Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1908-01-03

1t with all my heart. Either that or
leave 1t alone. So I need hardly tell
you didn't stop short at Sergeant
, CulIiford. No, sir, went to Lord
John Russell himself 1t would be an
affectation were to conceal my I'M
preston that his lordship's final de-
cision was not uninhuenced by what |
said"
Major Honeybone was too used TO
lies not to know the truth when he
CHANGED to hear It, He filed up botn
glasses and sucked thoughtfully at his
cigar. Daintree watched him with an
eager eye.
$50 he owes his life to your said
he major at last. "Well, sir, then 1t Is
my duty to tell you that he owes you
the greatest conceivable grudge."
Daintree sighed.
IT know what you mean," said ne
II have heard much from the principal
superintendent Of convicts. l am only
afraid have more to hear from you"
mot a great DEAL" said the major,
Struggling his shoulders. "He has had
four foggings here and one before he
came here, but that's always the way.
have known convicts who have never
nad the lash, but very few who've
only had it once. 1t has a bad effect.
But what can you do? may tell you,
sir, now that think we understand
each other, you are not the only man
interested in Erickson. take an inter
est in him myself, but there's no doing
anything with him. and there would
be no doing anything with any OF 'em
II l didn't come down on him as he
will insist on deserving. / am sorry
for him. I am sorry for you as his
friend. but he's the most dangerous
man in my gang, and 1t would be q
niece Of madness to set him free. 1t
would amount to that, you know. but
Gipps can't possibly push the matter
any further after what shall tell him.
and no more must you, Mr.. Daintree--
you mustn't, indeed. Come, sir, can't
say more. l am almost as sorry as you
are. He's good sportsman" cried old
Honeybone, who was one himself. 81
only wish he was hunting with the
hounds instead of running with these
COMPOUNDED foxes Of conyicts!"
Daintree took all this meekly. The
major was not a little softened; that
was something, but he might be made
softer yet. 1t seemed to Daintree that
a sufficiently affecting interview be-
tween himself and Erickson, with Ma
jor Honeybone looking on, might have
that effect He pictured the convict
In tears upon his knees, he heard his
grateful broken utterances. He fore
saw moisture even In the majors orbs,
and he was prepared IL necessary to
go upon his own knees to crave the
interview.
1t was not necessary. Honeybone
shrugged his shoulders and left the
room, with Daintree sitting very still
in his chair He was not SO still when
the door shut, however. He sprang up
and looked in glass. He sat down
again, wiplng his forehead and his
lips and shrinking from what he court
ed like swain. He had taken deep
note of Erickson at his trial. That
honest, fearless, guiltless gaze, he
could see 1t still, yet he had sought it
In vain half an hour since in the iron
gang.
A soldier entered with q lighted
lamp. Daintree pushed back his chair
q little and was kept waiting no long
er. Chains jingled outside, and in an
other moment the. convict was ushered
in by a sentry under arms, followed by
tie major, who shut the door.
"Was this necessary whispered
Daintree, glancing at the fixed bayo-
net, with shudder.
"Quite," replied the major aloud.
"You don't know your man."
He did not indeed. The fearlessness
remained, and that was all.
Daintree was speaking nervously,
forcibly, with none of his habitual af-
fectations, with little of his customary
flow. He was saying he had taken an
interest in the case at home In Eng
land and had all along believed In the
prisoners innocence. The prisoner
stopped him at that word.
There's only one man living who
thinks SOL said he. II know now
where I've seen you before. 1t was at
my trial You are the man."
"What man"
"The one that saved my life. My
worst friendp
The hoarse and surly voice stabbed
Daintree to the heart He saw Honey
bone look at him and recalled the ma
jor's very similar words. He started
up and offered Erickson his hand.
"Take it away" growled Tom. "Say
what you want with me. for Gods
sakew
No; 1t was not Daintree's ideal I'm
<aryytar Ac ltffIa did II raoauo hlo fhQ