The Washington times., 1911-06-21
CHAPTER XIX lcontinuedl

4" sudden way, at such time
F she wondered at her owl
strange outward composure
She gave no cry of surprise, but will
steady fingers struck a match on thu
under side of the mantel-shelf, and
then, as the blue flashes sputtered. tried
to remove the lamp chimney. The chin
ney stuck obstinately; the match burned
close to her fingers while she was still
fumbling.
Please let me-" said he quietly, and
stepping forward removed the chimney
for her.
Their fingers accidentally touched in
the operation, hers as cold as ice, his
warm.
Thank you." she said. and kindled
the wick.
Such futile little politeness! They
seemed to her like the-in Intellectual how
ering Of firefiies over a black midnight
pool.
When the lamp famed up, she turned
and looked at him. 1t was, indeed, the
redoubtable Capt. James Grigg, whose
name in Richmond had become synony-
nous with diabolicaI cunning. There
he stood before her in the nght-tne
bullying brow, the same bold sweep of
nose and chin, the keen blue eyes of
steel holding her eyes, the same auda-
Sious cynical suggestion of a smile
lurking around his lips. He had re-
sumed for this evening the ragged uni
form of a Confederate private soldier,
although he no longer carried a crutch
or assumed rustic air. On the con-
tTary he held his head high and looked
at her not without pride.
I've got here at last" said he.
Yes, l see you have" she answered,
trembling little, because the full por-
tent of his coming gradually entered
her consciousness.
There were reasons why l couldn't
come before. Besides, I've been expect
ing an event that should have obviated
How are you going to save my
brother"
Her question was asked, not dubi-
ously, but only as one inquiries who Is
curious to know. Somehow it never &C.
TO do it. The mans power seemed to
enfold her weakness like a blanket.
Personally" he said, I'd have pre-
ferred to get him out Of his prison and
have been made later. But he wouldn't
listen to the scheme"
NO. You must establish his limo
cence. He wouldn't care to live with
out his good nam. know you offered
to help him to escape"
That seemed the only way l could
keep my promise, then, replied Grlgg
in a matter-of-faCt tone. The date set
for his execution didn't leave me
enough time"
well, If you'll be good enough to gu
with me, 1 guess Wen pay JEFF Davis
a little friendly call.
60 with your
IF you please"
ITO call-to call upon the president:
Your" The cool proposal staggered
IF you please" He drew out a sill
yer watch and glanced at it.. You'd
better put on your bonnet and shawl
for its's getting late" -,
But you-you.who are tTIy,inIg TO- TO-
a curious little frown Of impatience:
then smiling. You'll think better of
me some day. I'm not an assassin.
Why. II I'd wanted to kill Jefferson
Davis, could have done it months
ago You're like most of these South
ernsrs, vIctimized by lot of rabid pro-
vincial editors. Believe me, I'm no
murderer. I'm only soldier detailed
Eether? It's the only way. You must
secure admission for me by stating that
you've brought new witness for your
brother. Then I'll show your president
the real way that list was secured.
"But-but-'' she exclaimed, press
ing her throbbing temples between her
palms, unable to divest her mind Of the
fear that he planned an assault Ought
] to expose the President to such "a
such "a"
''To such a bloodthirsty scoundrel as
myself" he laughed. well, well! At
the door I'll deliver my revolver to you
10 keep for me till come out. It's the
only weapon I carry"
His aspect as he spoke was so sincere.
even LOFTY, that, intolerant little par
tisan though she was, she was forced
to believe him. Then, too, all her blind
feminine instincts were crying out that
she must not put obstacles in the way
Of saving her brother. One more ques-
ton, however. she asked.
How do you expect to get away af-
terwards, If you mean no harm to the
President? There would be the guard
at his call"
"Oh, in the first place Jefferson Davis
is a gentleman" Grigg smiled. He'll
probably initiate those feudal chiefs he's
so fond of in SCOTS ballads, and let
me go. I've studied his character we'll,
and I seldom mistake my. man. He'd be
glad enough to have me go, anyhow.
It's no fun to catch a wolf by the ears"
But suppose he tries to arrest you?"
i've got 1t figured out carefully. He
won't succeed" Whatever his plan, 1t
was evident he did not intend to reveal
VERY WELL" said the girl after mo-
ment's hesitation. "I'll go with you
but you must not enter his office
armed!'
You have my promise"
She went upstairs to get her bonnet
and shawl, and when she returned to
him she found him waiting for her in
the unlighted hall near the front door.
AfterWard it always gave her sort of |
shudder to remember that he was softly
Whistling to himself there in the dark,
not as ore who keeps up his courage,
but as one who feels at ease. The tune
was Nelly Bly,"
lust one thing further" Grigg re-
marked while opening the door for her.
when I'm admitted into Mr.. Davis
effice, I'd prefer to have you wait out
side the room"
"Why?'' she demanded. suspicious Of
him again at once.
YOU needn't If you don't wish" he
quietly answered. ''Only. If an attempt
Is made to capture me. I'd not like to be
wholly surprised in there. I thought
you might be willing to watch, so as to
gain me a moments warning, in order
that l might escape. That's ALL"
"Ah! OF course / will. Yes. There's
nothing wrong in doing that"
There was even a sort of enthusiasm
in her manner, for till then it had not
quite dawned upon her what risks the
man was running. Her thought had been |
the simple request reminded her that |
death lurked for this man, too, in that |
guarded house.
And l can depend on you to tell me |
If anything suspicious occurs outsider"
Sir" she flashed up like her own |
impetuous self. I'm a Coombs. Do you |
think I'd not be as fair as a Yankee?"
at that hour was deserted. The rain was
still falling. a high wind blew tho cold I