Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-03-20
CHAPTER x.-(Continued.l

be sought after by such q hard and re-
morseleSs miscreant gave the gentle Mary
q feeling of uneasiness which it would be
quite impossible to describe The scene
of her first meeting with him had made
an impression which could never be eff
faced. His cruel and unprovoked order
to murder her brother had filled her with
so much horror, that the very memory Of
that event was deeply painful.
During the conversation that ensued
between the latter and Ruth Strickland,
Cunningham was more than once refer
red to.
Til" news of his escape said Miss
Adair, fills me with a tremulous terror,
which l can neither explain nor account
for"
common report assures me that he
admired you not a little" replied Ruth
and did not take any pains to conceal
MS sentiments. You have spoken of his
escape, but | can tell you of a more re-
cent piece of news; Major Gainey is also
at large. How he obtained his freedom l
know not, and 1 confess that the event is
quite as unwelcome to me, as The escape
OF Cunningham seems to be to you"
From what | can learn of the man.
the two are we'll mated Both are deaf
to the voice of humanity, as their deeds
abundantly testify" rejoined Mary. That
you should shrink from him is what /
can well understand and appreciate. !
am aware that you stand in much the
same relation to the major that it is re-
ported do IN regard to him whose name
L can scarcely pronounce without a shud-
der. If the two are indeed at liberty, 7
believe that our apprehensions and fore
bodlngs viii not prove unfounded or pre-
mature"
The conversation was interrupted by
the entrance of Mrs Strickland, who told
them, with considerable agitation of man
ner, that one of the neighbors had Just
Informed her that Cunningham was down
below the Neck with a party of Tories
and would probably be up that way be-
fore long
'Did You hear anything IN relation to
Major Gain w" inquired Ruth.
My informant said it was reported
that he had joined Col. Cunningham and
1t was through the agency of the colonel
that his escape was effected" replied Mrs
Strickland.
While the parties were conversing on
this subject, a colored servant appeared
and announced that a gentleman was
without who desired to speak a few
words TO Miss Adair. Mary blushed and
FASTENED to the door. remarking as she
left the apartment, that it was doubt
less her brother"
A man of large frame stood near the
steps. He was holding by the bride a
horse from which he had evidently Just
dismounted A capacious military cloak
concealed most of his figure from view,
and the lower portion of his face. The
hilt of saber was seen peeping from
the ample folds. The features which were
visible were highly prepossessing, the eyes
were very blue and mild.
He held the little hand which Mary
timidly extended a long time in his, and
1t seemed not very unwilling prisoner.
How dared you venture here when
Col. Cunningham is down below?" she
exclaimed.
1.-THE brigade is moving toward Rocky
Greek and have left it for The purpose
of seeing you for a moment" the young
man replied
You have dverged considerably from
your way and incurred considerable dan
ger. l should think" returned Miss Adair.
"The danger l regard but little when
am approaching the spot rendered dear
to me by the presence of Mary Adair
Danger l lave become familiar with in
all the forms in which pitiless war pre-
kents it," said the other earnestly.
Il know you are brave, Lewis re-
piled Mary.
Lewis Hawthorne, as we shall call
him, acknowledged the compliment by a
bow and smile.
Il have but little time" he added,
land therefore must improve it to the
best advantage. Be kind enough to walk
with me few steps and we will converse
as we move along"
as ii true" asked Mary, that Major
'Gainey has escapedp
st is, but 1 think the fact need not
disturb you or your fair friend, whom
it is ssid he admires. 1t seems to me
that he will hardly feel inclined to ven
ture up this way again, while Marion's
brigade is within a days march of the
place." rejoined Hawthorne.
perhaps not, Lewis; but Cunningham
has not the fear of Marion before his
eyes, t appears, and we expect a visit
from him hourly" said Mary.
II hope he will not be so bold. 1t
would pain me exceedingly and make me
very anxious for your safety if 1 thought
he had any such intention"
MY sex have the reputation of being
naturally timid, but 1 trust that you will
not esteem me weak and superstitious
when l frankly confess that l feel a pre-
monition of approaching evil, and it has
reference to Col. Cunningham"
Il acl not one to judge hastily. / shall
be the last one to think you weak or
supers ritiOus. l know that vour mind
is well balanced and not easily misdi
Iected. l am not ashamed to saw that
there is to me something prophetic in the
instine;s or intuition of a pure woman
upon such, at times, the true spirit Of
provision seems to rest. do not. by any
means, soOf at the souls far readings
into the future, for it has wonderful pow
srs." returned Hawthorne warmly.
There is one subject upon which /
would speak before we part" said Mary.
The part which you are enacting in the
terrible tragedy Of war is extremely per
Sous. In the name of that friendship
which your lips have avowed. l ask you
to be careful of that life which you now
30 freely and 80 often expose to the
shafts If death. There is more than one
heart that would mourn your exit from
earth"
Il ar indeed gratihed, my beloved Mary
for these friendly expressions of regard.
] shall endeavor to prove myself worthy
of the friendship which you are so CON
descending as to confer upon me. am
aware that my position is often perilous.
and that my duties require much tact.
prudence and courage. But the thought
Of Mary Adair imparts new strength and
fortituds when the heart is ready to de-
spair. Mine is truly a difficult part to
play but l have played it thus far sue
cessfully. Few are in my secret, and
those that are will not 0etray nue.. The
cause in which l act is good one and /
am willing to peril life for the sake of
my unhappy and oppressed country.
Hark -
Hawthorne paused, and looked down
the river.