Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-11-30

to see you again" / answered, scarce
knowing how best to proceed or how
far to put confidence in her, what
would you think?"
If that is true, that you were ex.
tremely foolish to take such a risk for
so small reward" she returned calm
ly. Nor, under these circumstances,
would 1 remain here so much as a
moment to encourage you. But it is
not true. This Is no light act; your
very life must lie in the balance, or
you could never assume such risk"
Il would trust you gladly with my
life or my honor" 1 replied soberly.
IF had less faith in you l should
not be here now. understand that
l am condemned to be shot as SPY
at daybreak''
"Shot? On what authority? Who
told your"
"On the order of General Sheridan.
My informant was Lieutenant Cation.
Of his staff"
"shot? AS spy? Why, it surely
cannot be! Frank said Captain
Wayne, believe me, knew absolute
ly nothing of all this. Do you think
I should ever have rested if l had
dreamed that you were held under so
false a charge? / promised you I
would see General Sheridan on your
behalf. Frank" she bit her lip i'm
patiently-"I was told, that is, was
led to believe that you were-had been
sent North as prisoner of war late
last night. Otherwise should have
insisted upon seeing you-on plead
ing your cause with the General him
self. The major and breakfasted with
him this morning, but your name was
not mentioned, for I believed you
safe"
She did not appear to realize, SO
deep was her present indignation and
regret, that my hand had found a rest
Ing place upon her own.
you must believe me, Captain
Wayne; could not bear to have you
feel that could prove such an in
CRATE"
"You need never suppose should
think that" replied, with an earnest
ness Of manner that caused her to
glance at me in surprise. II con-
fidently expected to hear from you all
day, and finally when no word came
l became convinced some such mis-
conception as you have mentioned
must have occurred. Then it became
my turn to act upon my own behalf
II would preserve my life: yet never
for one moment have l doubted you
or the sincerity of your pledge to
me-"
She waited quietly while couple
passed US and sought seats nearer the
door.
Tell me the entire story" she said
gently.
AS quickly as possible 1 reviewed
the salient events which had occurred
since our last meeting. Without deny
Ing the presence of Major Brennan
during my stormy meeting with Cen
eral Sheridan, did not dwell upon it,
nor mention the personal ARRAY that
had occurred between US. Even had
l not supposed the man to be her
husband I should never have taken
advantage Of his treachery to advance
my own cause. AS concluded there
was a tear glistening on her long
lashes, but she seemed unconscious
of it, and made no attempt to dash
it away.
You have not told me ALL" she
commented quietly. But l can under.
stand and appreciate the reason for
your sileLce lnow 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-
idan 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
away? how is it possible for me to
assist you?"
There was an eager anxiety in her
face that piqued me. Like most lovers
l chose to give 1t wrong interpre-
tation.
you are anxious to be rid of me?"
I 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 I believer"