The Lamar register., 1911-10-25


reason which seals your lips?" he
questioned
There is."
81 thought as much. 1 CHANGED to
overhear the words, or rather a por-
ton of them, which Brennan whis-
pered. and have no doubt If they were
explained to the General he would feel
more kindly disposed toward you"
1t was asked as a question. and
felt obliged to reply.
Il appreciate deeply your desire to
involving others which compel me for
the present to silence. Indeed my pos
sible fate does not so greatly trouble
me, only that possess a strong de-
sire to have freedom long enough to
cross swords with this major of yours.
The quarrel between us has become
bitterly personal. and l hunger for a
chance to have 1t out. Do you know,
Is he man who would fight?"
The young fellow stiffened slightly.
We are serving upon the same
staff" he said more abruptly, land
while we have never been close
friends. yet l cannot honorably take
sides against him. He has been out
twice within the last three years to
my knowledge. and is not devoid
either of courage or skill. Possibly,
however. the arrival of his wife may
make him less . fire-eater."
His wifef"
l stopped SO suddenly that he in
voluntarily frightened his grip upon my
arm as though Suspicious Of an at
tempt to escape.
DO you" asked. gaining some
slight control over myself. refer to
the lady who came In with his party
last EVENING""
Most certainly: she was presented
to all of US AZ Mrs. Brennan. she has
been assigned rooms at his quarters,
and she wears . wedding-ring. Far
too fine a woman in my judgment for
such a master. but then that is not SO
uncommon . mistake In marriage.
Why. come to think about It. you must
have met her yourself. Have you
reason to suspect this 10 not their
relationship"
Not In the least" hastened to
answer. fearful lest my thoughtless
exclamation might become the basis
for camp gossip. Indeed was
scarcely in the iady's presence at all
coming in. A. was left in charge OF
the sergeant"
Perhaps he felt that he had already
said too much. for we tramped on In
silence until We drew near q large,
square white building standing direct
ly beside the road.
This IL the old Culverton tavern.
known as the Mansion House." he
said. 1T IL . tremendous big build.
ing for this couhtry. with as fine a
ballroom In It A. have seen since
leaving New York. We utilize It for
almost every military purpose. and
among others some OF the strong
rooms In the basement are found val
liable for the safe-keeping Of i'm
portant prisoners"
We mounted the front steps ~ he
was speaking. passing through . cor
don Of guards. and In the wide hall
way I was turned tower to the officer
In charge.
0oou-hiButr Septaihs baio Sotohs :
kindly extending his hand. You may
rest assured that shall say all oan
In your favor. but It 10 to be regretted
that Brennan has great influence Just
now At headquarters. and Sheridan IL
not . man to lightly overlook those
hasty words you spoke to him"
could only thank him most warm
~ for his interest, realizing fully
from his grave manner my desperate
and follow my silent con-
ductor down some narrow and steep
stairs until We stood upon the cement
ed floor Of the basement. Here .
heavy door in the stone division wall
was opened: was pushed forward
into the dense darkness within. and
the lock clicked DULY behind me.
So thick was the wall ! could not
even distinguish the retreating steps
Of the TALLER.
Tired as I was from the intense
strain of the past thirty-six hours.
even my anxious thoughts were insult
ficient to keep me awake. Feeling
my way cautiously along the wall. /
came at last to q wide wooden bench.
and stretching my form at full length
upon 1t. pillowed my head on one
arm. and almost instantly was sound