The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1912-04-04

dslphia victors. and soon. am not
afraid to tell you. have learned
much today, and go back to report to
Washington that the exchange OF Brit
ish commanders means the early evao-
uation OF the city. When We meet
again you will not be a lady OF the
Blended Rose. nor will be wearing
this uniform"
Her eyes sparkled brightly into
mine, then dropped demurely.
FL rather like ehe colors you are
wearing now, and am sure this dress
10 most becoming. IL have a pas
sion for masquerade"
Il recognize that. but have already
discovered where ! can read tho truth
beyond the masque-what is occurring
now?"
She turned to look, attracted as
had been by the change and hustle
about us. A few feet from where we
stood conversing. large folding doors.
previously concealed by draperies,
were suddenly flung wide open. re-
vealing magnificent dining hall
Dazzled by the magnificent spectacle.
I turned to my companion. unable to
resist temptation. She must have In
stantly read the purpose In my face.
for she grasped my sleeve.
mo: you must not think OF remain
Ing a moment longer. There will be
a seat reserved for me. and Captain
Grant is coming this way now. Some
thing Ia wrong, I am sure; I have NO
time TO explain. but promise me you
will leave here at once-at once"
Her eyes. her words. were so in
sistent could not refuse. although as
l glanced about felt convinced
there was no danger in this assem-
blage. not a familiar face meeting
mine. At the instant Grant came up,
elbowing his way through the press.
and staring insolently into my eyes,
even as he bowed politely to the lady
beside me.
AT least this 10 my privilege" he
insisted. unless there be another pre-
vious engagement OF which am igno-
rant"
"Oh. no." and she rested her hands
on the green sleeve. smiling from his
face into mine I'VE were waiting for
you to come. Goodnight. Lieutenant
Fortesque."
They had taken a step or two, when
Grant halted. holding her arm tightly
as he glanced back to where l stood.
Would Lieutenant Fortesque spare
me a moment after I have found the
lady a seat?" he questioned politely.
GLADLY. II you do not keep me
waiting too long"
Then there will be no delay. Shall
we say the parlor belowT''
l moved. conscious OF the mute ap-
peal In the lady's face. yet with no
excuse for refusal.
AS we'll there as anywhere, sir"
Once again we bowed with all the
punctilious ceremony Of mutual dis
like, and he whispered something into
her ear as they disappeared In the
stream Of people. My cheeks burned
with indignation at his cool insolence.
What could II meant Was he merely
seeking a quarrel? or was there some
thing else concealed behind this re-
Quest7 In either case knew not how
TO act. and yea felt no inclination to
avoid the meeting. Studying over the
situation pushed my way through
the crowd across the floor OF the ball
room There were a few people still
lingering on the stairs. but. except for
the servants. the parlors below were
deserted. / walked the length OF one
OF the great rooms, and halted In
front Of a fireplace to await Grants
coming. was eager to have this af-
fair settled. and be of. compre-
hended now the risk I had assumed
by remaining so long. and began to
feel the cords OF ENHANCEMENT draw
ing about me. There was door op-
posite where ! stood. and, staring
toward II. l saw II open slightly. and.
back In the darkness. the reckoning
Of a hand. Startled. yet realizing that
It must mean me. I stepped closer.
gripping the hilt OF my sword, half
suspecting treachery.
Quick" and / recognized the deep
contralto OF the voice. Don't stop to
question: there Is not q moment to
ioseI"
Continued Next Week.