Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1911-11-10

ret that my hand had found a rest
Mace upon her own.
Won must believe me, Captain
r,vne; I could not bear to have you
ID that l could prove such an in
rste"
you need never suppose | should
Airk that" I replied, with an earnest
,lsnce at me in surprise. Il con-
sJently expected to hear from you all
d.v and finally when no word came
became convinced some such mis-
conception as you have mentioned
must have occurred. Then it became
nv turn to act upon my own behalf
MI would preserve my life; yet never
mr. one moment have / doubted you
mr. the sincerity of your pledge to
me"
She waited quietly while a couple
mssed us and sought seats nearer the
door
Tell me the entire story" she said
gently.
As quickly as possible | reviewed
the salient events which had occurred
since our last meeting. Without deny
ig the presence of Major Brennan
during my stormy meeting with Gem
sral Sheridan, l did not dwell upon it,
nor mention the personal ARRAY that
had occurred between us. Even had
not supposed the man to be her
husband l should never have taken
advantage of his treachery to advance
my own cause. AS l concluded there
vas tear glistening on her long
hshes, but she seemed unconscious
of it, and made no attempt to dash
it away.
You have not told me ALL" she
commented quietly. "But can under.
stand and appreciate the reason for
your sileLce. l Enow Franks impetu-
osity, and you are very kind, Captain
Wayne, to spare my feelings, but you
must not remain here; every moment
Of delay increases your danger. Sher-
dan and those of his staff who would
surely recognize you were expected
back before this, and may appear at
any moment-yet how can you get
sway? how is it possible for me to
assist you?"
There was an eager anxiety in her
face that piaued me. Like most lovers
| chose to give it a wrong interpre-
tation
You are anxious to be rid of me?"
asked, ashamed of the words even
as uttered them.
That remark is unworthy of you."
and she arose to her feet almost
haughtily. "My sole thought in this
is the terrible risk you incur in re-
naming here"
Your interest then is personal to
me- may believer"
| am loyal woman" proudly,
and would do nothing whatever to
imperil the cause of by country;
but your condemnation is unjust, and
am, in measure, responsible for it.
assist you, Captain Wayne, for your
own sake, and in response to my in.
dlyidual sense of honor"
Have you formulated any plan?"
she asked quickly, and her rising color
made me feel that she had deciphered
my struggle in my eyes,
Only to walk out under protec.
ton of this uniform, and when once
safe in the open to trust that same
good fortune which has thus far be-
friended me-"
She shook her head doubtfully, and
stood a moment in silence, looking
thoughtfully at the moving figures in
the room beyond.
Il fear it cannot be done without
arousing suspicion" she said at last.
slowly. Il chance to know there are
unusual precautions being taken to-
night, and the entire camp is doubly
patrolled. Even this house has a
Gordon of guards about it, but for
what reason l have not learned. No."
she spoke decisively, there is no 9th
er way. Captain Wayne, l am going
10 try to save you tonight, but in doing
50 l must trust my reputation in your
Keeping"
l will protect it with my life"
Protect it with your silence, rather
l know you to be gentleman, or |
should never attempt to carry out the
only means of escape which seems at
all feasible. Discovery would place
NE IN an extremely embarrassing posi-
llon' and | must rely upon you to pro-
tecf me from such a possibility"
l beg you," began, do not COM
promise yourself in any way for my
sake"
But l am myself already deeply in.
vowed in this, she interrupted, and
l could retain no peace of mind were
l 10 do otherwise. Now listen Make
!ouf way back to the ballroom, and
Ii fifteen minutes from now be en-
sased in conversation with General
Caflton near the main entrance. l
suaIi Join you there, and you will take
'0ur cue from me. You understand"
Perfectly, but"
there is no but Captain Wayne,
only do not fail me