Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-04-23
CHAPTER III

CHAPTER III.
On the afternoon of the succeeding day
the party were assembled in the parlor
around the tea table of Miss Peyton,
when a change in the weather occurred.
The air was mild, balmy and refreshing;
in the east clouds, which might be likened
TO the retreating masses of a discom-
flied army, hung around the horizon in
awful and increasing darkness, while in
the west the sun had broken forth and
shed his parting radiance on the scene
below, aided by the fullest richness of a
clear atmosphere and freshened heritage.
What magnificent scene :" said Har-
per, in low tone "how gra nd how aw-
fully sublime! May such quiet speed
lily await the struggle in which my conn
try is engaged and such glorious even
ing follow the day of Der adversely"
Frances, who stood next to him, alone
heard the voice. Turning in amazement
from the view to the speaker, she saw
him standing bareheaded, erect, and with
his eyes lifted to heaven. They were
lighted into something like enthusiasm,
and a slight flush passed over his fea-
lures.
There can be no danger apprehended
from such a man." thought Frances !;
"such feelings belong only to the yirtu-
GUS"
The musings of the party were inter
rupted by the sudden appearance of the
peddler.
Fine evening"" he said. saluting the
party; quite warm and agreeable for
the season"
The valley in which the residence of
Mr.. Wharton stood ran in a direction
from northwest to southeast. A small
opening, occasioned by the receding of the
opposite hill and the fall of the land to
the level of the tidewatar, afforded a view
of the sound over the tops of the distant
woods on it's margin. Some dark spots
were to be distinguished, occasionally ris-
ing into view, and again sinking behind
the heightened waves. They were unno-
ticed by all but the peddler. He glanced
his eye with marked uneasiness on Har-
per. and then said. with great emphasis ::
''The rig'lars must be out from be-
low
''Why do you thing SOP inquired Cap
tain Wharton, eagerly. God send it may
be true want their escort in again"
Them ten whaleboats would not move
so fast unless they were better manned
than common"
Perhaps" cried Mr.. Wharton, in
alarm, they are-they are continentals
returning from the island"
Harvey seemed to be soliloquizing. as
he said in an undertone They came
out before the gale-have laid on the
island these two days-horse are on the
road-there will soon be fighting near
us"
As Birch concluded Harper turned to
his host, and mentioned that his business
would not admit of unnecessary delay: he
would. therefore, avail himself of the fine
evening TO ride few miles on his jour
ney. Every preparation being completed.
Harper proceeded to take his leave To
Sarah and her aunt he paid his compli-
ments with ease and kindness; but when
ne came to Frances he paused a moment,
while his face assumed an expression Of
more than ordinary benignity. His eve
expressed blessing and the girl felt her
cheeks glow. and her heart beat with a
quicker pulsation. There was a mutual
exchange of polite courtesy between the
host and his parting guest; but as Har-
per frankly offered his hand to Captain
Wharton. he remarked, in a manner of
great solemnity:
"The step you have undertaken is one
of much danger. and disa greeabIe conse-
1uences to yourself usy result from it /.
in such case, | may have it in my peWer
10 prove The gratitude | owe your family
for its Kindness
surely, sir" cried the father, you
will keep secret the discovery which your
being in my house has enabled you to
make"
Harper turned quickly 70 the speaker.
and then, losing the sternneSs which had
begun to gather on his eountenance, he
answered mildly: II have learned nothing
In your family. sir, of which l was ignor-
ant before: but your son is safer from
my knowledge Of his visit than he would
be without II.
He bowed 90 the whole party. and with
out taking any notice of the peddler, 9th
er than by simply thanking him for his
attentions. mounted his horse and, riding
steadily and gracefully through the little
gate, was soon lost behind the hill which
kneiteEeu NHe NallSl 10 tue hoEtuWdFu
Captain Wharton, do you so in to-
nightg' asked the peddler.
mfr. Birch. would you have me leave
such company so soons"
Il rather guess" continued the ped
der, coolly, now the storm is over the
SINNERS may be moving; you had better
shorten your visit, Captain Wharton
oh !. cried the British officer "a few
guineas viii buy of those rascals at any
time. should l meet them. No. no. Mr..
Birch. here | stay until morning..
Money could not iiberate Major An
DIRE" said the peddler. dryly.
II brought myself out. and can take
myself in" said the captain. positively
s'our bargain went no farther than 10
procure my disguise. and to let me know
when the coast was clear; and in the lat
ter particular you were mistaken, Mr..
Birch
II was" said the peddler, with some in
terest. ''and the greater is the reason why
you should so back tonight: the pass
gave you will serve but once.
Cannot you forge anotherT'
The pale cheek of the trader showed an
unusual color, but he continued silent
until the young man added, with great
positiyeness Here I stay this night,
come what will"
Captain Wharton" said the peddler.
with great elaboration and marked en-
ehaEis, beware q tall virginian. with