The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1912-08-10
CHAPTER ".


somewhat swarthy of face, with black
hair and moustache. and a keen eye.
attired In the green and white Of the
Queens Rangers. He smiled. but with
a sarcastic curl to the upper lip not
altogether pleasant.
Your pardon. Mistress Claire" he
said boldly, sweeping me with super
cilious glance. but am l mistaken in
believing this waltz was pledged to
me?"
by mistake, captain" her lips
smiling. her eyes steady. "It seems
| overlooked a promise made during
the afternoon"
"Oh. indeed" he turned toward me.
staring insolently. The hero Of tho
rescue, l presume"
felt the restraining pressure of her
hand upon my sleeve. and her voice
replied calmly. before | succeeded in
finding words
This is the gentleman who protect
ed me from the mob, If that is what
you mean. Permit me to present Cap
tain Grant of the Queens Rangers.
Lieutenant-pardon my having already
forgotten your name
"FortesQue," | stammered, intensely
hating the necessary deception.
All. yes-Lieutenant Fortesque OF
the Forty-second British Foot
We bowed coldly. neither extending
a hand. the captain twisting his mus
tache as he continued staring at me.
"Fortesque." he repeated slowly.
'Fortesque; not of this garrison, | be-
lieve"
mo, from New York" coolly. Il re-
gret having interfered with your pro-
gram"
Don't mention it: there are other
ladies present. and. no doubt. your
gallant act was worthy the reward; a
pleasant evening, SIR" and he with
drew aside, stiffly military. Eager to
lose as little as possible of the meas
ure. | swung my partner forward.
catching a glimpse again of thu mans
face as we circled
Pleasant disposition" l ventured.
without meaning to be uncivil.
"Oh, very" and her eyes met mine
frankly. But you must not quarrel
with him; that is his one specially.
you know"
or my own"
Both, perhaps. Captain Grants
| family and mine are neighbors-or
were before war intervened-and be-
tween our fathers exists a lifelong
friendship. could never consent to
be the cause OF his quarrelng with
anyone. and | have reason to know
how quick tempered he is"
II have little use for any man who
swaggers about seeking trouble" re-
turned, as she hesitated. 1T has been
my experience that there Is usually
cowardice back Of such disposition"
Not in this case" earnestly Cap
tain Grants courage has been suffl-
ciently tested already. l warn you
not to presume on your theory so far
as he is concerned. advise the safer
course"
What is that"
Her eyes met mine, smiling slightly.
and yet grave enough in their depths.
ITO let this one dance prove suffi-
cient reward for your act Of rescue"
You request this?"
"Oh, you must not place the entire
burden Of decision on me, sir. l can
only suggest"
Has Captain Grant any authority
to dictate who shall be your partner"
Her lashes lifted, and then fell be-
fore my gaze.
He at least assumes the power:
and generally with fair success
must ask to be excused from discuss
ing this matter further now, but-but,"
her voice trembled to a whisper, II
am sure your safety depends upon
your leaving me-"
Astonished by these words, sudden
ly wondering II she suspected me.
scarcely comprehending what she
meant, l stared into her face, as we
circled the room Grant stood stiff1y
against the wall where we left him.
his eyes fastened moodily on the
crowd; | realized his presence, yet
my whole thought was concentrated
on the girl, the strands Of her hair
brushing my lips, her steps lightly fol-
lowing the music. her eye downcast
Into the cheeks there came a flush OF
pink, and she glanced up to read the
surprise in my face.
DO | need to say more?"
"Yes, you must" insisted. you can
never believe l would leave you be-
cause Of personal fear"
81 did not know-at first Now I
realize 1t will require higher motive
to influence you; not love Of life. but
love of country"
felt the closer clasp Of her fingers
on my guiding hand. and knew I took
a deep breath OF surprise.
Lean your head Just little closer"
she whispered. IL know you. Ma.
jor Lawrence. and-and l wish you
WELL
(TO BE CONTINUED.)