The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-11-18
| By
 EMERSON HOUGH
copyrieht, 1910. by Emerson Moush

gOOQ tnat h. ers."
 Her lip curled now. "Then not even this country is free! Even here there are secret tribunals. Even here there are hired bravosr'
 "Ah, madam. please, not thats I beg of you'-
 "Excellently kind of you all to care so tenderly for me-and yourse1vesi |, only woman, living openly, with i'll will for none, paying my own way, violating no law of the 1and"-
 Your words are very bitter, madam 7
 The more bitter because they are true. You will release me then at Cairo below?"
 'T cannot promise, madam. You would be back in Washington by the first boats and trains. make no prom Ises since you yourself make none"
 What are your plans out there be- yondT'
 .'You ask it frankly, and with equal frankness I say do not know. In- deed, am not fully advised in all this matter. It was imperative to get you out of Washington. and if so it is equal ly imperative to keep you out of Wash ington. I cannot agree to set you down at Cairo or at any intermediate point will only give my promise in return for your own parole. That I would take quickly as though it were the word of any officer, but you do not give it"
 "No, I do not I am my own mis- tress. I am going to escape as soon as can.''
 He touched his cap in salute. severy well, then. I love courage, and you have it. That will carry you through
 Her face clouded for the first time.
 '1 have not dared to think of that,'' she said. .'So long as we came in the special train we did we'll enough, as I have said; but now, here in the open, in public, before the eyes of all, who am l, and who are you to me? I am not your mother?''
 Scarcely, at twenty-three or four He pursed a Judicial lip.
 ''Nor your sisterT'
 "No."
 'sNor your wife?"
 'sNo.'' He flushed here, although he answered simply.
 ''Nor your assistant in any way ?"
 His face lighted suddenly.
 ''Why not?'' said he. Can't you be my amanuensis-that sort of thing, you see? Come, we must think of this. This is where my conscience hurts me. I can't bear to have my duty hurt you.''
 Personally, I thank you; profession ally, must fight you. You have taken away that which is dearer than any thing else, that which your government guarantees to every human being in this country-lfbertyr'
 Do not make our Journey longer by leaving it more difficult. God knows, am beset enough even as it is now.
  CT, at least while am its agent, con demn you to any situation unsuited to a gentlewoman. A very high compli- ment has been paid you in holding you dangerous because of your personal charm. That is why you were put out of Washfngton-because you were dangerous. They thought you could get the ear of any man-make him df- vu1ge secrets which he ought to keep
 "Oh, thank you, thank your She clapped her hands together mockingly.
 Call it cruel of me, if you like. to take you by the hand and lead you gently away from danger for just few days. CaIl me jailer, if you like. None the less it is my duty. It began we'll when you gave me your parole so that need not sit nodding and blinking over against you, also nod ding and blinking all night long I have slept like a boy, confident in your word. Now, you have banished sleep! Nodding and blinking. I must hence forth watch you, nodding and blinking. unhappy, uncomfortable; whereas. were it in my power, I would never have you know the first atom of dis comfort"
 There, therel I am but an amanu- ensis, my dear Captain Carlisle. You ask me not to attempt any escapeT'
 'Yes.'
 1sWhy, would agree to as much as that. It is. as you say, matter Of indifference to me whether leave tho boat at Cairo or at some point farther westward. Of course I would return to Washington as soon as I escaped from bondage
 Excellent, madam, Now, please add that you will not attempt to communi cate with any person on the boat or on shore.''
 'No; that will not agree to as a condition
 "Then still you leave it very hard for me-"
 She only smiled at him again, her slow, deliberate smile; yet there was in it no trace of hardness or sarcasm. Captain Edward Carlisle, soldier as he was, nlartinet as he was, felt curious sensation of helplessness seize upon him as he met her steady gaze, her aIluring smile He could not tell what this prisoner might do. He cursed the fate which had assigned such a duty. Hesitating, the young officer turned his gaze over the wide dock, now GOV cred with hurrying figures, with mass { cd traffic, with the confusion preced ing the departure of river boat The very confusion for the time seemed to afford safet3. Carlisle was upon the