The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1907-10-24
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-
fted 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
clear atmosphere and frcshcned herbage.
What a magnificent scene. :" said Har-
per, in a low tone; how grand how aw
fully sublime! May such a quiet speed
lily await the struggle in which my coun-
try is engaged, and such a glorious even
ing follow the day of her adversity!"
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 slight flush passed over his fea
| lures.
There can be no danger apprehenGed
| from such a man." thought Frances;
such feelings belong only to the virtu-
| GUS"
The musings of the party were inter
rupted by the sudden appearance Of the
| peddler.
party; quite warm and agreeable for
| the season"
The valley in which the residence Of
| IIr. Wharton stood ran in a direction
from northwest TO southeast. \ small
opening, ocCasioned by the receding of the
opposite hill and the fall of the land to
! the level of the tdewater, afforded a view
of the sound over the tops of the distant
woods on its 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 riglars must be out from be-
low"
"Why do you thing so?" 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
u.s."
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. TIC
Sarah and her aunt he paid his compli'
ments with ease and kindness; but when
he came to Frances, he paused a moment
while his face assumed an expression oi
more than ordinary benignity. His eye
ernressed q blessing and the girl felt hei
checks glow, and her heart beat with Q
Quicker pulsation. There was a mutua
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 o.
great solemnity:
THE step you have undertaken is on
az much danger, and disagreeable conse
ouences to yourself may result from it
in such case, may have it in my poye
to proye the gratitude / owe your famil.
for it's kindness"
Surely, sir" cried the father, "yo'
win keep secret the dinccvery which you