The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1912-07-25

Merely That Tom Claire Mortimer"
and Lifting the Hat, the Young
Rider Was Revealed as My Lady.
haste. I met your father once; may
l ask iw his wound is serious?"
Serious, yes, but not mortal; he
was shot in the right side when Monk
ton fell. His horse was hit at the
same time, and the animals death
struggles nearly killed his rider. The
surgeon says he may be lame for
life."
reached out my hand, and with
just an instant's hesitation, he return
ed the clasp warmly.
my father is suffering too much for
me to ask that you speak to him,
Major Lawrence" he said little stiff
ly. Perhaps later, at Elmhurst-"
Il understand perfectly" l interrupt
ed. Il am very glad to have met you.
We shall ride within a short distance
Of Elmhurst. Shall leave word there
that you are coming?"
ooh, no." quickly, his horse taking
step backward, as though to sud-
den tug Of the rein. "That would be
useless, as there is no one there"
Indeed! l thought possibly your
sister,"
The lad shook his head, glancing to-
ward the carriage. The slight motion
made me think again of the wounded
man we were OBTAINING, and remind
ing me as well of my own duty.
Then goodnight, sir. Sergeant, we
will trot on"
The lad touched my sleeve, even as
l pricked my horse with the spur, and
/ drew the rein taut in surprise,
What is it?"
Gould you send your men forward
and ride with me moment? You
could catch up with them easily with
In mile or two. II have a word
| wish to say to you-alone.
The voice was low, tremulous: the
request one saw no reason to re-
fuse.
Why, certainly. Sergeant, take
your men down the road at an easy
trot. will join you presently"
They went by us like shadows, leav-
Ing cloud Of dust behind. The bow
spoke brief word to those in charge
OF the carriage, and 1t also began to
move slowly forward.
1--WE will go ahead" he said suitins
the action to the word. 'What wish
to say will not take long"
Within minute, riding side by side
our horses walking rapidly, we were
out of sight of the Jumping shadow Of
the ambulance. l glanced aside curl
ously at my companion, noting the
outlines Of his slender, erect figure.
wondering vaguely what his message
could be. Had Claire spoken to him
OF me? Was he going to tell me about
his sister? We must have ridden a
quarter of mile before he broke the
silence.
Major Lawrence" he began, and
noticed the face was not turned TO-
ward me. 81 am sure you are not de.
ceived, although you act the part
WELL"
Il hardly understand"
"Oh, but I am sure you do. II
could not permit you to go away de,
spising me-"
But, my boy, this is a mystery"
Do you mean to insist you do not
knoW-have not recognized me?"
what can you mean?"
Merely that am Claire Mortimer.
and lifting the hat, the young Off.
GER was revealed in the dim light as
my lady. Surely you knew"
But / did not" l insisted. earnest
y, recovering from my surprise, and
leaning forward to look into her face
Why should I? General Washington
old me It was Eric who came for his
.ather. Why should I suspect in this
larkness?"
IL represented myself as Eric
she stammered.
And was it you also who rode into
our lines yesterday, telling of Gin.
tons whereabouts?"
Yes" hesitatingly, her eyes lifting
to my face.
But you must listen to me, Major
Lawrence; you must learn why I did
so unwoman1y an act"
First answer one question"
Gladly"
rs there an Eric Mortimer
There is, she answered frankly;
my brother. 1t was for his sake ]
lid all this"
A moment I sat in my saddle 81.
emily, our horses walking side by side
through the night, while I endeavored
o grasp the meaning of her COMES
lion. knew that she was riding bare
headed, her face turned away.
go on" I said at last, tell me the
whole story"