The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1907-10-03
CHAPTER XIV

maiden also. There was a smile
playing around the beautiful mouth OF
Frances. while she uttered this injunc-
ton, which satisfied her aunt that all was
as it should be. She was urging her
fatiguing expedition, when the noise of
a horseman riding to the door announced
the return of the major.
Frances had not time to rally her
thoughts before Dunwoodie entered one
door, as Miss Peyton, with the readiness
OF female instinct, retired through an
other.
The countenance of Peyton was flush
ed, and an air of veIation and ~disappoint-
ment pervaded his manner.
Twas imprudent, Frances; nay. 1t
was unkind." he cried, throwing himself
in a chair, Ito fly at the very moment that
! had assured him of safety! l can al
most persuade myself that you delight in
creating points of difference in our feel
ings and duties. There was no danger
impending. He had the promise OF Har-
per, ard it is a word never to be doubt
ed. Oh! Frances! Frances! had you
known the man, you would never have
04ol1 uotCQ Ills dooQ1dn(ct " WO9At JOo
have again reduced me to the distressing
alternative"
What alternative?" asked Frances,
plying his emotions deeply, but eagerly
Selling upon every circumstance to pro-
long the Interview.
What alternative, Am / not compell-
ed to spend this night in the saddle to
recapture your brother? You make me
seem your enemy i, who would cheerfully
shed the last drop Of blood in your ser
vice. 1 repeat, Frances, it was rash it
was unkind It was a sad, sad mistake"
She bent toward him, and timidly took
one of his hands, while with the othe:
she gently removed the curls from his
burning brow.
why go at all, dear Peyton?" she
asked; you have done much for your
country, and she cannot exact such a sac
riice as this at your hands,"
Frances. Miss Wharton :" exclaimed
the youth. s~pringing on his feet and pac-
ing the floor with a cheek that burned
and an ey that sparkled with wounded in
tesrity; 1T is not my country, but my
honor, that requires the sacrifice. Has
he not fed from a guard OF my own
corps? But for this, I might have been
spared the blow We shall see, before
to-morrow's sun, who will presume to
hint that the beauty of the sister fur
nished a mask to conceal the brother !!
Yes, yes; / should ike, even now" he
continued. laughing bitterly, Ito hear the
villain who would dare to surmise that
such treachery existed"
"Peyton. dear Peyton," said Frances,
recoiling from his an Try eye, you curdle
my Bloodhound you kill my brother?"
would I not die for him?" exclaimed
Dunwoodie, as he turned to her more
mildly you know l would but am dis
tracted with the cruel surmise to which
this step Of Henry's subjects me. What
will Washington think Of me, should he
learn that / ever becam, your husband?"
IF that alone impels you to act so
harshly toward my brother" returned
voice, ''let it never happen for him to
learn"
And this is consolation. Frances"
NAY, dear Dunwoodie, l meant moth
ing harsh or unkind; but you are not
making US both of more consequence with
Washington than the truth will justify 2"
Il trust that my name is not entirely
unknown to the commander-in-chief,, said
the major, a little proudly. Frances, I
leave you with a heavy heart; pity me,
but feel no concern for your brother he
must again become a prisoner, but every
hair of his head Is sacred"
"Stopi Dunwoodie. I c~onjure you
cried Frances, yasping for breath, as she
noticed that the hand of the clock still
wanted many minutes to the desired hour
before you go on your errand of fastidi-
Gus duty, read this note that Henry has
left for you, and which. doubtless, he
thought ha was writing to the friend OF
his youth
where got you this note?" exclaimed
the youth. glancing his eyes over its con-
tents Poor Henry, you are indeed my
friendl If anyone wishes me happiness,
it is you! Read fer yourself" he added,
holding the note toward her.
Frances received it in establishment, and
read the following:
Life is too precious to be trusted 10
uncertainties. / leave you, Peyton. IN
known to all, but Caesar, and recon-
mend him to FOUR mercy. But there is q
care that weighs me 90 the earth. Look
ut my aged and infirIl parent. He will
be reproached for the supposed crime OF
his son- Look at those helpless sisters
that / leave behind ne without a protec-
tor. Prove to me that you love us all,
Let the clergyman whom you will bring
with you unite you this night to Frances
and become at once Brother, son and hus.
band"
The paper fell from the hands of Fran.
ces, and she endeavored to raise her eyes
to the face Of Dunwoodie, but they sank
abashed to the floor.
Am worthy of this confidence? Will
you send me out this night, to meet youl
own brother? or will it be the officer oil
Congress in quest Of the officer of Brit
ain?"
Frances grew giddy. She turned an
anxious eye to the clock, and the hant
seemed to linger over its face. as IL with
intent to torture her.
Speak, Frances" murmured Dunwoo
die may 1 summon my good kinswo
man? Determine, for time presses"
'Peytoni / cannot enter into such .
solemn engagement with a fraud upon mi
conscience. / have seen Henry since his
escape. and time is a~ll-fmportant to him
Here is my hand If, with the knowledge
Of the consequences of delay. you vii
not reject it, 1t is freely yours"
Reject it !" cried the delighted youth
eel take it as the richest gift Of heaven
There is time enough for US all. Two
hours will take me through the hills ant
by noon tomorrow / will return with
Wa~shington's pardon for your brother
n Henry will help to enliven oul
nuptials."
Then meet me here in ten minutes
said Frances, greatly relieved by the un
b~urdening her mind, and filed with the
hopet of securing Henry's safety, "and
will return and take those vows which
will bind me to you forever"
Miss Peyton received the avowal of bel
niece with infinite establishment, and q
little displeasure. 1t was violating all the
order and decorum of a wedding to get II
up so hastily, and with so little ceremony
But Frances, with modest frmness, de
clared that her resolution was taken