Middletown transcript., 1911-11-11


aside the heavy cupboard, and as the
light swept in, sprang forward into the
rude shed. With another bound, gath.
ering her skirts as she ran, she was
up the steps and had burst into the
outer room. A moment later also
stood in the doorway, gazing upon
scene that made my blood like fire.
The fighting had evidently ceased
suddenly with her first cry, Maria
stood painting in one corner, the dead.
ly skillet again in her hand, her hair
hanging in wisps down her back Still!
unconscious from the blow he had re
ceived, one fellow lay outstretched on
the floor, his head barely missing the
hot ashes Of the fireplace; while his
companion nursed his bruises and
scowled from safe refuge behind the
table, The unshaven faces of several
others of the gang were peering curl.
ously in through the open door.
know now saw all this, for the
picture Of it is upon the retina OF
memory, but at the moment every,
thing l appeared to perceive or hear
occurred in the centre Of the room.
The man who had posed as the lead.
er stood there alone facing us, his
expression a strange mixture ei
Rmazement and delight. He was q
powerfully built man, with keen gray
eyes deeply set in their sockets. His
right hand rested heavily upon the
hilt Of cavalry sabre, the scabbard
Of which was concealed beneath the
folds Of the long brown coat he wore
As Mrs. Brennan burst through the
doorway he stepped eagerly Toward,
his eyes Frightening, and they met
with clasped hands.
IT'S It possible-Edith? he cried, az
|. the recognition could scarcely be
credited.
"Oh, Frank" she exclaimed, eager
ly, "it seems all too good to be true.
How came you here?"
Hunting after you, my fair lady.
Did you suppose you could disappear
as mysteriously as you did last night
without my being early on the trail? 4?
Have these people injured you in any
wey?" And he glanced about him
with threat In his gesture,
"oh, no. Frank" hastily; every one
has been most kind. 1t was a mere
mistake. But how strangely you are
dressed! how very rough you look!"
He laughed, but still retained his
warm clasp of her hands.
mot the pomp and circumstance OF
glorious war which you expected,
giri?" he asked lightly "But we have
all sorts Of conditions to meet down
here, and soon learn in Rome to do as
the Romans do"
As he finished speaking he per,
ceiyed me for the first time, and his
face changed instantly into cold stern
ness. saw him sweep one hasty
glance around, as though he suspected
that I might not be alone, and his
hand fell once more upon his sword
hilt. in posture suggestive Of readi
ness for action.
Issa WIN nave we mere. ne ASKED
staring at me in amazement. "A John
ny Reb7"
Whatever am" retored, mJ
gorge rising suddenly at his contempt
uous term, and stepping out into the
room before him, II at least wear the
uniform Of my service and rank, and
not the nondescript uniform Of I
guerilla.
The scornful words stung him;
noticed the quick flush Of anger In bill
eyes, and was not sorry.
You are insolent, sir. Moreover
you go too far, for as It chances yos
are well within our lines, and we viii
, see to what extent honor Is consistent
with the work Of a spy. The uniform
Of your service. indeed!" he echoed
hotly, pointing as he spoke across thu
room; that cavalry cloak over yondei
tells its own story. Peters, Steele, ar
rest this fellow"
frank. don't do that" she urged
earnestly. you mistake; that wal
the cloak wore."
If he heard her he gave no sign.
Bind him" was the stern order, al