The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-07-07

the war mas Lahen ali SiTLnOOQ from
me. 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
gallants by Jealous wrangling. Now
1t is done with. 'Tis in shame that
am driven to say all this here In pres
ence Of these gentlemen, but I VIII 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 Mortimers face had en-
pressed many emotions, while she was
speaking, but now 1t hardened into
military severity, his hand clinched
on the arm Of the chair.
do I understand, then. that this
officer was there at your request?"
Il think" hesitating slightly, "he
knew he was net unwelcome."
And" his voice breaking slightly,
he 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 a gentleman, the friend OF Wash.
tngton, and my friend also. At any
other time he would be q welcome
guest at our table. If ne risked his
life to meet with me In PHILADELPHIA
1t was done openly and honorably in
the midst OF acquaintances. 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 win
be sufficient"
And you warned him Of my suspf
cfons 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. l had no desire he should
fail into your hands as a prisoner.
When you appeared at this house ]
assisted his escape"
But Claire. how came you here4
Why did you leave Philadelphia ?"
Because have brother, sir, whom
I 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-
NAMED until now untouched by van
dals, and I 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 stroRed her hair. 81 regret If I
have seemed unmaiden1y, or done
what you may deem wrong, father, for
IL has all seemed right to me-"
The colonel looked at as silently for
what seemed long while, his fingers
tondling the tFesses Of the girls hair.
This situation leaves me in an en-.
barrasstng predicament," he admitted
at last slowly. II hardly know what il
my duty either as q 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 ad.
mitted1y exercised command Of those
lrregulars who attacked and routed
Delavan's column, and has since been
prowling about disguised as a coun.
tryman. Merely because my daughter
eonfesses to a friendship between
Them can hardly Justify me In acting
him at liberty"
He paused. rising TO 11fs feet, his eyes
IN my face. The girl lifted her head,
boxing up at him.
Major Lawrence, shall hold you
prisoner Of war. referring your case
10 Sir Henry Clinton. In the mean
While you shall receive every consid.
sration possible in accordance with
four rank. l am now going Join my
men in pursuit Of Fagin. Captain
srant, you will accompany me, and,
Mr.. Seldom. shall leave you In charge
Of the prisoner until we return"
AAC SOOh q bucp UOW6Eu inc QDOES
then turned to his daughter.
Il shall expect you to be ready to
ride with us on our return to PhiladeI-
| phia, Claire" he said kindly. eft is
evidently not safe for you to remain
here alone"
VERY wen, father"
"Come. Grant, we shan have to ride
| hard to overtake our men"
The captain started reluctantly,
Scowling at me as he PASSED.
'T should enjoy having tho privilege
Of being Left in charge here" he said,
for my benefit.
mo doubt, SIR" returned Mortimer
| coidiy. But have already selected
| Mr.. Seldom for that duty"
Trey TeTr ne mouse rogemer, ana ]
watched them ride past the window,
followed by dozen soldiers. AS they
disappeared Seldom turned his eyes
to my face. He was rather pleasant
looking young man, but possessed an
aggressive chin.