow. He would shake his head with severe frown-which, however. lost effect from the smile in his eyes.
 At the bastion gate they separated, and while the corporal went in advance. Lavender finger to say: We hope to see you after supper, MT. Winslow. Mother and will be waiting in her room" The commonplace invitation was given strong meaning by her look half command, half entreaty. This was emphasized, too, by . slight rustic of the papers as she clasped both hands to her bodice that rose and fell with every anxious breath.
 When, an hour or two later, Winslow presented himself at Mrs. Creighton's door, 1t was with feelings hard to define. If the dispatch were discovered, or if it remained secret, were alternatives equally distasteful. The indignity of the guard house. the delay and ill-fame of trial, scarcely more than balanced his horror of any underhanded proceeding.
 T will leave 1t to Fate," he though.. as he knocked for entrance. And then: No, will leave 1t to her." was his sec ond resolve, as the door opened and Lavender stood before him.
 For in spite of the defiant sparkle in her eyes, and the scarlet in each cheek, there was aoout her an at- mosphere of such absolute innocence such fearless consciousness of integ- rity, that Winslow was ashamed of his own scruples. They seemed pusillani- nous beside her instinctive perception of the right.
 "She is one of the few who can be a law unto herself, and yet walA the mar row path" he thought.
 Mrs. Creighton came at once to the subject uppermost in the minds of all. Lavender has told me everything, MT. Winslow, and have read the dispatch. I can scarcely contain my indignation, my sympathy for you, or my personal regret that you are brought to this trouble through care for us"
 She beckoned him to . seat beside her, and her voice sank to . coniiden- tial tone; but tell me what you think best to do."
 Winslow hesitated. "There are two plans which suggest themselves. One is to go direct to the commander. ex- plain all, and prove my innocence. if possible, relying upon his justice. The other" he paused. meaningly, and lowered his voice. "The other-is to take French leave at our first opportu- nity."
 Mrs. Creighton smiled as she said. sympathetically: And you are at loss how to act! can we'll understand 1t"
 But Lavender, who was all this time impatiently tapping her foot against the andiron. turned her back to the chimney piece. her whole figure vibrat- ing with indignation. You under stand his hesitation. mother! Well, I confess donti Why should we give up these dispatches? It would do nobody any good. and would cause a great deal of harm. Mir. winslov's conscience is clear-wnat is to be gained by the mockery of a trial! They would find him guilty. of course" then as her listeners started in sur prise-'He is guilty of the only thing of which he stands accused-eonnec- ton with the Burr expedition. You would not deny that So you see 1t