The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1912-07-04

now: have been out IN the world
the war has taken all girlhood from
ne. II this were not true the way
Captain Grant has watched my every
action In Philadelphia would have dis
gusted me with the thought Of ever
intrusting my happiness to him. He
has openly quarreled with every man
have spoken to, or danced with. He
has made me the sport Of all the city
gaIlants by jealous wrangling. Now
it is done with. 'Tis in shame that
am driven to say all this here in pres
ence Of these gentlemen, but will not
stand in silence while Major Lawrence
Is being condemned as spy. He was
at the dance to meet again with me,
and for no other purpose"
Colonel Mortimer's face had ex-
pressed many emotions, while she was
speaking, but now 1t hardened into
military severity, his hand clinched
on the arm Of the chair.
"Do / understand, then, that this
officer was there at your requests"
II think" hesitating slightly, "he
knew he was not unwelcome."
And" his voice breaking slightly,
she came here also to meet your"
Certainly not, her head lifting in
dignantly. Il am your daughter, and
am guilty Of nothing unworthy our
family name. have no shame to con-
fess. Major Lawrence is an officer
and gentleman, the friend Of Wash.
ington, and my friend also. At any
other time he would be q welcome
guest at our table If he risked his
life to meet with me in Philadelphia
1t was done openly and honorably in
the midst of acquaintance. There
has been nothing hidden or clandes-
tine. He was brought to Elmhurst a
prisoner, bound to his horse, guarded
by armed men. In the morning /
learned his identity, and at once had
him released. That is all, and she
gave a gesture with her hands, and
/ trust, gentlemen, my explanation viii
be sufficient"
"And you warned him Of my suspi-
cions in Philadelphia" exclaimed
Grant, causing him to attack me, and
then released him from arrest here"
"That is partially true; you endeav-
ored to provoke quarrel the moment
you met. / had no desire he should
fall into your hands as a prisoner.
When you appeared at this house
. assisted his escape"
But, Claire, how came you here?
Why did you leave Philadelphia"
Because | have brother, sir, whom
can only meet in secret, she replied
quietly. Il came without thought Of
danger, for war has not cost us friends
in this country; our home has re-
manned until now untouched by van
dals, and l felt amply protected by
those who accompanied me upon the
ride-our old house servants" She
knelt at the side of his chair, her
head bowed upon his arm, and his
hand stroked her hair. Il regret If
have seemed unmaidenly, or done
what you may deem wrong, father, for
1t has all seemed right to me-"
what seemed a long while, his fingers
fondling the tresses Of the girls hair.
This situation leaves me in an en-
barrassing predicament," he admitted
at last slowly. II hardly know what is
my duty either as father, or an Off
Ger Of the king. No matter what his
purpose may have been this man PEN
etrated our lines in disguise; he adj
mittedly exercised command Of those
irregulars who attacked and routed
Delavan's column, and has since been
prowling about disguised as coun-
tryman. Merely because my daughter
confesses to friendship between
them can hardly justify me in setting
him at liberty"
He paused, rising to his feet, his eyes
on my face. The girl lifted her head,
looking up at him.
Major Lawrence, shall hold you
prisoner Of war, referring your case
to Sir Henry Clinton In the mean
while you shall receive every consid-
GRAFTON possible in accordance with
your rank. l am now going join my
men in pursuit Of Fagin. Captain
Grant, you will accompany me, and,
Mr.. Seldom, shall leave you in charge
of the prisoner until we return"
He took step toward the door;
then turned to his daughter.
I shall expect you to be ready to
ride with US on our return to Philadel-
phia, Claire" he said kindly. cit is
evidently not safe for you to remain
here alone"
VERY well, father
"Come, Grant, we shall have to ride
hard to overtake our men,
The captain started reluctantly,
Gcowling at me as he passed.
7 should enjoy having the privilege
Of being left in charge here" he said,
for my benefit.
No doubt, sir" returned Mortimer
coldly. But have already selected
Mr.. Seldom for that duty"
They left the house together, and
watched them ride past the window,
followed by dozen soldiers. AS they
disappeared Seldom turned his eyes
70 my face. He was rather a pleasant