Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-08-06
CHAPTER XIV.

that she was bound to be silent, and tc
recommend the same precaution to the
good 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
niece to take some refreshment after 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
cd. and an air of vexation and disappoint-
ment pervaded his manner.
Twas imprudent. Frances; nay, IT
was unkind'' he cried, throwing himself
in chair. ito fy at the very moment that
/ had assured him of safety / 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, and it is a word never to be double
ed. Oh! Frances, Frances had you
known the man, you would never have
distrusted his assurance, nor would you
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: /, who would cheerfully
shed the last drop of blood in your ser
vice. / 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 other
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 sac
fifice as this at your hands"
Frances Miss Wharton ~ exclaimed
the youth, springing on his feet and pac-
ing the floor with a cheek that burned
and an ey that sparkled wi lh wounded in
tegrity; sit is not my country, but my
honor, that requires the sacrifice. Has
he not fled from a guard of my own
corps? But for this. / 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 like, even now" he
continued, laughing bitterly, ito hear the
villain who would dare to surmise that
such treachery existed 70
"Peyton, dear Peyton," said Frances.
recoiling from his angry eye, ''you curdle
my blood-would you kill my brother?"
Would | not die for him?'' exclaimed
Dunwoodie, as he turned to her more
mildly you know l would but l am dis
tracted with the cruel surmise to which
this step of Heary's subjects me. What
will Washington think of me, should he
learn that ever became your husband?"
IF that alone impels you to act so
harshiy toward my brother" returned
Frances. with a slight trepor in her
voice, "let it never happen for him to
learn"
And this is consolation, Frances ~
may, dear Dunwoodie, l meant moth
ing harsh or ur.kind; but you are not
making US both Of more consequence with
Washington than the truth will justify?"
II trust that my name is not entirely
unknown TO the commander-in-chief," said
the major, little proudly. Frances,
leave you with a heavy hearts 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. | conjure YOU
cried Frances, gasping for breath, as she
noticed that the hand of the clock still
wanted many minutes to the desired hour !;
before you so on your errand of fastioi-
GUS duty, read this note that Henry has
left for you, and which. doubtless, he
thought he 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
friend! If anyone wishes me happiness,
1t is you! Read for yourself" he added
holding the note toward her.
Frances received it in establishment. and
read the following:
Life is too precious TO be trusted to
uncertainties. leave you, Peyton, I'M
known to all. but Caesar, and / recon-
mend him to your mercy. But there is
care that weighs me to the earth Look
at my aged and infirm parent. He will
be reproached for the supposed crime of
his son. Look at those helpless sisters
that | leave behind me 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
10 the face of Dunwoodie. but they sank
abashed TO the floor.
Am | worthy of this confidence? viii
you send me out this night, to meet YOUR
own brother? or will il be the officer of
Congress in quest of the officer of Brit
ain?"
Frances grew giddy She turned an
anxious eye 30 the clock. and the hand
seemed 10 linger over its face, as if with
intent to torture her.
Speak. Frances" murmured Dunwoo-
die; may l summon my good kinswo-
man? Determine. for time presses
"Peyton, I cannot enter into such a
solemn engagement with a fraud upon my
conscience. | have seen Henry since his
escape, and time is all-important TO him.
Here is my hand; if, with the knowledge
of the consequences of delay, you will
not reject it, it is freely yours
Reject it :" cried the delighted youth
II take it as the richest gift of heaven.
There is time enough for us all Two
hours will take me tarough the hills: and
by noon tomorrow / will return with
Washington's p,rdca for your brother.
and Henry win help TO enliven our
nuptials"
Then meet ne here in ten minutes. "
said Frances. greatly relieved By the I'M
burdening her mind. and filed with the
hopet of securing Henry's safety, "and |
viii return and take those vows which
will bind me to you forever"
Miss Peyton received the avowal Of her
niece with infinite establishment. and a
little displeasure. 1t was violating all the
order and decorum of wedding to get il
up so hastily. and with so little ceremony.