Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-07-30

this interview, aud all that has passed
between us, remain confined to your own
bosom, until you have my permission to
speak upon the subject"
Frances gave the desired assurance,
and he continued:
THE pedder and your brother will
soon be here, but | must not be seen by
the royal officer, or the life of Birch
might be the forfeiture"
Never 20 cried Frances. ardently !;
Henry could never be so base as to be-
tray the man who saved him.
1T is no childish game that we are now
playing, Miss Wharton. Mems lives and
fortunes hang upon slender threads. and
nothing must be left to accident that can
be guarded against Did Sir Henry Gin
ton know that the peddler had communion
with me, and under such circumstances,
the life of the miserable man would be
taken instantly; therefore, as you value
human blood, or remember the rescue of
your brother, be prudent and be silent.
Communicate what you know to them
both, and urge them to instant departure.
If they can reach the last pickets of our
army before morning, Il shall be my care
that there are none to intercept them
There is better work for Major Dunwoo-
die than TO be exposing the life of his
friend"
While Harper was speaking. he careful
ly rolled up the map he had been studying
and placed it, together with sundry papers
that were also open. into his pocket. He
was still occupied in this manner when
the voice of the peddler was heard di-
rectly over their heads.
Stand further this way, Captain
Wharton, and you can see the tents in the
moonshine. But let them mount and
ride; L have nest here that will hold
us both, and we will go in at our leisure"
Harper pressed his finger on his lip to
remind Frances of her promise, and. TAX
ing his pistols and hat, retired deliberately
to a far corner of the hut, where. lifting
several articles of dress. he entered a
recess in the rock and letting them fall
again, was hid from view
The surprise of Henry and the peddler,
on entering and finding Frances in pos
session of the hut. may be easily mag
ined. Without waiting for explanations
or questions, the warm-hearted girl flew
into the arms of her brother, and gave
vent to her emotions in tears. But the
peddler seemed struck with very different
feelings. His first look was at the fire !;
be then drew open small drawer of the
table, and looked a little alarmed at find
ing it empty.
Are you alone, Miss Fanny?" be ask
ed, in quick voice.
AS you see, Mr.. Birch" said Frances,
turning an expressive glance toward the
secret cavern.
But why and wherefore are you here;"
exclaimed her astonished brother; land
how knew you of this place at all?'
Frances entered at once into brief de-
tail of what had occurred at the house
since their departure, and the motives
which induced her to seek them.
The peddlsr, watching his opportunity,
unseen by Henry. slipped behind the
screen and entered the cavern.
Frances aud her brother. who thought
his companion had passed through the
door, continued conversing on the latter's
situation for several minutes, when the
former urged the necessity of expedition
on his part. in order TO preeede Dun
woodie. from whose sense OF duty they
knew they had no escape. The captain
took out his pocketbook and wrote a few
lines with his pencil; then folding the
paper, he handed it to his sister.
Frances" be said. you have this
night proved yourself TO be an incompar-
able woman. As you love me. give that
unopened TO Dunwoodie. and remember
that two hours may save my life"
u Wilt will but why delay? Why
not fly, and improve these precious mo-
mentsG-
Your sister says well. Captain Whar-
ton exclaimed Harvey. who had re-en-
tered unseen; I'VE must so at once Here
IS food to eat as we travel"
But who is to see this fair creature to
safety" cried the captain Il can never
desert my sister in such place as this"
Leave mel leave me :" said Frances
Il can descend as I came up. Do not
doubt me; you know not my courage nor
my strength"
Captain Wharton. sa:5 Birch. throw
ing open the door. you can triHe with
yonr own lives. ii you have many TO
spare / have but one and must nurse il.
/ Do 70 alone, or notYn