The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1912-05-17


ton. what her strange words might
mean could not be interpreted; made
no attempt TO comprehend. Now ]
must find means OF escape, and learn
the truth later. opened the door
cautiously, and stepped without. every
nerve taut, every muscle braced for
action. Il was a star.llt hight, and the
numerous rear windows Of the man.
sion cast a glare OF light for some dis
tance. The dark shadow OF a high
fence alone promised concealment
and, holding my sword tightly, l crept
In that direction, breathing again more
freely as | reached It's protection un-
observed. There was guard stationed
before the stable door-a Grenadier
from the outline Of his hat-and 9TH
ers, a little group, were sitting on the
grass a dozen feet away. II they had
not been already warned l might gain
a horse by boldness but the probabil-
ity was that here was where Carter
had mounted his squad, and / would
merely walk forward into a trap.
had better chance the possibility that
some visitor had left a horse tied in
front, or to one Of the stands. With
this possibility in mind | turned, and
skirted the house, making myself as
inconspicuous as possible. There were
soldiers on the outside steps; heard
their voices without seeing them, and
was thus driven to run swiftly across
an open space, memory guiding me
toward the opposite pavilion. Breath
less, with heart beating fast,
crouched low in the shadow, endeavor-
ing to make out my more immediate
surroundings. There were no horses
there, but | could clearly distinguish
the stomping Of restless hoofs some
where to the right. AS Strengthened
up, determined upon discovering an
empty saddle if possible, the figure Of
q man suddenly loomed directly in
front, advancing toward me. In
startled surprise took one step back
ward, but was too late. Already the
eyes of the newcomer had perceived
my presence, and he sprang forward,
tugging at his sword.
Hold on there! hold on!" he com
manded shortly. who are you? What
the devil are you skulking about out
here for?'
It was Grant beyond a doubt;
would recognize the peculiar snarl of
that voice in a thousand. He had not
gone upstairs then; had not rejoined
the lady in the dining-room. What
would she think Of his absence?
What would she do when she realized
its probable meaning? Someway was
not frightened, at thus meeting him,
but glad-if those others would only
keep away, and let us settle the affair
between us. Here was his test-a
coward would cry out an alarm, sum-
mon the guard to his assistance, but,
If the fellows nerve only held, or If he
hated me badly enoHgh, he'd fight it
out alone. All this came to me in a
flash, and the words of challenge
spoken before he wen grasped the
thought Of who was.
$50 have discovered you, have /?
Why did you fail to keep our appoint
ment within?"
He drew up sharply with an oath,
pesring at me through the dark, be.
wildered by my speech.
"The spy! Ye gods, what luck! Do
you mean to insinuate l ran away,
sir?"
'How else could interpret it?" I
questioned coolly, determined to taunt
him to action. 81 waited where you
told me till l was tired. Perhaps you
will oblige me by explaining your pur-
pose"
He muttered something, but without
comprehending it's purport l went on
threateningly:
"And l think you made use Of the
word spy just now. Did you mistake
me for another?"
Mistake you? No; I'd know you in