American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-11-14

eyes softening as she studied my face.
"Allen-Allen L~awrence!" she re
peated softly. ooh, l can scarcely be-
lleve 1t true. Let me feel Of you. L
l believe l was going insane-the
dark, the awful dark, and, and no way
out-no way out"
Yes, yes, l understand" whis.
pered, drawing her to me. II was hid-
Den here once, remember. But it ia
over with now"
"But-how did you find a way to
me? Il never thought until it was
all over thai had shut myself in here
TO die. | was so frightened. | JUST
ran and hid. Oh, you cannot conceive
what had gone through"
She drew away from me, and again
hid her face on the table.
oh, but can. Claire" and 7 bent
oyer aer, my hand fondling her hair.
was there In the hall below, ready
even then to act in your defense. I
heard all that was said, saw all that
was done"
"You-you were there?" sobbing ont
the words. you saw me kill him p"
Yes. and had you delayed another
instant ! should have done it,
"Then-then," she glanced up. tears
dimming her eyes, you do not blame
me? You do not think me a wicked
wretch"
Il think you a brave, noble woman"
burst forth. How could feel 9th
srwise? Look up, little girl; I want
to see your face. No, don't shrink
back from me. There is no cause. I
know the whole story without your
speaking a word. You asked me to
come back to help you, and l came"
YES" she whispered, Il know.
You have been so good"
Good! | loved you, dear. From the
moment l lifted you out of the way of
that moi in Philadelphia, l have loved
you. | did not understand much that
occurred, but | have never doubted
you. Now ! realize the cause of YOUR
masquerade and know you were iusti.
fed. can bring you good news-Eric
is not a traitor, but was a prisoner.
captured by Fagin, and held at Grants
request. We found him bound and
under guard out yonder. as We ap-
preached the house"
"And he is here now?"
Yes; lie was hurt in the fight, and
is still unconscious, but will live"
His reputation
as safe. Washington believes he
brought him the news of Clinton's
route of march. and will never know
otherwise"
She arose to her feet, standing
straight and slender before me, the
Pickering light Of the candle on her
face.
Major Lawrence" she began, 81
wish to get out Of here-it seems like
a grave to me-but l must speak first.
Oh, l am SO glad l have accomplished
what | ~endeavored to do for my broth
Captain Grant tried to make me
believe him a deserter, but | would
not. When he failed to come back to
me as he had promised, I could hardly
determine what my duty was. knew
his plans, his orders, and the thought
came that | should carry these out
myself. We looked sufficiently alike
~ tAut AAllo OQAAAL ne AOile Win IIIIlt
danger of discovery. He had uni
forms concealed here, and I felt driven
to 1mpeIsonate him. / dc not insist
that did right; l do not know-only
1t seemed right to me. Then-then"
her voice faltered, Il met you, again
and again, and II began to doubt
myself. ! had no one to confde in,
one to advise ne. | was simply
compelled to go ahead, and keep my
own secret. The only ones / knew I
could absolutely trust were our old
house servants
You doubted me. even?"
yes, at first, but you must not
me. We met strangely; you
were a gentleman and an officer;
-elt sure OF this, and was tempted oft
to tell you my story. But before
dared do so, you-you spoke Of other
and-and then | was afraid" .
Afraid of what?" and I caught her
land in mine. That a knowledge Of
what you were attempting to accom-
)llsh would urn me against your
Her eyes fell, shaded by the long /
ashes.
Yes; once, do you remember I al /
most began a confession, when you
spoke Of your old-fashioned mother, /
her conception of ~womanhood. /
could | tell you then that / had !
lressed as a man, and played the part 1
II a spy? II thought you might de- /
ipise me, and-and | wished so to Il
etain your respect. 1t was an acct 4
lent we were with Delavan that night. Il
Ne We're endeavoring to .waylay a \
and rode suddenly into his 4
'arty. | had TO invent a tale on the :.
pur of the moment. Major Lawrence, :
low that you know all, tell me the =
ne thing | must know before we join Z
others-would you wish your own }
lister to do as | have done?'
mot to pass through the dangers,
urely." returned ~eaperiv "hut T.