The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1912-10-10
CHAPTER ".
The Beulnnlno Of Trouble,

somewhat swarthy or face, with black
hair and moustache, and keen eye,
attired in the green and white OF the
Queens Rangers He smiled, but with
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. ut seems
overlooked promise made during
the afternoon"
"Oh. indeed" he turned toward me.
staring insolently. The hero Of the
rescue. ! 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. II that is what
you mean. Permit mo to present Cap
tain Grant OF the Queens Rangers.
pardon my having already
forgotten your name"
'Fortesque," ! stammered, intensely
hating the necessary deception.
"Ah. yes--Lleutenant Fortesque OF
the Forty-second British Foot"
We bowed coldly, neither extending
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. II re-
greet 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;
pleasant evening, SIR" and he with
drew aside. stifily military. Eager to
lose as little as possible of the meas
ure. swung my partner forward,
catching a glimpse again of tho mans
face as we circled.
Pleasant disposition" / 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"
ia the warning on your account,
or my own"
Both, perhaps. Captain Grants
were before war intervened-and be-
tween our fathers exists a lifelong
friendship. could never consent to
be the cause of his quarreling with
anyone. and | have reason to know
bow quick tempered he is"
Il have little use for any man who
swaggers about seeking trouble" re-
turned, as she hesitated. ut has been
my experience that there is usually
cowardice back Of such a disposition"
mot in this case" earnestly. Cap
tain Grant's courage has been sufil-
clently tested already. warn you
not to presume on your theory 30 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 sufii.
cient reward for your act OF rescue"
You request this?'
"Oh. you must not place the entire
burden OF decision on me, sir | can
only suggest"
Has Captain Grant any authority
&c 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 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. ! stared into her face, as we
circled the room. Grant stood stiffly
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 for
lowing the music. her eye downcast
Into the cheeks there came flush 0f
pink. aud she glanced up to read the
surprise in my face,
DO | need to say more?"
Yes. you must" insisted, you can
never believe | would leave you DO
cause of personal fear"
Il did not know--at first Now I
realize 1t will require q higher motive
10 influence you; not love Of life. but
ove Of country"
/ felt the closer clasp Of her fingers
IN my guiding hand. and knew took
/ deep breath OF surprise.
Lean your head just little Closer"
she whispered. 81 know you. Ma
or Lawrence. and--and l wish you
we'll"