The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1908-02-06
,CHApTE'R1 XIV

sc1cufsA9n ffhneeS tOula say no more hhan
that she was bound To be silent, and to
recomnlend the snrne prrcaution to the
good faaiden also There was milc
playing arotnd the beautiful mouth of
Frances, while she uttered this injunc-
tion, which satisfied her aunt that all was
as it should be. She was urging her
niece to take some refreshnent after her
fatiguing expedition, when the noise of
q 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
ether.
The countenance of Peyton was flush
ed, and ON air Of yexation and disa2point1
ment pervaded his manner.
Twas itaprudent, Frances; may, II
was unkind, he cried throwing himself
In chair, ito fly at the very moment that
I 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 1t is word never to be doubt
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 aIternative" asked Frances,
pitying his emotions deeply, but eagerly
seIzing upon every circumstance TO pro-
long the interview.
'.What alternative! Am | not Sompell-
cd to spend this night ii the saddle to
recapture yonr brofherg You make me
Sean your enemy /, who would cbeerfully
shed the last drop Of blood in your SER
vice. repeat, Frances, it was rash; it
was unkind: It was sad, sad mistake. Y
She bent toward him, and timid1y took
enc Of his hands, while with the other
she gently removed the curls from his
burning brow a 49,
''Why go at all, dear Peyton?" she
asked; you have, done much for your
country. and she cannot exact such sac
rifice as this at your hands,
Frances Miss Wharton!' exclaimed
the youth, springimg on his feet and pac-
ing the floor with check that burned
and an ey that sparkled with wounded in
tegrity: ct is mot n1s country but my
honor, that requires the sacrifice Has
he not lied from ID guard of my own
corps? But for this, / might have been
spared the blow We shall see, before
tomorrow's sun, who will presume to
hint that the beauty OF the sistar fur
nished asinaslc to seonceal tho brother
Xes, yes should like even now he
nontinued. laughing bitterly, Ito hear the
villain who would dare TO surInise that
such treachery existed !"
''Peyton, dear Peyton," said Frances,
recoiling fron his angry eve, you curdle
my blood would you kill my brother?"
Would ! not die for hint" exclaimed
Dunwoodie, as he turned to her more
mildly 4you know would but am dis
tracted with the cruel surmise to which
this step Of Henry's subjects Inc. What
will Washington think Of me. should he
learn that T ever became .sour husband?''
IF that alone impels you to act so
harshly toward my brother" returned
Frances, with a slight tremor in her
voice, .ss'letsit never happen for him to
iearn."
.And thissis consolation, Frances!' 4
'Nay, dear Dunwoodie, meant moth
tng harsh or unkind; but you are not
snaking us both Of more consequence with
Washington than the truth will justify?"
81 trust that my name is not entirely
to the misunderstanding" said
the major, little proudly. Frances,
leave you with heavy heart; pity me,
but feel no concern for your brother; be
must again become n prisoner, but every
hair of his head is sacred" h@f
STOP 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 go on your errand Of fastidi-
Gus duty, read this note that Henry has
left for you, and which, doubtless, he
Thought he was writing 70 the friend Of
his youth"
''Whsre got you this noteY' exclaimed
Che youth, glaneing his eyes over its con-
tents. Poor Henry, you are indeed my
friendl IL anyone wishes me happiness,
n is you, Read for YOURSELF he added.
holding the note toward'her.
Frances received 1t in establishment, and
read the following:
Life Is too precious to be trusted to
uncertainties. leave you, Peyton, un-
known to ALL but Caesar, and / recon-
nend him to your mercy But there Is q
care that weighs me TO the earth. Look
at my aged and infrm parent he will
be reproached for the supposed crime OF
his son. Look at those helpless sisters
that leave behind me without 4 protec-
COR. 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 husL
hand"
The paper fell from, the Lansis of Fran |
ecs. and she endeavored to raise her eyes
70 the face Of Dunwooiie. but they sank
abashed to the floor.
"AmI worthy of this confidence? will
you send me out this night, to meet your
swn brotherl or will II be the officer of
Congress In quest Of the officer Of Brit