Middletown transcript., 1911-12-09

passed us and sought seats nearer the
door.
Tell me the entire story" she said
gently.
As quickly as possible l reviswed
the salient events which had occurred
since our last meeting Without deny
ing the presence Of Major Brennan
during my stormy meeting with Gem
eral Sheridan, did not dwell upon It,
nor mention the personal affray that
had occurred between us. Even had
l not supposed the man to be her
husband / 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
1t away.
You have not told me all" she
commented quietly. But can under.
stand and appreciate the reason for
your sileLce. l 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 1t possible for me to
assist you?"
There was an eager anxiety in her
face that piqued me. Like most lovers
chose to give it 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, j"
and she arose to her feet almost
haughtiIy. 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"
II am a loyal woman" proudly,
"and would do nothing whatever to
imperil the cause of by country;
but your condemnation is unjust, and
! am, In a measure, responsible for 1t.
/ assist you, Captain Wayne, for your
own sake, and in response to my in
dividual 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.
tion 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.
81 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
patrolIed. Even this house has a
Gordon of guards about it, but for
what reason / have not learned. No."
she spoke decisiyely, there is no 9th
er way. Captain Wayne, am going
to try to save you tonight, but in doing
so / must trust my reputation in your
keeping"
Il will protect it with my life"
Protect 1t with your silence, rather.
/ 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
me in an extremely embarrassing posi-
tion, and l must rely upon you to pro.
tect me from such possibility"
81 beg you," I began, "do not COM
promise yourself in any way for my
sake"
But 1 am myself already deeply in
VolVed in this" she interrupted, "and
could retain no peace Of mind were
to do otherwise. Now listen. Make
your way back to the ballroom, and
In fifteen minutes from now be en-
gagged in conversation with General
Carlton near the main entrance.
shall join you there, and you will take
your cue from me. You understand"
Perfectly, but"
There is no but Captain Wayne.
only do not fail me-"
Our eyes met for an instant; what
she read in mine God knows-in hers
was determination, with daring
strange to woman. The next moment
she had vanished through side door,
and was alone.